Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026

Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026 ConventionCandidate slate

Concordia Historical Institute Board of Governors

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

Candidates (6)

1.
Rodney A. BenkendorfCape Girardeau, MO
Hanover, Cape Girardeau MO· Pastor· LCMS member 57 yrs

Personal statement

God's people are a people of a story-the story of God's love for us throughout time. Concordia Historical Institute is the keeper and sharer of our story as God's people in the LCMS. I am firmly convinced of and committed to the keeping and sharing of our story. It has been a privilege to serve on the board to further this goal, and I will continue to do so if reelected.

Synod service

Years
  • 7

District service

Years
  • 5

Other service

Years
  • Dist. Pastoral Couns
  • Luth. Tchr7
2.
David Paul RamirezUnion Grove, WI
· Pastor· LCMS member 21 yrs

Personal statement

I would be excited and honored to serve on the board for Concordia Historical Institute. I have had a love for American Lutheran history and heritage since I was a boy. Learning and studying it was a strong influence on my decision to leave the ELCA and join the LCMS when I was in seminary. After completing my MDiv in 2008 I served as the historical theology graduate assistant at CTS- FW. I later earned an S.T.M. in historical theology in 2020 I have sought to advance the knowledge and preservation of Lutheran history in the parishes I have served, by sharing resources on the blog "Lutheran Treasures of the Old Missouri Synod and by presenting on our Synod's dedication to the confession of the Gospel and focus on education.

Synod service

Years
  • 12
  • Conv. Deleg1
  • Nom. Com1

District service

Years
  • Cl and Pastors' Conf. Plng. Com5
  • FI. Com2
  • 5

Congregation service

Years
  • Pastor17

Other service

Years
  • Duke Univ. Luth. Lutheran Campus Min. Coord1
  • Grad. Asst. 1
  • Organizer
  • Jr. and Sr. High Youth Confs5
  • Chm. NLSAAccredi- tation Com
  • Zion Luth. School
  • Bugenhagen Conf. Plng. Com9
  • Little League Baseball Coach6
  • Vicarage Supervisor1
  • Co-Planner
  • Faith of Our Fathers Conf. 2

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

3.
Robert V. RoethemeyerFort Wayne, IN
· Assoc. Prof., VP of Inst. Assessment & Accreditation· LCMS member 60 yrs

Personal statement

The mission of a theologicl seminary library and the mission of a denominational archive are on parallel tracks. Both exist to serve research, teaching, and learning in the church by collecting, organizing, and making accessible the voices of the past and the present while planning for the voices of the future. Service on the board of the Concordia Historical Institute continues to offer opportunities to apply my training and experience as a theological librarian in new ways. COMMISSIONED MINISTERS OR LAYPEOPLE Elect 1 commissioned minister or layperson (6-year term)

Synod service

Years
  • Dir. of Library and Info. Serv. 29
  • Pub. Serv. Librarian9
4.
David DuesenbergFrontenac, MO
· Physician· LCMS member 31 yrs

Personal statement

Our Christian family is flled with those who have demonstrated faith, love, service, and perseverance in maintaining our "oneness," where each person-past, present, and future-is part of the living Body of Christ. Capturing, retaining, and breathing life back into the lives of those who have gone before provides the orientation, foundation, and strength for who we are today and tomorrow. Knowing the historical links that tie us together, may each of us see ourselves as a member of our one Christian family, to inspire the church and community.

Other service

  • Supporter of
  • Luth. Sr. Serv
  • and Luth. Ed
5.
Alessandro MeregagliaBoise, ID
Good Shepherd, Boise ID· Archivist/Librarian & Assoc. Prof· LCMS member 13 yrs

Personal statement

As a professional archivist and librarian working at a university archive, I have responsibilities similar to those of the Concordia Historical Institute--collecting, preserving, and making available important historical records. Serving on the CHI board would allow me to put my education and training to use for the benefit of the LCMS. During mycatechesis, I learned that faithfully proclaiming the Gos- pel today requires understanding the church's past. That principle shapesmy commitment to preserving Lutheran history. Ifelected, I look forward to serving with the rest of the board to advance the good work that CHI does to gather and share the archival recordsof the LCMS.

Congregation service

Years
  • Chm. Stewp. Com
  • Parish Plng. Coun8
  • Usher9
  • Elder

Other service

Years
  • Archivist10
  • AssOc. Prof10
  • Vol. Archivist Russell Kirk Ctr. for Cultural Renewal10
6.
Matthew C. PhilipsLincoln, NE
Good Shepherd, Lincoln NE· Prof. of History· LCMS member 31 yrs

Personal statement

I believe, teach, and confess the Holy Scriptures as the Word of God and that the Lutheran Confessions are the true exposition of those sacred writings. Previously, I served on the board of the Concordia Historical Institute and, if elected, would do so again. As a historian, I believe my skills and talents could assist the director and staff in their important mission.

Synod service

Years
  • Prof. of History 22
  • Bd. 2
  • 3
  • Conv. Deleg2

Other service

Years
  • Bd. Mem. High- er Things4

About this position

Concordia Historical Institute Board of Governors. 3 seats up for election. Authorized by 2023 Handbook, pp. 127–28..

Conditions for election →

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 →