Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026 ConventionCandidate slate
First Vice-President of the Synod
20 candidates placed on this slate by the Committee for Convention Nominations. 10 link to a profile in the directory.
Candidates (20)
1.Timothy P. (Tim) AhlmanGilbert, AZConcordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO (2008)· ordained 2008· age ~45· LCMS member 44 yrs
Personal statement
Leadership at every level of our Synod really matters. I am honored to be nominated for First Vice-President and regional vice-president (West-Southwest Region). If elected, by the power of the Holy Spirit, I would be humbled to help Synod leadership solve, 14 | FiRST VICE-PRESIDENT in time, some of our significant challenges: changing demographics. pastoral and commissioned minister leadership shortages, churh singgap declining and closing, limited church plants, and anincreasin of mistrust between various "camps" in Synod. Thesechalene can, and must, be solved without compromising our clearbiblical and confessional Lutheran teaching. I pray our best daysasa Ston are ahead.
District service
Years- Founder, Unite Leadership Collective2018-present
Also candidate for: Regional Vice-President (West-Souhuest Res
2.Victor J. BeltonSt Simons Island, GAother Degrees Honorary Doctorate, Concordia College, Bronxville, NY· age ~74· LCMS member 61 yrs
Personal statement
It is my honor to have served The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod in many capacities. Those include as parish pastor, circuit visitor, member of boards and committees, proclaimer at three LWML national conventions and multiple youth gatherings, and more. I am, in many ways, a veteran of ministry in the LCMS. I am humbled to be considered for the privilege of serving Jesusand His people. My commitment to the inerrant Word of God andthe Confessions is evident. The Lord has blessed me with abalanced, non-anxious presence and a commitment to represent Hisagenda in every room I occupy.
Pastorates
Years- Pulpit Supply, Messiah Lutheran Church, Brunswick, GA2024-present
3.Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO (2001)· ordained 2001· age ~62
Personal statement
We have the best trained people. Let's unleash the laity and send them as living epistles next door and atound the world for faithful witness in this new missionary age. Because this mobilization requires practical structure to thrive, I marry my love tor ministry on the ground with the effective administration necessary to navigate our complex landscape. I find deep satistaction in blessing the church by clearing the path for our people to fulill their calling. Our world is dying for the Gospel; resurrection power is exactly what it needs. Galatians 2:20.
Pastorates
Years- Executive Dir., Central American Lutheran Mission Society2017-2020
Other service
Years- Township Supervisor, Springvale Township, MN2019-present
4.Jeffrey P. CloeterSt. Louis, MOSt. Louis· ordained 2005· age ~48
Personal statement
I have a deep commitment to our Synod. As a sixth-generation LCMS pastor, I am devoted to our confession, our mission, and our heritage-while remaining equally committed to our future. With more than two decades of diverse ministry experience, I have served in rural, urban, and suburban contexts, including church planting, youth and young adult ministry, and senior pastor leadership in a St. Louis congregation. I have also taught and mentored field workers and vicars from Concordia Seminary, led multi-congregation initiatives, and served in various board and governance roles.
Pastorates
Years- 2014-present Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, St. Louis, 2005-2013
Other service
Years- Momentum Academy 2023-present The Harbor Leadership Collective 2016-present St. Louis Regional Mission Network 2017-present Assistant Instructor, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis 2021-present Oikos Group s 2014-present Board of Directors, Green Park Lutheran School2013-2018
- Speaker, various LCMS District Conventions 2017-2018 2025 Adjunct Faculty, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis 2010-20202023-2025
Also candidate for: Regional Vice-President (Central Reg.): Board of Regents, St. Paul FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT 15
5.Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO (1983)· age ~69
Personal statement
We are living in a time that calls for distinctive Christian living, especially in the context of the church. Too often the church behaves and acts like the world, accepting worldly ideas of power and authority. In the context of the organization of the Synod, we need a more streamlined hierarchy that focuses on helping local congregations thrive. We need to live in a way together that affirms the local congregation as the focal point of the church. The office of the First Vice-President should serve to support and advise the President as well as to manage particular duties assigned to that office in ways that support local congregational life.
6.Christopher S. EsgetAlexandria, VAConcordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN (1997)· age ~56· LCMS member 52 yrs
Personal statement
Clarity. Confession. Confidence. This is what I see we most need. This is no time for equivocation. God made the world from nothing in six days. Men and women are different. They have unique, distinct vocations. The Scriptures are inspired, without error, and clear. The Book of Concord is true because itagrees with God's Word. Jesus is Lord. The Holy Spirit works throughthe Means of Grace. If we abide in these things, the Lord will blessour Synod. Be steadfast and immovable!
Synod service
Years- s Vice-President, East-Southeast Region 2022-2026 Chairman, Created Male and Female Task Force2015-present
Other service
Years- Supervisor 2109-2012 Instructor, Liturgical Theology and Church Music, EECMY (Ethiopia)2015 Board of Regents, Concordia College -New York 2017-2025 2019-2020 ssss.: Deaconess Intern Supervisor2014-2015
Also candidate for: Regional Vice-Presidene (East-Southeast Reg.)
