The Pacific Southwest District is thrilled to welcome the 69th Regular Convention of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod to Phoenix, AZ.

As the host district, we are eager to recruit volunteers to serve alongside us and hope to have over 300 join in this important effort.

Learn more and let us know you’re interested in volunteering! 

Report of President and Vice-President Nominating Ballots

Slate of Candidates

The nominations processes for the offices of President, First Vice-President and regional vice-presidents of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) to be elected at or in conjunction with the 2026 Synod convention have been completed. You can read the full report, including names and nominations received in The Reporter.

Season 1 Now Available!

All of Season 1 is now available. Do you have suggestions of topics and/or guests to be considered for Season 2? Please send suggestions to Aaron Lucas at aaron.lucas@psd-lcms.org.

Episode 7 is now available! Listen HERE!

Business Administration - The conversation covers the importance of business administration in ministry, the stewardship of property and resources, and the role of HR and administrative support for churches and schools. It also emphasizes the significance of property management and the need for HR resources and support. Additionally, it highlights the importance of stewardship of property and resources in ministry. The conversation covers real estate solutions for ministry and legal and tax resources for churches and schools.

We encourage you to subscribe, share with your networks, and engage with us by leaving comments and questions. Your feedback will help shape future episodes and make this podcast a true reflection of our community’s interests and needs.

Also available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple.

We have been working hard on an updated website design and new navigation to the Pacific Southwest District website.

 This new design is live! Check it out!

Redeemer Lutheran Church, Huntington Beach, CA invites you to attend their next Saturday Morning Breakfast Bible Study being held on Saturday, April 18.

Breakfast begins at 8:30 am followed by the presentation "Dying to Live" by Dr. Harold Senkbeil at 9:00 am.

Please RSVP to the church office at 714-846-6330.

From early on, Christians built cathedrals so that the structure itself proclaimed the glory of God. For our forebearers, a house of worship was much more than just a functional space in which to praise our Lord. The building became a servant of the Gospel, helping in the proclamation of our Christian faith.

On Saturday, April 25, Pastor Steven Borst will be highlighting six different cathedrals from six different eras, all of which he has been able to visit and personally experience. For each cathedral, we’ll ask the question: how do we see this space as Lutheran Christians? How does it inspire or challenge us? What is missing or wrongly emphasized?

From the Hagia Sophia in 537AD, to La Sagrada Familia that is yet to be completed, as well as a number of famous cathedrals in between, you’ll be inspired by this presentation. Indeed, you’ll never look at a church the same way again!

Event will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Riverside, CA. Cost is $15.00. Lunch will be served at 11:30 am with the presentation following at 12:30 pm. You are welcome to arrive at 12:30 pm for free.

RSVP at info@immanuelriverside.com.

The Prof Insights: Faculty-Led Workshop Series offers in-depth study on contemporary topics that influence the practice of ministry and worship. Bringing the Seminary to you, members of Concordia Seminary’s faculty and other scholars host workshops in person at various locations nationwide to share their expertise with pastors, church workers and lay people.

Topic: Reaching Out to Our Neighbors with the Gospel of Hope:

Engaging and Learning from Our Global South Partners

Presented by: Dr. Ely Prieto

Hosted by: the Pacific Southwest District Office

When: June 16-18

Christ commissioned His apostles to be His witnesses “to the ends of the earth,” calling them to make disciples of all nations by baptizing and teaching (Acts 1:8; Matt. 28:19–20). For centuries, going abroad has been a central mission endeavor of the Christian church — and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) continues to faithfully participate in that global mission. However, shifting immigration patterns have opened new doors for outreach. The U.S. itself has become a mission field, as many immigrants arrive not only to receive the Gospel, but also to proclaim it. These brothers and sisters from the Global South bring with them vibrant faith and a passion for sharing Christ. How, then, can our LCMS congregations engage in meaningful outreach alongside these mission-minded partners — reaching into the diverse neighborhoods of our own nation with the love and truth of Jesus?

More Information & Registration

You are invited to join us for the Lutheran Women in Mission PSD Convention being held June 5-7 at the Warner Center Marriott, Woodland Hills, CA.

Convention Bible Verse - Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Bible Study Leaders/Speakers:

Deb Burma – author, speaker, and women’s ministry leader

Cindy Steinbeck – author, founder of Voice in the Vineyard Ministries

Dr. Kari Vo – devotional writer for Lutheran Hour Ministries

Register Today!

Scholarships are available for pastors and woman to cover registration and meals. Application forms are available on our website psdlwml.org/resources under Forms and Documents. Deadline is March 31.

The Pastoral Formation Committee (PFC) is excited to be hosting a Listening Session:

Saturday, June 13

9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church, Scottsdale, AZ

Our hope is to engage in a fruitful discussion about how the LCMS is forming faithful pastors to meet the current and future demands of the holy ministry.

The panel will include the two seminary presidents — the Rev. Dr. Thomas Egger (St. Louis) and the Rev. Dr. Jon Bruss (Fort Wayne) — along with the Rev. Dan Galchutt, LCMS interim chief mission officer, and the Rev. Dr. James Baneck, executive director of LCMS Pastoral Education.

We are hoping for a healthy conversation as we answer questions and share insights and information. To that end, we are grateful to you for sharing information about the session with your congregation. District staff, pastors, commissioned workers and laity are invited to attend.

Family discipleship simply refers to sharing the faith in our own homes. The Christian witness of parents, and other family members, in the lives of children has an incredible, lasting impact. The PSD is partnering with Concordia Center for the Family (CCF) to host a training event at the District office August 6-8 from 12noon to 12noon.

Pastors, DCEs, teachers, lay leaders, and parents are welcome to attend. Participants will not only learn about family discipleship but will design specific plans to implement in their congregations and schools. This includes developing family resources based on your current sermons, confirmation curriculum, classroom religion lessons, Bible studies, etc. 

Registration for the event can be made at the discounted rate of $200 per person (normally $500) using the code PSW26 at check out. Registration includes attendance, materials, ongoing discipleship support, four meals, snacks, and more. Travel and hotel costs are the responsibility of the attendees or their host congregations/schools. 

The District Office is located at 16355 Laguna Canyon Road #300, Irvine, CA 92618. The nearest airport is John Wayne/Orange County (SNA) and the Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach offers a special rate which includes breakfast and parking. Carpool to and from the hotel each day may be available. Please share your interest or need. 

Be encouraged to contact Jim Meyer (jmeyer@stjohnsorange.org),

Kessler O’Brien (kessler.obrien@splsorange.org),

or Rev. Jim Henkell (jim.henkell@psd-lcms.org) with any questions.