One of the major items of business for delegates at the 2009 synod convention will be discussing and voting on the recommendations presented by the Ad Hoc Commission. This commission was authorized by the 2007 synod convention to analyze the synod’s present problems and future potential and to propose comprehensive, long-term strategies to help the synod carry out its mission.

Since the 2007 synod convention concluded, the 10-member commission of pastors, teachers, and laymen has been studying issues related to finances, structure, direction, and short- and long-term planning. Members have been talking to areas of ministries, examining pertinent documents from the 2007 convention, and working closely with WELS President Mark Schroeder to develop their recommendations. An initial report was presented to the districts in 2008 and then finalized after members took district feedback into account.

With more than 60 recommendations to consider, convention delegates will have much to think about. Six different floor committees will be studying sections of the report and presenting resolutions for discussion.

Introduction/Preamble. “The first thing [delegates] need to do is work through the section on what we define the synod as and what we want the synod to do, because that’s critical, especially in a time of support decrease such as we’re in now,” says Pastor Joel Voss, commission chairman and pastor at Resurrection, Centerville, Ohio.

Synod budget and finance. This section of the report discusses the fragmentation of the synod’s financial resources and the overall synod budget process. Although the report does not include how the commission feels about the two budgets, Options A and B as proposed by the Synodical Council for the next biennium. Voss says that the commission may still weigh in with its thoughts on the proposals.

Strengthening congregations. “I think the strengthening of called workers and congregations is probably the most important [section],” says Voss. “The synod is only as strong as the congregations that are affiliated with it. We talk about the synod slightly declining in membership and in support. Well, that all starts at the congregational level. Using God’s Word and his sacraments to strengthen God’s people to share that Word with others—that’s the way to turn this around.” Items in this section include appointing another commission to study the size and number of districts, strengthening the circuit pastor system, and reconfiguring Parish Services.