31 st Annual Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly. May 31 June 2, Grand Wayne Convention Center Fort Wayne, Indiana. Bulletin of Reports

Transcription

1 31 st Annual Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly May 31 June 2, 2018 Grand Wayne Convention Center Fort Wayne, Indiana Bulletin of Reports

2 Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly Bulletin of Reports Table of Contents Election Information General Election Nominees General Election Nomination Form Reports from Ministries of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Fiscal Year Proposed Budget IK Synod Mission Support IK Synod Endowment Totals as of March 31, 2018 Ministers of Word and Sacrament Compensation Standards Ministers of Word and Service Compensation Standards Reconciling in Christ Task Force Report Candidacy Committee Indiana-Kentucky Synod Officer and Staff Reports Bishop William O. Gafkjen Report Vice President Ted Miller Report Secretary Judy Bush Report Treasurer Chris Walda Report Rev. Heather Apel Report Rev. Dan Fugate Report Rev. Nancy Nyland (DEM) Report Rev. Jerry O Neal (Stewardship) Report Tom Dearchs Report Indiana-Kentucky Synod Council Minutes Indiana-Kentucky Synod Council Minutes January 2018 Indiana-Kentucky Synod Council Minutes November 2017 Indiana-Kentucky Synod Council Minutes September 2017 Indiana-Kentucky Synod Council Minutes June Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly Minutes Reports from ELCA Ministries Letter from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton 2018 Synod Assembly Churchwide Report in Detail ELCA Mission Investment Fund Annual Report ELCA Region 6 Archives Report Portico Benefit Services Annual Report Trinity Lutheran Seminary Annual Report Wittenberg University Muhlenberg College Resources Synod Constitution June 2017

3 Election Information Positions nominated by the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Nominating Committee: Synod Council Clergy at Large (2 positions, male or female, 3 year terms) Rev. Jack Dixon Member: St. John, Napoleon, IN Conference: Southeast Indiana Occupation: Pastor Congregation service: Pastor Conference/Synod/ELCA Service: currently serving on Synod Council Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: Beginning his 32 nd year of ordained ministry, Jack Dixon has served congregations as large as 1100 members and as small as 140 members in both rural and city/university settings. Pastor Dixon served 26 years on Active Duty with the US Army Chaplain Corps. His last 10 years of service were focused on building organizations and training leaders. An effective leader with a proven record of meeting goals, developing high performing mangers, and increasing organizational effectiveness. Pastor Dixon is able, ready, and eager to serve the Synod and the larger Church. Rev. Jane Rothman Member: Faith, Owensboro, KY Conference: Evansville Occupation: Pastor Congregation service: Pastor, Faith Lutheran; Interim-Rector at Trinity Episcopal Community service: Treasurer, Owensboro Daviess County Ministerial Association Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: I m a second-career and trained-interim pastor who has worked primarily in rural settings and in multiple-congregation parishes. God has given me opportunities to serve congregations struggling to remain viable and some who have found their purpose. I work in ecumenical and interfaith situations through the ministerial association. Synod Council Clergy at Large (1 position, male or female, 1 year term) Rev. Curtis Black Member: St. Paul, Versailles (Olean), IN Conference: Southeast Indiana Occupation: Pastor Congregation service: God s Work, Our Hands participant, VBS volunteer, Youth Group volunteer Community service: Pangburn Park Lunch Program volunteer

4 Conference/Synod/ELCA service: Treasurer, Southeast Indiana Conference; Member, Mission Support Table Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: Pattern recognition: picking out trends from the stories of multiple people and congregation. Growing understanding of how congregational stewardship impacts ministries at the synodical and churchwide levels. Variety of experience: can speak from my involvement with campus ministry, outdoor ministry, and small town/rural ministry. Synod Council Deacon at Large (1 position, male or female, 3 year term) Deacon Barbara Limbach Member: Resurrection Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne Conference: Northeast Indiana Occupation: Deacon Congregation service: Serves on staff, Stephen Ministry, Small Groups, Spiritual Gifts, Outreach and Evangelism Community service: Cure JM Conference, the Park, Byron Health Center, Come2Go, VBS Conference/Synod/ELCA service: Synod Assembly Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: I am gifted in organization, a good listener, always asking questions/clarifying, detail oriented, seeing both sides of an issue, and I have over 14 years of experience in team ministry. Discipline Committee Clergy at Large (2 positions, male or female, 6 year term) Rev. Michael Crawford Member: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Lafayette, IN Conference: Lafayette Occupation: Retired Pastor Congregation service: Vacancy Pastor at St. Paul, Frankfort, IN Community service: Board member, IMPACT After School Program, Mulberry, IN; Clinton County Drug and Alcohol Coalition member Conference/Synod/ELCA service: Candidacy Committee, I-K Synod Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: I am a patient and attentive listener. I value collaboration with colleagues. Rev. John Kost Member: Christ Lutheran, Valparaiso, IN Conference: Northwest Indiana Occupation: Minister of Word & Sacrament Interim Pastor Congregation service: As of May 1, 2018, I will be awaiting another interim assignment. Community service: None. Conference/Synod/ELCA service: Served as a CONNECT coach.

