About the Convention

Nebraska District LCMS Convention ⋅  June 20-21, 2025
Younes Conference Center, Kearney

 

Contact Us For Assistance

  • For questions about nominations, contact Candi Menze at candim@ndlcms.org or 402-643-2961, extension 1010
  • For questions about overtures, contact Joyce Bruha at joyceb@ndlcms.org or 402-643-2961, extension 1011
  • For questions about the website, contact Kimberly Myers at kimberlym@ndlcms.org or 402-643-2961, extension 1009
  • If your congregation needs to certify a new delegate, please contact Kim Hofer at kimh@ndlcms.org or 402-643-2961, ext. 1014.

Any other Convention questions may be directed to Candi Menze, Convention coordinator, at candim@ndlcms.org, or contact the District Office at 402-643-2961.

 

About the 21st Convention of the Nebraska District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

district convention logoOur 2025 Convention theme, God’s Family Together—Joined In His Mission, is the short version of our vision for the Nebraska District: God’s forgiven family walking and working together in God’s mission of making and maturing disciples of Jesus Christ.

Our time in Convention will focus on Jesus’ prayer in John 17:21, “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

The Convention logo consists of three main parts: a pair of leaves growing around a cross; a hand reaching outward; and a heart which surrounds them. The growing leaves represent how we seek to cultivate relationships so that the body of Christ shares His love. The open hand represents our Heavenly Father as He connects people in joy-filled community as the Spirit makes and matures disciples of Jesus Christ. The heart represents how we care for the family of God so that His disciples mature and grow. The pieces of this logo come together to illustrate us as God’s Family Together—Joined In His Mission.

Agenda

Updated Keynote Speakers

Our 2025 Convention theme, God’s Family Together—Joined In His Mission, is the short version of our vision for the Nebraska District: God’s forgiven family walking and working together in God’s mission of making and maturing disciples of Jesus Christ. Our time in Convention will focus on Jesus’ prayer in John 17:21, “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

Rev. Dr. Lucas Woodford, president of Minnesota South District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, is unable to join us as keynote presenter. We are grateful that Rev. Dr. Pete and Deb Jurchen, and Dr. Bernard Bull, president of Concordia University, Nebraska, have agreed to present our keynote sessions.

Rev. Dr. Pete and Deb Jurchen will explore the family in two ways. On Friday afternoon, Pete and Deb will unpack some of the complexities of ministering to families; then on Saturday morning, Dr. Jurchen will investigate how the Church family can cultivate a culture of maturing adult discipleship. On Saturday afternoon, Dr. Bull’s keynote asks the question, “How can the LCMS family cultivate communities where God’s Word shapes each generation?” This keynote will explore how congregations and schools can support the family, becoming faithful and flourishing centers of Christ-centered learning and faith formation.

Rev. Dr. Pete Jurchen is Assistant Professor of Lutheran Education and Faith Formation at Concordia University, Nebraska. Prior to serving this call, he served as an editor of Bible and Curriculum resources at Concordia Publishing House and as a parish pastor in both Nebraska and Iowa. He has earned a BSEd from Concordia University, Nebraska; MDiv from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; MSEd from Drake University; and an EdD in adult learning theory from Lindenwood University.

Pete’s wife, Deb Jurchen, holds a BFA in K-12 Art Education from Concordia University, Nebraska, and an MSE in Family Life Education from Concordia University, Wisconsin & Ann Arbor. She has a background in Lutheran education, having taught all ages Pre-K-12th grade. Deb currently serves as the Director of University Institutes at Concordia University, Nebraska; as adjunct professor in the Family Life Education Graduate program at Concordia University, Nebraska; as well as the Family Life Ministry Consultant for the Nebraska District LCMS. Together, Deb and Pete have five children and reside in Seward, Nebraska.

