LCMS Synod Convention 2026 – Missouri District Information

July 18–23, 2026
Phoenix Convention Center
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 Synod Convention.

Important dates, deadlines

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 circuit delegates elected to attend the Convention itself.

Key Dates

  • Feb. 28, 2026 – Deadline for overtures and reports (from congregations and others) for consideration by the Synod Convention (preferably before Feb. 1, 2026)

  • Mar. 8, 2026 – Deadline for congregations to register voters for the Synod President Election

  • 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 Executive Director of Congregational Services Rev. Peter Kirby at Peter.Kirby@mo.lcms.org or 314–590–6221.