LCMS Announces Appointments and Roster Changes in August 2026

Rev. Thomas Thierfelder of Kingsville, Texas, has been appointed circuit visitor for Circuit 27, succeeding Rev. Mark Carnahan. Rev. John Cain of Nacogdoches, Texas, has taken over as circuit visitor for Circuit 14, replacing Rev. Joe Mashburn. Two individuals, Christina Vaupel and Joshua John Patrick Patterson, have been removed from the commissioned roster of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, thereby losing their ability to receive a call. Rebecca L. Warsinski has also resigned from the commissioned roster, similarly losing eligibility for a call. Alive in Christ Lutheran Church in Big Spring, Texas, and Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Odessa, Texas, have formed a multi-congregation parish. Meanwhile, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Iowa Park, Texas, and St. John Lutheran Church in Frisco, Texas, have disbanded and are no longer part of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. These updates were announced by Rev. Jon Braunersreuther, president of the Texas District.

In Illinois, St. Michael Lutheran Church in Chicago has merged with Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Franklin Park. This merger was reported by Rev. Dr. Allan R. Buss, president of the Northern Illinois District. In Central Illinois, Rev. David Speers of Altamont has been appointed circuit visitor for Altamont Circuit 1, replacing Rev. Ryan Meyer. This appointment was announced by Rev. Mark R. Eddy, president of the Central Illinois District.

In Iowa, Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in La Verne and Immanuel Lutheran Church in Livermore have dissolved and are no longer part of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Rev. Paul Egger, president of the Iowa District West, reported this development. In Missouri, Rev. David Kettner of Salem has been appointed circuit visitor for Rolla Circuit 15, succeeding Rev. John Perling. This update was provided by Rev. Dr. R. Lee Hagan, president of the Missouri District.

In the Southeastern District, Rev. Timothy Hinz, Rev. C. David Moser, and Rev. Suk Lee have been removed from the ordained roster of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, thereby losing their ability to receive a call. Rev. Craig Beaton has also resigned from the ordained roster, similarly losing eligibility for a call. These actions were reported by Rev. Dr. William A. Harmon, president of the Southeastern District. In Wisconsin, Rev. Mark Wenzel of Omro has been appointed circuit visitor for Berlin Circuit 15, replacing Rev. Bryan Fritsch. Immanuel Lutheran Church in Madison and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Westfield have also dissolved and are no longer part of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

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