LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2026, Page 1

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brought greetings on behalf of the Board of Directors and the members of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League.
The women of the LWML are honored to serve the Church with LWML mission grants, service, and prayers. The
2025–2027 biennium includes eight mission grants totaling more than $660,000 that directly support the LCMS, with
additional $100,000 supporting Lutheran Hour Ministries. The remaining national grants, approximately $2 million,
support churches, RSOs, schools, and camps. District-level mission grants top $6.2 million, on top of local support to
congregations and schools. Highlighting a mission in Kenya, supported by the LWML, Keefe spoke about Gospelcentered work in supporting young women who are abused, orphaned, or trafficked. A woman served by this mission
told a visiting LCMS pastor, “Tell the women in America that their gifts brought me the Word of God. Now I can
read God’s Word for myself. Now I can tell others what Jesus has done for me.” She concluded by thanking the
assembly for the honor of serving the church.

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Greetings—Lutheran Hour Ministries

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President Harrison introduced Mr. Kurt Buchholz, Global CEO of Lutheran Hour Ministries. He has led the
organization since 2013 to expand LHM’s outreach to more than 60 countries throughout the world. Buchholz brought
greetings from more than 350,000 individuals from around the world who make the organization what it is. He
described the organization as a movement of Christians reaching people with the Gospel more than 300 million times
each week. LHM does this by equipping over 900,000 last year to share the Gospel. Over 2 million people responded
to that Gospel message last year. He asked for the assembly’s continued prayer and support.

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Committee 8: Finance

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The chair recognized Chairman Roger C. Paavola, president, Mid-South District, to begin the report of his
committee. He began by introducing the members of his committee and speaking to its purpose, and then proceeded
to offer resolutions:

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Res. 8-04A, “To Expand Access to the Lutheran Confessions” (TB, 3:341–42), was read, to remove from p. 342,
l. 12, the word “upcoming,” and introduced by the committee. The resolution was adopted by unanimous voice vote.

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Res. 8-02A, “To Amend Bylaw Section 3.7 to Clarify Additional Assigned Responsibilities and Provisions on the
Board of Trustees—Concordia Plans / Board of Directors—Concordia Plan Services” (TB, 3:339–41), was read and
introduced by the committee. Without debate, the resolution was adopted by voice vote.

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Res. 8-07, “To Address Concordia Publishing House Shipping Charges” (TB, 1:138), was read and introduced by
the committee. Without debate, the resolution was adopted by voice vote.

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Res. 8-01, “To Encourage Transparency and Accountability in Legal Judgments and Settlements” (TB, 1:133), was
read and introduced by the committee. The resolution was adopted by voice vote.

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The resolution “To Require Transparency and Accountability regarding Concluded HotChalk Litigation” (TB,
5:412), was moved and seconded. After debate, the resolution failed [Yes: 408; No: 470].

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Committee 9: Structure and Administration

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The chair recognized Chairman Justin A. Panzer, president, Kansas District, to continue the report of his
committee.

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Res. 9-12, “To Amend Bylaws Exclusive to Lutheran Church Extension Fund to Clarify That It May Provide Real
Estate Evaluation and Redevelopment Services in Support of Synod Mission and Ministry” (TB, 1:173–74), was read
and introduced by the committee. Without debate, the resolution was adopted.

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Res. 9-14A, “To Amend Constitution Article XII 15 as to Call of Special District Conventions” (TB, 3:348–49),
was read and introduced by the committee. The resolution was adopted by the required two-thirds vote [Yes: 887; No:
24]. The resolution will require congregational ratification under Const. Art. XV.

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Res. 9-13, “To Adopt Recommendations of 2023 Res. 9-06A Task Force on Electoral Circuit Parameters” (TB,
1:174–75), was read and introduced by the committee.

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It was moved, with prior approval of the CCM, to amend, reverting the changes in TB 1:175, ll. 20–22, in Bylaw
3.1.2 (b), so as to retain the original bylaw language: “Exceptions to these requirements may be made only by the
President of the Synod upon request of a district board of directors.” It was moved and seconded to cease debate on
the amendment; this carried by voice vote. The amendment was adopted [Yes: 489; No: 411].

2026 Convention Minutes — Sessions 7 and 8 — Page 2