New Jersey re-elects Gewecke, addresses wellness

Gewecke

By Anthony Oliphant

Delegates of the New Jersey District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) met for their 20th regular convention June 12–14 in Edison, N.J., under the theme “Grace from Grace: Loving Our Neighbor,” drawn from Luke 10:27b. During the convention, the Rev. Stephen A. Gewecke, Flemington, N.J., was elected on the first ballot to a second term as district president.

Also elected were:

Rev. Deric Taylor, Fair Lawn, N.J., Region 1, as first vice-president;

Rev. Jon Dunbar, Lambertville, N.J., Region 3, to a first term as second vice-president; and

Rev. Jonathan Hodges, Ringwood, N.J., Region 2, to a first term as third vice-president.

All elected officers were installed during the convention.

As part of the district’s strategic plan, delegates also adopted resolutions:

To address burnout and stress in church workers by establishing a Pastoral Care Committee in congregations to support church workers and explore sabbaticals and other resources;

To prepare for publishing a guide to congregational health and to encourage resource sharing among congregations facing challenges and promote participation in district-led resources for congregation health; and

To establish two new ethnic ministries in each circuit over the next triennium, encouraging cross-cultural training and collaboration with international church bodies for outreach efforts.

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

Posted July 31, 2025