Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026

Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026 ConventionCandidate slate

Commission on Theology and Church Relations

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

Candidates (5)

1.
Andrew C. KennellMonett, MO
· Pastor· LCMS member 49 yrs

Personal statement

As preachers and hearers together under our Captain Christ we all alike are to "hear Him," just as the Father bids. My interest in serving on the CTCR has grown out of nearly 25 years of being in the trenches serving among God's people. I hope to help make plain the Word of truth.

Synod service

Years
  • LCMS Conv. Deleg
  • 6
  • Conc. Univ. Ed. Colloquy Mentor for Com. Min2

District service

Years
  • Rural and Small Town Min. Pilot Prog5
  • Const. Rev. Com. 2
  • Dist. Nom. Com. 2
  • 4

Congregation service

  • Miss. Coun. Secy. Cir. 2. "If the bugle gives an indistinct sound
  • who will get ready for battle" asks St. Paul (1 Cor. 14:8). Clarity of the battle cry "Jesus is Lord!" is what the strives to bring to the church in order to build it up in these gray and latter days
2.
Martin Richard NolandSan Mateo, CA
Grace, San Mateo CA· Sr. Pastor· LCMS member 68 yrs

Personal statement

Our Synod is an association of like-minded friends i.e brothers and sisters in Christ (Matt. 12:48-50). Our unity is based on the common convictions that all of the Scriptures are the written Word of God and without error and that all of the Confessions of the Book of Concord are a faithful "exposition of the Word of God" (LCMS Const. Art. II 2). In order to protect that unity years ago the Synod created an "Advisory Committee on Doctrine and Practice" which wasmerged into the CTCR in 1962 Internal unity within the Synod is still the most important duty of the CTCR.

Synod service

Years
  • Dir. of 6
  • Tchr. and

Congregation service

Years
  • Pastor32

Other service

Years
  • Author 300 Journal Articles and Blog Posts
  • 90 Lectures
  • Assoc. Ed. LOGIA30
  • Luther Academy15
  • Guest on Issues Etc
3.
Mark Paul SurburgMarion, IL
Good Shepherd, Marion IL· Pastor· LCMS member 55 yrs

Personal statement

As Lutherans our teaching and practice of the faith are to be in conformity with Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions. There is a continuing need to address questions that arise in our changing cultural milieu on this basis. In a world that believes there is no truth, this truth guides all of our evaluation and informs the decisions that we make. It would be a privilege to assist in that important work. LAYPERSONS Elect 1 layperson (6-year term)

Synod service

Years
  • Adjunct Prof. 1
  • Prof.

District service

Years
  • Second 3
  • 5
  • Dist. Life Coord. 2
  • Spkr. Pastor Conf
  • Conv. Chapl.

Congregation service

Years
  • Pastor23

Other service

Years
  • Tchr2
  • Consulting Scholar and Pre-Putb. Reviewer
  • Prof. for CLIHM in South Sudan
  • Author in Various Synod Journals and Publications
4.
Keith Gordon ChuvalaFriendswood, TX
Gloria Dei, Houston TX· IT Systems Architect· LCMS member 63 yrs

Personal statement

I am honored to be nominated to serve as a lay member of the Com- mission on Theology and Church Relations. I'm a graduate of St. John's College, with a double major in biblical languages and ecclesiastical languages. I've been informed and inspired by the CTCRS work over the course of my adult life. As a Bible study leader and author, I have pointed my fellow learners to CTCR docunents for reference and continued education in matters of our faith. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to contribute to this important work.

Congregation service

Years
  • Ss Tchr6
  • Adult Bible Study Tchr31

Other service

  • Author & Content Mgr. "Back to the Bible Catechism," Author "What Lutherans Believe," Software Engineer 25
5.
Paul P. EdmonMedford, MA
First, Boston MA· TC St. Research Computing Specialist· LCMS member 43 yrs

Personal statement

In the confusion of a rapidly changing world the Word of God remains "the pure, clear fountain of Israel" (SD Rule and Norm 1). If elected to serve, I will use my experience in science and technology to assist the CTCR in drafting clear and timely theological treatises. I will also work to ensure that we enter into altar and pulpit fellowship with church bodies that share our commitments to the primacy of the Scriptures and a subscription to the Book of Concord in all its doctrines.

Synod service

  • 10, 1, Lay Deleg. LCMS Cony. 2, LCMS Com. A. Com. Sem

District service

Years
  • Lay Deleg Dist. Conv3

Congregation service

Years
  • Cong. Pres. 7. Tcht8
  • Choir15

Other service

  • Supercomputer Specialist 15

Also candidate for: College/University Boards of Regents (Concordia University Irvine)

About this position

Commission on Theology and Church Relations. 2 seats up for election. Authorized by 2023 Handbook, pp. 151–55..

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 →