Difficult decisions, eyes of faith
From the office of President Mark Schroeder
The Synodical Council will meet April 24 and 25 for its regular spring meeting. This meeting will not, however, be routine. The Synodical Council's main item of business is to adopt a budget that it will recommend to the 2009 synod convention.
By now members of the synod are aware of the difficult task facing the Synodical Council. We are confronted with the stark reality that approximately $8 million will need to be cut from the current budget of $38 million that supports the mission and ministry programs we carry out together as a synod. These reductions will require painful and difficult cuts in all areas of ministry. The Synodical Council has received input from all areas of ministry and will consider the impact of budget reductions on those ministries. At the end of the discussion, the council will carry out its constitutional responsibility to recommend a balanced budget for the next two years. That recommended budget will be presented to the convention this summer, where all final decisions will be made.
The Synodical Council will not be able to avoid recommending deep cuts in all areas. As it considers what to do, the council will attempt to make decisions that will enable the synod to carry out essential ministry at a level in keeping with the financial support available. It will also work to establish a list of priorities for restoration if the financial situation improves substantially in the next two years.
When it comes to the priorities and possible reductions, there will be many different opinions and views. Those opinions will be reflected, no doubt, in the Synodical Council itself as it formulates a budget. That discussion will continue throughout the synod once the budget is published, and budget discussions will be one of the main items on the agenda of the synod convention. As we carry out brotherly discussion and debate, we will want to do so in Christian love and with brotherly patience. And we will want to begin and end our decision-making with the fervent prayer that God would lead and guide us in these challenging times to do all things for his glory and for the good of his kingdom.
These are difficult times as we contemplate significant changes in the scope and nature of our synod's work. With our limited human vision, we see only challenges and painful decisions. But we've also been blessed with the eyes of faith. Those eyes can see and trust that our gracious God will continue to bless his people and provide for his church even when all the evidence seems to say otherwise.
Look for a special issue of "Together" early next week that will report the decisions made at the Synodical Council meeting.
Serving in Christ,
Mark Schroeder
Filed Under: Budget, SC, Synod Finances, Synodical Council
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