Report and Recommendations of

1
Report and Recommendations of the Ad Hoc
Commission
2
Purpose of the Ad Hoc Commission

1. To analyze our current problems and potential
2. To provide a thorough analysis leading to a
   comprehensive, long-term plan
3. To assist in evaluating all programs and staffing

3
Three Main Questions

1. What is the synods mission and purpose?
2. How can we expand our synods ministry efforts?
3. What recommendations can we offer to accomplish
   our task?

4
Mission and Purpose of the Synod

• Do together what we cannot do as individual
  congregations
• Preserve unity of doctrine, educate called
  workers, and carry on mission work
• Focus on this purpose is critical when financial
  resources have decreased

5
Expansion of Mission Efforts

• Retrench and reprioritize to start new churches
  and fields
• Retain the Vicar in a Mission Setting program

6
Synodical Budget and Finances

• Fragmentation of resources due to proliferation
  of funds and appeals to support them
• Empower Ministry of Christian Giving to
  coordinate all appeals
• Spend down special funds

7
Synodical Budget and Finances

• Deal brotherly with congregations that contribute
  little or no congregation mission offerings (CMO)
• Budget should reflect all our work as a synod
• Encourage cooperation between the Conference of
  Presidents and the Synodical Council in producing
  and supporting the budget

8
Strengthening Congregations

• Through the means of grace!
• Recommendations
• Appoint a group to bring redistricting proposal
  to 2011 convention
• Improve circuit pastor system
• Re-deploy and reconfigure the functions of Parish
  Services
• Continue to utilize Northwestern Publishing House

9
Excellence Among Called Workers

• High school offer full academic scholarships to
  Martin Luther College
• College offer merit or excellence scholarships
  in various areas
• Seminary develop and establish study fellowships

10
Excellence Among Called Workers

• Post-seminary graduate study Provide seminary
  faculty guidance and a robust sabbatical program
• In the field flexible program of continuing
  education

11
Synod-Wide Theological Study

• Have the Conference of Presidents initiate a
  synod-wide study
• Offer guidance for these studies at various
  levels
• Create opportunities to address issues of
  doctrine and practice

12
Synod-Wide Theological Study

• Suggested topics
• Year one The Efficacy of the Means of Grace
• Year two Vocation, Church, and Ministry
• Year three Care of Souls
• Year four The Sacramental Life

13
Structure and Organization

• Hold joint meetings of the Synodical Council and
  the Conference of Presidents
• Task the president with fostering communication
  between the two groups
• Make the position of first vice president
  part-time

14
Structure and Organization

• Structure of the Synodical Council
• Replace the four area of ministry chairmen with
  three at-large pastors and one teacher
• Non-voting advisory members only attend sessions
  by invitation

15
Synod and District Conventions

• Foster the flow of information to delegates,
  especially regarding the proposed budget
• Include all information in the Book of Reports
  and Memorials and the Report to the Twelve
  Districts.
• Consider the length and scheduling of the synod
  convention

16
Synod and District Conventions

• Encourage the review of the Book of Reports and
  Memorials at all levels of synod
• Improve the system of reporting synod convention
  results

17
Synodical Communications

• Investigate new technology to be used in carrying
  out the synods mission

18
Cost of Ministerial Education

• Prep Level
• Reduce spending on a per student cost basis
• Set cost comparable to an area Lutheran high
  school in the same region
• Maintain their unique curriculum and focus, i.e.
  to prepare students for Martin Luther College

19
Cost of Ministerial Education

• College Level
• Reduce spending on a per student basis
• Explore and implement one or both of these
  options
• Set cost comparable to in-state college costs
• Implement a reimbursement program

20
Soli Deo Gloria!