Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026 ConventionLCMS Board of Directors
At-Large Lay
3 candidates placed on this slate by the Committee for Convention Nominations. 2 link to a profile in the directory.
Candidates (3)
1.Thomas DeadrickPierre, SDFaith, Pierre SD· Atty./Deputy Secy. of State· LCMS member 36 yrs
Personal statement
As defined by our Constitution a member of the Board of Directors serves as a legal representative of LCMS business affairs and custodian of all LCMS property. My interest has developed over the more than 12 years that I've served on the Synod's Commission on Constitutional Matters, carefully and deliberatively crafting official opinions that addressmany of our challenges: shrinking congregations, universities, and routes to the ministry. Those challenges present opportunities for church growth. Guided by the Holy Spirit, Scripture, and our Lutheran Confessions, I will use my legal training and professional experience to face challenges, explore opportunities, and faithfully serve my Savior and His church.
Synod service
Years- 13
District service
Years- Mercy and Miss. Couns4
- Legal Couns. 6
Congregation service
Years- Elder9
- Chm. Cong3
Other service
Years- Drafted Articles of Org. for Dakota and S. Dakota
- Atty39
- Human Rights Com. and Chm. for S. Dakota39
- Uniform Law Comm1
- S. Dakota Code Com8
- Spkr. of S. Dakota House of Representatives1
- Deputy Secy. of State 6
2.David C. EastburnFairfield, IAImmanuel, Fairfield IA· Ret. Banker/Bank Dir· LCMS member 41 yrs
Personal statement
In my retirement I strongly desire with God's grace, to continue to be a faithful servant and to use ny time and talents for His glory. In this and with my history of leadership and board participation, I can make a signiftcant commitment as a member of the Board of Directors to the governance of the LCMS, particularly to its mission priorities, its financial health, and its theological integrity based on Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions. Board membership balances transparent oversight of corporate policies and vision, financial stewardship, and spiritual fdelity. I believe that my vast experience on other boards of directors and my financial expertise means that I am uniquely qualified for this role.
District service
Years- 6
- Dist. Reconciler 6
Congregation service
Years- Bd. of Elders34
- Cong. Pres2
- Cong. Treas4
Other service
Years- Pres. lowa State Fin. Serv. Corp24
- Chm. lowa State Fin. Serv. Corp. and lowa State Bank and Trust24
- Pres. and
- lowa State Bank and Trust Co7
- Chm. Fin. Com. and Bd. Mem. Fairfield Com. School Dist3
- Infantry Officer
- U.S. Marine Corps 23
3.John EdsonPlymouth, MNFirst English, Spring Valley MN· Ret. CPA· LCMS member 45 yrs
Personal statement
Our faith inJesus Christ is sanctified by the Holy Spirit. It is rhrough this faith that we carry out the Lord's mission. I have served on the LCMS Board for International Mission since 2010 and, prior to that, on the Board for Human Care and World Relief. My experience on these boards, combined with my financial expertise as a CPA and a member of several corporate and nonprofit boards, gives me insight to balance the Synod's mission and ministry with the Board of Directors' responsibility to be faithful stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us.
Synod service
Years- Vice-Chm. 12
- Chm. 4
- Vice-Chm. Bd. for Human Care and World Relief 6. Chm. District Restructuring Task- force1
Congregation service
Years- Elder
- Treas
- Cong. Pres. Stewp18
Other service
Years- CPA Smith Schafer & Assoc41
- MN Soc. of CPAS as Member
- Chm41
- SPEDCO/ AMPLIO SBA Certified Develop. Co. 4. Twin West Chamber of Commerce
- Chm5
About this position
Board of Directors (LCMS). 4 seats up for election. Authorized by 2023 Handbook, pp. 14, 16, 117–21, 216..
Conditions for election →Other slates for LCMS Board of Directors
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 →