Implementing convention decisions
From the office of President Mark Schroeder
It's only two weeks after the conclusion of the synod convention, but already work has begun to implement the various resolutions that were adopted.
Convention decisions directly affected the work of Parish Services in a number of ways. First, the Board for Parish Services has been replaced by a Parish Services council. The work carried out by Parish Assistance and the commissions on Evangelism, Youth Discipleship, Adult Discipleship, Worship, Special Ministries, and Parish Schools will now be carried out as a part of the Ministry Support area of the synod's work and will be accountable to the Conference of Presidents through the synod president. Second, the budget for the ministries of Parish Services was further reduced. Reductions had already been planned before convention; with these additional reductions, three more called positions and possibly one staff position will need to be eliminated. The specifics of those reductions and what programs might be reduced or eliminated are being identified and will be finally determined by the Conference of Presidents. In keeping with the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Commission and the resolutions of the convention, every effort will be made to preserve as many functions of the Parish Services ministries as possible.
The convention delegates received some unexpected good news when WELS VEBA announced that there will be a one-month premium holiday sometime this fall. In other words, for one month all calling bodies will not be required to send premium payments for their workers who are participants in the VEBA health insurance plan. The convention passed a resolution strongly encouraging congregations and schools to redirect the money they would have sent to VEBA to the synod instead. If all calling bodies follow the convention's encouragement, there is potential benefit to the synod of up to $2.5 million. Since congregations and schools have already budgeted for these payments, this step could provide the synod with significant additional financial support with no additional sacrifice from congregations. More information on this will be shared in the coming weeks.
New members of the Synodical Council
The Synodical Council supervises the mission and ministry of the synod between conventions. Several new members will be joining the Synodical Council when it meets in November.
Rev. Joel Voss (second vice president)
Rev. Phil Hirsch (chairman of the Board for Ministerial Education)
Rev. Jonathan Schroeder (pastor at large)
Teacher James Moeller (teacher at large)
Called workers without calls
As the budget was developed last year, there were concerns that the reductions would result in a large number of called workers without calls. In all, about 38 occupied and vacant positions for called workers were eliminated. Thankfully, our worst fears have not been realized. The Lord has provided other calls for many whose positions were eliminated. Only six pastor-trained men, two staff ministers, and six teachers have not yet received a call. All but 4 seminary graduates and 12 MLC graduates have also been assigned. We will keep all of these workers in our prayers until the Lord calls them to the field of service he has planned for them.
Not to be forgotten are the many faithful staff people across all areas of ministry whose positions have been eliminated. Our prayers are with them, too, as they struggle to find new employment.
Serving in Christ,
Mark Schroeder
