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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Rev. Joseph Ochola Omolo, archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya, addressed the LCMS in convention on Tuesday afternoon, July 21, expressing solidarity and offering words of encouragement and appreciation to the assembled delegates.
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in convention formally endorsed LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison’s May 2025 recognition of altar and pulpit fellowship with the Evangelical Lutheran Christian Church of Bolivia.
Floor Committee 11 oversaw the election of regents to the boards of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (CSL); Concordia University Chicago (CUC); Concordia University Irvine (CUI); and Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE).
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