5 Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: I am able to critically listen and objectively discern concerns or issues and to discuss difficult issues. Rev. Paul Row Discipline Committee Lay female at Large (1 position, 6 year term) Mary Anderson Member: Holy Trinity Lutheran, Lafayette, IN Conference: Lafayette Occupation: Retired/Social Service Agency Program Director Congregation service: Mutual Ministry Committee, Quilters, Meal Support Team, Prayer Chain Community service: Family Promise volunteer, Food Pantry volunteer Conference/Synod/ELCA service: ELCA World Hunger Leader for I-K Synod Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: I feel I have good listening skills and can be objective in assessing situations. My work experience with a very diverse client population, as well as Stephen Ministry & Healthy Congregations training, taught me to be non-judgemental and compassionate in any circumstance. Discipline Committee Lay male at Large (1 position, 6 year term) Paul Kiser Member: St. Stephen Lutheran, Louisville, KY Conference: South Central Occupation: Associate Professor, Biology Dept., Bellarmine University Congregation service: Vice-President Congregation Council, Sr. High Sunday School teacher, Choir Member, Worship Coordinator, Youth group leader, Lector, Cantor, (anything else that needs doing!) Community service: Co-Chair KY Agency for Substance Abuse Policy, SmokeFree Policy Advocate (local and state level), Bellarmine University Faculty Council, BU Hearing Committee Conference/Synod/ELCA service: South Central Conference Council Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: As a research scientist I feel I m extremely objective and rely upon fact-based decision-making yet as a long-time public health advocate (especially related to nicotine addiction) I m also guided by the basic principles of social justice and equitable consideration of all positions prior to the pursuit of any action that may impact individual lives.

6 Consultation Committee Clergy at Large (1 position, male or female, 6 year term) Pastor Wendy Piano Member: Grace, Syracuse, Indiana Conference: North Central Conference Occupation: Pastor Congregation service: Pastor, Grace Lutheran Church, Syracuse, Indiana Community service: Treasurer, Governing Board for Teen Parents Succeeding Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: I am willing to serve, I am not afraid to ask tough questions, I am able to look at the details as well as the big picture. Consultation Committee Lay female at Large (1 position, 6 year term) Melissa Schroeder Member: St. Paul, Middlebury, IN Conference: North Central Indiana Occupation: Retail Administrator AVP at First State Bank Congregation service: Member of CONNECT Team, Christian Education Member, Adult Sunday School leader Community service: Board Member of Dollars for Scholars, Executive Board Member of Pathways Retreat Center Conference/Synod/ELCA service: Nominated for Churchwide Assembly Voting Member Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: I am a certified Spiritual Director, a member of Spiritual Director s International, and a practicing Spiritual Director and associate at Pathways Retreat in Goshen, IN. As a spiritual director, I am trained to listen, notice, and ask questions to help others discern God s invitation and movement in their lives. I have done this discernment for churches and groups as well. Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Board Lay female at Large (1 position, 3 year term) Christine Miller Member: Mt. Zion Lutheran, LaGrange, IN Conference: Northeast Indiana Occupation: Regulatory Affairs Manager Congregation service: Sunday School, nursery volunteer Community service: Lutheran Foundation Delegate, school and church fundraiser, member of VASA Conference/Synod/ELCA service: Diakonia North Central Indiana Conference Coordinator

7 Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: I have a deep appreciation of our camps as places to go and listen to God and fellowship with others, to build community and share the love of Christ. I look forward to serving others by participating as a LOMIK Board Member. Julie Walda Member: St. John Lutheran, Fort Wayne, IN Conference: Northeast Indiana Occupation: Accountant Congregation service: WELCA Board Treasurer, Assisting Minister, Communion Assistant, Handbells, Bible study leader Community service: PTA member, PEO member (just completed term as neighborhood board Treasurer) Conference/Synod/ELCA service: LOMIK Board, WELCA Board Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: Financial background especially in nonprofit sector through neighborhood board, church, and other organizations. Healthy body to help out with various camp projects. Organization skills. Positions to be nominated by Synod Conferences: Synod Council Member Lay Female East Central Indiana Conference (1 position, 3 year term) Rebecca Daum Member: St. Paul, Richmond, IN Conference: East Central Indiana Occupation: Retired High School Teacher Congregation service: Treasurer, Assisting Minister, Lap Robe Ministry Community service: AARP Tax Aide, Relay for Life Conference/Synod/ELCA service: Synod Council, Synod Finance Committee Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: Understanding of synod finances, experience as congregation council secretary, leader of adult forum in congregation, faithful attendance at synod council meetings, experience in teaching in a racially diverse high school. Synod Council Member Lay Female Northeast Indiana Conference (1 position, 3 year term) Diane Cameron Member: Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, LaGrange, IN Conference: Northeast Indiana Occupation: Retired Congregation service: Council Member, Choir, President of Women s Group, Liaison to Property Committee

