Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026

Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026 ConventionBoards and commissions · Conditions for election

Board for International Mission

5 seats to fill at the 2026 convention, 10 current incumbents, 12 candidates published on the official slate.

2023 Handbook, pp. 23, 103–5, 123, 144–46.

Seats to elect

  • One (1) Minister of Religion—Ordained/CommissionedEast-Southeast Region
  • One (1) Minister of Religion—Ordained/CommissionedGreat Plains Region
  • One (1) LaypersonCentral Region
  • One (1) LaypersonGreat Lakes Region
  • One (1) LaypersonWest-Southwest Region

Duties

Six-year term. Three two-day, in-person meetings in St. Louis and one one-day internet-conference meeting per year, plus committee work as needed by internet conference. The board oversees the Office of International Mission's policies and serves as the only sending agency through which workers and funds are sent to the Synod's foreign mission areas.

Desired qualifications

Nominees should possess familiarity with and express strong leadership and support for LCMS mission and ministry activities, particularly in contexts outside the United States.

Especially desirable: ministry and theology; extended church work on or interaction with one or more foreign mission fields; mercy work and human care; international relations; business, law, or finance; prior service on national or district boards of the Synod; policy writing; administration of complex organizations; education; stewardship and donor relations; human resources.

Board members are expected to work collaboratively, speak and listen actively in board and staff interactions, faithfully review working materials, provide constructive comments, honor confidentiality, and maintain a spirit of mutual encouragement.

Additional regulations

  • Regional seats require residence within the region; subsequent residence outside the region permits completion of the present term but disqualifies a new term.

Current incumbents (10)

* Ineligible for re-election (term-limited or otherwise barred from a successive term).

Other boards and commissions