Office of the President

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

Harrison re-elected LCMS President

The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison has been re-elected to a fourth term as president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod after receiving the majority vote on the first ballot during the June 22–25 election period.

The three nominees for president of the Synod were Harrison, the Rev. Dr. David P.E. Maier and the Rev. Timothy M. Klinkenberg. The results of the ballots (cast by a total registered electorate of 6,449), as tallied by Election-America and reported to the secretary of the Synod on June 26, are as follows:

• Harrison — 3,014 votes (51.76 percent)
• Maier — 2,323 votes (39.89 percent)
• Klinkenberg — 486 votes (8.35 percent)

The installation service will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13, in the chapel on the campus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

  Read Reporter story

The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison is the 13th man to serve as president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) since its founding in 1847.

In addition to President Harrison, six vice-presidents make up the LCMS Praesidium.

• A note from President Harrison A note from President Harrison

• Dear friends in Christ,

  Recently, I sent out handwritten notes to some pastors of the Synod, encouraging them to participate in the nominations and election process for Synod president and vice-presidents.

  A pastor contacted me indicating that my action gave the appearance of bias, may have confused some, and thus caused offense. St. Paul wrote, “Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God“ (1 Cor. 10:32).

  I apologize for the offense and/or confusion this may have caused.

  On all details regarding the nominations and election process, please refer to the clear and official documents provided by the secretary of the Synod:

  • Nominations and Elections
  • Postcard Mailings
  Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison

  February 8, 2019

Theological Statements

• Textual Criticism
  
  
• A Theological Statement for Mission in the 21st Century by Matthew C. Harrison

Resources

• Office of Church Relations
  
  
• Licensed Lay Deacons Update
  
  
• Circuit Winkel Bible Studies
  
  
• Pastoral Colloquy
  
  
• Religious Liberty: Free to be Faithful^®
  
  
• “Witness, Mercy, Life Together”
  
  
• The Koinonia Project
  
  
• Books and Writings