To Establish Term Limits for Elected Officers of Synod

WHEREAS, The Synod is and has been served by the multiple gifts and abilities of those who are elected by the Synod in convention to serve it as officers, members of boards, and members of commissions; and

WHEREAS, Those elected by the Synod are, during their term of office, using their multiple gifts and abilities to the fullest extent in furtherance of the Synod’s life together, such that the duties and obligations of said offices and positions by necessity require tremendous focus and dedication by those elected to same, often to the exclusion or diminish ment of their vocations to family and neighbors; and

WHEREAS, The Synod has been abundantly blessed by God with faithful men and women throughout its member congregations and rosters of ordained and commissioned ministers with a multitude of varied gifts and abilities who would be capable of serving the Synod in the offices and position selected by the Synod in convention, such that no officer, board member, or commission member is irreplaceable; and

WHEREAS, There is not uniformity of practice within the Synod with regard to term limits, as the offices of President, First Vice- President, regional vice-presidents, and Secretary of the Synod are without limitation; and

WHEREAS, Re-election of members of all boards and commissions of the Synod are subject to limitations; and

WHEREAS, Term limits facilitate good order and harmony with the Synod, requiring the intentional selection of perspectives, gifts, and abilities best suited to the furtherance of the Synod’s life together in order to proclaim and witness to the nation and world at that time; and

WHEREAS, Term limits demonstrate and affirm care for those who serve the Synod in the offices and positions elected by the Synod in convention; and

WHEREAS, Term limits remind the members of Synod that our hope, confidence, and trust rests and resides in Christ and Christ alone, the head of the Church; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Nebraska District memorialize the Synod to establish limits on the terms of the officers elected by the Synod in convention to not exceed a total of four terms; and be it further

Resolved, That Bylaw 3.2.4.1 be amended as follows:

PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING Terms of Office

3.2.4.1 Those holding the The offices of President, the first Vice- President, regional vice-presidents, and Secretary shall be ineligible for re-election to the same office after serving a total of four successive three-year terms, unless otherwise provided in the By law without limitation as to reelection.

(a) More than one-half of a term shall be regarded as a full term under limited tenure rules.

(b) Any officer who is ineligible for re-election may be elected or appointed to another office or position. (ac) If the President, First Vice-President, or Secretary are not reelected or do not stand for re-election, they shall continue to receive full salary for a period of six (6) months while rendering transitional service. (bd) Such service and salary will cease at the time such person accepts another full-time position. (ce) Before his successor assumes office, the outgoing President shall use the intervening time to settle the affairs of his administration and assist the newly elected President as requested to become acquainted with the responsibilities of the office.

and be it finally

Resolved, That the limitations established by Bylaw 3.2.4.1 as amended shall be applied, imposed, and effective for all elections held on or after Sept. 2, 2023.