Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026 ConventionBoard for National Mission
Great Lakes Region
2 candidates placed on this slate by the Committee for Convention Nominations. 1 links to a profile in the directory.
Candidates (2)
1.Peter C. BenderColgate, WIPeace, Sussex WI· Sr. Pastor· LCMS member 64 yrs
Personal statement
My 39 years of parish experience-evangelizing the lost teaching the catechism comforting troubled consciences and confessing the truth of the Christian faith-has given me a wealth of experience to draw upon in giving national mission leadership to the Synod at large and in assisting the Board for National Mission in developing policy for the Office of National Mission. During my time of service on the board, we have cultivated positive fraternal relationships with each district of the Synod. I look forward to building upon this work as together we confess Christ crucified and risen from the dead to the next generation of Christians.
Synod service
Years- 10
- Comm. on Worship LSB Agenda Comm8
- Sem. Lecturer in Catechesis3
- Adjunct Faculty6
- Adjunct Faculty1
- Formal Visitation Team
District service
Years- Chm. Worship Com. IDW3
- Const. Com. SWD3
Congregation service
Years- Founder/Pres. Concordia Catecheti- cal Academy32
- Pastor39
Other service
- Issues Etc. Regular Guest
2.Miriam Ruth YakimowBrighton, MI· Deac., Dir. of Family Min· LCMS member 53 yrs
Personal statement
Lutheran churches have the unique opportunity to beplaces that offer God's reliable truth in a fractured world. Young people seek connectedness with the intergenerational church to wrestle together with questions and learn absolutes, grounded in our confession, so they know they are integral members of the Body, putting faith into action with deep theological knowledge. Occasionsfor mercyand witness integrate faith and life, demonstrating to all ages how the church cares for body and soul, sharing the love of Christ. Having served in youth/family ministry for 20 years, it would be an honor to participate on the board.
Synod service
Years- Vol./Nat'l. Host LCMS World Mission4
District service
Years- Dist. Advocacy Team for Commissioned Workers4
Congregation service
Years- Deac. and Dir. of Family Min9
- Coord. of Youth/Family Min12
- Vol. Family Min5
Other service
Years- Spiritual First Aid Training/Responder1
- Homeschool Tchr./Co-Op Ldr15
- American Heritage Girls Ldr5
- Cub Scout Com./Ldr9
- Case Worker at Women's Shelter1
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 →