To Amend Bylaw 3.2.4.1 to Establish Term Limits for Elected Synod Officers

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

WHEREAS, Those individuals elected by the Synod are, during their termof office, using their gifts and abilities to the fullest extent in furtherance of the Synod’s life together, such that the duties and obligations of said officers and positions by necessity require tremendous focus and dedication by those elected there to, at times to the exclusion or diminish ment of their vocations to family and neighbor; and

WHEREAS, The Synod has been abundantly blessed by God with faithful men and women throughout its member congregations and its rosters of ordained and commissioned ministers with a multitude of gifts and abilities who are capable of serving the Synod in the offices and positions elected by the Synod, 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 of Synod, First Vice-President, regional vice-presidents, and Secretary of Synod are without limitation while members of all boards and commissions of the Synod are subject to limitations; and

WHEREAS, Term limits facilitate good order and harmony within the Synod, requiring the intentional selection of perspectives, gifts, and abilities well suited to the furtherance of the Synod’s work together in order to proclaim and witness to the nation and world; and

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

WHEREAS, Term limits remind the members of the 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 Bylaw 3.2.4.1 be amended as follows: PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING Terms of Office 3.2.4.1 The Those holding the offices of President, the first First Vice-President, regional vice-presidents vice-president, and Secretary shall be without limitation as to reelection ineligible for reelection to the same office after serving a total of four (4) successive three-year terms, unless otherwise provided in the Bylaws. (a) Service in said offices for 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 reelection to an office 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 further

Resolved, That the limitation established by Bylaw 3.2.4.1 as amended shall be applied, imposed, and effective for all elections held on or after Sept. 2, 2026.