LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2026, Page 6

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Res. 6-06A, “To Affirm and Support Established Parameters of Specific Ministry Pastor Program” (TB, 3:331),
was read and introduced by the committee. Murray summarized changes from the original version.

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It was moved and seconded to amend at l. 22, to add after “policies,” the words “with the exception of the age
restriction.” It was moved and seconded to cease debate on the amendment and the resolution; this carried [Yes: 693;
No: 207]. Thereupon the amendment failed [Yes: 415; No: 493] and the resolution was adopted without amendment
[Yes: 739; No: 178].

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Res. 6-07A, “To Encourage and Support Specific Ministry Pastors to Pursue General Pastor Certification” (TB,
3:331–32), was read and introduced by the committee. It was moved and seconded to cease debate, which carried on
a voice vote. The resolution was adopted [Yes: 791; No: 102].

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Res. 6-08, “To Amend Bylaw 2.13.1 to Clarify Terminology for Specific Ministry Pastor Mentorship and
Oversight” (TB, 1:116–18), was read and introduced by the committee. An amendment to the standing rules was ruled
out of order at the time. The resolution was adopted by voice vote.

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A delegate suggested that the body has sinned against Dr. Kloha in approving the resolution containing language
to which he objected; the chair suggested the delegate confer with the floor committee. The orders of the day were
called.

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Greetings—LCMS Foundation

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The chair called upon David Fiedler, president of the LCMS Foundation, to bring greetings to the convention. He
highlighted the dual and coordinated mission of the LCMS Foundation: (1) assisting God’s people in making
significant gifts to LCMS ministries, primarily through estate and gift plans, and (2) helping those ministries steward
such gifts wisely through prudent investment options, including endowments. Properly governed endowments are
active and “muscular,” regularly distributing funds for current ministry needs—such as church worker scholarships,
missions, and operational support—while the principal continues to grow through long-term investing, sustaining
ministry for future generations. Gift planning counselor Jim Schroeder was noted for his 30 years helping district
members create faith-reflective gift plans in Iowa District West; a video illustrated the mission in action there,
supported by a Foundation-managed endowment.

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Thankful for LCMS planned givers, Fiedler reported that in the past year the Foundation helped donors create gift
plans projecting $190 million in future support for LCMS ministries. Additionally, $70 million was distributed to over
1,000 LCMS organizations from matured gifts. He invited congregations, schools, and districts with questions about
gift planning services, investment opportunities, or establishing endowments to visit the Foundation’s booth.

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Greetings—Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

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The chair—noting that the LCMS and Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) have annually met since
2012 for informal theological discussions marked by candor, mutual respect, and a shared desire for mutual
understanding—called upon WELS President Mark Schroeder to bring greetings to the convention. Harrison noted
with gratefulness that WELS counterparts as knowing the languages, Lutheranism, history, and thanked President
Schroeder for reaching out years ago to start the dialogue. President Schroeder also spoke with appreciation and with
pleasure brought greetings from fellow confessional Lutherans in the WELS, many of whom will be paying attention
to the LCMS convention and keeping us in their prayers.

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Schroeder expressed appreciation for “all the LCMS has done historically for the WELS,” noting strong criticism
and then encouragement toward confessional Lutheranism in the first and second WELS presidencies, for which
WELS is thankful to the LCMS. When WELS ended its fellowship with LCMS in 1961, he noted, the resolution was
merely to “suspend” fellowship, indicating this sad and painful situation as one that shouldn’t continue, and a footnote
called for WELS leadership to continue talks that didn’t happen for 55 years. Shortly after Harrison’s election, a
fishing trip turned into 20 delegates from LCMS, WELS, and ELS coming together for informal doctrinal discussions.
These have been more of a blessing than could have been imagined. They found great agreement on important
doctrinal issues; they also discussed differences that remained with boldness and honesty.

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There is still work to do, vital discussions to have—and for those, the WELS is again deeply appreciative. WELS
has appreciated, reciprocally, the depth of scholarship and biblical knowledge among LCMS counterparts. Caricatures
have been undone. Now agencies across the Synod are taking to each other. Schroeder was glad to recognize another
Synod “standing on the Word of God and so faithful in taking the mission of Christ to the world.”

2026 Convention Minutes — Sessions 3 and 4 — Page 7