The Mid-South District - LCMS

District Presents 2026 Ralph Weiser Award

Pictured following the award presentation are (L to R) Cheryl Guengerich (Fred’s wife); Dr. Fred Guengerich; Rev. Dr. Roger Paavola, Mid-South District President; and Rev. Philip Young, Pastor of Redeemer.
Pictured following the award presentation are (L to R) Cheryl Guengerich (Fred’s wife); Dr. Fred Guengerich; Rev. Dr. Roger Paavola, Mid-South District President; and Rev. Philip Young, Pastor of Redeemer.

The Mid-South District is pleased to announce the 2026 recipient of the Ralph Weiser Excellence in Ministry Award: Dr. Fred Guengerich of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Nashville, TN. The award was presented to Dr. Guengerich following worship at Redeemer on Sunday, June 14.

Introduced in 2016, the Ralph Weiser Excellence in Ministry Award recognizes the dedication and ministry–building work of one Mid-South District layperson. The award honors the life and work of the late Ralph Weiser, a long-time friend of the Mid-South District whose example of leadership, service and faith impacted his local Lutheran congregation and community, as well as ministries across the entire District.

The Mid-South District is grateful for Dr. Guengerich’s many ministry contributions, including his service as a member of the District’s Board of Directors since 2015 and ten years with the Synod’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR). An esteemed Professor of Biochemistry at Vanderbilt University, Dr. Guengerich—or simply “Fred” as he’s known among his Lutheran faith family—never fails to share his leadership and other talents for the advancement of God’s Kingdom, whether in service to the District or his home congregation. Congratulations and many thanks to Fred!