Eastern District re-elects Pingel, addresses AI

Pingel

By Anthony Oliphant

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Eastern District met for its 101st regular convention June 20–21 in North Tonawanda, N.Y. The convention theme, “Born Again to a Living Hope,” was drawn from 1 Peter 1:3. In convention, delegates re-elected the Rev. John L. Pingel, West Seneca, N.Y., on the first ballot to a second term as district president.

Also elected were:

Rev. Jeffrey Nickel, Buffalo, N.Y., to a first term as first vice-president;

Rev. Dr. Edward Grimenstein, Pittsburg, to a first term as second vice-president;

Rev. John Zimmerman, Philadelphia, to a first term as third vice-president; and

Rev. Robert Weidmayer, Rochester, N.Y., to a first term as fourth vice-president.

All elected officers were installed during the convention.

Delegates also adopted resolutions:

To propose a Synod task force to further study the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in ministry and the general life of God’s people, requesting a joint document from the LCMS Council of Presidents, the Office of the President and the Commission on Theology and Church Relations for practical guidance for individuals and congregation in the use of AI; and

To appoint a task force to consider methods, procedures and parameters to improve the representation of all districts on Synod boards, boards of regents and commissions elected during conventions.

The Rev. Anthony Oliphant is pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Elmhurst, Ill.

Posted Aug. 1, 2025