Christ’s message of Gospel forgiveness was apparent in ways big and small as more than 1,300 delegates — and hundreds more guests, both national and international — descended on downtown Phoenix July 18–23 for the 2026 LCMS convention under the theme “Christ Is Risen Indeed.”
National Convention
Applications open for National Offering matching grants
The deadline for the first application window is Sept. 15.
LCMS church planting ‘indebted to Lutheran theology’
LCMS Church Planting’s locally driven, lay-focused approach to church planting was affirmed at the 2026 LCMS convention in Phoenix with the adoption of Resolution 1-07A: “To Increase Church Planting at the Parish Level.”
Convention takes action on electoral circuits, leadership structure, regulation of agencies
In July, the LCMS in convention made changes to its electoral circuit parameters, restructured a couple of its leadership positions and made changes to its agency regulation.
Global Lutheran leaders: Challenges abound, but Christ’s contentment rules
The 2026 International Church Relations Conference was held in Phoenix July 16–27 to coincide with the 69th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
‘Pray for the churches’: Join international church bodies in year of prayer
LCMS Church Relations has created a yearlong schedule, beginning Aug. 2 or anytime, for congregations and individuals to pray for two church bodies by name each week.
Convention adopts ‘Modern Day Martyrdom’ resolution
The resolution calls for giving thanks to God for the steadfast faith of martyred brothers and sisters in Christ and encourages parish pastors to prepare their congregations to stay faithful.
2026 LCMS convention news – Thursday, July 23
The fifth and final day of the convention included unfinished business and an Itinerarium.
2026 LCMS convention recap video
The 69th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod concluded on July 23, 2026. Highlights of the week included the recognition of fellowship with the Evangelical Lutheran Christian Church of Bolivia and Lutheran Mission–Australia, the decision to keep the current process for the election of the LCMS president, and the reconstitution of the Commission on Worship.
Meet your delegates
As we say goodbye to Phoenix, get to know five of the delegates who represented their home districts at convention.
WELS president brings greetings to Synod in convention
On July 20, the Rev. Mark Schroeder, president of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, talked about the history of the WELS and 12 years of discussions with the LCMS.
Presidential election to remain electronic, with call for increased participation
A resolution calling to return the election of the LCMS president to the convention was supplanted by a substitute resolution seeking to increase congregational participation in the current electronic, pre-convention voting process.
2026 LCMS convention news – Wednesday, July 22
The fourth day of convention business included an essay by the Rev. Dr. Kirk M. Clayton, Commemoration of the Faithful Departed, and continued balloting for boards and entities.
2026 Convention rewind video – Wednesday, July 22
On July 22, the fourth day of the 69th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, delegates adopted a slew of resolutions from Floor Committees 7, 8 and 9. In addition, the convention was greeted by representatives from the Synod’s two auxiliaries, and delegates remembered the rostered church workers who were called to glory during the past triennium.
Convention affirms current Synod paths for ordination and pastoral training
After debate and discussion on the convention floor, delegates demonstrated broad agreement on and a desire to affirm the LCMS’ current paths to ordination and the training of pastors.
LCMS paves the way for full fellowship with Lutheran Mission–Australia
On Tuesday afternoon, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in convention unanimously approved Res. 5-02, thus laying the groundwork for a full recognition of fellowship with Lutheran Mission–Australia.