“What goes on in our congregations is the main thing.”

President Timothy Teuscher of Lutheran Church–Canada listens during the opening Divine Service at the 69th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in Phoenix on Saturday, July 18, 2026. LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford

National—When President Rev. Dr. Timothy Teuscher attended the recent convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), one message emerged clearly: while church bodies may differ in size and context, they remain united in the same mission—to faithfully proclaim Christ and equip God’s people for service.

Representing Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) among international partner churches, President Teuscher participated in meetings with church leaders from around the world, singing on the joint choir, and discussing shared challenges, opportunities for cooperation, and the ongoing work of the Gospel.

“We’re partner churches. We really teach and confess the same, and we walk together.”

A Global Fellowship

President Timothy Teuscher of Lutheran Church–Canada (second from right) rehearses with fellow guests during the 69th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in Phoenix on Monday, July 20, 2026. LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford

Although LCMS is considerably larger than LCC, President Teuscher noted that within the international Lutheran community, LCC plays an important role.

“People often think of us as being very small,” he said. “But among many of our partner churches, Lutheran Church–Canada is actually one of the larger church bodies.”

That perspective shapes relationships within the International Lutheran Council (ILC). Rather than acting as a ‘big brother’, LCC works alongside sister churches, offering support while respecting their own leadership and ministry contexts.

One encouraging conversation involved continued cooperation between several Lutheran church bodies—including the Lutheran Church in the Philippines, the Lutheran Church of Norway, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria, and LCC—exploring opportunities for collaborative mission work in Israel.

Shared Challenges

Many of the conversations at the convention reflected challenges familiar to Lutherans in Canada: aging congregations, the need for more pastors, and the importance of maintaining faithful theological education.

Discussions surrounding alternative pathways to pastoral ministry and online theological education reinforced the value of formation that combines academic instruction with life together in Christ.

“The physically gathering together and being together—whether it be at the seminary or in worship—is essential. We’re flesh-and-blood people.”

President Teuscher emphasized that while online learning has an important place, pastoral formation also requires personal interaction, mentorship, and life within the Church.

Faithfulness in a Changing Culture

Church leaders also reflected on living faithfully in societies increasingly at odds with biblical teaching.

President Teuscher believes the Church’s first responsibility is not simply responding to public debates but equipping Christians to live faithfully in their daily vocations.

“Our first task is catechesis. We need to say these things to our own people, so they understand them.”

He noted that faithful teaching prepares Christians to engage thoughtfully with the moral and ethical questions facing society while living as citizens of both God’s kingdom and earthly communities.

Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

Perhaps President Teuscher’s strongest reflection came when considering what conventions ultimately exist to accomplish.

Large gatherings can be inspiring, he acknowledged, but they are never the centre of the Church’s life.

“What goes on on a Sunday morning in your congregation is primary. What happens at conventions, seminaries, or synod offices is secondary. Those things exist to support what happens in our congregations and mission fields.”

That conviction has guided his ministry throughout his years as President of LCC.

While conventions help strengthen fellowship, encourage cooperation, and address the work of the Church, they always point back to the local congregation, where Christ continues to gather His people through His Word and Sacraments.

“Make the main thing the main thing.”

See clips of President Teuscher’s reflection on LCMS’s convention below, in his interview with Andy Bates and Rev. Roy Askins on KFUO radio. Used with permission from KFUO Radio (@kfuoradio). Tune in to The Coffee Hour on kfuo.org for live and on-demand listening.

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