Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026

Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026 ConventionLCMS Board of Directors

West-Southwest Region

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

Candidates (4)

1.
Trey CoxGilbert, AZ
Christ Greenfield, Gilbert AZ· Mathematics Prof· LCMS member 61 yrs

Personal statement

I am honored to be considered as a candidate for service on the LCMS Board of Directors. Over many years, I have served congregations and Lutheran schools as a lay leader, head elder, congregational president, school board president, interim principal, ministry leader, and teacher in Lutheran schools. I bring over 40 years of experience in education across secondary and collegiate settings. These roles have shaped a deep commitment to our shared confesion and mission, faithful governance, responsible stewardship, and the development of lay and professional leaders in support of congregations, schools, and Synod agencies for the sake of the Gospel.

Congregation service

Years
  • Dir. of Family Min10
  • Tchr. Dir. Family Life Min.
2.
Jerald L. FolkertsPagosa Springs, CO
Our Savior, Pagosa Springs CO· Ret. USAF· LCMS member 37 yrs

Personal statement

I am retired and an active member of an LCMS church in southwest Colorado. I am the church treasurer and have served as a head elder, elder, evangelism chair, small group leader, and Sunday school teacher in multiple LCMS churches. I firmly adhere to the common confession and mission of the LCMS, and I am devoted to liturgical worship, Christian education, and the centrality of Holy Commu- nion and other Sacraments in the life of the Christian. My passion is church growth, understanding how the Synod can support all congregations in their efforts to reach their neighbors. I believe my experience helping large organizations compete in an uncertain future will assist the Synod to better understand the implications of change within the current environment.

Congregation service

Years
  • Treas. and Bd. of Ed8
  • Head Elder6
  • Bd. of Servant Ldrs22

Other service

Years
  • Prin. Sr. Strategy Cons. Toffler Assoc6
  • Sr. Officer
  • USAF29
  • Led USAF Techni- cal Training Squadron
3.
Stephen ReavisHouston, TX
Memorial, Houston TX· Dir. Procurement· LCMS member 25 yrs

Personal statement

I am honored to be nominated to serve on the LCMS Board of Directors. With a deep background in fnance and a commitment to prudent stewardship and operational effciency, I would support the Board's role in establishing sound financial policies, overseeing budgets, and ensuring that resources are directed in ways that advance our mission to preach Christ as the only Savior of the world. I believe disciplined governance and effective use of Synod assets can empower our congregations and ministries to proclaim the love of Christ with boldness and integrity.

Congregation service

Years
  • Bd. of Fin4
  • Fin. Secy
  • Chm. Bd. Fin4
  • School Bd. Member
  • 1st Cong2
  • Cong. Pres1
4.
Jesse Yow Jr.Livermore, CA
Our Savior, Livermore CA· Ret. Dept. Head· LCMS member 48 yrs

Personal statement

Our Synod faces challenges, but God gives opportunities. Society changes and resources seem limited, but God still brings the mission field to our doorstep. We and our neighbors all need the truth of God's Word, both Law and Gospel. Although the Synod's congregations, schools, universities, seminaries, church plants, and missions are all on the front lines, the Board of Directors, working as stewards, helps facilitate and support these confessional ministries. Serving the Synod has been an honor. If reelected, it will be an honor to continue to use my God-given experience, energy, and skills in this service.

Synod service

Years
  • 6
  • CTCR9
  • Editorial Serv.

District service

Years
  • Lay Deleg2

Congregation service

Years
  • Bd. of Elders45
  • Lay Gov. Bd45
  • and Pres. of Cong9

Other service

Years
  • Editorial Bd. for Int'l. Journal15
  • Dept. Head
  • Div. Ldr
  • Prog. Ldr
  • Proj. Scientist at Law- rence Livermore Nat'l. Laboratory37

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 →