8 Community service: LaGrange County Library Board member, Inspector for Elections Board Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: I m a hard worker, dedicated to any task. Dependable, honest, and easy to get along with. My talents for leadership are shown through being an HR Director for 25 years, 8 years as President of LaGrange County Library Board, Vice President of Congregation Council and Treasurer for many years. Synod Council Member Lay Male Southeast Indiana Conference (1 position, 3 year term) Robert Graham Member: Resurrection, Madison, Indiana Conference: Southeast Indiana Occupation: Professor of Economics, Hanover College Congregation service: Constitution Committee Community service: Active both in Jefferson County and Hanover College Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: Very thorough mind, easy and clear conversation style, faithful to church, passion for ministry and service, quick on my feet. Synod Council Member Lay Male Lafayette Conference (1 position, 3 year term) Michael K. Anderson Member: Holy Trinity, Lafayette, IN Conference: Lafayette Occupation: Retired Congregation service: Finance Committee, Praise Team Singer Community service: Volunteers at a food pantry as well as a food bank Conference/Synod/ELCA service: Ending first 3 rd year term on Synod Council, Member of Executive Committee, Reference and Counsel Committee, and Constitution Task Force Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: Having served three years, I believe continuity would help. I believe I listen well and have a passion for the work of the Synod as well as Church at large. Have been active at the Synod level for many years in various ways. Churchwide Assembly Lay Female Indianapolis Conference (youth or young adult) Ashley Schwartzkopf Member: Messiah, Brownsburg, IN Conference: Indianapolis Occupation: Social Worker, Researcher

9 Congregation service: Call Committee member, Sunday School Teachers (2&3), High school youth leader, altar guild, nursery leader, VBS leader, Fellowship Committee member, Usher, Service assistant, Media tech assistant, Christian Education Board member Community service: Indiana National Social Work Association, various Veterans Affairs events at the VA Hospital in Indianapolis Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: Ashley has a heart for the Lord s work. Ashley spent her childhood, adolescence, and young adult life at Messiah. Her strong Lutheran background surrounds her capabilities as an active young member in the church. She is strong in decision making and has a sense of what Lutheran is. Madison Engelau Member: St. Paul, Seymour, IN Conference: Indianapolis Occupation: Student Congregation service: Bell Choir, Internship Committee, Luther League, help with youth program Community service: Key Club, Junior Counselor at Camp Lakeview Conference/Synod/ELCA service: Help with Synod Youth Day at ELCA Youth Gathering, attended 2016 ELCA Youth Leadership Summit Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: Maddie is very active within the congregation and is thinking about wanting to become a youth director after college. She brings energy to the tasks. She seeks out opportunities to volunteer and provide leadership to events. Churchwide Assembly Lay Female North Central Indiana Conference Carrie Avery Member: Faith, Goshen, IN Conference: North Central Indiana Occupation: Office Professional for Thrivent Financial Congregation service: Choir Member Community service: Participates in Thrivent Action Teams around our conference Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: AS a young adult in the church, Carrie brings insights into the changing landscape of the church while holding onto and lifting up the traditions of our Lutheran identity. Melissa Schroeder Member: St. Paul, Middlebury, IN Conference: North Central Indiana Occupation: Retail Administrator AVP at First State Bank Congregation service: Member of CONNECT Team, Christian Education Member, Adult Sunday School leader

10 Community service: Board Member of Dollars for Scholars, Executive Board Member of Pathways Retreat Center Conference/Synod/ELCA service: Nominated for I-K Synod Consultation Committee, Voting Member Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: I am a certified Spiritual Director, a member of Spiritual Director s International, and a practicing Spiritual Director and associate at Pathways Retreat in Goshen, IN. As a spiritual director, I am trained to listen, notice, and ask questions to help others discern God s invitation and movement in their lives. I have done this discernment for churches and groups as well. Churchwide Assembly Lay Female Northwest Indiana Conference (person of color or person whose primary language is other than English) Darlene Terrel Member: Christ, Hammond, IN Conference: Northwest Indiana Occupation: Retired, Childcare Provider Congregation service: Congregation Council, Worship Committee, Mother-Daughter Committee Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: Darlene Terrell brings a soothing spirit to a group. She is a retired Day Care Operator who has a great deal of patience which allows her to listen to others and their opinions, thus making informed decisions. Churchwide Assembly Lay Male Northeast Indiana Conference (person of color or person whose primary language is other than English) Churchwide Assembly Lay Male East Kentucky Conference Paul Trickel Member: Gloria Dei, Crestview Hills, KY Conference: East Kentucky Occupation: Social Worker Congregation service: Lay Assistant, Foundation Board Member Community service: AIDS Volunteers of Northern Kentucky Board Member, Greater Cincinnati HIV Collaborative member Conference/Synod/ELCA service: Conference Council Chair and Lay Representative, Synod Finance Committee Chair Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: A desire to shape the vision and mission of the ELCA around Jesus command to love God and one another. Thoughtful and patient decision maker. A willingness to consider perspectives different from my own. Previous Synod and Churchwide experience and previous service on congregational and conference councils and community boards.

