To Direct Board for International Mission to Study Ecclesiastical Supervision, Pastoral Care, and Synod Membership in International Mission Contexts

WHEREAS, The 2023 Synod convention adopted Resolutions 2- 03 and 2-06A (2023 Proceedings, 124–126), which address matters related to ecclesiastical supervision, pastoral care of missionaries, and Synod membership for international congregations; and

WHEREAS, These matters relate to the responsibility of the Board for International Mission (BIM) under Bylaw 3.8.3; and

WHEREAS, The BIM has already invested significant time studying the possibility and advisability of such arrangements and has determined that reasonable pathways exist; and

WHEREAS, Responsible stewardship requires careful study and appropriate consultation prior to proposing potential actions to the Synod; therefore be it

Resolved, That the BIM continue to study and identify priority considerations related to ecclesiastical supervision, pastoral care, and structural organization in international mission contexts; and be it further

Resolved, That such study include, but not be limited to, examination of the Synod’s historical international districts, prior inclusion efforts, mission-based or associate relationship models, existing international mission structures, and core ecclesiastical needs (including supervision, pastoral care, and call processes), while considering policy based solutions within the existing constitutional and bylaw frameworks of the Synod; and be it finally

Resolved, That the BIM conduct this work with appropriate consultation and submit a written summary of its findings and any recommendations to the 2029 Synod convention.