Dr. Bernard Bull serves as the 11th President of Concordia University, Nebraska. His work focuses on futures and issues in Christian education, education trend analysis, models of educational research and development, and the intersection of education and digital culture. Prior to Concordia University, Nebraska, Bull served as President of Goddard College; Associate Professor of Education and Vice Provost at Concordia University Wisconsin; and as a middle and high school teacher in Lutheran schools in Illinois and Wisconsin. Throughout his career, Bull has taught grades six through doctoral studies in Lutheran schools and universities.

Bull is author, co-author, and editor of a number of books, including: The Pedagogy of Faith; Digitized: Spiritual Implications of Technology; Imagine the Possibilities: Conversations on the Future of Christian Education; Prep Talks: Tales of Challenges & Opportunities in Christian Education; What Really Matters: Critical Issues in Education; Adventures in Self-Directed Learning; and Missional Moonshots: Insights and Inspiration in Educational Innovation. He has served as a consultant and invited speaker to over two-hundred groups and organizations over the past twenty years.

 

Event Check In on Friday

Event check in will open at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, June 20 in the lobby of Younes Conference Center South. The Convention will begin with worship at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 20. All delegates are asked to check in at the Younes Conference Center before the start of the worship service. Lunch is included with registration and available at the convention center. Worship will be held on the Convention floor with Rev. Nabil Nour, fourth vice-president of the LCMS, preaching at the opening service.

Delegates will receive their housing assignments when they check in with Convention staff on Friday morning. Please note that check-in time at the hotels is not until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, and rooms may not be available early. Delegates may check in to their hotels during the afternoon break or at the end of the day. Those staying on Thursday evening will receive their hotel assignments by email.

A basic agenda is available below.

The floor committee formed to work with the overtures submitted to this year’s Convention will hold open hearings for all delegates and guests on Friday, June 20, from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at the Convention site. The floor committee met early this spring to review the overtures and prepare them as proposed resolutions, which are in the Convention Workbook on the website. Anyone wishing to listen to the discussion or make comments on these proposed resolutions should plan to attend the open hearings Friday morning.

All Convention participants will receive a Participant Guide, which includes this agenda and other details, when they check in. 

AGENDA

Thursday, June 19

PM 2:00 Board of Directors Business Meeting – Diamond 6
5:00 Floor Committee Work Session with Dinner – Diamond 1
6:00 Board of Directors and Staff Dinner – Crystal Ballroom 3-4

 

Friday, June 20

AM 8:00 General Registration and Fellowship with Coffee – Younes Center Main Lobby
Visiting of Exhibitor Hall
9:00 Floor Committee Open Hearings – Diamond 1
10:00 Floor Committee Work Session – Diamond 1
11:00 Convention Opening Worship Service – Diamond Ballroom
PM 12:00 Lunch – Crystal Ballroom 3-4
Late Registration and Visit Exhibitor Hall
Board of Directors Meeting and Lunch – Diamond 6
1:30 Move to Convention Floor – Diamond Ballroom
1:45 Credentials Report – Rev. Adam Snoberger
1:50 Convention Called Into Session
   Announcements and Introductions
   Instruction on Keypad Voting System – Rev. Anthony Gerber, Elections Committee, and
Rev. John Rasmussen, Floor Committee
   Adoption of Convention Agenda and Standing Rules
2:20 Welcome of New Members of the Synod – LCMS Fourth Vice-President, Rev. Nabil Nour
2:25 God’s Family Together—Joined In His Mission
2:30 District President’s Report
2:50 Election of District President
Nominations Committee – Mr. Glenn Van Velson and Elections Committee – Rev. Anthony Gerber
3:05 God’s Family Together—Joined In His Mission
3:10 Keynote 1 – Rev. Dr. Pete and Deb Jurchen
3:55 God’s Family Together—Joined In His Mission
4:00 Floor Committee and Elections of Vice-Presidents and Circuit Visitors
5:15 Invitation to Visit Exhibitor Hall and Dismiss to Evening Break
Individual Circuit Caucuses to Elect Circuit Visitors Where Needed
5:45 Banquet – Crystal Ballroom 3-4
7:00 Convention Reconvenes – Diamond Ballroom
Greetings from Concordia University, Nebraska
7:05 Nominations, Elections, and Floor Committees as needed
8:05 God’s Family Together—Joined In His Mission
8:10 District Treasurer’s Report – Mr. Elijah Luebbe
8:30 Greetings from Lutheran Church Extension Fund
“For All the Saints” and Dismissal
8:45 Reception for Newly Elected and Outgoing Officers, Hosted by Lutheran Church Extension Fund – Diamond 1
9:45 Convention Center Closes

