Board of Directors discusses RSOs, budget, CUS, more

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Board of Directors (BOD) met Feb. 21–22 in Ann Arbor, Mich.

In their respective reports to the board, LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison touched on district convention season and pastoral formation, and LCMS Chief Mission Officer Rev. Kevin Robson summarized work underway in the five units he oversees at the LCMS International Center (IC) in St. Louis: International Mission, National Mission, Pastoral Education, Mission Advancement and Communications.

Following Robson’s report, a board member asked about the Synod’s participation in “pan-Lutheran RSOs [Recognized Service Organizations]”; Robson clarified that RSO status requires that the organization not conflict with LCMS doctrine and practice and that it meet a required level of LCMS congregant participation in governance. Even long-term relationships are regularly subject to this scrutiny. Robson noted RSOs are legally distinct from the Synod but expected to operate in harmony with it. Harrison spoke about efforts to follow up with certain RSOs whose adherence to LCMS doctrine and practice have been called into question. He noted the value of the Synod’s influence on RSOs in advancing harmony with the Synod’s position and work.

Chief Financial Officer Nathan Haak previewed the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 budget for FY26, running July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Budget preparations are well underway in the units at the IC, and the annual Synod budget will be presented to the board for its approval at the board’s upcoming May meeting.

The LCMS Michigan District Board of Directors joined the LCMS BOD to discuss issues revolving around Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA). After BOD Chairman Christian Preus shared an opening reflection on CUAA, including its history and his and his family’s personal connections to the university, Michigan District President Rev. David Davis reviewed events that have led to a feeling of “distance” between CUAA and the Synod. The boards spent time asking each other questions, with Preus and LCMS Secretary Rev. Dr. John W. Sias responding for the LCMS BOD, and Davis and Michigan District BOD Chairman Stephen Boergert responding for the Michigan District.

The board heard from Concordia University System (CUS) President Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, who expressed gratitude for the resources that have been provided to enable extensive formal and informal visitation of the Synod’s universities. Boards of regents (BOR) training (Bylaw 3.10.6.2.2) is planned for May, with the presidents and chairs coming in early to discuss issues like master plan processes with CUS and BOD leadership.

The BOD heard committee reports and approved several action items, including updating its policy manual and authorizing legal entities in Romania and Japan to facilitate the Synod’s ongoing work in those countries.

The BOD next meets May 23–24.

Board minutes are available at lcms.org/bod.

Posted May 9, 2025