Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2023 ConventionCommittee 9Structure and Administration

Ov. 9-33

To Provide Additional Information about Nominees for Elected Positions of the Synod and Districts

Committee
9. Structure and Administration
Submitted by(3)
the 2025 district conventions.districtCircuit 26 (Kensington)circuitMichigan Districtdistrict
Workbook page
388

WHEREAS, Synod and district conventions of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod afford the opportunity for the election of qualified individuals to positions within the Synod and her districts; and

WHEREAS, It is the duty of voting delegates at these conventions, after prayer ful reflection, to vote for the candidates that they judge will best fulfill the positions for which they have been nominated, understanding that such positions can carry great influence within the Church; and

WHEREAS, It is often difficult for voting delegates to make such judgments with confidence based solely on the biographical information normally provided, leaving many either to guess blindly or to follow the recommendations of different interest groups; and

WHEREAS, The Synod has a longstanding practice of providing additional information to congregations about ordained and commissioned ministers (e.g., Pastor Information Form, Self- Evaluation Tool, and Commissioned Minister Information Form), and this information has proved helpful to congregations in their decision-making; and

WHEREAS, Caution should also be taken that candidates do not seem to be campaigning for elected positions within the Synod and her districts; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Council of Presidents craft a common questionnaire to be used for all elected positions (ordained, commissioned, and lay) within the Synod and her districts which will allow nominees to address briefly their theological positions as well as their personal qualifications; and be it further

Resolved, That care should be taken so that this questionnaire doesn’t appear to promote campaigning for elected positions; and be it finally

Resolved, That this questionnaire be submitted to all nominees for elected positions of the Synod and her districts, and their answers(if received) be made available in writing to the appropriate voting bodies at least three weeks prior to voting, beginning with