 

 

Saturday, June 21

AM Breakfast at Conference Hotels
8:00 Fellowship with Coffee – Younes Center Main Lobby
8:30 Convention Reconvenes – Diamond Ballroom
Opening Devotion – Rev. Lonnie Jacobsen
8:45 Installation of District President – Synod Representatives
8:55 Greetings from LCMS Foundation
9:00 Keynote 2 – Rev. Dr. Pete and Deb Jurchen
9:45 Greetings from our Synod’s Seminaries
9:50 Credentials Report – Rev. Adam Snoberger
9:55 Approval of Minutes – Rev. Craig Niemeier
10:05 State of the Synod Report – LCMS President, Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison
11:05 Question-and-Answer Time with LCMS President, Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison
11:35 Nominations, Elections, and Floor Committees as needed
PM 12:00 Lunch – Crystal Ballroom 3-4 (Advisory delegates excused first)
Board of Directors Meeting and Lunch – Diamond 6
12:45 Visit Exhibitor Hall
   Advisory Delegate Caucuses
        Commissioned Minister Caucus – Ruby 6
        Advisory Pastor Caucus – Diamond 1
1:30 Convention Reconvenes – Diamond Ballroom
Keynote 3 – Dr. Bernard Bull
2:15 Greetings from Mission Central
2:20 Nominations, Elections, and Floor Committees as needed
3:15 God’s Family Together—Joined In His Mission
3:20 Installation of Officers
3:30 Approval of Minutes – Rev. Craig Niemeier
3:35 Credentials Report – Rev. Adam Snoberger
3:40 Thanks, Recognition, and Closing Remarks – District President, Rev. Richard Snow and Rev. Lonnie Jacobsen
4:00 Adjournment

 

Amended Documents

Thank you for helping us be good stewards of our resources by limiting the amount of printing we do at Convention.

All amendments to proposed resolutions and biographies of those nominated from the floor during Convention will be shared here.

 

Floor Committee Amended Documents Nominations From The Floor

 

 
Convention News and Results

Keep up with District news

 

Proposed Resolution Title

Amended As

Status
PROPOSED RESOLUTION # 1.01  To Amend Nebraska District Bylaw III.D.3.c)-d) for Harmony with Synod Bylaw 4.7.3 (c) Approved, 96%
PROPOSED RESOLUTION # 1.02  To Amend Nebraska District Bylaw III.C.3.b.5 for Harmony with Synod Bylaw 3.10.6.2.1 (a)-(b) Approved, 95%
PROPOSED RESOLUTION # 1.03  To Permit Majority Voting in Electronic Decisions for Synod Boards and Agencies Approved, 87%
Proposed Resolution # 1.04  To Offer a Mission Focus for the Next Triennium to Synod
PROPOSED RESOLUTION # 1.05  To Change the Name of the Holdrege Circuit
PROPOSED RESOLUTION # 1.06  To Encourage Worship Practices in Universities and Seminaries That Are Faithful to the Scriptures and Confessions and Reflect the Breadth of Worship in the Synod Proposed Resolution 1.06A, and 1.06B
PROPOSED RESOLUTION # 1.07  Request Synod Examine the Question of District Realignment
PROPOSED RESOLUTION #1.08  To Encourage Congregational Affiliation with Congregations for Concordia University, Nebraska
PROPOSED RESOLUTION # 1.09 To Ask Synod to Begin Preparations for a New Hymnal Proposed Resolution 1.09A, and 1.09B
Proposed Resolution 1.10  To Decline Overtures #1.12 and #1.13 from Workbook to Allow Revisions for Overtures Before the Convention Workbook is Published
Proposed Resolution 1.11 To Clarify Multipoint and Multicampus Parish Proposed Resolution 1.11A Approved (with amendment), 87%
OMNIBUS A OMNIBUS A(a), A(b), and A(c)
OMNIBUS B OMNIBUS B(a)

