Schedule and Activities
LCMS National Convention • July 18–23, 2026 • Phoenix, Ariz.
The convention schedule is considered tentative, as Bylaw 3.1.9 (i)(2) states that the President “shall, at the first session and during the course of succeeding sessions of the convention, announce the order of business for the day and following days.” Unless otherwise indicated, all activities take place in the Phoenix Convention Center North Building.
Download PDF schedule
Floor Committee open hearings — Saturday morning, July 18
Each floor committee will hold hearings open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 18 at the Phoenix Convention Center.
During the open hearings, each floor committee will be available to receive comments, questions and suggestions from attendees regarding resolutions as they appear in the first issue of Today’s Business or overtures in the Convention Workbook. Anyone is welcome to attend.
All open hearings will be held in the West Building on the first floor.
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Delegate and Representative Orientation — Saturday afternoon, July 18
Voting and advisory delegates and advisory representatives should plan to attend Delegate Orientation on Saturday afternoon, from 1:30–3 p.m., at the Phoenix Convention Center (Halls AB, 3rd floor). This orientation will review parliamentarian procedures, the proposed Standing Rules, how to use the voting and microphone queue devices, and more.
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Delegate dinner — Saturday, July 18
The Delegate Dinner is scheduled from 5–7 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, in the Phoenix Convention Center Grand Ballroom. All voting and advisory delegates should plan to attend this dinner. Other Synod representatives who should also plan to attend are:
- Commission on Constitutional Matters
- Commission on Doctrinal Review
- Commission on Theology and Church Relations
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Opening worship service — Saturday evening, July 18
The opening Divine Service with Holy Communion for the 2026 LCMS Convention will begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at the Phoenix Convention Center.
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Exhibit Hall — July 18–21
The LCMS Convention Exhibitor Hall, located on the 3rd Floor of the Phoenix Conventer Center in Phoenix, will be open to the public from Saturday, July 18, to Tuesday, July 21.
Exhibitors include ministries and partners of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Concordia universities and seminaries, LCMS Recognized Service Organizations, and other guests.
Schedule
- Saturday, July 18 — 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday, July 19 — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Monday, July 20 — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Tuesday, July 21 — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Concordia Publishing House bookstore
The Exhibit Hall will feature Concordia Publishing House’s 3,600-square-foot store.
A large selection of CPH resources will be available to view and purchase. Items include devotions, Bible studies, adult spirituality books, hymnals, music, worship resources, congregational resources, church history books, commentaries, and books for children. Resources for Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, day school curriculum, and confirmation will also be available.
Receive 20% off most resources at the event.
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Daily worship services — July 19–23
Worship services will be held each day during the 2026 LCMS convention at the Phoenix Convention Center in downtown Phoenix. Pastors from around the LCMS will preach during the services.
Worship service schedule
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Essays — July 19–22
Four essayists are scheduled to address 2026 LCMS Convention attendees on July 19, July 20, July 21, and July 22 at the Phoenix Convention Center in downtown Phoenix.
Schedule
- Sunday, July 19
Rev. Dr. Jon. S. Bruss — President of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne
“Christ is the Truth” — 1 Cor. 15:1-19
- Monday, July 20
Rev. Dr. Thomas J. Egger — President of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
“Christ Changes Everything” — 1 Cor. 15:16-22
- Tuesday, July 21
Dr. Michael A. Thomas — President of Concordia University Irvine
“Christ Conquers Death” — 1 Cor. 15:23-28
- Wednesday, July 22
Rev. Kirk M. Clayton — Assistant professor of theology at Concordia University Chicago
“Christ’s Resurrection For You” — 1 Cor. 5:20-24 with 1 Cor. 15:50-57
Essayist bios
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LCEF Ice Cream Social — Sunday evening, July 19
Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) with host an Ice Cream Social on Sunday evening, July 19, in the Phoenix Convention Center.
LCEF invites convention attendees and guests to enjoy a treat, connect with old friends, and make new friends at the LCEF ice cream social. Plus, attendees will receive a complimentary ice cream bowl to take home.
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LCEF Lunch-and-Learn: ‘Strengthening and Sustaining Small(ish) Churches: The Basics and Beyond’ — Monday, July 20
Lutheran Church Extension Fund will host a free lunch-and-learn titled “Strengthening and Sustaining Small(ish) Churches: The Basics and Beyond” from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Monday, July 20, at the Phoenix Convention Center during the 2026 LCMS Convention.
Join the Ministry Solutions Team of LCEF and learn the eight key traits of a self-sustaining congregation in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. From pastoral care to lay leadership, from ministry plans to facilities and finances, it’s all part of impactful Gospel proclamation inside the walls of the church and beyond into the community.
The thought-provoking gathering is for both pastoral and lay leaders with a desire to faithfully proclaim, “Christ is risen, indeed!” in this generation. A free guide will be presented to each attendee.
The luncheon will be limited to 200 attendees.
Registration information will be published here when details are finalized.
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Alliance Defending Freedom Lunch-and-Learn: ‘Your Ministry in the Public Square: Understanding Your Rights and Limitations’ — Monday, July 20
Alliance Defending Freeom will host a free lunch-and-learn titled “Your Ministry in the Public Square: Understanding Your Rights and Limitations” from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, July 20, at the Phoenix Convention Center during the 2026 LCMS Convention.
Many churches and ministries want to engage on issues that affect public life but are unclear on their legal rights and limitations. Join Alliance Defending Freedom attorney Kevin Theriot for a free luncheon to get the clarity you need to confidently lead your ministry.
The event is open to church leaders and heads of school. If space is available closer to the event, we'll reach out about the opportunity to bring additional staff or family members.
The luncheon will be limited to 50 attendees.
Registration information will be published here when details are finalized.
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