LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2026, Page 7

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Committee 9: Structure and Administration

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It was moved and seconded to add a standing rule, as used in 2023, that “A motion to close debate (‘call the
question’) shall apply only to the immediately pending question.” In the interest of time, the chair proposed and the
body did not object to one speaker for and one against. Thereupon the motion carried with the required 2/3 vote [Yes:
570; No: 280].

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The chair recognized Chairman Justin A. Panzer, President, Kansas District, to begin the report of his committee;
he began by introducing the members of his committee and thanking the CCM, Commission on Handbook, and
Secretary for helping the committee help the Synod live within a framework that does “all things in good order.”

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Res. 9-02A, “To Amend Bylaws 1.5.1.2–1.5.2 to Clarify Service Expectations and Handling of Conflicts of
Interest” (TB, 3:345–47), was explained and introduced by the committee. The resolution was adopted [Yes: 837; No:
44].

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Res. 9-08, “To Amend Bylaws to Clarify and Streamline Responsibilities of Appointed Synod Officers” (TB,
1:154–57), was read and introduced by the committee. It was read to change “finance and accounting” to “finance,
accounting” on p. 154, l. 47; and to change “Financial” to “Operating” on p. 156, l. 37.

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It was moved and seconded to amend, on p. 156, l. 15, to delete the words “and a layperson,” it being noted the
CCM has approved the change. This failed [Yes; 116; No: 767]. It was moved to cease debate; this carried by voice
vote. The resolution also was adopted as read but without amendment by voice vote.

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Res. 9-09, “To Amend Bylaws to Coordinate Responsibilities of Chief Mission Officer with Other Synod Officers”
(TB, 1:157–59), was read and introduced by the committee. Without debate, the resolution was adopted by voice vote.

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Res. 9-11, “To Amend Bylaw Section 1.5, etc., to Unify in the Bylaws and Revise Corporate Formation
Requirements for Instrumental Entities of Corporate Synod and Agencies of the Synod” (TB, 1:160–73), was read and
introduced by the committee. It was read on p. 163, ll. 39 and 44, to make “its agencies” read “agencies of the Synod.”
At p. 172, l. 19, “further” becomes “finally”; on p. 172, lines 40–51, and on p. 173, ll. 1–8 are struck, this provision
being treated instead in Res. 8-02A. The committee chairman also noted CCM Op. 26-3082, treating of district church
extension funds being agencies of the Synod (TB, 3:319–20).

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With twenty minutes of debate elapsed, closure of debate was put to the body according to the rule; this carried.
The resolution was adopted as read [Yes: 659; No: 239].

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Presentation—National Missions: Church Planting

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With First Vice-President Peter Lange assuming the chair, the Rev. Dr. Quentin Cundiff, director of LCMS Church
Planting in the Office of National Mission, presented on his engagement on a local level, coming along side districts
and their new church plants to support them. He shared the work as part of God’s Mission Here, with 32 plants in
process from planning to sustainability and another 97 identified future sites. Accompanied by church plant and
community members, New England President Robert Beinke and Nebraska District President Richard Snow shared
about church planting in their districts, such as Lakes Region Lutheran Church in Moultonborough, N.H., and work
being done with high school students and their families in Syracuse, Nebr. They noted support from the LCMS comes
not just through finances but through processes to assist in moving forward and avoiding pitfalls. Cundiff noted that
planting is a team effort, focusing on communities of laity who want to see churches planted in their communities.
Pastor John Bussman and Mr. Brian Hayes, members of a team in Helena, Ala. spoke about their experience—the
pastor being aided by laity especially because of the distances involved—of replanting a church in the community.
Rev. Cundiff noted that church planning is not easy, but it is worthwhile, and that no one does this work alone.

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Committee 1: National Witness

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The chair recognized Chairman Eric C. Johnson, President, Southern District, to continue the report of his
committee.

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Res. 1-07A, “To Increase Church Planting at the Parish Level” (TB, 2B:272–73), was read and introduced by the
committee. The resolution was adopted by voice vote.

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Res. 1-12, “To Support Campus Ministry” (TB, 1:66–67), was read and introduced by the committee. It was moved
to cease debate; this carried by voice vote. The resolution was adopted by voice vote.

2026 Convention Minutes — Sessions 3 and 4 — Page 8