Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026 ConventionCandidate slate

Regional Vice-Presidents

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

Candidates (2)

Concordia University Chicago (1995)· ordained 1999· age ~54· LCMS member 54 yrs

Personal statement

It is an honor to be nominated for President of the it is in fact humbling. I was taught at seminary to assent when asked to serve the church. However, I believe my duties in parsonage and school are such that if I were to continue to serve the Synod pulpit, in an elected capacity, doing so as a vice-president would be more prudent. It is my prayer that this statement of President Friedrich Pfotenhauer will always be true: The preaching of the Gospel that is the proper business of the Missouri Synod."

Synod service

Years

2007 Convention Delegate; 2010 2013-2019 Participant, LCMS Model Theological Conference Doctrinal Reviewer 2013 Assistant Chaplain, LCMS Convention. Planning Committee Member and Presernter, LCMS Institute2016, 2019
on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music e Member, Convention Floor Committees:2014, 2017
Administration Seminary Education, Structure and2016, 2019
Nominations Chairman, Committee for Convention Chairman, Convention Floor Committee: 2023 Schools, Family, Young Adults, and Youth 2019-2023 Sixth Vice-President, Central Region Second Vice-President, Central Region 2023-present District offices Member, Convention Floor Committees.2019-2023
2000 2001-2004 Member, New England District Worship Commission 2006-2009 Circuit Counselor, Northern Illinois District Member, Northern Illinois District East Region Pastoral 2006-2010 Conference Committee Secretary, Northern Illinois District Nominations Committee 2009 Circuit Visitor, Southern Illinois District 2015-2018 Chairman, Southern Illinois District Commission on Convention2015
Nominations and Elections. 2017-20182024-2025
Second Vice-President, Southern Illinois District2018-2019

Other service

Years

2020 Contributor, The Lutheran Witness2024
Contributor, The Emigration of the Saxon Lutherans in the Year and Their Settlement in Perry County, Missouri, PH 202*1838
Supervisor of Field Workers, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Vicarage Supervisor, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, and2015-present
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis 2021-2023; Head Boys Basketball Coach, St. Paul Lutheran Squires,2025-present
Hamel, IL.2022-present
Saline 2.23-present Regent, Concordia University, Nebraska.2006-present

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

Joel D. BiermannSt. Louis, MO

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO (1987)· ordained 1987· age ~66· LCMS member 54 yrs

Personal statement

In Colossians, Paul beautifully describes the work of the church: "We preach Christ, instructing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone complete in Christ" (1:28). Three things: We cultivate faithful practices in worship and living that form people into the fullness that God intends for His creatures. We embrace our purpose to deliver Gods truth revealed in Christ to the world and shun petty disputes or fears that hinder our work together. We proclaim the Gospel to everyone, because Christ has died for everyone. This threefold emphasis should direct all who serve in the church.

Synod service

Years

Member, Commission on Theology and Church Relations2016-2026

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

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 →