The newly elected Presidium and current president, Rev. Dan Gilbert, stand together on Saturday, March 10, prior to the second day of the 59th NID Convention.
Back row (from left): Rev. Allan Buss, Rev. Cory Estby, Rev. Kenneth Krause
Front Row (from left): Rev. Steven Anderson, Rev. Kris Whitby, Rev. Dan Gilbert, Rev. James Kellerman

Friday, March 9 and Saturday, March 10, pastors, commissioned workers and lay members from 168 congregations across northern Illinois gathered at Concordia University Chicago for the 59th Convention of the Northern Illinois District. At the convention which gained its theme, “Chosen, Appointed, Sent,” from John 15:16, delegates were encouraged in their ministry while they learned more about the happenings in the District and discussed and voted upon various items.

The convention began Friday with attendees rejoicing to the Lord with songs of praise and participating in the Convention Divine Service at Concordia University’s Chapel of Our Lord where Rev. Dr. John Wohlrabe, our regional LCMS Vice President, preached. Following the opening worship service, an address from Rev. Dan Gilbert, and fellowship during lunch, attendees gathered in the gymnasium for the convention’s first order of business: presidium elections.

President Elect Rev. Allan Buss (left) and our current president, Rev. Dan Gilbert (right) celebrate the first moments of Rev. Buss’ election into the postion on March 9, 2018.

As Rev. Dan Gilbert has reached his term limit after serving as president for 12 years, this year’s elections included a new president. With the Lord’s guidance, the assembly elected Rev. Allan Buss. Pastor Buss has served in the Northern Illinois District since the year of his ordination, 1990, and he is currently the Senior Pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Belvidere where he has served since 2000.

Pastor Buss’ term as President will begin June 1, 2018. As will the terms of all who were elected. With the Lord’s guidance, the assembly elected the following pastors to the Presidum:

  •  First Vice President Elect
    • Rev. Kris Whitby of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Mount Prospect
  • Second Vice President Elect
    • Rev. Kenneth Krause of Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Rockford
  • Third Vice President Elect
    • Rev. Cory Estby of Zion Lutheran Church, Grant Park
  • Fourth Vice President Elect
    • Rev. Steven Anderson of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Chicago
  • District Secretary
    • Rev. James Kellerman of First Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Chicago

On Sunday, June 3, 2018 at 3 p.m. in the Chapel of Our Lord at Concordia University Chicago, the new NID President Rev. Allan Buss will be installed by LCMS 1st Vice President Rev. Dr. Herbert Mueller. The Presidium, Circuit Visitors, Board of Directors, Nominations Committee, and Board of Regents will all be installed on this date.

As the newly elected and their families prepare for their new roles and Pastor Dan Gilbert and his family transition into a new chapter, we ask for your continued prayers. We are thankful for the ways in which the Lord uses each one of his children to serve and excitedly and prayerfully look forward to the future.

All elected positions are in the process of being updated to nidlcms.org/convention.

59th NID Convention Elects New Presidium