Rev. Dr. Michael K. Smith Elected President of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod
The Evangelical Lutheran Synod elected Rev. Dr. Michael K. Smith as its president at its June 2026 Convention in Mankato, Minnesota. Rev. Peter Faugstad was elected to serve as vice president. Rev. Smith brings to the office decades of pastoral experience, theological scholarship, and faithful service to Christ and his Church.
A native of central Indiana, Rev. Smith and his wife, Anita, met while attending college. They have been blessed with two daughters, two sons-in-law, and three grandchildren who are a cherished part of their family.
Rev. Smith’s path to the pastoral ministry grew from a love of studying theology and a desire to serve others with God’s Word. Inspired in part by the example of his father, who entered the pastoral ministry later in life, he answered the Lord’s call to preach the gospel and care for his people.
Throughout his ministry, Rev. Smith has served congregations across the country, including Suttons Bay, Michigan; Bullhead City/Fort Mohave, Arizona; Holland, Michigan; and most recently Bethany Lutheran Church in Ames, Iowa. He also helped establish two home mission congregations and has been deeply involved in campus ministry at Iowa State University.
His ministry has extended beyond the parish. Rev. Smith taught at Bethany Lutheran College and Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary for 16 years before serving on the faculty of Asia Lutheran Seminary in Hong Kong. Over the years, he has also served on numerous synod boards and committees, gaining a deep appreciation for the faithful volunteers who support the work of the Church.
Rev. Smith also serves as chairman of the CELC Commission on Theology, helping coordinate theological work among member churches throughout the worldwide fellowship.
May the Lord bless President Smith and the Evangelical Lutheran Synod as they continue proclaiming the saving gospel of Jesus Christ in fellowship with believers throughout the CELC.
