Guest post by Erich Johnson
The Flacius Caucus is proud to present the Flacius List
The list is the result of careful collaboration between faithful laity and clergy. We are committed to the revival and preservation of the rich Lutheran heritage of the Missouri Synod. We are confident that those named here, through their steadfast commitment to Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, represent the strongest and most faithful expression of Lutheranism within the Missouri Synod today.
We commend these men and women for nomination and election to the following Synodical offices at the 2026 National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.
The Flacius List is published openly because the Flacius Caucus believes that secret politicking has no place in Christ’s Church. We welcome questions, criticism, and discussion regarding our list. We remind all who receive it that the list is meant to serve as a tool, to be considered alongside the wisdom of your pastors and elders, in discerning nominations for the national convention. We do not call for unquestioning loyalty to our list, but for steadfast fidelity to Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.
About the Flacius Caucus
The Flacius Caucus is a fellowship of laymen within the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, founded in 2025 with a single, unwavering purpose: to encourage LCMS congregations across the country to nominate and support faithful, confessional Lutherans for service at the national level of our Synod. We advance this work through “The Flacius List”—a prayerfully considered list of individuals we believe are steadfast in doctrine, bold in confession, and unwavering in fidelity to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions.
Our Namesake: Matthias Flacius Illyricus
We take our name from Matthias Flacius Illyricus (1520–1575), one of the boldest defenders of Lutheran orthodoxy in the Reformation era. When others yielded to political pressure and theological compromise under the Augsburg Interim—a political settlement that sought to water down the Lutheran confession—Flacius refused. He stood firm, even at the cost of position, reputation, and personal safety, because he knew that the truth of God’s Word cannot be bartered away. His example of courage in the face of compromise inspires us today.
Why We Exist
Our Synod’s constitution entrusts the laity with a vital voice in the governance of the church. Yet too often, faithful lay participation in Synod nominations and elections is scattered, uncoordinated, or uninformed. The Flacius Caucus exists to:
Equip congregations with information about candidates who will faithfully uphold our Synod’s confessional heritage.
Encourage laymen to take their constitutional responsibilities seriously in the life of the LCMS.
Defend against theological drift and compromise by promoting candidates committed to the clear teaching of God’s Word and the Lutheran Confessions.
The Flacius List
At the heart of our work is The Flacius List—a roster of individuals we commend for nomination to positions within the national LCMS structure, from boards and commissions to synodical offices. These men and women are chosen for their confessional integrity, steadfastness, and proven service to Christ’s Church. While each congregation remains free to nominate as they see fit, The Flacius List offers a clear guide for those who wish to see the LCMS remain grounded in the truth, resisting the pressures of the age.
Our Conviction
We believe that the future faithfulness of the LCMS depends on electing leaders who will, like Matthias Flacius, stand immovable on the truth of the Gospel, regardless of political expediency or worldly pressure. We reject theological compromise in all its forms, and we call on our fellow laymen to join us in preserving and defending the pure confession of the faith entrusted to us.
"Here we stand with Flacius—firm in the Word, resolute in confession, and unwilling to yield the truth for the sake of peace without purity."
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It seems odd that a group would name themselves after someone whose teaching was condemned by the Formula. Lord, have mercy!
Hello. Great list. I am supportive. A few questions. 1. Does this mean MH is not running? 2. In the past, Pr. Ball supported MH. Is Pr. Ball supporting your endorsement? 3. In the spirit of openness, who are the members of the Caucus. Revealing the names will lend credibility to the list. God bless, Pr. Ian Pacey