7.Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN (1991)· ordained 1991· age ~61· LCMS member 43 yrs
8.Jacob S. GillardGresham, OR· age ~66
9.Byrene K. (Keith) HaneyFort Dodge, IAother Degrees. . DEd in Organizational Change, Concordia University, Irvine, CA (2024)· ordained 1993· age ~61· LCMS member 55 yrs
Personal statement
It is a privilege and an honor to be nominated for the position of Vice-President of the LCMS. I have always taught and believed in the words of Isaiah 6:8, "And I heard the voice of the Lordsay- ing, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Thenl said,'Here am I, send me!" These words ring true in my ears. These are the My faith journey began when God led me early in life to understand the Gospel proclaimed in a Lutheran preschool, where my family and I joined the Lutheran Church. I fully support the doctrine of the LCMS, which guides my confession and pastoral practice. Today, the church faces major challenges-secularism, division, and the ongoing effects of sin-yet thesealso provide opportunities to stand frmly on Christ, our Rock, and to faithfully and lovingly proclaim His Gospel. It would be an honor to serve given to me. As a former district president for just under 10years, I feel ready to serve as Vice-President if elected. Thank you to all those who nominated me and have faith in me to serve. the Synod as First Vice-President.
Other service
Years- President of Transitional Housing Milwaukee County2005-2007
- Chairman of North American Mission Executives Vice Chair, English District Nomination Committee. 2021-present Board of Directors, Lutherans For Life 2022 Vice-President ssses President, English District 2025-present Chairman of the Board of Mission Nation. On s e2013-2015
10.Jamison J. HardyLake Orion, MIConcordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN (2000)· age ~54
Personal statement
words that my pastor taught us in confirmation class, reminding us to be ready when the Lord calls on us to serve. It is a humble honor for me to hear that call to use the gifts and talents that our Lord has
Also candidate for: Regional Vice-President (Great Lakes Reg.)
11.Mark R. HoehnerSt. Peters, MOConcordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO (2000)· age ~52· LCMS member 52 yrs
Personal statement
We are called to point the hurting, the hopeless, and the sinner to the Great Healer, the Great Hope, and the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, Jesus Christ. There is no greater calling, opportunity, or task than to do as Isaiah called God's people to do Go on up to a high mountain, you herald of Good News"and "lift up, fearnot, say . Behold your God!" (40:9).The world is watching, and we had better process what they are seeing. Are they seeing Jesus? We have been blessed with awesome resources. Let's steward those resources faithfully so that we can be, as St. Paul called us to be, living "in harmony with one another, in accord with Jesus Christ, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 15:5-6).
Pastorates
Years- Chapel of the Cross Ev. Lutheran Church, St. Peters, District offices2003-present
- Circuit Visitor, Missouri District2019-2022
12.Jeffrey J. KlohaArlington, VASt. Louis, MO (1992)· ordained 1993· age ~60
Personal statement
I believe that offcers of the LCMS should strive to ensure that congregations are empowered to carry out the Christ-centered and Gospel-focusedmission of God in their communities. While most functions of this office are administrative and bureaucratic, institutions should not be ends in themselves but should strive to serve the Gospel so that "together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ in order that the nations might glorify God for his mercy (Rom. 15:6, 9).
Pastorates
Years- Concordia Seminary, St. Louis1999-2017
Other service
Years- Dean, Centerfor Missional and Pastoral Leadership2024-present
13.St. Louis, MO (1985)· age ~67
14.Peter K. LangeSt. Louis, MOConcordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN (1988)· age ~64· LCMS member 64 yrs
Personal statement
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them" (Rom. 12:6). It's an honor to have received sufficient nominations to be placed, for a second time, on the ballot for President of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. The vote of confidence is humbling, and if this is where the Lord leads, I'm willing to serve. That said, I've enjoyed serving as LCMS First Vice-President and would very much welcome an opportunity to continue in that role, building on my work during the last seven years and supporting the able and faithful leadership of our current Synod President. Also candidate for: First Vice-President
Synod service
Years- Conventions 2019-present eeses ses; LCMS Board of Directors Commission on Theology and Church Relations 2019-0rese esent Chairman, Colloquy Committee for the Pastoral Ministry,2019- Chairman, Colloquy Committee for Commissioned Ministry 2019-present First Vice-President, Synod a.2019-Dresent The Lutheran Church--Missouri2016, 2019
Other service
Years- Louis Board of Regents, Concordia Seminary, St.2019-present
15.Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN (1988)· ordained 1990· age ~62· LCMS member 65 yrs
Personal statement
Although I am very content to serve our Lord as I am currently, I am humbled to have been nominated for these offices. In whatever way my experience as a pastor both in the Midwest (Northern Illinois District and Central Illinois District) and in the Northwest District might serve our Lord's church, I am at His and her service. Of course, challenges lie ahead, but we have a Lord who remains faithful. As a longtime vicarage supervisor, I am particularly encouraged by the zeal I see in our younger pastors and young people in general. They love our theology and desire to serve and spread the Good News of Jesus. May they inspire us to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints and snatch others from the fire and save them (Jude 3, 23).
