LCMS Synod Convention 2026 – Missouri District Information

July 18–23, 2026
Phoenix, Arizona
Official Synod Convention Page

Every three years, the LCMS gathers for its national Synod Convention—an opportunity to worship, pray, plan, and make decisions as a church body. The 69th Regular Convention will be held July 18–23, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. Congregations, circuits, and districts play a key role in preparing for this event well in advance. On this page, you'll find important dates, responsibilities, and helpful links as we approach the 2026 Convention.

Important Dates, Deadlines

Here are the most time-sensitive actions for Missouri District congregations and circuits:

By Oct. 18, 2025

  • Circuit Forums must be held to elect: one pastoral voting delegate and one lay voting delegate (plus alternates)

  • Congregations should select their representatives to attend the Circuit Forum in advance.

  • Congregation members may also: submit nominations for Synod Secretary and convention-elected boards/commissions and overtures for consideration at the Synod Convention

A new online form for Circuit Visitors to report their circuit’s delegate elections will be introduced soon. These reports will be reviewed and certified by Rev. Dr. Nick Hagerman, Missouri District Secretary.

Oct. 18, 2025 – Mar. 8, 2026

  • Congregations register their voters (one pastoral and one layperson) online for the Synod President Election, which takes place online June 6–30, 2026.

  • Voter registration materials will be mailed to congregations by Oct. 18, 2025. Note: These voters are not necessarily the same as the delegates elected to attend the Convention itself.

Key Dates

Here are the most time-sensitive actions for Missouri District congregations and circuits:

  • Oct. 18, 2025 – Deadline for: Circuit Forums and delegate elections, and District selection of nonvoting advisory delegates

  • Oct. 18, 2025 – Feb. 18, 2026 – Congregations may nominate candidates for Synod President, First Vice President, and Regional Vice President

  • Jan. 15–17, 2026 – Committee on Nominations meets

  • Feb. 18, 2026 – Committee reports nomination slate

  • Feb. 28, 2026 – Deadline for: Submission of overtures and reports (Synod encourages submission by Feb. 1, if possible); announcement of Synod President candidates

  • Apr. 25, 2026 – Convention Workbook posted

  • May 16, 2026 – Deadline for comments on the Convention Workbook

  • May 29 – June 1, 2026 – Tentative Floor Committee weekend

  • June 6–30, 2026 – Synod President Election (online)

  • June 8, 2026 – Today’s Business, First Edition posted

  • July 4, 2026 – Synod President Election results announced

  • July 11, 2026 – Deadline for comments on resolutions in Today’s Business

  • July 17–18, 2026 – Floor Committee Hearings (Open and Closed)

  • July 18–23, 2026 – 69th LCMS Synod Convention in Phoenix, AZ

Clarifying Voting Roles

Circuit Forum Delegates
Each Circuit Forum elects one pastoral and one lay voting delegate to the Synod Convention. These delegates attend the Convention and vote on-site in Phoenix.

Synod President Voters
Each congregation (or multi-congregation parish) registers one called and installed pastor and one layperson to vote online for Synod President. These individuals do not attend the Synod Convention unless they are separately elected as circuit delegates.

For Circuit Visitors
Reminders will be sent out, and dedicated time is scheduled during the August Circuit Visitor Training to walk through these responsibilities. If a Circuit Visitor did not receive election instructions or is new to the role, the Missouri District office can provide the most up-to-date materials. For questions or assistance, contact Assistant to the President, Sarah Irwin at sarah.irwin@mo.lcms.org or 314–590–6210.