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Report and Recommendations of the Ad Hoc Commission

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the synod's current problems and potential, with recommendations for expanding ministry efforts and improving budget and organization. Key recommendations include redistricting, enhancing education for called workers, and fostering communication between synodical groups.

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Report and Recommendations of the Ad Hoc Commission

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  1. Report and Recommendations of the Ad Hoc Commission

  2. Purpose of the Ad Hoc Commission To analyze our current problems and potential To provide a thorough analysis leading to a comprehensive, long-term plan To assist in evaluating all programs and staffing

  3. Three Main Questions • What is the synod’s mission and purpose? • How can we expand our synod’s ministry efforts? • What recommendations can we offer to accomplish our task?

  4. Mission and Purpose of the Synod “Do together what we cannot do as individual congregations” Preserve unity of doctrine, educate called workers, and carry on mission work Focus on this purpose is critical when financial resources have decreased

  5. Expansion of Mission Efforts Retrench and reprioritize to start new churches and fields Retain the Vicar in a Mission Setting program

  6. Synodical Budget and Finances Fragmentation of resources due to proliferation of funds and appeals to support them Empower Ministry of Christian Giving to coordinate all appeals Spend down special funds

  7. Synodical Budget and Finances Deal brotherly with congregations that contribute little or no congregation mission offerings (CMO) Budget should reflect all our work as a synod Encourage cooperation between the Conference of Presidents and the Synodical Council in producing and supporting the budget

  8. Strengthening Congregations Through the means of grace! Recommendations: • Appoint a group to bring redistricting proposal to 2011 convention • Improve circuit pastor system • Re-deploy and reconfigure the functions of Parish Services • Continue to utilize Northwestern Publishing House

  9. Excellence Among Called Workers High school: offer full academic scholarships to Martin Luther College College: offer merit or excellence scholarships in various areas Seminary: develop and establish study fellowships

  10. Excellence Among Called Workers Post-seminary graduate study: Provide seminary faculty guidance and a robust sabbatical program In the field: flexible program of continuing education

  11. Synod-Wide Theological Study Have the Conference of Presidents initiate a synod-wide study Offer guidance for these studies at various levels Create opportunities to address issues of doctrine and practice

  12. Synod-Wide Theological Study Suggested topics: • Year one: The Efficacy of the Means of Grace • Year two: Vocation, Church, and Ministry • Year three: Care of Souls • Year four: The Sacramental Life

  13. Structure and Organization Hold joint meetings of the Synodical Council and the Conference of Presidents Task the president with fostering communication between the two groups Make the position of first vice president part-time

  14. Structure and Organization Structure of the Synodical Council: • Replace the four area of ministry chairmen with three at-large pastors and one teacher • Non-voting advisory members only attend sessions by invitation

  15. Synod and District Conventions Foster the flow of information to delegates, especially regarding the proposed budget Include all information in the Book of Reports and Memorials and the Report to the Twelve Districts. Consider the length and scheduling of the synod convention

  16. Synod and District Conventions Encourage the review of the Book of Reports and Memorials at all levels of synod Improve the system of reporting synod convention results

  17. Synodical Communications Investigate new technology to be used in carrying out the synod’s mission

  18. Cost of Ministerial Education Prep Level: • Reduce spending on a per student cost basis • Set cost comparable to an area Lutheran high school in the same region • Maintain their unique curriculum and focus, i.e. to prepare students for Martin Luther College

  19. Cost of Ministerial Education College Level: • Reduce spending on a per student basis • Explore and implement one or both of these options: • Set cost comparable to in-state college costs • Implement a reimbursement program

  20. Soli Deo Gloria!

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