‘Christ Is Risen Indeed’: Theme announced for 2026 convention

Plans are underway for the 69th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), set for July 18–23, 2026, in Phoenix.

The convention theme will be “Christ Is Risen Indeed,” based on 1 Corinthians 15:20–22: “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.”

About the 2026 theme, LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison said, “For the last convention our theme was ‘We Preach Christ Crucified.’ We chose that because it was Paul’s fantastically blunt and direct message — foolishness to the world — that this is the center of our faith. … Our price is paid in the cross, and we preach this cross to everybody to know that your sins are forgiven here.

“And now, we follow on at this convention knowing [that] in the resurrection of Christ is our justification, and in fact, the world’s justification. The world is released from sin. The world’s sins have been forgiven in Christ’s resurrection. The Resurrection is our great hope and joy for the future.”

The convention will take place at the Phoenix Convention Center in downtown Phoenix. Convention-related dates to make note of are:

Floor committee weekend: May 29–June 1, St. Louis.

Pre-convention floor committee meetings: July 17, afternoon.

Floor committee open hearings: July 18, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

Delegate orientation: July 18, 1:30 p.m.

Opening worship: July 18, 7 p.m.

Convention proceedings: July 19–23.

Convention close: July 23, 12 p.m.

Installation of new officers: Sept. 18, St. Louis.

All dates are in 2026.

The timing of an individual’s arrival in Phoenix will depend on his or her convention role, district instructions and desire to attend open hearings. According to LCMS bylaws, all duly elected voting delegates, advisory delegates and advisory representatives “shall attend all sessions regularly until the close of the convention” (Bylaws 3.1.2.2 [c], 3.1.5.2).

The nomination period for Synod secretary and elected boards and commissions opened Jan. 18 and will be held open until Oct. 18 of this year, nine months prior to the opening of the convention. Names should be submitted as soon as possible, however — preferably by Aug. 18 — to allow time for the gathering of necessary information and evaluations.

The timing of all other convention processes, including deadlines for registration, submission of reports and overtures, and nominations and elections, will be as determined by Synod bylaws, relative to the convention’s opening date. Watch for future convention-related updates in the form of both articles and official notices. The first district conventions begin this month.

More information about the 2026 convention will be shared as it becomes available.

Posted Jan. 16, 2025