LCMS Convention Highlights Christ’s Mission, Partnerships, and Service

International—The 69th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) concluded July 23 in Phoenix, Arizona, gathering pastors, church workers, lay delegates, and international guests, under the convention theme, “Christ Is Risen Indeed” (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.”
1 Corinthians 15:20-22

Throughout the week, delegates considered the work of the Synod, celebrated God’s faithfulness, and made decisions intended to strengthen the church’s witness for years to come.

For Lutherans in Canada, the convention also served as a reminder of the close relationship between Lutheran Church–Canada and the LCMS. As sister church bodies in ‘altar and pulpit fellowship’ (see more on this in this week’s episode of the Conversations), we share a common confession of faith and a common mission to proclaim Christ crucified and risen. LCC’s President, Rev. Dr. Timothy Teuscher, joined leaders from around the world, extending greetings to the convention, emphasizing that although our contexts may differ, “our task and mission is the same.”

“Although the challenges facing us up here in Canada are unique … our task and mission is the same — to be ‘Together One’ in teaching and practice.”
– Rev. Dr. Timothy Teuscher, president, LCC

One of the convention’s strongest themes was the global fellowship shared among confessional Lutherans. The LCMS currently maintains ecclesiastical relationships with 103 church bodies in 73 countries, representing approximately 22 million Lutherans worldwide. These partnerships include sister churches, associate churches, and church bodies with whom the LCMS continues theological dialogue. Leaders from many of these churches addressed the convention in person or by letter, expressing gratitude for shared confession, theological support, missionary partnerships, and prayers.

To further strengthen these relationships, LCMS Church Relations introduced a year-long prayer schedule encouraging congregations and individuals to pray regularly for two partner churches each week. The initiative reminds Christians that, although separated by geography and culture, the Church remains united in Christ and strengthened through mutual prayer.

Delegates adopted several resolutions concerning relationships with partner church bodies. As mission work remains central throughout the convention, delegates also adopted numerous resolutions encouraging congregational revitalization, church planting, ministry among youth and young adults, urban outreach, campus ministry, family ministry, and strengthening the Synod’s digital witness. Other resolutions celebrated longstanding ministries among Black communities and Deaf communities while encouraging continued outreach to all nations.

Looking ahead, LCMS also announced its 2026–2029 National Offering, titled “Christ Is Risen! Tell the Next Generation.” Inspired by Psalm 78:4, the offering will support domestic mission work carried out through congregations, districts, and ministries serving families, youth, campuses, and Lutheran schools. Grants will help equip local ministries to proclaim the Gospel to future generations across North America.

“We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonders that He has done.”
Psalm 78:4

President Timothy Teuscher of Lutheran Church–Canada greets the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, president of the LCMS, at the 69th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in Phoenix on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford

The convention also addressed the Church’s call to care for those facing challenges in body and mind. Delegates adopted resolutions encouraging the use of counselling and telehealth services for the care and retention of church workers, as well as encouraging the LCMS’ response to the growing addiction crisis. Following the adoption of the addiction resolution, LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison led the convention in prayer for those suffering from addiction and mental illness, asking the Lord to grant healing according to His gracious will and to use His people as witnesses of Christ’s love, redemption, salvation, and comfort amid their struggles.

Among other actions, delegates reaffirmed several long-held doctrinal positions of the Synod while also commissioning further theological study on questions brought before the convention. These discussions reflected the Synod’s ongoing commitment to careful study of Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions as it seeks to faithfully serve Christ and His Church.

The convention concluded with thanksgiving for God’s continued faithfulness and confidence in the work He has entrusted to His people. As sister churches, Lutheran Church–Canada joins in giving thanks for the ministry of the LCMS, for our shared confession of Christ, and for the many partnerships that continue to advance the Gospel around the world.

May the Lord continue to bless both our church bodies as we proclaim together the saving message of the risen Christ, serving our neighbours in love and making known His salvation to future generations.

Cousby Fenandez, Digital Communications Coordinator of Lutheran Church–Canada

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