Minnesota South elects Woodford to third term

Delegates of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Minnesota South District met June 12–14 at Concordia University, St. Paul, St. Paul, Minn., for their 80th regular convention. District President Rev. Dr. Lucas V. Woodford, Farmington, Minn., was elected to a third term on the first ballot.

Also elected were:

Rev. Mark Loder, Howard Lake, Minn., Region 4, to first vice-president (he previously served as fourth vice-president);

Rev. Dr. Brent Parrish, Prior Lake, Minn., Region 2, to a first term as second vice-president;

Rev. Dr. Joshua Miller, Roseville, Minn., Region 1, to a first term as third vice-president; and

Rev. Jonathan Vollrath, Dover, Minn., Region 3, to a first term as fourth vice-president.

Woodford, Loder, Parrish and Miller were installed at the convention. Vollrath will be installed at a later date.

Delegates adopted resolutions:

To equip circuit visitors to highlight how district staff serve congregations and workers, and to present in circuit and pastoral gatherings an overview of the financial needs of the district office, opportunities within congregations and district ministries, and the district’s fidelity with resources and financial offerings;

To encourage pastors and lay leaders to review giving to the district on an annual basis, return pledge cards with intended offerings to the district office, and consider increasing financial contributions to the work of the district with designated amounts or a percentage of the budget;

To amend the district bylaws to allow changes in district governance structure to reflect the model currently in use by the LCMS Board of Directors; and

To clarify the fiduciary responsibilities of the district board of directors; the ecclesial responsibilities of the district president, vice-presidents and circuit visitors; and the daily operations of the district.

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

Posted July 31, 2025