Districts respond to the Ad Hoc Commission report
From the office of President Mark Schroeder
Many across synod have been asking for a status report on the progress of the Ad Hoc Commission (AHC)—established by last summer's synod convention to analyze all areas of the synod's ministries and operations.
Just this past week, the Synodical Council (SC) meeting by teleconference was the latest group to weigh in on the commission's preliminary report, which offers 30 endorsements of actions already taken and 75 recommendations for future action by various areas of ministry. The report touches on a variety of topics such as home and world missions, budget and finance, strengthening congregations and their members, continuing education for called workers, synodwide theological studies, structure and organization, and tuition costs at ministerial education schools.
The SC met largely to discuss feedback offered by the 12 districts, which discussed and debated the report in their conventions in June. Each district had relayed its reactions to the preliminary recommendations, along with suggestions and comments. The SC will discuss the report more fully at its November meeting and provide additional feedback to the AHC.
The AHC was very eager to receive input from the districts before it makes its final recommendations to the next convention, and it met Aug. 12 to begin analyzing the feedback. Overall, the commission found that district response to the tone, direction, and content of the report was very positive. The commission's endorsements of actions already taken received nearly unanimous approval from all 12 districts. Sixty-four of the seventy-five recommendations received strong support. Five recommendations received mixed support with requests for additional rationale or detail; only six of the recommendations did not receive support.
The AHC sincerely wanted this feedback. It has already begun to reconsider some of its recommendations and is working to provide additional rationale for others.
The next group to weigh in will be the Conference of Presidents at its October meeting. The areas of ministry (World Missions, Home Missions, Ministerial Education, and Parish Services) will also be invited to provide their reaction and suggestions. The AHC is still inviting comments and suggestions from individuals until Oct. 1. Feedback can be sent to adhoc@wels.net
The commission plans to consider all the input it receives and to produce a final document shortly after the first of the year. It will then be published in the Book of Reports and Memorials and presented to the 2009 synod convention.
The work of the commission reflects the dedication and zeal of its eight members. They have also demonstrated clearly their love for their Savior, their trust in the gospel, and their commitment to helping our synod carry out its work in the very best possible way. They deserve our sincere thanks for the work they've done, and for the work they will do in the coming months.
Serving in Christ,
Mark Schroeder
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