11 Bruce Southers Member: Gloria Dei, Crestview Hills, KY Conference: East Kentucky Occupation: Project manager in the financial services industry Congregation service: Memorial Committee Community service: Volunteer with Donate Life, PCHA-Ohio; visited West Africa twice in past two years, evangelized with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of The Gambia; webmaster/sponsor of the Lutheran Church in Guinea-Bissau website. Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: I take any responsibility to the church very seriously, and will work with the best interests of the church in mind. I have experience with committees, and recently have traveled to West Africa and evangelized with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of The Gambia to spread the Gospel throughout the world. Churchwide Assembly- Clergy East Central Indiana Conference Rev. David Fleener Member: Zion, Hartford City Conference: East Central Indiana Occupation: Pastor Congregation service: Pastor at Zion, Hartford City since September 2010 Community service: Conductor of Blackford County Community Choir. Volunteer at local food pantry. Conference/Synod/ELCA service: Synod Worship Committee Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: Ability to listen emphatically and prayerfully to multiple points of view. Ability to engage large amounts of information with critical and prayerful thinking (social statements, resolutions, etc.) Great interest in helping make churchwide activities of interest to the local congregation. Rev. Melinda Gapen Member: Trinity, Union City Conference: East Central Indiana Occupation: Pastor Congregation service: Pastor Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: I have fresh eyes to the Indiana-Kentucky Synod. I also am relatively new to ordained ministry and understand the challenges that we, as a church, are facing.

12 Churchwide Assembly Lay Male Evansville Conference Larry Johnson Member: Grace and Peace, Evansville Conference: Evansville Occupation: Retired/part-time telemarketing Congregation service: Church Council Member Community service: God s Work, Our Hands Conference/Synod/ELCA service: I-K Synod Council Member Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: I consider myself a people person. I have the ability to relate to people even on different cultural or economic levels. I have served in various positions on our congregation council in my local church. For my personal development I continue to work on my communication and leadership skills. Jimmie Buchanan Moore Member: St. Luke, Newburgh, IN Conference: Evansville Occupation: Retired Music Teacher Congregation service: Choir member and instrumental ensemble member. Assisting Minister, Usher, Adult Sunday School teacher, Property Committee member, Communion Assistant. Community service: I play in many local not-for-profit instrumental groups as a volunteer. Most of the groups use their income for community service projects. Conference/Synod/ELCA service: I am treasurer for the Evansville Conference and attend ministerium meetings. I host the Conference Assembly meetings. Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: I was an I-K Synod council member for 6 years so I am familiar with the workings of the council meetings and Synod Assemblies. I am currently on the Synod Discipline Committee. My personal mission statement is: I am blessed by God to be a blessing. Saved by Jesus to be a servant. Touched by the Holy Spirit to be compassionate. I will use my God given gifts to bless, serve, and care for those around me with joy and thanksgiving. Churchwide Assembly Clergy Lafayette Conference Rev. Derek Nelson Member: Christ, Crawfordsville, IN Conference: Lafayette Occupation: Professor, Wabash College and Director of Pastoral Leadership Program Congregation service: Adult Ed leader; supply preacher; music; breakfast cooker and coffee brewer Community service: Community service/service learning committee of college; volunteer at recovery center

13 Conference/Synod/ELCA service: Dean of Lafayette Conference; co-wrote previous ELCA social statement (on criminal justice); advisory committee on Pendleton Prison ministry (Grace and Hope Fellowship) Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: Through my theological and historical work I m fairly well-connected throughout the church. I would like to use those gifts to influence the reception of the social statement on justice for women, to weigh in on the theological direction the church may go in choosing a presiding bishop, and in setting priorities for theological education. Rev. Carolyn Lesmeister Member: First, Attica, IN Conference: Lafayette Occupation: Pastor Congregation service: First Lutheran Church, Attica, IN Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: I have a passion for the gospel of Jesus Christ and for its bearing on the world in which we live. I long for our denomination to shed some of its institutional baggage and live into the future by being more agile and flexible in its policies and procedures while supporting the work of more diverse ministries and leader over the long haul. I don t know that being a Churchwide Assembly voter requires particular talents? Churchwide Assembly Clergy Southeast Indiana Conference Rev. Jill Kepler Campbell Member: St. Mark, Batesville, IN Conference: Southeast Indiana Occupation: Pastor Congregation service: Pastor, Batesville Area Ministerial Association Community service: Local Fund, Lion s Club Conference/Synod/ELCA service: Freed to Lead, attend Synod Assemblies Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: Top-flight preacher, incredible liturgist, has grace and charm, experience in education, media (broadcasting), beautiful person who sings beautifully, leadership skills, firm belief in fellowship, Bible study, and prayer. Rev. James Smith Member: Resurrection, Madison, IN Conference: Southeast Indiana Occupation: Pastor Congregation service: Pastor of Resurrection Community service: Church food pantry, 2 nd stories, 5K charity runs Conference/Synod/ELCA service: SE Indiana, I-K Synod, Pastor

