LCMS Presidential Election Features Candidate Statements and Q&A

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) announced the candidates for Synod president, first vice-president, and regional vice-presidents on March 13, 2023, through a statement by LCMS Secretary Rev. Dr. John W. Sias. The five presidential candidates were invited to submit personal statements and respond to a set of predeveloped questions, with each statement and response limited to approximately 100 words. These materials are available for public review, alongside biographical synopses, in The Lutheran Witness and on the LCMS website.

The 68th Regular Convention of the LCMS is scheduled for July 29–August 3, 2023, at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee, with the convention theme centered on “We Preach Christ Crucified.” Convention details, including open floor committee hearings on proposed resolutions, are accessible online. The 2023 Convention Workbook, containing reports and overtures for consideration, is also available on the LCMS website.

One candidate emphasized the importance of serving as a steward of the mysteries of God, reflecting on the call to be a servant of Christ. They expressed gratitude for the nomination and acknowledged the responsibility of the office as a trust bestowed upon sinners. The candidate highlighted the need for the Synod to remain faithful to the Confessions in both word and deed, echoing the teachings of Dr. Friedrich Wilhelm Baur, known as Dr. Walther.

Another candidate focused on the theme of hope, framing the LCMS’s mission as one of sharing enduring hope with a world marked by fear. They called for revitalizing evangelism efforts, strengthening Lutheran education, and fostering love and trust among members. The candidate emphasized that the office is not a right but a trust, rooted in Christ’s blood-bought forgiveness, as stated in John 3:16.

The candidates’ statements and Q&A responses reflect a range of priorities, including theological fidelity, pastoral care, and mission engagement. The election process, which runs from June 17 to July 11, 2023, will determine the next Synod president, with results expected by July 15. The convention will serve as a platform for further discussion and decision-making on key issues facing the LCMS.

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