 

 

Office/Position

Election Result
District President Richard Snow, 71%
Vice-President, Region A James Moshier, 60%, then ranked as Second Vice-President
Vice-President, Region B Scott Bruick, 54%, then ranked as Third Vice-President
Vice-President, Region C Michael Awe, 53%, then ranked as First Vice-President
Vice-President, Region D Cory Burma, 54%, then ranked as Fourth Vice-President
District Secretary Caleb Kruse, 62%
Commissioned Minister Member of the Board of Directors, Area II – Regions C&D Bruce Wall, 79%
Lay Member of the Board of Directors, Region A Linda Reiser, 59%
Lay Member of the Board of Directors, Region B Todd Reed, 53%
Lay Member of the Board of Directors, Region C Mick Onnen, 51%
Lay Member of the Board of Directors, Region D Kevin Warneke, 61%
District Nominations Committee, Ordained (elect 3)
  1. Kenton Birtell, 60%
  2. Jeff Bloom, 59%
  3. Robert Kuefner, Jr., 53%
District Nominations Committee, Commissioned Harlan Anson, 65%
District Nominations Committee, Lay (elect 3)
  1. Kurth Brashear, 57%
  2. Glenn Van Velson, 62%
  3. Crystal Miller, 51%
District Constitution Committee, Ordained (elect 2)
  1. Andrew Gerike, 52%
  2. John Gerike, 72%
District Constitution Committee, Commissioned Andrew Rathe, 61%
District Constitution Committee, Lay Ryan Foor, 57%
Board of Regents—Concordia University, Nebraska, Ordained
Board of Regents—Concordia University, Nebraska, Commissioned
Board of Regents—Concordia University, Nebraska, Lay
Convention Videos

God’s Family Together—Joined In His Mission

This is our vision statement for the Nebraska District and the guiding theme for all of our Convention videos focusing on the mission and ministry being carried out in our District. Links to these videos will be added here after they are shown in the Convention.

 

God’s Family Together—Joined In His Mission #1, Sabbaticals: Caring for your pastor and his family

How is a sabbatical different from a vacation? How can it change a pastor to take time for a sabbatical? Rev. Anthony Gerber, pastor of Trinity, Fremont, and Dr. Vanessa Seifert,  Executive Assistant to the President for Lifelong Pastoral Formation, help answer these questions.

 

God’s Family Together—Joined In His Mission #2, Partnerships: Connecting students and supporting schools

Leaders from St. John, Battle Creek; Christ, Norfolk; and Lutheran High Northeast discuss how partnering together to support each other helps teachers and administrators steward their time and resources, and helps students get connected to the wider Body of Christ.

God’s Family Together—Joined In His Mission #3, Planting a Church: Who is our neighbor?

When the leadership of Living Water in Omaha were preparing to plant a church, they decided their first question needed to be: Who is our neighbor?

God’s Family Together—Joined In His Mission #4, Cultivate, Connect & Care: Finances Empowering Ministry

Nebraska District Treasurer, Elijah Luebbe, and District Mission and Ministry Executive, Rev. Lonnie “Jake” Jacobsen, discuss the many ways that your financial support empowers ministry.

God’s Family Together—Joined In His Mission #5, Mission and Ministry: Cultivating and Connecting

Mission and Ministry Executive, Rev. Lonnie “Jake” Jacobsen, highlights the connections being made by different ministries in the district, as God’s forgiven family, walking and working together in God’s mission of making and maturing disciples of Jesus Christ.

