Welcome back to Synod Stories! With the LCMS National Convention approaching, are you ready to make your voice heard? In this episode, host Brian Yamabe is joined again by Dr. Martin Nolan, former director of the Concordia Historical Institute, to pull back the curtain on how the convention really works.

Dr. Nolan provides a masterclass on the two distinct nomination processes and the critical steps for submitting overtures that won't get thrown out. Whether you're a first-time delegate or a seasoned veteran, this is a must-listen to navigate the complexities of the synodical process.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• [0:32] An important update on the combination of electoral circuits.

• [1:23] A correction from the last session about the new online nomination system and the data you need to have ready.

• [5:11] A step-by-step breakdown of the nomination process for the secretary, boards, and commissions, including the behind-the-scenes work of the Committee on Convention Nominations (CCN).

• [17:02] The specific rules for making a nomination from the convention floor and why it's a rare occurrence.

• [23:07] Details on the separate, more recent process for nominating and electing the Synod President and Vice Presidents through a congregational vote.

• [38:56] A comprehensive guide to writing and submitting effective overtures, including the critical exceptions that will cause a proposal to be discarded.

• [57:37] A discussion on what happens to your overture in a floor committee and whether its original intent can be reversed.

• [1:03:07] A look ahead to future topics, including the LCMS's "bottom-up" congregational polity.