To Amend Bylaw 2.11.2.2 re Candidate Status

WHEREAS, Candidates are valuable members of the Synod, and having such members automatically removed from the roster would be a detriment both to the members and to the Synod, especially when there are more congregations requesting a candidate from the seminary than there are seminary candidates available; and

WHEREAS, The Synod has a duty out of Christian love and charity to care for and support these valued members; and

WHEREAS, Candidates are currently required to file an annual report with their district president by Jan. 31, which leads to inactive—candidate status letters being exchanged around Christmas, a busy time for members and district presidents alike; while a summertime reporting period will provide more time for a thoughtful exchange; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Indiana District in convention memorialize the 2023 Synod convention to amend Bylaw 2.11.2.2 as follows:

PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING Candidate

2.11.2.2 A “candidate” member is one who is eligible to perform the duties of any of the offices of ministry specified in By law section 2.11 but who is not currently an active member or an emeritus member.

(a) A candidate may be continued on the roster for a period not to exceed ten years by act of the president of the district through which the person holds membership. A candidate may be further continued on the roster for a period not to exceed five additional years upon recommendation of the applicant’s district president and approval of three fourths (75%) of the Council of Presidents.

(b) While a member is a candidate, the district president shall minister to that member either directly or through others, concern himself with the spiritual well-being of that member, and continue efforts to return that member to active service. (bc) The candidate shall, by January July 31, make an annual report to the district president who shall determine the member’s eligibility to remain on candidate status. The candidate’s report shall include current contact information and address the criteria for remaining on candidate status. (cd) The district president shall determine whether or not to grant or, upon annual review, continue candidate status based on the following criteria: (1) The member’s health; (2) The member’s efforts to address any unresolved issues involving fitness for ministry; (3) The member’s current involvement in ministry; and (4) The member’s written statement addressing any impediments to consideration and acceptance of a call to any of the offices of ministry specified in Bylaw section 2.11; and (5) The member’s cooperation in keeping personnel documents up to date.