Districts offer feedback to Ad Hoc Commission
Filed Under: Ad Hoc Commission, Convention, District
Most of the twelve districts have offered their formal response to the preliminary report of the Ad Hoc Commission, authorized by the 2007 synod convention to conduct an "analysis of our present problems and our future potential." Rev. Joel Voss, chairman of the commission, expects to receive the remaining responses before the commission meets again Aug. 12.
Each of the districts was to submit a response after meeting in convention last month. Voss says that so far, the feedback seems to be positive about the tone and direction of the report. While there are varying opinions and questions about some of the specific recommendations, the dialogue has been brotherly.
In particular, Voss says the recommendations dealing with some of the functions of the Board for Parish Services seemed to draw the most questions—especially recommendations to combine the functions of the Commissions on Youth Discipleship and Parish Schools into one single new commission, and to reassign oversight of Campus Ministry from the Board for Home Missions to the Commission on Special Ministries.
Also generating significant discussion is the recommendation that a flexible program of continuing education be required of all pastors. There is fairly widespread feedback that this is something pastors should be encouraged to do, not required to do.
In contrast, the recommendations regarding increased transparency in budget reporting, efforts to increase coordination of stewardship and funding activities, and improvements to the circuit pastor system received widespread support. A proposal to increase the number of districts received mixed reaction as delegates requested more information.
Voss says the commission will continue to analyze the feedback in advance of its meeting and that it will develop its rationale more fully when recommendations are included in its final report.
"While there is more work ahead of us than I thought there was going to be initially, we're looking forward to getting at it," Voss says. "We can definitely get it done."
The Ad Hoc Commission is accepting feedback on its preliminary report from individuals and groups until Oct. 1. It is to present its final report to the 2009 synod convention next July.
View the complete preliminary report of the Ad Hoc Commission at www.wels.net/jump/rttd Feedback can be sent via e-mail: adhoc@wels.net or through the mail: Ad Hoc Commission, 2929 N Mayfair Rd, Milwaukee WI 53222.
To view individual reports from the district conventions, go to www.wels.net/jump/diconventions
