LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2026, Page 5

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It was moved to add Rev. Dr. Harald G. Tomesch, Slinger, Wis., SW District, to the slate for board of regents,
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, ordained. The floor nomination carried [Yes: 669; No: 150].

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It was moved to add Dr. Theodore J. Hopkins, Saline, Mich., MI District, to the slate for Commission on Theology
and Church Relations, ordained. The floor nomination carried [Yes: 637; No: 198].

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It was moved to add Rev. Dr. Steven P. Mueller, Irvine, Calif., PSW District, to the slate for the Commission on
Worship, parish pastor. The floor nomination carried by voice vote.

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It was moved to add Rev. Daniel C. Ross, Mustang, Okla., OK District, to the slate for Commission on Worship,
parish pastor. The floor nomination carried by voice vote.

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It was moved to add Rev. Brent W. Kuhlman, Murdock, Neb., NEB District, to the slate for Commission on
Worship, parish pastor. The floor nomination carried by voice vote.

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It was moved to add Janis G. McDaniels, Kernersville, N.C., SE District, to the slate for Board for National
Mission, East-Southeast Region, layperson. The floor nomination carried by voice vote.

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It was moved to add Jason M. Kaspar, La Grange, Texas, TX District, to the slate for Commission on Worship,
parish pastor. The floor nomination carried by voice vote.

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It was moved to add Steven C. Briel, Maple Grove, Minn., MNS District, to the slate for Commission on Worship,
parish pastor. The floor nomination carried by voice vote.

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It was moved to add David P. Ramirez, Union Grove, Wis., SW District, to the slate for the Commission on
Theology and Church Relations, parish pastor. The floor nomination carried by voice vote. [Rev. Ramirez
subsequently declined this nomination.]

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It was moved to add Joseph L. Olson, Whitefish Bay, Wis., SW District, to the slate for Commission on Theology
and Church Relations, layperson. The floor nomination carried by voice vote.

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It was moved to add Paul M. Soulek, Seward, Neb., NEB District, to the slate for Commission on Worship, director
of parish music or parish teacher. The floor nomination carried by voice vote.

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It was moved to add Michael Hollman, Fort Wayne, Ind., IN District, to the slate for Commission on Worship, lay.
The floor nomination carried by voice vote.

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It was moved to add Darin D. Koenemann, Fort Wayne, Ind., IN District, to the slate for Commission on Worship,
director of parish music or parish teacher. The floor nomination carried by voice vote.

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It was moved to add Sean R. Smith, Clarksville, Tenn., MDS District, to the slate for Commission on Worship,
parish pastor. The floor nomination carried by voice vote.

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Seeing no further delegates offering floor nominations, the chair declared floor nominations closed.

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Presentation—International Witness: Planting Churches

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The Rev. Sergio Maita, an LCMS missionary serving in Puerto Rico as a church planter and theological educator,
raised Lutheran in Venezuela as a result of one of the first churches planted there by the LCMS, presented on his
church planting work. There are thousands in Puerto Rico who do not know the Gospel, and especially the reception
of the forgiveness of sins through the Word and Sacrament. Work must go far beyond the church walls to reach them.
“The death and resurrection of Jesus is the answer to all our problems…this is what Puerto Ricans need to hear, what
we all need to hear.” And the missionary gets to see the “first love” of those who understand the Gospel for the first
time. He gave thanks for mission work in Venezuela in years past and noted translation of the Book of Concord, in
Puerto Rico, into Spanish, making it available and even familiar, to some, even before they attend a divine service or
take a catechism class. He noted long-term needs in the region now being filled with well-trained, ordained pastors
and evangelists.

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Committee 6: Pastoral Ministry and Seminaries

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Without objection at his thus filling free time created by Floor Committee 2’s efficiency, the chair recognized
Chairman Scott R. Murray, outgoing Third Vice-President, to continue the report of his committee. Harrison expressed
appreciation for Murray’s service; Murray, in turn, asked the Synod to support his successor in office as it had
supported him.

2026 Convention Minutes — Sessions 3 and 4 — Page 6