Pastorates
Years- s 1994-1997 Immanuel Lutheran Church, Augsburg, IL Redeemer Lutheran Church, Gresham, OR. 1997-present1988-1991
Synod service
Years- Circuit Visitor, Mt. Hood Circuit, Oregon District. Oregon Region Vice-President and Second Vice-President, 2018-2024 Northwest District 2024-present First Vice-President, Northwest District +2003-2018
Other service
Years- Graduate Fellow Concordia Mission Institute.1993
Also candidate for: Regional Vice-President (West-Southwest Reg.) 20 FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT
16.Scott C. SailerFort Wayne, INConcordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN (1990)· age ~67
Personal statement
I am honored to be nominated for this position and would serve in such a manner as to do all possible to ensure that the Synod's biblical and confessional foundation would be consistently upheld for the sake of the mission entrusted to us.
Synod service
Years- Academic Dean, Concordia Theo. Seminary, Fort Wayne, 2006-2011
- Faculty, Concordia Theo. Seminary, Fort Wayne, 2011-2024 President, Concordia Theo. Seminary, Fort Wayne,1994-present
Also candidate for: Board of Regents, River Forest Scott C Sailer . Sioux Falls, SD
17.Jeffrey E. SkopakConcordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO (1992)· age ~60· LCMS member 60 yrs
Personal statement
I am honored to be nominated for the position of First Vice-President of the LCMS. With a deep commitment to our faith and mission, I bring a strong background in leadership, theological understanding, and community engagement. I have actively served in various ministry roles, fostering spiritual growth and unity within our congregations. My dedication to upholding Scripture and Lutheran doctrine ensures that I will faithfully represent our values. I an passionate about supporting our pastors and laity, promoting outreach, and strengthening our church's impact locally and globally. I am seen as a servant leader devoted to advancing the Gospel and nurturing the Body of Christ within the LCMS.
Pastorates
Years- St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 1996--2005 Redeemer Lutheran Church, Manchester, 2005-2008 St. James Lutheran Church, St. James, NY 2008-2014 Fountain of Life Lutheran Church, Tucson, AZ e. 2014-2023 Grace Lutheran Church, Jacksonville, FL 2023-present Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Asheville, NC1992-1996
Synod service
Years- Synodical Reconciler e. 2000-2005 Facilitator 2009-2014 Facilitator, Consecrated Stewards District offices Position1997-2005
- Circuit Visitor, Atlantic District e 1998-2005 Facilitator for Church Revitalization, SELCDistrict. 1999-2005 Facilitator, Your Congregation's Future. 2002-2005 Circuit Visitor, District e ees 2012-2014 Circuit Visitor, District1994-1996
Other service
Years- Podcast: Christ, Culture, and Cinema Author, Concordia Publishing House:2021-present
- Christ, Culture, and Cinema: How Faith and Film Intersect2022
- Essayist, Free Evangelical Lutheran Synod in South Africa2023
Also candidate for: Regional Vice-President (East-Southeast Reg.): Board of Regents, Fort Wayne
18.Don Richard Stuckwisch Jr.Fort Wayne, IN· age ~61
19.Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO (1992)· age ~62· LCMS member 52 yrs
Personal statement
I am humbled and honored to be nominated to serve our Synod. It is with great joy that I continue to hold to the words from Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." In an ever-changing world, how important it is to remember that our God does not change. He remains our loving God, who has blessedus with salvation in the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus! As His servants, we are privileged to bring this sacred truth to a world in desperate need to hear it and receive it as the only hope for peace and true life. To the glory of God!
Synod service
Years- Black Clergy Caucus. 1995-1998 Cross Cultural Gathering Planning Team. 1998-2002 Campus Chaplain 2006-2025 Synod Reconciler1992-present
District service
Years- 1995-2002 Vice-President, Atlantic District2008-2010
- Pastoral Assistant to the District President, Atlantic District First Vice-President, New Jersey District. 2012-present2002-2004
Other service
Years- East Brooklyn Congregations Assoc. 2008-2010 Wartburg Foundation 2014-present FLEOA Foundation 2021-present Fair Lawn Police Chaplain sses 2025-present Thrivent Northeast Region Board1992-1997
Also candidate for: Regional Vice-President (East-Southeast Reg.)
21.Sean A. WillmanHillsdale, MIConcordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN (2013)· ordained 2013· age ~40· LCMS member 40 yrs
Personal statement
The church of God is established, strengthened, and sustained by the Word of God and the Holy Sacraments. They are our only source of life in this fallen world. Indeed, in this world that church of God faces tribulation, persecution, false prophets, false doctrine, persistent sin--but Christ our Lord gives peace: "Take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Let us in the LCMS, who know that tribulation acutely, presson with the joy of Christ victorious and boldly "nake a defense to anyone who asks us for a reason for the hope that is in us" (1 Peter 3:15). Also candidate for: Regional Vice-President (Great Lakes Reg.)
Synod service
Years- Steering Committee 2023 Synod Convention Floor Committee Member2014-2016
Other service
Years- s Clergy Ambassador Committee, .2026-present
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 →