14 Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: Organized, strong Lutheran theology, passion for mission. Churchwide Assembly Clergy South Central Conference Rev. Evangeline Anderson-Rajkumar Member: St. Peter s and Gethsemane, Corydon Conference: South Central Conference Occupation: Pastor Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: I will be happy to contribute to critical social analysis and Biblical Theological reflections from a justice perspective. (Critical reflections from a Gender-Race-Patriarchy-Caste perspectives) Rev. Karleen Jung Member: Grace and Glory, Goshen, KY Conference: South Central Occupation: Pastor Gifts or talents you would bring to this position: I bring a substantial level of education and experience related to community organizing, which is closely connected to missional leadership and transformation. I also have 25 years of experience doing advocacy work, including work among Hispanic, Asian, and other cultures. Finally, I bring many decades of worship leadership experience.

15 Indiana-Kentucky Synod Proposed Budget Budget Proposed Totals Revenues Mission Support Mission Support 1,775,000 2,000,000 Total Mission Support: 2,000,000 ELCA Direct Support Campus Ministry Grants 20,000 20, Dem Support 10,000 5, ELCA New Start Grants 35,000 51, Reimbursement-elca Direct Total ELCA Direct Support: 76,750 Endowment Draws Missions 2000 End. Draw 109, % 119, Ebenezer End. Draw 21, % 22, Candidacy End. Draw 61, % 67, Continuing Ed. End. Draw 5, % 5, Cncl Des-operation End. Draw % Outreach End. Draw 10, % 11, Bishops Choice End. Draw 2, % 2,394 Total Endowment Draws: 209, ,657 Gifts/Fees Assembly Registration 70,000 67, Candidacy Application Fees 3,300 3, Candidacy Retreats 1,200 1, Candidacy Schol.-misc Gifts U of L Campus Min. Calvary Support 12,500 12, Campus Min Appeal 2,000 2, Connect - Cong. Contributions 1,650 4,000 xxxxxxxxxx - Candidacy - Cong. Conributions 1,500 1, Conflict Management 1,000 1, Freed To Lead-cong. Gifts First Call 3,500 2, Leadership Support 1, Prof Leaders Retreat Income 32,000 20, New Starts Gifts 62,500 76, Worship Events 5,000 2, Youth Ministry Income 1, Misc Contribution Income 1,500 1,500 Total Gifts/Fees: 199,450 Offerings Assembly Gathering 2,500 2, Assembly Sending 1,600 1,600 Total Offerings: 4,100. Total Income: 2,509,957

16 Expenses ELCA Shared Elca Shared Mission Support 763, ,000 Total ELCA Shared: 860,000 Direct Support Capital University 2,500 2, Wittenburg University 2,500 2, Trinity Seminary 26,000 26, Region 6 Archives 10,000 6,888 Total Direct Support: 37,888 IK Synod Direct Ball State, In 20,833 20, Butler/iupui, In 5,000 5, Indiana U. Campus Ministry 37,600 37, Purdue Campus Ministry 37,600 37, U of Louisville Campus Ministry 15,000 15, U of Kentucky Campus Ministry 29,027 15, LOMIK 10,500 11, Resource Center, Indianapolis, In 1,000 1, Ipcum Ky Council Of Churches 1,500 1,500 Total IK Synod Direct: 144,533 Campus/Mentorship College Program 1,500 1, Travel & Meals-campus Misistry 3,000 3,000 Total Campus/Mentorship: Candidacy Evaluation 4,800 5, Interviews 2,000 2, New To Roster 3,500 3, Retreats 3,500 3, Scholarships 61,317 67, Training & Materials Travel & Meals-candidacy 3,400 4, Misc Candidacy 1,000 1,000 Total Candidacy: 91,579 First Call Retreat Gathering 4,600 6,100 Total First Call: 6,100 Interim Ministry Interim Expense 1,500 1,500 Total Interim Ministry: 1,500

17 Leadership Conferences 1, Continuing Educational Grants 5,199 5, Freed To Lead 1, Profession Leadership Conf 32,000 25, Travel & Meals-leadership Spousal Retreat Total Leadership: 33,438 Connect Program Connect Expense 13,800 24, Renewing Mission Table- Travel 2,000 2, Area Mission Conversations 1, Total Connect Program: 26,500 Global Mission International Travel 1,500 5, Travel & Meals-global Mission Training & Materials Total Global Mission: 5,450 Justice Vital Congregation 1,000 1, Cis Travel & Meals Total Justice: 1,500 New Starts/Mission Initiatives Mision Support Travel & Meals 1,000 1, Mission Ambassadors Training & Mate 1,500 1, Mission Ambassadors Tr Mat 1,000 XXXXXXXX - Leaders of Shared Ministry 1,000 Total New Starts/Mission Initiatives: 4,500 Redevelopment Grants IK Redevelopment Grants 20,000 25,000 Total Redevelopment Grants: 25,000 Education Travel & Meals-education 1,000 1, Education Resource Material Total Education: 1,500 Worship Travel & Meals-worship Worship Events 5,000 5,000 Total Worship: 5,500 Youth Youth Programs 6, Youth Ministry 3, Travel & Meals-youth 2,000 Total Youth 11,500

