Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026

Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026 ConventionBoard for National Mission

Central Region

2 candidates placed on this slate by the Committee for Convention Nominations. 1 links to a profile in the directory.

Candidates (2)

1.
Douglas Lynn RuttSt. Louis, MO
· Prof. Em· LCMS member 50 yrs

Personal statement

Min. Div. LLL8, BOD LBT 10, Commercial Pilot 3, Ed. The Communicator for Luth. Soc. for Miss. 11, BOD LHF 6, BOD Arabic Lutheran Ministries 5, BOD Chrisitan Friends of New Americans 7, Chm. Sem. Rel. Comm. ILC 5, Fluent in Spanish & Portuguese, Author Various Publications. I am honored to have been nominated to serve on our Synod's Board for National Mission. If elected, out of love for Christ and His church and in full commitment to our confessional Lutheran faith asexpressed in the Book of Concord, I will serve with humility and conviction, supporting the church's work in evangelism, human care, and education as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen. Having served as a parish pastor, an overseas missionary, a seminary professor at both seminaries, and a mission leader, I have witnessed the blessings and challenges of this work. I would seek to strengthen congregations and national ministries in bold and faithful Gospel witness in word and deed, loving our neighbor for Christ's sake.

Synod service

Years
  • Miss. to Guatemala8
  • Prof. of Pastoral Min. and Miss. 12
  • Reg. Dir. for Latin America/Caribbean LCMS Miss4
  • Prof. and Provost 4
  • 30

Congregation service

Years
  • Pastor4

Other service

  • Exec. Dir. Int'1
2.
Michael P. SchuermannChampaign, IL
University Lutheran Church, Champaign IL· Pastor· LCMS member 23 yrs

Personal statement

the Synod is a privilege. I'm honored to be nominated to continue serving on the Board for Na- tional Mission. The fields are ripe for harvest throughout our land: in town, in the country, on campus, in our schools, amongst all ages and ethnicities. It is a joy to use my campus ministry, parish, and leadership experience to help shape the important work of bringing the rich words and promises of God into the lives of people both inside and outside of the church.

Synod service

Years
  • LCMS 3
  • LCMS FI. Com2
  • Conv. Deleg2

District service

Years
  • 3
  • CID Nom. Com1
  • CID 4
  • Chm. Human Care and Worker Wellness Com

Congregation service

Years
  • Campus Pastor6

Other service

  • Religious Workers Assoc. 6. "As each has received a gift
  • use it to serve one another" (1 Peter 4:10). Serving

Also candidate for: Regional Vice-President (Central Reg.)

About this position

Board for National Mission. 5 seats up for election. Authorized by 2023 Handbook, pp. 23, 103–4, 123, 142–44..

Conditions for election →

Other slates for Board for National 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 →