Synodical Council deals with blessings, challenges
From the office of President Mark Schroeder
Christians do not serve their Lord in order to be thanked. Rather, their service flows from their faith and thanks to God for his grace and blessings. But that does not mean that it's wrong to thank God's people for their works of love and their response to God's blessings.
The Synodical Council (SC) met on Friday and Saturday to carry out their task of overseeing the work of the synod. As they listened to reports, discussed the various aspects of our synod's work, and planned for the future, they heard of many blessings that God has showered on us. One of those blessings is the almost overwhelming outpouring of gifts from the congregations and individuals throughout the synod.
The Synodical Council heard the report that gifts from God's people are expected to result in a budgetary surplus of $2.2 million by the end of the current fiscal year in June. On top of that, the $2.6 million deficit that had been projected for the next fiscal year (in large part because of the convention's decision to maintain our ministerial education system as it is) has now been reduced to just over $900,000. The $2.2 million, together with any savings that may occur because of under spending, will be set aside into a buffer fund.
The Synodical Council was informed that congregations responded to the appeals to provide significant increases in Congregation Mission Offerings. Not only did congregations send in more offerings last year than they promised, their commitments for 2008 are up an average of 10.5 percent from their commitments in 2007 (or 2.1 percent over actual receipts). Such an increase in commitments from one year to the next has not been seen for a very long time. If the actual support from congregations again exceeds commitments, the $900,000 deficit can certainly be overcome.
The Synodical Council also heard reports from the various areas of ministry indicating that expanded efforts to reach the lost are well underway. Two new missionaries are beginning their language training in preparation to begin work in Mozambique. Thousands are being reached with the written Word in places like Pakistan and Nepal, where we can't send American missionaries. The Board for World Missions is looking at long-range strategies for seizing the overwhelming opportunities that are opening up to us in China. Last fall, the Board for Home Missions authorized the establishment of two new mission congregations and approved additional manpower for several other locations. This spring, they will be deciding prayerfully how to allocate available dollars for additional home mission efforts. Our Ministerial Education schools continue to be blessed with dedicated teachers and committed students. The schools are working on new plans and strategies to reverse the decline in enrollment and to control the cost of education. In our congregations, new early childhood education efforts are resulting in a boom in enrollment in preschools and day care centers. Throughout the synod, there seems to be a renewed emphasis on addressing spiritual weakness with the power of the means of grace in Word and sacrament.
Needless to say, the members of the Synodical Council marveled at these blessings. They are filled with thanks, as I am. First of all, we are thankful to our gracious God, from whom all of these blessings flow. But we are also thankful to you, the congregational members, pastors, teachers, and staff ministers. We know that you don't expect to be thanked for your faithfulness and for the way in which you've shown a renewed support for the work of the synod. But we will do it anyway. Thank you! Thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for your commitment to the spreading of the gospel. Thank you for the confidence that you have placed in those whom you have asked to serve as your leaders. Thank you for trusting in God to see us through financial hard times. Thank you for your prayers and kind words.
The litany of good news does not make us blind to the challenges we will face in the months and years to come. The financial good news of today could change in an instant. Many opportunities could be unmet because of limited resources. Satan will continue to lull faithful Christians into inactivity and apathy. The pressures of these last days always threaten to discourage and distract. Our unity in doctrine based on the Word is always at risk. But none of those are challenges that our powerful and gracious God cannot overcome. Assured by his promises, empowered with his Word, and motivated by the gospel, we can look ahead to many more blessings, and many more opportunities to thank God's people for their works of love and service.
Serving in Christ,
Mark Schroeder
Filed Under: Budget, donation, Finance, gift, Synod Finances, Synodical Council
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