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LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2001, Page 109

Scan: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

SYNODICAL REPORTS 109

delegate brief written biographics of the candidates for District
President and the candidatcs for Vicc-President. giving adequate
information on each candidate, such as age, residence, number of
years in the Synod, present position, District or synodical offices
previously held, ycar of ordination, former pastorates, involvement
in community, government, or interchurch affairs, and any other
specific experience and qualification for the office. Nominating
committees may not be employed in the election of the President
and Vice-Presidents.

2. Delegate Information

The TF recommends that prior to a District Convention, each District’s Board of Directors cause statements or responses to interview
questions to be disseminated in which the congregationally-nominated candidates for District President have opportunity to express them-
selves on the key issues facing the District and the Synod at large. It also recommends that the Secretary of the Synod be charged with de-
veloping and updating materials that can be used to familiarize District convention delegates with the responsibilities of District Presidents
within their Districts, particularly in the area of ecclesiastical supervision, and the role of the Council of Presidents within the Synod.

3. District President Orientation

It is not unusual for those who are appointed to leadership positions with unique responsibilities in the fields of business, industry. or
the military to undergo extensive orientation. Current Bylaw 3.101 C 2 requires the President of the Synod to “make provisions for new
District Presidents ... to be acquainted with their duties and responsibilities.” However, this orientation usually is confined to two days. Fur-
ther, it is routinely conducted quite early in the term of most newly elected District Presidents, even before some might assume office. and
thus it does not afford an opportunity for systematic reflection upon several months’ worth of service in the District presidency.

Therefore the TF proposes the following overture:

8-24

To Provide More Extensive Orientation for District Presidents

Resolved, That once every triennium the President of the Synod arrange, and the Board of Directors of the Synod fund, a two-stage orienta-
tion for new District Presidents that especially highlights churchmanship (Romans 12:]—2) and a theologically responsible approach to ecclesi-
astical supervision. Specific topics could include how to be proactive; how to work with Circuit Counselors; how to spot trouble signs within con-
gregations and in the District as a whole; how to carry out disciplinary responsibilities. The first stage should be conducled as soon as possible
after the last District convention in a District convention year. A second stage should be scheduled about six months later. Theological profes-
sors, veteran District Presidents, and others can be called upon to make presentations at the discretion of the synodical President.

Visitation Circuits

If a Circuit Counselor is to assist his District President effectively in the responsibilities outlined above. the Circuit must be of reason-
able size. Often he is called upon to deal with personnel matters as well as pastoral vacancies within the Circuit, in addition to other au-
thorized visitation duties. Most Circuit Counselors are also faced with the press of pastoral responsibilities in their own congregations. Vis-
itation Circuits consisting of only 5 to 7 adjacent parishes would enable a Circuit Counselor. if requested by the District President, to visit
every church in the Circuit during a triennium (apart from his own) at the rate of perhaps two per year. Forming smaller visitation Circuits
will increase the number of visitation Circuits and Circuit Counselors across the Synod, thus improving communications. If the pastors of
adjacent visitation Circuits think it wise to meet together for their Circuit pastoral (“Winkel”) conferences, they certainly may do so.

The TF is convinced that it would be inappropriate to make changes in the makeup of visitation Circuits without also considering
changing the contours of electoral regions. Accordingly, the TF urges that these proposed changes in the definition of a visitation Circuit
should be read together with and acted upon jointly with those regarding electoral regions (later in this report).

8-25

To Change Criteria for Visitation Circuits
Resolved, That the synodical Bylaws be amended as proposed:

CURRENT
3.51 Definitions

5.01 Structuring of Circuits

Each circuit shall consist of 7 to 20 member congregations in-
volving an aggregate communicant membership of 1,500 to
10,000. Exceptions to these requirements and limitations can be
made only by the President of the Synod upon request of a District
Board of Directors.

PROPOSED
3.51 Definitions

h. Parish: One or more member congregations of the Synod
served by the same pastor(s).

5.01 Structuring of Visitation Circuits

Each visitation Circuit shall consist of 5 to 7 adjacent parishes
as determined by the District President in consultation with the
District Board of Directors at least one year prior to the triennial
District convention. Factors such as geographic locale, common
and shared ministries, and other areas of mutual interests should
be taken into account in the alignment and size of visitation Cir-
cuits. Exceptions or revisions to such assignments can be made by
the District President upon request of a specific congregation. The
final assignment of congregations to specific visitation Circuits
shall be subsequently reported to the District Convention.

2001 Convention Workbook