Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026 ConventionBoard for International Mission
East-Southeast Region
3 candidates placed on this slate by the Committee for Convention Nominations. 1 links to a profile in the directory.
Candidates (3)
1.James A. DouthwaiteSpringfield, VA· Pastor· LCMS member 62 yrs
Synod service
Years- 5
- Chm. Joint Miss. Assessment Com. of the /3
- LCMS Conv. Deleg
- FI. Com
District service
Years- 16
- Lutheran Haven3
Other service
Years- Tchr. Matongo Theo. College Kenya1
- Tchr. Higher Things Conf
3.Gregory D. JansSomerset, NJHoly Trinity Lutheran Church, Somerset NJ· Pastor· LCMS member 63 yrs
Synod service
Years- Spkr.
- Conv. Deleg
- Adv. Com. on History and Archives CHI5
- 27
- Bd. for Miss. Serv6
- Chapl. USAF
District service
Years- Bd. of Miss6
- Continuing Ed. Rep7
- FI. Com. Stewp. & Fin
- Spkr. Retreat
- Spkr. Pastor's Conf. Campus Min3
- Disaster Response Team Mem
- Supervisor2
- 2
Congregation service
Years- Pulpit Supply5
- Pastor9
4.Rachel Elaine JasephGlen Burnie, MDMartini, Baltimore MD· Deac./Homemaker· LCMS member 36 yrs
Personal statement
During my years as a missionary, I was privileged to be involved in the Gospel proclamation, education, and mercy work initiatives of our LCMS in three distinct international mission fields. Thc experiences the Lord afforded me shaped my perspective on living the Christian life in an increasingly hostile world and our church's commitment to faithfully encouraging our brothers and sisters across the globe in their confession of Christ. The individuals our missionaries teach, walk with, and learn from are incredible. Their faces and stories are innumerable. We as the members of LCMS congregations have the joy and challenge of supporting them from afar. It would be an honor to be a part of the support team that is the Board for International Mission.
Synod service
Years- LCMS GEO Miss2
- LCMS Career Miss5
District service
Years- Urban Min. 3
Congregation service
Years- Parish Deac4
Other service
- Founding Exec. Dir. The Shepherd's Hand Com. Outreach Ctr
- Conc. Deac. Conf. Mem. and
About this position
Board for International Mission. 5 seats up for election. Authorized by 2023 Handbook, pp. 23, 103–5, 123, 144–46..
Conditions for election →Other slates for Board for International Mission
Source: Biographical Synopses and Statements of Nominees, 69th Regular Synod Convention (Phoenix, Ariz., July 18–23, 2026), published by the Office of the Secretary. Bios key →