Presidents discuss creation, other issues

The Conference of Presidents (COP) held its regular fall meeting last week in Milwaukee, Wis. In addition to its normal discussions involving congregations and called workers, the COP addressed the following issues:

• The COP discussed how matters relating to creation and the flood are addressed in WELS publications and presentations. While scientific explanations are sometimes offered to explain or understand the biblical teachings regarding creation and the flood, the COP reaffirmed the importance of recognizing that these explanations are to be viewed as scientific theories only. The district presidents will be reminding pastors, teachers, and presenters not to present as factual anything that goes beyond what Scripture says on any issue that lies in the realm of scientific observation and theoretical explanation. The COP recognizes that there are scientific theories that do, in fact, violate statements of Scripture and must be rejected—not on the basis of science but on the basis of clear statements of Scripture.

• The presidium of the Southeastern Wisconsin District provided a report to the Conference of Presidents describing its efforts to resolve questions involving the status of Time of Grace as a “Recognized Service Organization” of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. While considerable progress has been made, the matter has not yet been fully resolved, and the Southeastern Wisconsin District presidium will continue its efforts to bring about a resolution.

• The COP supports the concept of free conferences and will be developing definitions and guidelines for those who desire to plan such events.

• The COP heard a brief update on the initial work of the Translation Feasibility Committee (TFC), which is studying the possibility of producing a new or revised Bible translation by Lutherans. The COP encourages any member of the synod to provide input to this committee as it carries out its assignment. The TFC will report its findings to the districts of the synod next summer when the matter of Bible translations will be on the agendas of all district conventions.

• A task force on Lutheran Schools was appointed. This committee was formed as a result of a convention resolution and will explore ways to strengthen our Lutheran schools. The membership of the committee will be announced when all members have accepted appointment. The committee will report its findings and recommendations to the 2013 synod convention.

• The COP approved the implementation of a program that will provide mentoring for all first-year teachers.

• The COP continued to develop plans for a synodwide every member visit as included in the “In Christ Alone” long-range plan adopted by the 2011 convention. The COP also discussed ways to encourage all congregations to support our joint work as a synod through Congregation Mission Offerings.

• The COP considered the matter of developing a process of appeal for workers whose positions are eliminated for non-disciplinary reasons. The district presidents will be working proactively with congregations that face such decisions to ensure that the divine call is honored and that affected called workers are cared for in Christian love and concern. With that system in place, the COP determined that no special system of appeal will be necessary for such workers.

Our synod has entrusted the district presidents as the supervisors of doctrine and practice and has called them to serve as the pastors of their respective districts. We pray that God will continue to bless these men with wisdom and strength as they carry out their important work in our behalf.

Serving in Christ,

Mark Schroeder