18 Stewardship Travel & Meals-stewardship 5,000 5, Stewardship - Other Exp Training & Materials 1, Misc.-stewardship 1, Total Stewardship: 6,500 Bishop Discretionary Pastors & Families 2,188 2,394 Total Bishop Discretionary: 2,394 College of Deans Travel & Meals-deans 2,000 2, Misc Cost-deans 1,500 1,500 Total College of Deans: 3,500 Synod Council Travel & Meals-council 5,000 6, Council Expense 3,500 3, Travel & Meals-fin Comm Consultation Cost Total Synod Council: 10,100 Synod Assembly Assigned Candidates 1, Audio-visual 6, Entertainment 5,000 5, Event Planner Honorariums 6,000 7, Lodging & Travel -SA 8,500 8, Meals 45,000 35, Offering Distribution 4,100 4, SA Office Supplies 1,000 1, Professional Services 16,000 10, Rental-space 7,500 2, SA Rental-equipment 4,500 1, Retired Pastors 1,000 1, Special Call Leaders Travel & Meals-committee 3,000 1, Worship Service Musicians 4,000 5, Misc. Assembly 3,000 3,000 Total Synod Assembly: 94,100

19 Synod Personnel Program Staff Salary & Housing - Prog. Staff 338, , FICA - Prog. Staff 25,914 26, Medical/Dental - Prog. Staff 74,673 79, Pension - Prog. Staff 40,649 41, Group Life/Disability 20,000 20, Retirement Supp. - Prog. Staff 2,500 2,360 Total Program Staff: 515,894 Administrative Staff Salary - Admin Staff 134, , FICA - Admin Staff 10,284 10, Medical/Dental - Admin Staff 15,864 16, Pension - Admin Staff 16,132 16, Group Life/Disability 9,000 9, Retirement Supplement - Admin Staff Total Administrative Staff: 191,025 Fiscal Agency Staff Salary & Housing - FA Staff 116, , FICA - FA Staff 8,909 9, Medical/Dental - FA Staff 17,710 18, Pension - FA Staff 13,974 14, Group Life/Disability 4,000 7, Retirement Supplement - FA Staff Total Fiscal Agency Staff 168,823 Synod Administration Accounting/fso/auditors 45,000 25, Bank Fee & Charges 2, Books & Resources 5,550 5, Book/subscriptions/resources 2, Dues-registrations 5,600 5, Computer Support-training 3, Continuing Education 2,800 2, Depreciation-equipment 8,500 8, Depreciation-furniture Depreciation-vehicles 15,902 21, Equipment Under $500 1,000 1, Furnitire Under $ Insurance 17,500 15, Interest 1, Internet 7,000 7, Legal 5,000 8, Licenses 1,500 1, Office Supplies 3,000 5, Postage 5,000 2, Printing & Paper 1,700 1, Rent 63,000 68, Rental-equipment 1,600 1, Repairs, Main. & Supplies 4,500 4, Retreats/meetings 2,000 2, Software 4,000 4, Telephone 5,000 5, Web Page 3, Misc.-admin 10,000 7,500 Total Synod Administration: 214,614

20 Synod Travel & Meals Bishop 10,000 13, Leadership (Heather) 8,000 10, Evangelism (Nancy) 11,000 8, Discipleship (Dan) 4,000 8, Communication Stewardship (Jerry) 6,000 5, Staff Elca Churchwide Assembly Total Synod Travel & Meals: 44,500 Total Expenses: 2,509,533 Net: 424

21 IN-KY Synod, ELCA Mission Support-Gross Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan budget ytd $ 145,833 $ 291,667 $ 437,500 $ 583,333 $ 729,167 $ 875,000 $ 1,020,833 $ 1,166,667 $ 1,312,500 $ 1,458,333 $ 1,604,167 $ 1,750,000 actual ytd $ 74,731 $ 237,334 $ 358,646 $ 499,241 $ 623,900 $ 765,405 $ 914,197 $ 1,044,369 $ 1,190,825 $ 1,330,469 $ 1,481,969 $ 1,710,571 budget variance $ (71,102) $ (54,333) $ (78,854) $ (84,092) $ (105,267) $ (109,595) $ (106,636) $ (122,298) $ (121,675) $ (127,864) $ (122,198) $ (39,429) ytd actual as % total budget 4.27% 13.56% 20.49% 28.53% 35.65% 43.74% 52.24% 59.68% 68.05% 76.03% 84.68% 97.75% actual $ difference vs. last year $ (10,061) $ (282) $ (29,827) $ (16,952) $ (32,994) $ (28,600) $ (26,252) $ (24,491) $ (63,690) $ (60,404) $ (51,835) $ (57,316) actual $ 84,792 $ 237,616 $ 388,473 $ 516,193 $ 656,894 $ 794,005 $ 940,449 $ 1,068,860 $ 1,254,515 $ 1,390,873 $ 1,533,804 $ 1,767,887 % of total 4.80% 13.44% 21.97% 29.20% 37.16% 44.91% 53.20% 60.46% 70.96% 78.67% 86.76% % $2,000,000 Mission Support-gross $1,800,000 $1,600,000 $1,400,000 $1,200,000 $1,000,000 $800,000 $600,000 $400,000 $200,000 $- Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan budget ytd actual ytd Mission Support Synod Financial Dashboard xlsx 4/30/2018

