By Anthony Oliphant
The Mid-South District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) met June 12–14 in Memphis, Tenn., for its 22nd regular convention. The convention theme, “Christ: The Church’s One Foundation,” was drawn from 1 Corinthians 3:10–11. The Rev. Dr. Roger C. Paavola, Bartlett, Tenn., was re-elected to a fifth term as district president on the second ballot.
Also elected were:
- Rev. Joshua J. Willadsen, Fort Smith, Ark., Region 1, to first-vice president after previously serving as third vice-president;
- Rev. Kevin R. Conger, Jacksonville, Ark., Region 2, to second vice-president;
- Rev. Philip H. Young, Nashville, Tenn., Region 3, to a first term as third vice-president; and
- Rev. David W. Grave, Wartburg, Tenn., Region 4, to a first term as fourth vice-president.
All elected officials were installed during the convention.
Delegates adopted resolutions:
- To strengthen church planting and personal witness by utilizing LCMS resources;
- To reaffirm the district’s partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania—South East of Lake Victoria Diocese and the Malagasy Lutheran Church;
- To establish a Locum Tenens ministry pilot program within the district to provide care to congregations with long or extended pastoral vacancies;
- To clarify the classifications and limitations of the Specific Ministry Pastor and other non-residential routes to the ministry;
- To allow a district president to accept a call as an assisting pastor in a congregation; and
- To memorialize the LCMS to develop bylaws to revoke Registered Service Organization (RSO) status and give reason for not granting status to RSOs with policies and stances in conflict with LCMS positions on human sexuality.
The Rev. Anthony Oliphant is pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Elmhurst, Ill.
Posted July 31, 2025
