Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026 ConventionBoard for National Mission
West-Southwest Region
3 candidates placed on this slate by the Committee for Convention Nominations.
Candidates (3)
1.Kevin W. AustinChandler, AZRisen Savior, Chandler AZ· Pastor· LCMS member 4 yrs
Personal statement
Our rapidly changing world presents unique challenges and great T opportunities for churches and for ministry. The world's greatest need remains the Gospel, which alone has the power to change hearts and lives. This is not a time for the church to shrink back, isolate, or retreat, but to boldly embrace this moment and work together to fulill the Great Commission through faithful Gospel proclamation, intentional discipleship, and winsome witness to the watching world. The Board for National Mission is strongest when it equips and unites the church to meet today's challenges and opportunities with courage, confidence, and hope.
District service
Years- 9
- Regional 1
- Dist. Com. Fl. Com1
- Chm. Dist. Conv. FI. Com1
Congregation service
Years- Pastor19
Other service
Years- Youth Sports Coach12
2.Thomas E. ChrystFort Worth, TXMessiah, Keller TX· Sr. Pastor· LCMS member 50 yrs
Personal statement
The LCMS has many challenges and even more opportunities. We must be wise but also faithful. We must be uncompromising in our doctrine and tenacious in our love of people. We must be humble in ourselves but also bold when it comes to the Gospel. As an LCMS pastor of 26 years, I've had a wide array of experiences in the parish and the mission feld, having done a little bit of many things. I also have experience with Lutheran education at all levels. l'd be honored to lend my experience to our national mission efforts as we work and walk together to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen for sinners.
Synod service
Years- LCMS Strategic Miss. Devel
- Nom. Com1
- Conv. Deleg. 3. 6
District service
Years- Fl. Com. 1
- Sem. Student Interview Com4
- Chm. Nom. Com6
- Spkr. Prof. Church Workers' Conf
- 6
Congregation service
Years- Pastor25
Other service
Years- Racine Lutheran High School 6
- Dist. Con. Couns
- Author/ Spkr. Higher Things
- Contributor The Luth. Witness
- Deac. Field Work Supervisor5
- Plenary Spkr. Youth Retreat
- Vicarage Supervisor2
- Tournament Chess Player/ Private Chess Coach20
- Regional Com. Mem. WI Office of Lawyer Regulation8
3.Neil Spencer VanderbushSan Antonio, TXMessiah, Boerne TX· Sr. Pastor· LCMS member 26 yrs
Personal statement
The area of responsibility for the Board for National Mission is broad and important to the future not only of the LCMS but also of our nation. I bring experience as someone who has served as a successful church planter and mentor, a church revitalizer and interim minister, a military chaplain, and a partner in campus ministry. I love our Lord, His church, and the blessings He has given us through His Word, Sacraments, and our Lutheran Confessions. Our Lutheran identity and culture form a good vessel for these gifts for this generation andtho Oseto come.
Synod service
Years- U.S. Army Chapl3
Congregation service
Years- Pastor18
- Church Planter
- Campus Min4
Other service
Years- U.S. Marine Corps6
- Electro-Mechanical Tech./Maintenance3
Also candidate for: Board of Regents, Austin
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 →