Convention Workbook

The Convention Workbook is now provided to all delegates in electronic form. It is the responsibility of each delegate to print and review the materials prior to their arrival at Convention. No binders will be provided at this Convention. In place of printed Workbooks, each delegate will receive a booklet with important information needed to follow along with the Convention agenda, when they check in at registration.

The Workbook files are presented below in the order the pages should be organized. Click on the section title to access the file. A memo introducing the Workbook can be found here.

1- General Section includes standing rules, parliamentary procedure, and an agenda. 

2- Convention Roster is a listing of all rostered and lay delegates in the Nebraska District.

3- President’s Report includes membership changes and anniversaries.

4- Officers’ Reports include reports by the District vice-presidents, board of directors, secretary, treasurer, and circuit visitors.

5- Ministry Reports are provided by District staff, committees, and ministries.

6- Nominations Report includes the ballots and biographies for all nominated candidates.

7- Overtures are the original action items submitted for Convention consideration. Late Overtures (7a) can be found here.

8- Proposed Resolutions are the action items proposed to the Convention by the work of the floor committee. 

 

Nominations from the Floor

Delegate Mileage Reimbursement

sample reimbursement formThis reimbursement form is for voting and advisory delegates only.

    • The image to the left is what a properly filled out form will look like.
    • Please note that a mailing address is only required if requesting a check. Please also consider that ACH transactions have lower fees/costs than checks and help us be better stewards of our funds.
    • If requesting ACH, you will receive a separate, secure email requesting bank information. DO NOT enter your banking details on this form.
    • Mileage reimbursement will be calculated at $0.30/mile.
    • Drivers with delegate passengers: For each additional voting or advisory delegate passenger traveling in your vehicle, click “ADD EXPENSE” and include the First and Last name of the delegate as the line description, the round trip mileage as the quantity, and a rate of $0.05. *Note that a driver can receive a maximum of $0.50 per mile (self + 4 delegate passengers). Guest passengers (who are not delegates) are not to be included for mileage reimbursement purposes.

Please use THIS FORM for convention delegate mileage reimbursements

Offering

Convention Offering Will Provide Motorbikes For Traveling Pastors In Tanzania

The offering taken at the opening worship service of Convention will be designated to provide support for the purchase of motorbikes for traveling pastors of the Southeast of Lake Victoria Diocese of the Lutheran Church of Tanzania (SELVD), who regularly travel between a number of rural preaching stations.

With no reliable public transportation to rural areas and a lack of funds for personal cars, most of their travel as they minister to these remote areas is done on foot or bicycle. Having access to motorbikes will help them get to rural areas quicker, leaving them more time for ministry in each place and to spread the Gospel even faster. The Nebraska District LCMS is excited to partner with the SELVD in this mission opportunity as they seek to plant 100 new churches in 2025. The price for each motorbike is estimated at $1,150 and congregations are encouraged to take door offerings or participate in a way that is appropriate for them and send their gifts with their delegates to Convention.

 

Share information about this offering with your congregation

  • The video above can be downloaded from Vimeo and shown to your congregation. You can access the video at THIS LINK.
  • Download bulletin insert HERE
  • Download slide HERE
  • Download square promo image HERE
  • Text for newsletters/bulletins:
    The offering taken at the opening worship service of the Nebraska District LCMS Convention in June will be designated to provide support for the purchase of motorbikes for traveling pastors of the Southeast of Lake Victoria Diocese of the Lutheran Church of Tanzania (SELVD), who regularly travel between a number of rural preaching stations. With no reliable public transportation to rural areas and a lack of funds for personal cars, most of their travel as they minister to these remote areas is done on foot or bicycle. Having access to motorbikes will help them get to rural areas quicker, leaving them more time for ministry in each place and to spread the Gospel even faster. The Nebraska District LCMS is excited to partner with the SELVD in this mission opportunity as they seek to plant 100 new churches in 2025. The price for each motorbike is estimated at $1,150 and our congregation delegates will be taking your donation with them to Convention.