A Note from Pastor (August 2026)

Last month, the 69th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod was held in Pheonix, AZ. This convention may be remembered as a pivotal moment in our synod.     To begin, a slate of excellent men were elected to positions as vice-presidents and regional vice presidents. More than ever, the men now leading our synod are united in their understanding of God’s Word and committed to the teachings of the Book of Concord.     Additionally, overtures to reestablish the Commission on Worship, promote the Biblical responsibility of pastors to publicly read the Scriptures and an admonishment for congregations to retain or recover the practice of closed Communion all were adopted. Perhaps the most significant resolution passed will address the mishandling of the Specific Ministry Pastor Program by focusing on pastoral formation at one of our two seminaries.          While many fear the reality of declining numbers of church goers and the need for more pastors, the convention refused to pass overtures that would compromise God’s Word or our teaching. While this is very encouraging, the real comfort is knowing that the Word of the Lord which proclaims the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus will endure forever with or without the convention.

    Therefore, while our synod is standing firm in many ways, we will still face the challenges and assaults of the devil from within and without as the message of Christ and Him crucified continues to be taught among us. Thankfully, it is still the preaching of the Gospel that unites us, bringing faith and forgiveness to those whom God loves and chooses to save. By the grace of God, this past convention has shown that our synod remains committed to the Gospel being taught in all of its purity and that the Sacraments are rightly administered among us as God's Word is correctly taught according to the Lutheran Confession in our churches. We thank the Lord for all His goodness in ensuring this.