Ad Hoc Commission holds its final meeting
Filed Under: , Ad Hoc Commission, Budget, Convention, Finance, Synod Convention
The Ad Hoc Commission, established by the 2007 synod convention to analyze synod structure and to make recommendations to improve its collective ministry, held its final face-to-face meeting Jan. 30.
The commission, comprised of both called workers and laymen, worked toward putting the finishing touches on its final report to be shared with the Synodical Council and the Conference of Presidents over the next few weeks. Those leadership groups have the opportunity to ask questions and to provide last-minute input.
Extensive consideration was given to input from the districts. The commission is recommending further study on certain proposals—including one to expand the number of districts from 12 to 15. "We still think it has merit," says Rev. Joel Voss, commission chairman.
Voss concedes that given the synod's current financial situation, the proposal isn't feasible at this time. Since the commission is recommending that another group be assigned to produce a detailed proposal for the 2011 convention, it's possible the financial situation could improve to the point where a redistricting proposal could be adopted at that time.
The report will be made public for the first time in March when it is posted online. In keeping with 2007 synod convention resolutions, the commission will present the final report to the 2009 convention in July where it will be addressed by four to five separate floor committees.
"I'm confident the vast majority of our report will be received well," Voss says. "We felt like we made significant strides in helping our synod recognize what the issues are and what needs to be addressed."
