Notices, forms, a thousand due dates, reports … and you have to keep up with “regular life”, too! It can feel overwhelming and oh, so confusing at times. Here is a quick breakdown of the current “biggie” due date, this one regarding the LCMS National Convention’s presidential election.
Please take a moment to go through this information, as a VITAL STEP is due THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 8.
The president of the synod (currently Rev. Matthew Harrison) is voted into office just PRIOR to each synod convention, which happens every 3 years. There are 3 important pieces to the election process:
- Gathering Nominations
- Registering Voters
- The Vote
For the 2026 election, congregations could submit NOMINATIONS for synod president (along with 1st VP and Regional VP) through February 18, 2026. Congregations / Parishes of synod are to REGISTER one pastoral voter (if called and installed) and one lay voter (a non-rostered member) to cast votes for synod president, 1st VP and Regional VP, but they MUST BE REGISTERED by March 8, 2026. Those registered voters will then CAST THEIR VOTES June 6-9, with run-offs later in June if needed. Results will be reported by July 4.
Currently, significantly less than half of our Indiana District congregations have registered voters. That means that significantly less than half of our churches are actively participating and having their voices heard in this process. The congregations / people of the Indiana District ARE the district, and our district is part of the bigger body of synod. It is a blessing to be able to walk together in faith, and we encourage ALL of our congregations to take an active role in conversations, votes, prayers and processes of the church body.
If your congregation needs help with registering, please contact synod’s Department of Rosters and Statistics (the Indiana District Office does not have registration credential information) at 314.996.1366 or rosters.stats@lcms.org. Please note that Rosters is experiencing a very high influx of calls and emails, and you can expect to leave a message and hear back between 1 and 2 days, so please contact them ASAP if you need assistance. Again, voter registration is due SUNDAY, March 8.