By Anthony Oliphant
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Southern District re-elected the Rev. Eric C. Johnson on the first ballot to a third term as district president during its 77th convention, held March 24–25 in Slidell, La.
Also elected were:
- Rev. John M. Bussman, senior pastor of St. Paul’s, Cullman, Ala., as first vice-president (first term), Area 3;
- Rev. Jerome N. Terry, pastor of Bethel, New Orleans, as second vice-president (previously third vice-president), Area 1:
- Rev. Randal G. Ehrichs, pastor of Good Shepherd, Callaway, Fla., as third vice-president (first term), Area 4; and
- Rev. Louis A. Boldt, pastor of St. Paul, Hammond, La., as fourth vice-president (second term), Area 2.
Elected officials will be installed June 28 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Slidell, La.
The convention theme, drawn from Romans 10:15, was “Here We Stand. Here We Go.”
Delegates also adopted resolutions to:
- Encourage all congregations to walk together by financially supporting the Southern District office, to the end that personnel can be hired to carry out the work and mission of the district;
- Commend the work of the Constitution Committee in the previous triennium in providing resources to district congregations;
- Encourage the district office and planning committees to avoid scheduling conventions and conferences during Advent and Lent; and
- Change the term limit for district presidents from three 3-year terms to four 3-year terms.
The Rev. Anthony Oliphant is pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Elmhurst, Ill.
Posted May 7, 2025
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