To Adopt Four-Year Convention Cycle

WHEREAS, The decreases in the size of many Synod congregations and the uncertain economic climate of our times have placed an increased financial burden on many of those who are assessed a portion of the cost of the Synod convention; and

WHEREAS, The direct cost of the 2019 Synod convention was over $4 million; and

WHEREAS, We currently have a three-year convention cycle resulting in four conventions in 12 years totaling an estimated direct cost of $16.8 million; and

WHEREAS, As one of 35 districts, the expenses of the 2022 Nebraska District convention was$122,841,and the expenses of the last four district conventions was $502,511; and

WHEREAS, The overall cost to host a district or national convention has continued to increase over the years, with this cost borne by offerings and convention assessments received from congregations, many of which are struggling financially, impacting district and national budgets; and

WHEREAS, The amount of time and resources of Synod and district staff dedicated for convention preparation is astronomical and could be redirected to other opportunities for the work of the Church; and

WHEREAS, We are all charged to be good stewards of our time and treasure; and

WHEREAS, The one-year extension due to COVID-19 has shown us that there is no meaningful disadvantage to four years between conventions; and

WHEREAS, Moving to a four-year convention cycle may give the Synod and districts new opportunities to focus on the Church’s common mission and confession, particularly on contemporary issues faced by the Church through theological conferences;

therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod adopt a four-year convention cycle;

and be it further

Resolved, That the four-year cycle would be as follows:

• year one: additional time for visitation, implementation of convention resolutions, and regional gatherings for theological conferences;

• year two: circuit forums meet for the purpose of discussions of theology and collaborative efforts in ministry and mission work;

• year three: district conventions;

• year four: national convention;

and be it further

Resolved, That the Council of Presidents develop additional resources to assist the circuit visitors in facilitating circuit forums and the renewed emphasis on visitation; and be it further

Resolved, That Constitution Article VIII A 1 be amended as follows:

PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING Article VIII Synodical Meetings

A. Time and Legality of Meetings meeting. 2. …

and be it further

Resolved, That this become effective upon completion of the convention thereafter; and be it further

Resolved, That a task force be formed and charged to change any additional bylaw provisions for adoption at the 2026 Synod convention for immediate implementation of election cycles, terms of office, staggering terms, and any other necessary issues to bring them into conformity with such a four-year cycle; and be it further

Resolved, That this task force consist of: 1. one member of the Commission on Handbook (COH), appointed by the COH, who shall serve as chair; 2. one member of the Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM), appointed by the CCM; 3. the Secretary of Synod; 4. the Chief Financial Officer of Synod, or his design ee; 5. two district presidents, appointed by the Council of Presidents (COP); 6. two district business managers, appointed by the COP; and 7. two lay members of a district board of directors, appointed by the COP, with no district—except the Missouri District—represented by more than one task force member;

and be it finally

Resolved, That this task force shall present its report to the Synod, and that it be published on the Synod’s website, at least one year prior to the 2026 Synod convention.