Rev. Kenneth
M. Hennings of Pflugerville, Texas, is the new president-elect of the Synod’s Texas District. Hennings, 59, was elected on the third ballot at the district’s 57th convention, June 22-25 in Houston. He will be installed Sept. 10.
Hennings has served the past 10 years as the district’s mission and ministry coordinator. He succeeds former president Rev. James Linderman, who is retiring from the post. Linderman took office in 2001, filling the unexpired term of Dr. Gerald Kieschnick after he was elected LCMS president.
Also elected were:
- Dr. Robert C. Preece of Dallas, first vice president.
- Rev. David N. Schroder, Austin, Texas, second vice president.
- Dr. Ralph W. Hobratschk, Friendswood, Texas, third vice president.
- Rev. Carroll C. Kohl, Big Spring, Texas, fourth vice president.
Under the theme “God’s Purpose — Our Commitment: Ablaze in Christ,” the convention marked the district’s 100th anniversary. A display featured photos and other memorabilia, including a replica of a 1906 chapel — with pulpit, baptismal font, church bench, hymn board, offering box, and altar paraments from Texas churches during that period.
Supporting missions and the Synod’s Ablaze! initiative, delegates voted to:
- challenge congregations and individuals to be intentional about reaching the lost, citing the district’s Ablaze! goal of establishing 200-plus Word and Sacrament ministries in Texas by 2017.
- encourage congregations to plant new congregations.
- memorialize the LCMS to create a way to fund the Hispanic Institute of Theology.
Other adopted resolutions:
- approve guidelines for ethical conduct among church workers.
- encourage the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synodical Structure and Governance to thoroughly study the issue of “more equitable” representation of congregations and commissioned ministers at LCMS conventions.
- encourage congregations and church workers to walk together as a Synod by seeking forgiveness for sins and recommitting themselves to the serious study of God’s Word and the Lutheran Confessions.
- ask the Synod’s 2007 convention to reconsider and clarify the applicability of various Scripture passages, including those relating to the “order of Creation” and the “office of the public ministry.”
Posted June 29, 2006
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