The Rev. Dr. Roger C. Paavola of Bartlett, Tenn., was elected to his fourth term as president of the LCMS Mid-South District at the district’s 21st convention, held July 1–3 in Memphis. Paavola was elected on the first ballot.
Also elected were:
- The Rev. Lane B. Reuter, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Nashville, Tenn., as first vice-president (first term);
- The Rev. Kevin P. Conger, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church, Jacksonville, Ark., as second vice-president (first term);
- The Rev. Robert M. Portier, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sevierville, Tenn., as third vice-president (first term); and
- The Rev. Joshua J. Willadsen, pastor of Bethel Lutheran Church, Fort Smith, Ark., as fourth vice-president (first term).
The officers were installed during the convention.
Delegates also adopted resolutions to:
- Reject and address critical race theory and “doctrines that promote racial division,” and to encourage member congregations to conduct conversations about race and diversity in the light of the Gospel;
- Provide financial and mission support to international mission partners in Haiti, Tanzania and Madagascar; and
- Continue support of the district’s church workers by providing student debt assistance.
Posted July 30, 2021
