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LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 524

Ov. 9-43 
To Amend Const. Art. VIII A 1 to Change  
to Four-Year Convention Cycle 
WHEREAS, It has been studied and discussed for several years to 
move from a three‑year district and Synod convention cycle to a 
four‑year cycle; and 
WHEREAS, Such a change would save millions of dollars in 
district and Synod convention expenses; and 
WHEREAS, Moving to a four‑year convention cycle would 
demonstrate a sensitivity to the financial challenges facing many 
congregations and a commitment to practice wise stewardship; and 
WHEREAS, In response to the COVID‑19 pandemic some 
districts and the Synod moved to a four‑year convention cycle 
without great difficulty; therefore be it 
Resolved, That the  Synod in convention adopt a four‑year 
convention cycle, effective upon completion of the 2026 Synod 
convention; and be it further  
Resolved, That Article VIII of the Constitution be amended as 
follows: 
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING 
A. Time and Legality of Meetings 
1. The Synod convenes every three four years for its regular 
meeting. 
… 
and be it finally 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention direct each district to 
adopt a four‑year convention cycle, coordinated with the Synod’s 
four‑year convention cycle. 
Southeastern District 
Ov. 9-44 
To Amend Bylaw 4.2.2 to Grant Lay Vote  
to Every Congregation at District Conventions 
WHEREAS, The Synod Constitution Article V A deals with voting 
members of the Synod and states: “All organized congregations that 
have joined the Synod hold voting membership.” At the meetings 
of the districts of the Synod every congregation or parish is “entitled 
to two votes, one of which is to be cast by the pastor and the other 
by the lay delegate” (Const. Art. XII 10 A); and 
W
HEREAS, Multi-congregation parishes are presently 
represented by one voting pastoral delegate (if not vacant) and one 
voting lay delegate, plus an advisory lay delegate for each 
congregation that does not supply a voting delegate (Bylaw 3.1.2.1 
[c]); and 
WHEREAS, The emphasis of our polity on the representation of 
congregations is intrinsically connected to the scriptural and 
confessional understanding of a congregation’s bearing all the 
characteristics of the Church; and 
WHEREAS, Every individual congregation is a member of the 
Synod; and 
WHEREAS, Few, if any, district conventions have had an equal 
number of lay and clergy delegates present and has never resulted 
in a domination of either lay or clergy; and 
WHEREAS, All congregations are created equal: “Where two or 
three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matt . 
18:20); therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention give all organized 
congregations that hold membership in the Synod the opportunity 
to be represented by a lay delegate and a pastoral delegate at district 
conventions, noting that Bylaw 3.1.2.1 (c) allows such 
representation at circuit forums and regional caucuses; and be it 
further 
Resolved, That Bylaw 4.2.2 be amended as follows: 
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING 
4.2 District Conventions 
… 
4.2.2 The delegates of a voting congregation or multi -
congregation parish to a district convention shall be accredited. 
…  
(d) Each member congregation of the Synod shall be entitled to 
representation at its district convention by one voting lay delegate 
elected and deputed by that congregation. Congregations served 
in multi-congregation parishes shall, in addition, be represented  
collectively by one voting pastoral delegate in accordance with 
Constitution Article XII 10 , so that every organized member 
congregation has its own lay vote at district conventions. 
Southeastern District 
Ov. 9-45 
To Permit Majority Voting in Electronic Decisions 
for Synod Boards and Agencies 
WHEREAS, Electronic voting is a valuable tool for the Synod’s 
boards and agencies, enabling prompt and efficient decision -
making when in-person meetings are not feasible; and 
WHEREAS, The current requirement of agencies of the Synod for 
unanimous consent in electronic voting can delay essential 
decisions, potentially hindering the responsiveness and 
effectiveness of Synod governance; and 
WHEREAS, A majority or supermajority voting requirement for 
electronic decisions provides flexibility while still ensuring a strong 
consensus, which may be sufficient for most governance matters; 
and 
WHEREAS, Missouri Nonprofit Corporation Law (§ 355.286) 
allows majority voting in electronic decisions unless a greater 
requirement is specified in an organization’s articles of 
incorporation or bylaws, thereby providing a legal foundation for 
this practice; and 
WHEREAS, The need for discussion and deliberation is a valid 
concern in electronic voting, and the adoption of asynchronous 
communication practices can support meaningful dialogue without 
delaying decision timelines; therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Nebraska District in convention memorialize 
the Synod to amend its policies to permit majority or supermajority 
voting in electronic decisions conducted by its boards and agencies, 
in accordance with Missouri Nonprofit Corporation Law; and be it 
further 
Resolved, 
That the Synod encourage boards and agencies to 
facilitate asynchronous discussions prior to electronic votes, using 
secure and accessible online platforms (such as forums or dedicated 
2026 Convention Workbook
489STRUCTURE AND ADMINISTRATION