Conference of Presidents fall 2024 meeting
The Conference of Presidents (COP) held its fall meeting Oct. 8-11. Items discussed or decided include:
- The COP adopted a statement on critical theory in keeping with a request from the 2023 synod convention. This paper will provide information on what critical theory is and how our pastors and members can evaluate it and respond to it. The paper will be released in the coming weeks.
- The COP discussed a suggestion that the synod convention be changed from a biennial convention to a triennial convention. After receiving input from the district conventions last summer, the COP decided not to bring this proposal to the 2025 synod convention.
- Rev. Steven Wiebe, who serves an independent Lutheran congregation in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, applied for colloquy into WELS. After a thorough process, his colloquy request was granted, and he is now a member of the WELS ministerium.
- In reviewing the pastoral vacancies in the synod, the COP noted that there are 151 vacancies for parish pastors, 1 foreign missionary, 1 professor, and 2 other pastor-trained positions. These numbers are similar to the number of vacancies one year ago.
- The COP will release guidelines for congregational governance. Several models will be provided for congregations of different sizes. Release is scheduled for early 2025. Meetings will be planned for district constitution committees so they are familiar with these guidelines.
- The COP received a report from Curriculum Coordinator Melanie Giddings, which outlines the progress and plans for the new theology curriculum for K-12 currently in development.
- The COP issued a divine call for a national coordinator of early childhood ministries. The position will become vacant upon the retirement of Mrs. Cindi Holman, who has served in the role since 2011. The call was extended to Miss Jennifer Mehlberg, who currently serves at Martin Luther College.
- The COP appointed Mr. Jon Thibaudeau to serve as a lay member on the Commission on Lutheran Schools.
- The COP will submit a recommendation to the 2025 synod convention to change the way synod officers (president, first and second vice presidents, and secretary) are elected. Currently, nominations for these positions are made by the delegates at the synod convention. This proposal would have the delegates submit nominations prior to the convention. When a final ballot is determined, that ballot would be published prior to the convention.
- A committee was formed to develop a shared philosophy of ministry for WELS schools to elementary and secondary students and families active in other Christian churches.
- The COP reiterated the synod policy that says that any church worker who is directly involved with the means of grace should be called, not hired.
- Martin Luther College has proposed a three-part strategy to increase the number of ministry-certified teachers in our synod. The COP approved the plans.
Serving with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder
