National News Archives

Planting a church in Wisconsin — Today, thanks to the work of laypeople who recognized the need for a church in their community, they have one: Hill Country Lutheran Church in Viroqua, Wis.

2026 LCMS convention video – Planting a church in Wisconsin

Thanks to the work of laypeople who recognized the need for a church in their community, Hill Country Lutheran Church in Viroqua, Wis., was planted.

2026 LCMS convention video – Encouraging the next generation of church workers

“Set Apart to Serve” is bearing fruit. Every member of the church carries the responsibility for helping form and shape the future servants of the church.

2026 LCMS convention news – Sunday, July 19

The first full day of convention business includes an essay by the Rev. Dr. Jon S. Bruss, Part 3 of the Synod president’s report, and balloting for first vice-president and regional vice-presidents.

2026 Convention rewind video – Sunday, July 19

The 69th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod began with the Opening Divine Service on July 18, 2026. Delegates got down to business the next day, with the adoption of several resolutions from Floor Committee 1 on National Witness and the election of the Synod’s six vice-presidents.

The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, president of the LCMS, stands with his family during the 69th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in Phoenix on Sunday, July 19, 2026. LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford

LCMS ‘simply the best thing going’: Harrison calls Synod in convention to love and unity

LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison’s report to the 69th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod on July 19 in Phoenix emphasized the joy of the resurrection; the hope of the Gospel; and the need for repentance, forgiveness and brotherly love in the church’s life together.

The Rev. Peter K. Lange listens as he is reelected LCMS first vice-president during the 69th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod on July 19. (LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford)

Lange re-elected first vice-president; Espinosa joins Praesidium

Elections for LCMS first vice-president and regional vice-presidents were held July 19.

Connecting with the mission field through FOROs — Wherever your church supports international mission work — in Eurasia, Africa, Asia or Latin America and the Caribbean — you can attend a FORO there to collaborate, participate and learn about the mission field that you are supporting.

2026 LCMS convention video – Connecting with the mission field through FOROs

Wherever your church supports international mission work — in Eurasia, Africa, Asia or Latin America and the Caribbean — you can attend a FORO there to collaborate, participate and learn about the mission field that you are supporting.

2026 LCMS convention video – Reaching inactive members, strengthening school leaders

Hear about two examples of the many programs and resources offered by the LCMS Office of National Mission in service to “God’s Mission Here.”

Living out the Great Commission — In 2026, the LCMS celebrates 100 years of Hispanic ministry and 90 years of Chinese ministry in the United States. In 2027 and 2028, it celebrates 150 years of Black ministry and 50 years of Hmong ministry, respectively.

2026 LCMS convention video – Living out the Great Commission

In 2026, the LCMS celebrates 100 years of Hispanic ministry and 90 years of Chinese ministry in the United States. In 2027 and 2028, it celebrates 150 years of Black ministry and 50 years of Hmong ministry, respectively.

The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Rudy, kantor at Grace Lutheran Church, Clarksville, Tenn., plays organ, and Jonathan Busarow, executive artistic director of the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir, directs a special convention children’s choir during the Opening Divine Service of the 69th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod on July 18 at the Phoenix Convention Center in downtown Phoenix. (LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford)

Convention Opening Service features youth from across the Synod

The Opening Divine Service of the 69th Regular Convention of the LCMS featured youth from across the Synod serving as choristers, altar guild servers and acolytes.

For the good of the church: Pfotenhauer’s 100-year-old convention address

Pfotenhauer said that the world owes its existence to the church. “If God had not decided to build a Church for Himself on earth, the world would have gone to pieces after the Fall.”