Since the last edition of "Together," the last of the 12 district conventions concluded. At each one, three areas of discussion and decisions were the direct result of resolutions passed at the 2009 synod convention.

Circuit restructuring

The Ad Hoc Commission recommended to the convention that the size of circuits be reduced to improve the ability of circuit pastors to serve congregations and called workers. The convention passed a resolution stating that "the size of circuits normally be eight congregations where possible, practical, and necessary, [with] each district addressing what will work best for it." Seven of the districts adopted plans to resize some of their circuits; a number of other districts will discuss re-sizing in the fall.

Smaller circuits will enable circuit pastors to have closer and more frequent contact with the congregations and called workers in the circuit. It is hoped that this closer relationship will help congregations and their circuit pastor to address important congregational issues.

Long-range plan

The convention directed the Synodical Council to prepare a long-range, comprehensive plan for the synod. This plan would outline the focus and direction of the synod for several years into the future, outlining ministry priorities, identifying opportunities, and addressing funding issues.

A task force appointed by the Synodical Council began work on the long-range plan in fall 2009. Initial drafts were shared with both the Synodical Council and the Conference of Presidents. After some changes, the Synodical Council approved a draft of the plan that was shared with the districts for their discussion and input.

The plan itself was not intended to be a comprehensive outline of goals and strategies. Instead, it was designed to be a broad "road map" of what the synod, under God, would do in the next six years. Once the synod adopts a final version of the plan, the areas of ministry will be asked to develop detailed strategies designed to carry out the plan. The intent is also for this plan to be fluid and flexible, with changes made as circumstances change. In addition, the plan will be updated at least annually so that we will always be looking out at least six years into the future.

All districts included discussion of the plan in their agendas, and many helpful comments and questions were forwarded to the Synodical Council for consideration. A final proposed plan will be submitted to the 2011 synod convention.

Congregation and Ministry Support Group

The 2009 convention made changes to the group of ministries that had been part of Parish Services. The convention had resolved to retain all of the existing commissions. Those commissions, now called the Congregation and Ministry Support Group (CMSG), were to operate under the direction of the Conference of Presidents and serve to help district presidents as they work with congregations and called workers.

Because of budgetary reductions, two of the commissions (Adult Discipleship and Youth and Family Ministry) are currently without administrators. The Conference of Presidents has recognized that two other positions would be valuable additions to the work of the CMSG. One of those positions would be a director of a new Commission for Congregational Counseling. The other would be an associate director position that would oversee and coordinate the increasing early childhood programs throughout the synod.

Funding is available for only one of these positions. The Conference of Presidents requested that the districts discuss these four positions and provide input as to which one would have the top priority. Districts discussed the various needs and have forwarded their advice to the Conference of Presidents. The COP will determine which position to fill and will extend a call in early fall.

Serving in Christ,

Mark Schroeder

President

Editor's note to pastors: Also at each of the conventions, plans for the fall stewardship emphasis "Christ’s Love, Our Calling" were highlighted. Be sure to preview the resources available on Connect, the synod's Intranet for called workers and lay leaders. A username and password are required.