Approximately 400 delegates will gather July 29 through Aug. 1 at Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn., for the synod's 62nd biennial convention. During the convention, called workers and lay members will hear presentations, discuss issues, and make decisions related to the synod's work.
Rev. Mark Schroeder, WELS president, says that the major items of business facing the convention include Bible translation, adoption of the ministry financial plan, and review of the WELS long-range plan. The convention will also consider a report from a special task force on Lutheran schools, as well as a memorial from the Conference of Presidents calling for a special offering in 2015 to retire the synod’s capital debt.
Here is a short overview of some of the items upon which convention delegates will focus.
Bible translation
The NIV 1984, the official Bible translation currently used in WELS publications, is being phased out and replaced with a new version, which is often referred to as NIV 2011. WELS’ Translation Evaluation Committee was created to research the NIV 2011 and has also researched many other versions, including the English Standard Version (ESV) and the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB).
The NIV 1984, the official Bible translation currently used in WELS publications, is being phased out and replaced with a new version, which is often referred to as NIV 2011. WELS’ Translation Evaluation Committee was created to research the NIV 2011 and has also researched many other versions, including the English Standard Version (ESV) and the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB).
In the report it prepared for the convention, the Translation Evaluation Committee outlines two options that it sees for deciding which Bible translation to use in WELS publications going forward. Option 1: WELS adopts NIV 2011 for use in materials produced by Northwestern Publishing House.
Option 2: WELS does not adopt a single Bible version for use in its publications at this time. NPH uses whichever version of these three (ESV, HCSB, NIV 2011) seems best for the passage cited and the publication in which the biblical text will appear (“eclectic approach”).
The 2011 convention also resolved that, as a possible alternative, the synod should consider producing a new translation by Lutherans. The Translation Feasibility Committee was created to research the legal, technical, and economic feasibility of WELS creating a confessional Lutheran translation of the Bible and/or producing a study Bible with notes to accompany the translation that WELS chooses to use in its publications.
The report that the committee submitted for the 2013 convention concludes, “Perhaps the question should not be, ‘Can we do it?’ but, ‘Must we do it?’ If the people of our synod believe that there is no existing translation of the Bible that can serve our preaching, teaching, and publishing needs, then we’d trust that the Lord would help us find the resources and overcome the obstacles to carry out what is sure to be a very challenging project. But if an existing translation or translations can serve our needs, it would save the time and expense, not to mention the potential disruption to our ministerial education system, to use an existing translation.”
Since the publication of the Translation Feasibility Committee’s report this spring, Concordia Publishing House, the publication arm of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, has expressed interest in the production of a Lutheran translation of the Bible. More details on this possibility will be explored if a decision is made to produce a new translation.
To read either translation committees’ entire report and other articles, resources, and reports about Bible translations, visit www.wels.net/translation.
Ministry financial plan
The proposed ministry financial plan—the budget—for 2013–15 maintains ministry while providing for careful growth. However, the plan relies on areas of ministry and schools using reserves or other one-time funds to sustain ongoing ministries, underlining the importance of increased financial support through Congregation Mission Offerings (CMO) and individual gifts and bequests.
The proposed ministry financial plan—the budget—for 2013–15 maintains ministry while providing for careful growth. However, the plan relies on areas of ministry and schools using reserves or other one-time funds to sustain ongoing ministries, underlining the importance of increased financial support through Congregation Mission Offerings (CMO) and individual gifts and bequests.
In addition, as Mr. Todd Poppe, WELS’ chief financial officer, explains, “The proposed ministry plan was developed based on the assumption that Congregation Mission Offerings (CMO) would increase 4.0 percent in both 2014 and 2015. . . . This is a significant funding increase from congregations.
Schroeder reminds us, though, that in 2012, CMO grew by 3.5 percent. “This was a beautiful example of the gospel at work in the hearts of God’s people,” says Schroeder. “Increases of 4 percent annually are certainly achievable, especially if congregations and members are aware of the many opportunities that God is placing before us.”
Comprehensive reports on the synod’s operating fund, special funds, school funds, and the WELS Financial Stabilization Fund can be found at connect.wels.net/financial-services under “Financial Reports.”
Long-range plan
The “In Christ Alone” long-range plan was presented and approved at the 2011 synod convention. The plan is designed to be a broad outline of the direction of the synod and a description of where the synod, under God, hopes to be by 2017. Schroeder refers to the plan as a “broad road map” that is to guide those entrusted with carrying out the plan as they develop and implement specific strategies to reach the adopted goals.
The “In Christ Alone” long-range plan was presented and approved at the 2011 synod convention. The plan is designed to be a broad outline of the direction of the synod and a description of where the synod, under God, hopes to be by 2017. Schroeder refers to the plan as a “broad road map” that is to guide those entrusted with carrying out the plan as they develop and implement specific strategies to reach the adopted goals.
The plan calls for aggressive, but careful, expansion in all areas of the synod’s work. It sets goals for increased efforts in Home and World Missions. It calls for continued recruitment and training of called workers. It addresses the need for strengthening congregations and creating a culture of lifelong learning among called workers.
Schroeder says, “The plan recognizes that there are more opportunities for kingdom expansion than we would begin to meet but raises the sights of our members to seize as many opportunities as our resources enable us.”
Schroeder adds, “The name of the plan—‘In Christ Alone’—was chosen as the theme of the 2013 convention in order to focus the synod’s attention on the plan, and, more importantly, on the one who alone can bless and prosper the work that we do in his name.”
To read the entire long-range plan, summaries from all the areas of ministry, and the memorials being considered by convention delegates, read the 2013 Book of Reports and Memorials atwww.wels.net/2013convention.
Convention access
Turn to www.wels.net for all your synod convention news. The opening worship service in MLC’s Chapel of the Christ, all plenary meetings and open forums, as well as the concluding worship service will be streamed live at wels.net. Other communication vehicles include:
Turn to www.wels.net for all your synod convention news. The opening worship service in MLC’s Chapel of the Christ, all plenary meetings and open forums, as well as the concluding worship service will be streamed live at wels.net. Other communication vehicles include:
Video news updates: Daily updates will inform WELS members about the important work and decisions being made at the convention and will feature interviews with key synod leaders and delegates.
Blogs: Delegates will share their perspectives on the convention.
News articles: As decisions are made, articles will be posted to wels.net. Each evening, an issue of “Together,” WELS’ e-newsletter, will be delivered to subscribers as a wrap-up of the day’s events and a look ahead to the next day.
Mr. Lee Hitter, WELS director of Communication Services, says, “The WELS Web site, www.wels.net, is your ‘all access pass’ to the convention. Whether you plan to watch it live as it happens or be informed on your schedule, the Communication Services team will provide complete coverage.”
