Regional Lay Members of the LCMS Board of Directors
The LCMS Board of Directors consists of no more than 15 voting members and includes one (1) layperson elected from each of the five designated geographical regions (Bylaw 3.3.4.1).
Due to rotating terms, the 2019 Synod Convention will be required to elect only one (1) regional lay member from each of the following:
- Central Region
- West-Southwest Region
Nomination Process
Prior to the 2016 convention, nominations for regional positions on the LCMS Board of Directors were received from a member congregation of a region and through the same process as the regional vice-presidents (Bylaw 3.12.2.7).
However, the 2016 convention adopted bylaw changes which broaden who can submit nominations for these board positions and the alter process by which the nominations are handled.
Effective for the 2019 convention, the Secretary of Synod is to issue a call for nominations from the agencies and officers of the Synod, congregational and individual members of the Synod, and lay persons of the congregations of the Synod.
Nominations may be received from persons or parties outside the region (Bylaw 3.12.2.8 [b]). All nominees for a particular regional position must reside within the boundaries of the region for which they are nominated (Bylaw 3.12.2.8 [c]).
All nominations received will be considered by the Committee for Convention Nominations, who shall select candidates according to the process outlined in Bylaw 3.12.3.6 (Bylaw 3.12.2.8 [g]).
Election Process
Following the election of the vice-presidents and Secretary, the election of the members of the LCMS Board of Directors will occur, including the election of regional lay member positions of the LCMS Board of Directors (Bylaw 3.12.4.2).
Each position will be elected separately. A majority of votes cast will be required to be elected.
As stated in Bylaw 3.12.4.2 (e), when a second or succeeding ballot is required for a majority, the candidate receiving the fewest votes and all candidates receiving less than 15 percent of the votes cast shall be dropped from the ballot, unless fewer than two candidates receive 15 percent or more of the votes cast, in which case the three highest candidates shall constitute the ballot.
Bylaw 3.12.2.8
Regional Members: Boards for National and International Mission
Bylaw 3.8.2.2
The Board for National Mission shall be comprised of eleven members*:
1. Five laypersons and five individual members of the Synod (one of each from each region of the Synod) elected in the same manner as are regional members of the Board of Directors of the Synod (Bylaws 3.12.1 and 3.12.2.8).
Bylaw 3.8.3.2
The Board for International Mission shall be comprised of eleven members*:
1. Five laypersons and five individual members of the Synod (one of each from each region of the Synod) elected in the same manner as are regional members of the Board of Directors of the Synod (see Bylaws 3.12.1 and 3.12.2.8).
*The President of the Synod or his representative is also a member of the board.
The following list outlines regional positions to be elected at the 2019 convention to the Boards for National and International Mission. An individual member is defined as an ordained or commissioned individual on the roster of the Synod (Bylaw 1.2.1 [l]).
Board for National Mission
Individual member (6-year terms)
- Central Region
- Great Lakes Region
- West-Southwest Region
Lay member (6-year terms)
- East-Southeast Region
- Great Plains Region
Board for International Mission
Individual member (6-year terms)
- East-Southeast Region
- Great Plains Region
Lay member (6-year terms)
- Central Region
- Great Lakes Region
- West-Southwest Region
Nomination Process
Prior to the 2016 convention, nominations for regional positions on the Boards for National and International Mission were received from a member congregation of a region and through the same process as the regional vice-presidents (Bylaw 3.12.2.7).
However, the 2016 convention adopted bylaw changes which broaden who can submit nominations for these board positions and altered the process by which the nominations are handled.
Effective for the 2019 convention, the Secretary of Synod is to issue a call for nominations from the agencies and officers of the Synod, congregational and individual members of the Synod, and lay persons of the congregations of the Synod.
Nominations may be received from persons or parties outside the region (Bylaw 3.12.2.8 [b]). All nominees for a particular regional position must reside within the boundaries of the region for which they are nominated (Bylaw 3.12.2.8 [c]).
All nominations received will be forwarded to the Committee for Convention Nominations, who shall select candidates according to the process outlined in Bylaw 3.12.3.6 (Bylaw 3.12.2.8 [g]).
Election Process
Following the election of the LCMS Board of Directors and Secretary of Synod, the election of the Boards for National and International Mission will occur.
Each position will be elected separately. A majority of votes cast will be required to be elected.
As stated in Bylaw 3.12.4.2 (e), when a second or succeeding ballot is required for a majority, the candidate receiving the fewest votes and all candidates receiving less than 15 percent of the votes cast shall be dropped from the ballot, unless fewer than two candidates receive 15 percent or more of the votes cast, in which case the three highest candidates shall constitute the ballot.
Bylaw 3.12.2.8