In 2023, Synod Council adopted a structure that includes committees (normally established by the Synod Assembly or Synod Council and accountable to the Synod Council), and Teams (normally established by and accountable to the bishop.) The synod constitution also specifies committees that are elected by Synod Assembly or appointed by the bishop without approval of Synod Council. To recommend someone for a committee or team, click here.
- Executive Committee consists of the bishop, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and two additional members of the Synod Council elected from the synod council at the first meeting following the synod assembly.
Committees appointed by the bishop with Synod Council consent (three-year terms)
- Anti-Racism Committee recommends policies and practices to help the synod address racism in our church and our communities.
- Audit Committee is responsible for assisting the Synod Council in fulfilling its general oversight of the synod’s accounting, financial reporting, internal control systems, and external audit processes.
- Candidacy Committee recruits, guides, assists, and approves persons for the professional ministry in the Church. The synod also has a Lay Ministry Institute.
- Finance Committee prepares an annual budget for the synod and helps the treasurer to oversee administration of synod finances and fiscal policy.
- Mutual Ministry Committee gives encouragement and care for the staff of the synod
Teams appointed by the Bishop to assist with tasks related to the office
- Advocacy Team connects our synod with the ELCA ministries of advocacy, including ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster Response, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, and others.
- Bishop’s Discernment Team assists congregations to identify ways by which they may reach their fullest potential as God’s people
- Global Ministry Team connects our synod with ELCA ministries related to Global Mission relationships, including Ansbach/Würzburg Kirchenkreis, the Lutheran Church in Liberia, Seafarers International, and missionaries.
- Leadership Support Team reviews synod policies and guidelines related to rostered leadership in the synod.
Elected by Synod Assembly (six-year terms)
- Consultation Committee has responsibilities outlined in the Constitution of the ELCA Chapter 20.
- Committee on Discipline: has responsibilities outlined in the Constitution of the ELCA Chapter 20.
Synod Assembly Committees
- Assembly Planning Committee: to implement the directions of the bishop and Synod Council for site selection, arrangements, schedule and program of the assembly.
- Committee on Reference and Counsel: Receives resolutions and memorials and makes recommendations to the synod assembly for action.
- Elections Committee: responsible for the conduct of all synod assembly elections.
- Nominating Committee: Receives recommendations for nominees to synod positions to elect at the Synod Assembly, such as officers, synod council, churchwide assembly, Consultation Committee, and Committee on Discipline.