Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026 ConventionSeminary Boards of Regents
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
7 candidates placed on this slate by the Committee for Convention Nominations. 5 link to a profile in the directory.
Candidates (7)
1.Joel A. BrondosGeneseo, ILConcordia, Geneseo IL· Pastor Em· LCMS member 69 yrs
Personal statement
We have left everything to follow You (Mark 10:28). Then after three years Jesus sent them throughout Judea Samaria and all the world. Residential seminary education heeds this pattern-and the seminary Board of Regentsserves the Synod to this end, namely, that young men may be diligent in presenting themselves approved to God, rightly dividing the word of truth, so that the laying on of hands in ordination is not done hastily, as the Scriptures clearly prescribe.
Synod service
Years- Conv. Deleg. Secy. Cong. Serv. Fl. Com
- LCMS Bd. for Comm. Serv3
- LSB Hymn Subcom3
- 4
District service
Years- Bd. for Youth Serv. 4
- Bd. for Worship & Spiritual Care 3
- Conf. Spkr
Congregation service
Years- Pastor31
- Campus Pastor
Other service
- Instructor of Religion
- Dorm. Supervisor
- Prof
- Author of Various Publications. Jesussaid
- Follow Me," and immediately they dropped their nets and followed Him (Mark 1:17-18). Later
- the disciples said
3.Bruce E. KesemanFreeburg, ILChrist Our Savior, Freeburg IL· Pastor· LCMS member 62 yrs
Personal statement
as a pastor convince me that Concordia Seminary's Board should continue its commitment to (1) immersing students in the Bible and Lutheran Confessions, (2) instilling love for Christ's redeemedpeople, (3) cultivating mission hearts, (4) stewarding faithfully donors' generous contributions, (5) providing second-to-none theological education, including calling outstanding faithful faculty, (6) providing updated student housing, and (7) preserving the historic campus bequeathed by our forebears in faith. Distance education remains important. Still, God's people in our Synod are served best when residential seminary educationwhere God's Word forms our future church workers ina vibrant community-remains predominant.
Synod service
Years- 7
- Conv. Fl. Com
- Conv. Deleg
- Conv. Host
- Worship Forum Presenter
- Natl Youth Gathering Steering Com
- Bd. for Youth Serv5
- Chm. 2
District service
Years- First 3
- Second 3
- Dist. 9
- Bd. of Spiritual Care9
- 3
- Chm. IL Campus Min9
- Conf. FI. Com
- Dist. Interview Com
- Miss. Conf. Organizer
Congregation service
Years- Mental Illness Outreach14
- Pastor33
- Miss. Devel1
Other service
Years- Host Pastor1
- Sem. Field Ed. Supervisor30
- Higher Things & Conf. Exec
- Deac. Internship Supervisor2
- Conf. Spkr30
- Admissions & Residence Staff St. John's College2
- Freeburg Christian Dialogue Coord
- Freeburg Youth Project Success Bd. Three-and-a-half decades
5.Sarah Elizabeth GaffneyHamel, IL· Deac./Tchr· LCMS member 57 yrs
Personal statement
My family's university is Concordia University Nebraska. I transferred to and graduated from Concordia University Chicago for the deaconess program. Attending two Concordias gave me experiences in both small town and citycampuses. Growing up in a church work family resulted in family conversations regarding changes in our university system My desire is that our Concordias would stand solidly on Scripture and the Lutheran Confessionsso that we may continue to spread the Gospel, as Matthew 28:19-20 explains. May our universities take this to heart so that we properly train our next workers to carry on and adhere to our common confession.
District service
- Mem.
Congregation service
Years- Parish Deac11
- Tchr
- Tchr
- Youth Grp
- Ladies' Aid
Other service
Years- Voice of Care10
- Safe Harbor Residential School2
- Secy. Spiritual & Professional Growth Conc. Deac. Conf5
- Deac. Interviewer 4
- Classical Ed
Also candidate for: Board of Regents, Irvine
6.Michael S. StaubHouston, TXMemorial, Houston TX· Dean & Band Dir· LCMS member 46 yrs
Personal statement
My family has been blessed by pastors from both seminaries who have faithfully preached the Word of God and administered His Sacraments. I have been honored to serve on this board for the past seven years-the last three as vice-chairman. Following the strategic plan, the board has called faithful faculty members, strengthened chapel worship, improved recruiting for future pastors, maintained financial strength, and cared for the seminary campus. If chosen, I will continue to ad- vOcate for the importance of residentially trained pastors who learn in community with fellow seminarians, guided by faithful faculty, and gathered around the Word of God. These well-trained men will be prepared to boldly proclaim Christ to the church and the world. LAYPERSONS Elect 1 layperson (6-year term)
Synod service
Years- 7
- Conv. FI. Com
- Conv. Adv. Deleg
Congregation service
Years- Elder9
- Mem. Call Com3
Other service
- Luth. Tchr. & Admin. 24
7.Michelle M. KazmierczakCarmel, INAdvent, Zionsville IN· Atty· LCMS member 49 yrs
Personal statement
In my l0 years of service on the Concordia University Chicago Board of Regents I have had the privilege to serve undergraduate young men and women seeking to fulfill their vocations as students to prepare themselves for a life of service to their neighbor in various vocations. The mission of our undergraduate institutions must continue
Other service
Years- 10
- incl. Chm. 2 & Governance Chm8
- Luth. ldentity Miss. Steward
- Deputy Atty. Gen
About this position
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis — Board of Regents. 4 seats up for election. Authorized by 2023 Handbook, pp. 158–71..
Conditions for election →Other slates for Seminary Boards of Regents
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 →