Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026

Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026 ConventionCandidate slate

Concordia Publishing House Board of Directors

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

Candidates (7)

1.
Heidi K. AbeggAlexandria, VA
Immanuel, Alexandria VA· Partner (Law)· LCMS member 54 yrs

Personal statement

I grew up with Concordia Publish- ing House books and curricula, and I am honored to serve currently as vice-chair of the board. My nearly 30years' experience representing nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations has been useful in assisting CPH fulfill its mission to publish products and services that faithfully proclaim the Gospel to all, while addressing the serious and complex challenges of our day. As CPH is the publishing arm of the Synod, these products must also aid the Synod in its mission to the church and the world. I would be honored to continue to serve.

Synod service

Years
  • Mem. 18
  • Mem. 10

Congregation service

  • Mem. Church Coun

Other service

Years
  • Law19
2.Bernard D. Bull
3.
Tom R. HalvorsonSidney, MT
Trinity, Sidney MT· Civil Attorney· LCMS member 12 yrs

Personal statement

This vision and challenge draw me to continue as part of its board. CPH's signiicarnt investments in service to congregations schools and pastors have realized the vision in many areas but there is more to do. Intentional efforts in the last three years of reaching out and listening to customers have yielded realization by CPH of areas for improvement. I hope to be part of working in that direction

Synod service

Years
  • 7
  • Lay Deleg3

District service

Years
  • Lay Deleg. 3
  • Exhibitor of Confessional Luth. Books at Dist. Conv
  • Spkr. Atone- ment Confession and Controversy

Congregation service

Years
  • Cong. 13
  • Tchr
  • Web- master
  • Facebook Grp. Admin

Other service

  • Deputy Count Atty
  • County Civil Atty
  • Publisher Synoptic Text
  • Pres. & Div. Lt. Gov. Kiwanis Club
  • Com. Ed. Fnd. Incorporator & Fnd. Dir
  • Ed. Lutheran Catechism.com
  • Author Brothers of John the Steadfast. Concordia Publishing House's vision is to be the premier publisher of products faithful to Scripture and the Lutheran Confes- sions. Its challenge is to remain sustainable in increasingly adverse conditions for Christian publishers
4.
Mark HemingwayAlexandria, VA
Immanuel, Alexandria VA· Sr. Writer· LCMS member 21 yrs

Personal statement

In my career as a journalist, I have been involved in the writing, editing, and marketing of multiple national bestsellers, and I have numerous contacts in the publishing industry. As such, I look forward to using the knowledge and skills I've acquired to help modernize and improve CPH. I frmly believe CPH is well-positioned to preach Christ and Him crucified to new and bigger audiences, while ensuring CPH's work never waivers from a steadfast commitment to the Lutheran Confessions.

Other service

  • Writer
  • Editor
  • Journalist. A number of excellent Concordia Publishing House publications have been a blessing to me in both my spiritual and professional vOcations
5.
Paul C. HinzHewitt, TX
Trinity, Woodway TX· Ret· LCMS member 64 yrs

Personal statement

It has been my joy and pleasure to serve Concordia St. Paul for the last six years. Having spent the last two years leading the Board's bylaws subcommittee and now having had those bylaws approved I look forward to their implementation. I look forward to strengrhening CSP's church work programs and seeing the fruits of the Lutheran ldentity and Mission Outcome Standards influence every program offered. Raising up Christian leadersacross all CSP's programs remains the objective, and it remains my goal to ensure that is perpetuated.

Synod service

Years
  • incl. Advancement & Governance7

Other service

Years
  • Prog./Portfolio/ Proj. Mgr. for MN Judicial Branch10
  • Org. Change Ldr14
  • Bd. Chm. Lion's Gate Christian Academy 2
6.
Noreen L UnkeFort Collins, CO
Peace with Christ, Fort Collins CO· Homemaker/ Church Organist· LCMS member 38 yrs

Personal statement

Owner/Mgr. Linke Rentals 7. As a lifelong Lutheran, I have made great use of Concordia Publishing House materials over the past several decades I am impressed by the steady improvement in the quality of materials and services CPH provides. CPH is a vital entity in the global marketplace, and I would love to use my skills and talents to help CPH continue this positive trajectory of producing high quality Lutheran materials that meet theneeds of those within the LCMS and broader Christendom, and to help CPH continue to be a gold standard of Lutheran publishing Also candidate for: Board of Regents, St. Los

Synod service

  • Mem.
  • CoChm. Governance Com.
  • Mem. Formal Visitation Team

Congregation service

  • Church Choir/ Musician
  • Nom
  • Com
  • Youth Grp. Dir. Dir
  • Bible Study Tchr
  • Tchr

Other service

Years
  • Admin. Asst7
7.
Sarah RauschChelsea, SD
Our Savior, Aberdeen SD· Freelance Writer/Editor· LCMS member 42 yrs

Personal statement

Spending my formative years growing up at Concordia Sem- inary gave me a front-row view of the beauty, sacrifice, and trials inherent in ministry and church work. These trials are increasing in both intensity and number, making the sound doctrine, education, mission work, and witness of the LCMS more crucial than ever. God has given our Synod boundless treasures in our congregations and schools that we need to steward and protect for upcoming generations. If elected to the Borad for National Mission, I will use my personal and professional experiences to support its mission and to serve God to the best of my ability. Also candidate for: Concordia Publishing House

Synod service

  • Copyedi- tor/Writer for The Lutheran Witness and The Reporter

Congregation service

Years
  • Church Coun. Secy3
  • Altar Guild16
  • Const. and Bylaw Com
  • Running Substitute Organist Service
  • Mem18

Other service

Years
  • Rural Gospel Initiative3
  • Business Mgr. /Proofreader for LOGIA
  • Young Woman Rep. Nat'l Conv
  • Exec. Editor/Creative Dir. for Around the Word
  • Writer/ Editor for Various Publication
  • Liaison Rural Gospel Initiative and Lutheran Family Service1

About this position

Concordia Publishing House Board of Directors. 4 seats up for election. Authorized by 2023 Handbook, pp. 128–29..

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 →