Lutheran Family Service had the privilege of joining Lutherans from across the country in Phoenix for the 2026 LCMS National Convention, held July 18–23. For several days, our booth became a place to reconnect with longtime friends, meet new partners, hear what is happening across the Synod, and share how God continues to open doors for LFS to serve individuals, families, congregations, and church workers.

What’s Your Beef?

Our LFS booth took on a butcher-shop theme, complete with white butcher-paper-covered tables and a large “What’s Your Beef?” sign. And, of course, we asked plenty of people that one important question: “What’s Your Beef?” Each day, we highlighted a different area of LFS ministry and invited convention attendees to learn more about the work taking place through life ministry, adoption, mental health counseling, and church worker wellness.

Kim Laube, Deputy Director & Director of Life Ministries; Wanda Pritzel, LISW, LFS Partner Support Team; and I had the opportunity to staff the booth throughout the convention, while our Executive Director, Rev. Max Phillips, joined us to answer questions, visit with attendees, and connect with our Lutheran partners.

The theme also came with an incentive: visitors could enter our “What’s Your Beef?” giveaway for a box of meat generously donated by Good Ranchers, a faith-based company that partnered with LFS for the convention.

Congratulations to Rev. Peter Frank of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Conover, North Carolina, who was randomly selected as our winner. We hope Pastor Frank and his family enjoy some delicious dinners!

Conversations And Connections Across the Synod

One of the best parts of the convention was reconnecting with familiar faces while meeting hundreds of new people representing LCMS districts, congregations, Recognized Service Organizations, ministries, and other partners from across the country.

As attendees shared what they are seeing and experiencing in their own communities, we were able to tell them how LFS has grown over the past three years and how we continue to seek opportunities to meet the needs of individuals and families.

We also had encouraging conversations about the future of our 125-year-old adoption ministry and the possibility of growing it into a nationwide resource for LCMS families. There was tremendous interest and affirmation for that vision.

Our conversations extended to counseling and church worker wellness as well. One memorable moment came when LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison was spotted wearing one of our “Lutherans Love Our Church Workers” T-shirts, helping bring attention to the importance of supporting those who faithfully serve Christ’s Church.

Throughout the convention, we were grateful to connect with pastors, district presidents, church workers, faithful laypeople, and organizations from across the Synod. Listening to their stories and learning about the needs within their communities helps us better understand where LFS may be called to serve next.

Celebrating Rev. Max Phillips

The convention also brought a special reason for the LFS team to celebrate.

Rev. Max Phillips was honored at the LCMS Office of National Mission Recognition Banquet with the Henry F. Wind Award for Outstanding Leadership in Specialized Spiritual Care.

Rev. Dan Galchutt, LCMS Chief Mission Officer and Executive Director of the Office of National Mission, recognized Pastor Phillips for demonstrating “deep compassion, wisdom, and a strong commitment to serving others through Christ.”

Those of us who work alongside Pastor Phillips see those qualities every day. Wanda Pritzel, LISW, of the LFS Partner Support Team, reflected on what the recognition means to the LFS family:

“If you know Max Phillips, you know he isn’t one to seek public recognition. He is a humble servant. But sometimes it’s important to pause, recognize, and give thanks for our faithful leaders. This is one of those times.”

Wanda noted that LFS staff have the privilege of witnessing Pastor Phillips’ bold vision, wisdom, passion, deep faith, astute analysis, quick wit, and servant-hearted leadership firsthand.

“The Lord continues to open new doors for ministry and partnership through LFS to the benefit of many people. As we share and celebrate this well-deserved recognition, we invite you to join us in thanking God for calling Max Phillips to serve with us 13 years ago—and thank you, Max, for answering ‘yes!’”

We give thanks to God for Pastor Phillips’ leadership and pray that He continues to grant him wisdom and strength for many more years of faithful service.

Looking Ahead

The convention reminded us that Lutheran Family Service is part of something much larger than any one organization, district, or ministry. We are blessed to work alongside faithful Lutherans who share a desire to care for people, strengthen families, support church workers, defend life, and proclaim the hope we have in Christ.

For me, as a newer member of the LFS team, the opportunity to meet so many of you was especially meaningful. I look forward to continuing those conversations in the months and, God willing, years ahead.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by Booth 331, shared your story, asked about our ministries, told us your “beef,” or simply said hello. Most of all, thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and partnership in the work God has placed before Lutheran Family Service.

See you in 2029!