New Year’s Resolutions: Resolution 4
Resolution 4 - Voting at Synod Assembly
Resolution 4 grants voting rights at the ECSW Synod Assembly to candidates in the Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (T.E.E.M.) program. These individuals, serving ECSW congregations as part of their unique pastoral training, would gain lay voting membership status under this amendment. This change recognizes their vital role in ministry while aligning with the Synod Constitution's voting guidelines.
Resources:
From “Presider and Assembly” by Bishop Anne Edison-Albright, “A TEEM candidate is a lay person from an underserved community in the ELCA (new mission start, rural ministry, racial or ethnic minority ministry, etc.) lifted up by their congregation to serve as a pastor while receiving a shortened course of practical training; they become rostered ministers in the ELCA, and after their training and certification are able to serve as pastors anywhere in the ELCA.
Learn about Synod Authorized Ministers
For conversation and reflection…
It has been observed that the church is moving from a model of church that has traditionally been “pastor led, lay supported” to a model that is “lay led, pastor supported.” How has this trend shift been observed in your congregation?
What are the current challenges that lay leaders of congregations face?
What kinds of ministry can lay leaders do more effectively than rostered ministers (pastors and deacons)?
As we kick off 2025 our hearts and minds swing back and forth. Preparing for annual reports, we look back and consider what has been and the love we were able to share through generosity and organizing in 2024. Planning ahead, we prepare to discern new commitments and callings.
On a personal levels, some of us may make New Year’s resolutions and set goals to create balance, health, or renewal. As the body of Christ in our synod, we make resolutions each year that help us focus our commitment to live into our calling, “to serve all people following the example of Jesus.” That’s our focus this year - the baptismal calling rooted in service after the example of Jesus.
Looking backwards, we’ll review the resolutions we brought before the Synod Assembly in 2024. Looking forward, we’ll prepare for the process of bringing new resolutions before the 2025 Synod Assembly. Between now and February 5th, we’ll take time to focus on each resolution. Be ready to collaborate and submit new resolutions after the window for submission opens, February 12th - March 14th.