22 Indiana-Kentucky Synod Endowment Totals LPL Financial LPL Financial LPL Financial LPL Financial LPL Financial at 1/31/14 at 1/31/13 Historic Gift Value: Permanently Restricted $ 1,532,119 $ 1,532,119 $ 1,532,119 $ 1,532,119 $ 1,519,848 $ 1,518,666 Temporarily Restricted $ 1,104,527 $ 1,104,527 $ 1,104,527 $ 1,104,527 $ 1,104,527 $ 1,104,527 Council Designated $ 312,438 $ 312,438 $ 312,438 $ 312,438 $ 312,438 $ 312,438 Total Endowment Historic Gift Value $ 2,949,084 $ 2,949,084 $ 2,949,084 $ 2,949,084 $ 2,936,813 $ 2,935,631 Total Earnings in Excess of HGV $ 2,200,809 $ 2,295,220 $ 2,227,148 $ 1,432,647 $ 1,233,556 $ 738,517 Total Endowment Net Assets $ 5,149,893 $ 5,244,304 $ 5,176,232 $ 4,381,731 $ 4,170,369 $ 3,674,148 Is principal intact? *** yes yes yes yes yes yes amount in excess $ 2,200,809 $ 2,295,220 $ 2,227,148 $ 1,432,647 $ 1,233,556 $ 738, % 43.77% 43.03% 32.70% 29.58% 20.10% ***principal is intact if Earnings in Excess of Historic Gift Value is positive

23 Indiana-Kentucky Synod PROPOSED STANDARDS and WORKBOOK FOR MINISTERS OF WORD AND SACRAMENT COMPENSATION (Standards for Ministers of Word and Service are provided separately.) Recommended by the Synod Council for adoption by the 2018 Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly May 31-June 2, East 86 th Street, Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN Revised 04/18/2018

24 Dear Friends in Christ Jesus, We re pleased to present to you the proposed Indiana-Kentucky Synod Compensation Standards for ELCA Ministers of Word and Sacrament (Pastor). We provide these for your use in determining just and honorable salary, benefits, allowances, and reimbursements for your professional staff. This is the best tool we have to enable you to make these decisions in a collaborative atmosphere with your co-workers in the gospel who give their lives to the ministry of Jesus Christ with you in your congregation. Please note that Process 1 is the process for determining compensation for a leader already under call and that Process 2 is to be used in the Call Process. Please use the standards in such a manner that there is good conversation between you and your rostered minister(s). It is wise to begin these discussions at least four months before your congregation s next fiscal year, in an open manner with your executive committee and each staff professional. These standards contain a process to assist discussion about issues relating to compensation. Further, these standards present charts and tools for you to calculate and determine compensation, as well as benefits, allowances, and reimbursements following established standards across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Rostered Ministers are strongly encouraged to take the initiative in this conversation with parish leaders since you are the ones who should understand your needs and desires. Don t expect your parish leaders to be mind readers. They re waiting for you to be a leader. With regard to Cost of Living (COLA), please visit the Social Security website at as well as contact your local Chamber of Commerce. These are very helpful in finding the actual cost of living variances in your specific county. Remember this is a look back, and not a predictor of the year to come. Also, visit the ELCA website ( for further compensatory information. Since age is now a factor (along with geography, size of congregation, and amount of compensation) in figuring health benefits rates there is no longer a chart with percentages for the coming year. Contact Portico Benefit Services (formerly ELCA Board of Pensions) by phone ( ) or (mail@porticobenefits.org) for information and assistance. If you desire assistance with any matter in this document, or have a question not addressed in the document, please do not hesitate to contact any of our committee members directly through the Indiana-Kentucky Synod office. These Standards are recommended by the Synod Council for adoption by the Indiana-Kentucky Synod in Assembly, May 31-June 2, 2018, and, upon adoption, become the appropriate norm for use in a current call process or in current conversation around compensation for a rostered minister under call. Please note that these are minimum standards for Ministers of Word and Sacrament (Pastor). A separate guideline is provided for Ministers of Word and Service (Deacon). With joy in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Martha Helms, Deacon Hope Moran, Rev. Dr. Jerry O Neal, David Quandt and Rev. Heather Apel Indiana-Kentucky Synod Rostered Ministers Compensation Committee 2

