Collection › LCMS Convention Workbook (St. Louis, Missouri) › 2026 · 69th Convention, Phoenix › Page 482
LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2026, Page 482

Scan: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

STRUCTURE AND ADMINISTRATION

482

ecclesiastical encouragement, service, coordination, resources, and
counsel—all for the sake of greater congregational participation in
God’s mission” (Bylaw 5.1.1); and
WHEREAS, Districts “establish visitation circuits according to
geographical criteria” (Bylaw 5.1.2); and
WHEREAS, “Each circuit visitor shall assist the district president
within the circuit” (Bylaw 5.2.3); moreover, “[the circuit visitor]
shall serve under the direction of and be accountable to the district
president and shall serve as his spokesman when so authorized and
directed and shall assist him in doctrinal and spiritual supervision”
(Bylaw 5.2.3 [a]); and
WHEREAS, “The circuit visitor shall hold his position by virtue
of his selection by the circuit forum and ratification by the district
convention” (Bylaw 5.2.2); and
WHEREAS, “The [Synod] vice-presidents shall be elected
advisors of the President and, upon the President’s request or as
provided by the Synod, shall assist him in discharging his
responsibilities or represent him” (Bylaw 3.3.2); and
WHEREAS, The filling of a vacancy in a regional vice-presidency
is only made “in consultation with the district presidents within that
region” (Bylaw 3.3.2.4); and
WHEREAS, Five Synod vice-presidents are designated “regional
vice-presidents” (Bylaw 3.3.2.3); and
WHEREAS, Selection by regional groupings is deemed
appropriate for circuit visitors and district presidents, each of whom
serve under the direction of another, who is elected by a broader
grouping; and
WHEREAS, Circuit visitors are selected in their regional grouping
and ratified by the district in convention; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Synod develop an overture
to be submitted to the 2029 Synod convention that provides for the
needed changes, so that the five regional vice-presidents would be
selected by their respective regions and ratified by the 2032 Synod
convention.
Florida-Georgia District
Ov. 9-27

To Appoint Task Force to Improve District
Representation on Synod Boards,
Boards of Regents, and Commissions
Preamble
Given that synod in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
(LCMS) means “walking together,” there should be equitable
representation to ensure that as many districts as possible are
included in the “walking together” leadership of the LCMS.
WHEREAS, There were 69 elections at the 2023 Synod
convention that included ordained ministers, commissioned
ministers, and laypersons for the following offices, boards, and
commissions: vice-presidents, Secretary, LCMS Board of
Directors, Board for National Mission, Board for International
Mission, Commission on Theology and Church Relations,
Concordia Publishing House Board of Directors, Lutheran Church
Extension Fund Board of Directors , Concordia University System
Board of Directors, and boards of regents for the Seminaries and
Concordia Universities; and

2026 Convention Workbook

WHEREAS, Data analytics for the 2023 Synod convention show
unequal district representation among those elected, including the
following inequities:
• 57 percent of the districts have one or fewer representatives
in the elected positions.
• Twelve districts (34 percent of districts), representing
1,292 congregations with 326,842 baptized members,
have no one elected to any of the boards or commissions.
• Eight districts (23 percent of districts), representing
1,573 congregations with 416,004 baptized members,
each have only one individual elected to either a board
or commission.
• 12 percent of the districts have five or more representatives
in the elected positions.
• One district (3 percent of districts), representing 158
congregations with 36,159 baptized members, has seven
individuals elected to boards or commissions.
• Three districts (9 percent of districts), representing 777
congregations with 278,925 baptized members, each
have five individuals elected to boards or commissions.
and
WHEREAS, There is also data to support inequities when looking
at regions, with the East-Southeast Region having significantly
fewer individuals elected than the other regions, and the nongeographic districts having significantly more representatives
elected than the geographic districts; and
WHEREAS, With 69 elections and 35 districts, there should be a
strong consideration to have on average two representatives from
each district serving on Synod boards and commissions. While this
may not always be possible, it is something that the Synod should
be striving for. By improving district representation on Synod
boards and commissions, the benefits for the Synod include, but are
not limited to, the following:
• More district participation and perceived value
• More opportunities to share differing perspectives based on
specific regional/district concerns
• Better decision-making
therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod in convention establish a task force to
consider methods, procedures, parameters, and changes to any
applicable Synod bylaws and policies to improve the representation
of all districts on Synod boards, boards of regents, and commissions
elected during conventions; and be it further
Resolved, That the task force prepare an overture or overtures to
implement any changes to improve the representation of all districts
on Synod boards, boards of regents, and commissions elected
during conventions; and be it further
Resolved, That the task force be composed of the Secretary of
Synod, three representatives from the Council of Presidents, three
district secretaries, lay representatives from or appointed by three
district boards of directors, the Commission on Handbook, and the
Commission on Constitutional Matters; and be it finally
Resolved, That the task force issue its report, including any
proposed overtures, twelve months before the next Synod
convention.
Eastern District; Board of Directors, Eastern District