Every two years, delegates from across the synod gather together at one of our synodical schools to do some very important work.

Many people involved in church work, both called workers and lay members, are not fond of meetings. While necessary to plan and organize and decide, meetings sometimes seem to distract and detract from the real work that needs to be done.

I suppose that aversion to meetings would lead some to conclude that a synod convention, lasting an entire week, would not be the best example of how four hundred dedicated members of our synod could spend their time. Some would say that the time and expense devoted to five days of reports, resolutions, budget discussions, and presentations could be better used in a different way.

While not a lover of meetings myself, I can say that the synod convention is truly time well spent. Every two years, delegates from across the synod gather together at one of our synodical schools to do some very important work. They do hear reports—a lot of them—but those reports describe the amazing blessings that God is granting to the kingdom work that we carry out together at home and abroad. Those reports also describe the challenges and difficulties facing us—challenges that need to be identified, prayed about, and entrusted to God's gracious care.

The delegates do discuss finances, both in terms of the synod's stewardship of the gifts of God's people in the past as well as the ministry plans—sometimes called "the budget"—for the years to come. Even though that discussion involves spreadsheets, financial forecasts, and money, the real focus of budget decisions is the mission of the church and how we can best carry it out.

This year's convention will feature those things and more. Delegates will hear firsthand accounts from world missionaries of how God is blessing the proclamation of the gospel. They will learn about partner church bodies around the world who share our confessional Lutheran beliefs. Through elections that take place, they will extend divine calls to people to serve in synodical offices and on synodical boards. Delegates will be edified by doctrinal essays and enriched by Word and sacrament in worship. They will make decisions regarding the long-term plans that we, under God, hope to accomplish as we carry out the mission that God has given us. They will enjoy opportunities for Christian fellowship and mutual encouragement. And, not least, they will take with them a renewed zeal and commitment to carry out God's mission and be ready to encourage the members of their churches back home to do the same.