Ad Hoc Commission meets for first time, sets priorities
Filed Under: Ad Hoc Commission, COP, Finance, SC, Synod Finances, Synodical Council
Members of the newly formed Ad Hoc Commission met for the first time in Milwaukee, Wis., on Nov. 1. Charged with analyzing the synod’s current challenges and bringing recommendations for a comprehensive plan, commission members spent a majority of their first meeting discussing the scope of the commission and listening to presentations from synod officials.
Members also divided themselves into four subgroups: ministry support, ministry governance, ministry direction, and ministry planning. “Really, every aspect of our synod’s ministry is involved in those [subcommittees],” says Joel Voss, chairman of the commission.
Although specifics are yet to be determined, Voss says some of the big topics include finances, stewardship, structure, accountability, communication, and outreach. Pres. Mark Schroeder will also be working in-depth with the ministry planning subcommittee to determine the format for long-range planning recommendations.
“If people have had concerns in the past about our synod, I want them to understand that we’re trying our hardest to look at the problems that we’re facing, and to offer solutions,” says Voss. In addition to developing a long-term plan, he says, the commission may make recommendations to the Conference of Presidents or Synodical Council about problems requiring immediate attention.
Prior to the meeting, the remaining teacher position was filled by Eric Ziel, Ixonia, Wis. Two men, Ronald Hillmann, a Synodical Council lay member, and Vilas Glaeske, South Central District president, serve as advisory members.
The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 1. Comments and input can be shared with the commission by contacting Chairman Joel Voss, revjrvoss@aol.com or 937-434-9876.