25 How to Plan Compensation with Your Rostered Minister(s) for Often one of the most difficult challenges in ministry is deriving a fair and equitable compensation for the rostered minister(s) in your congregation. Generally, this has not been addressed until late in the process of preparing a new budget for the following year. This is a mistake since it often results in frustration for both the rostered minister(s) and those trying to make decisions with regard to salary, benefits, and reimbursements. The following guidelines should make this process pleasant and honest. Obviously, first, begin your process with prayer. Second, know that your rostered minister(s) are not hired, they are called into ministry with you, alongside of you. It is extremely important that the rostered minister(s) be involved in this planning from the beginning to the end since they are the persons most affected by the final outcome. It is often difficult to talk about money and benefits, but it should not be. Good communication can, and must, occur at each step of this process. 1. Who should be in the planning process: The process should include the rostered minister(s) and the Executive Committee of the Congregation Council, and it may involve a member of the Mutual Ministry Committee, if appropriate. These are the people who can best assess the minister s effectiveness and his/her own needs, and have a grasp of the church s finances. Having more people in the meeting will slow communication and reduce effectiveness of the meetings. These are closed meetings and not open to the congregation for the purpose of maintaining a high level of open, honest, and healthy communication among the various leaders present. 2. What areas should be explored in the meetings: There are two areas of discussion: effectiveness and need. Start with need (First Meeting), which is the current compensation each rostered minister is receiving. Compensation of the minister is no secret to the congregation, because it is listed in the annual budget and/or annual report to the congregation. It includes, but is not limited to, the following areas: base salary, defined benefits (including housing allowance or equity allowance in the case of a church-owned parsonage), pension and full health care/lump sum death benefit/disability insurance, continuing education, book allowance, social security offset, reimbursements (car allowance, other tangibles applicable to your setting). Go through these step by step. Ask the minister at each juncture if he/she has any input that would be germane to the discussion. This may seem laborious, but the value is obvious since only the rostered minister knows precisely how the current mix of salary, benefits, and reimbursements affects her/him. In some cases, your rostered minister is below approved Synod established Minimum Compensation Standards. This needs to be discussed and remedied. Do this early in the process, preferably in early or mid-august, or four months before your congregation s new fiscal year. Take a lot of notes during the meeting, and share those written notes that week with members present, and not present. This meeting should last about two hours. Your second meeting should be in two weeks. 3. How to address effectiveness of the rostered minister(s) (Second Meeting): It is never a question of how hard a person works, or how many hours, but what gets done and the effectiveness of the work. This is without doubt the most difficult area to quantify. Effectiveness is always a subjective judgment call at best. What one person might find important, another does not. Is sitting with the family during a routine surgery of a loved one important? Is reading and preparation for sermons/meetings/teaching/scripture study and prayer important? Is visiting regularly in the homes of church members important? Remember, much of what a pastor, or deacon, does is confidential, and thus cannot be judged in terms of effectiveness. Effectiveness is always, at best, a judgment call. Depending on each individual, subjective value judgments often are completely different. It has been said that every pastor, or deacon, has as many bosses as there are baptized members in the congregation. If that is true, then not all will be satisfied with the ministry at any given time, and the minister will not be a leader at all, but a hireling. Some will want the minister to be a chaplain, someone to take care of them and others in the congregation. Some will want the pews packed on Sunday and the offering plate full, and will expect that to be the responsibility of the 3

26 rostered minister. Some will want the rostered minister to prepare congregational members for leadership and provide vision and clear focus for the total ministry. Importance and effectiveness are linked together in each person s mind. These are difficult to separate though they are clearly not the same, and even can work against each other. Finally, who decides the rostered minister s effectiveness? We believe it is the responsibility of the Congregation Council, not the general congregation, nor the rostered minister. If the rostered minister works well with his/her Congregation Council, you have an effective leader in your setting. Pastors and deacons are called to a SHARED MINISTRY with you. If there is not any sharing going on, it is the pastor or deacon s responsibility to make it happen. If assistance is needed to improve the shared ministry, use all resources available, especially Synod staff. This meeting should last about two hours. 4. How do we derive Total Compensation for the coming year: After you have completed the previous steps of the process, bring the entire group together to put the pieces together. Start with the effectiveness component that will help you determine how you will deal with the Synod Rostered Ministers Compensation Standards for next year. Review all the blank spaces of the Compensation Standards as provided in the attached workbook. Together, fill out the compensation material and discuss each item, at length if necessary. Start with the current base salary. Do two things with this number: First, check the grid of years of experience and size of worship attendance to see how it compares; second, have a conversation about a cost of living increase. Then move to each item: housing, continuing education, and book allowance. Then move on to benefits and reimbursements. When this part of the process is completed, total it, and then discuss it together with your rostered minister(s). Let your rostered minister take the initiative here. Once again, it is he/she that will be most affected by this decision. This meeting will last approximately two hours. Hopefully, everyone will have had much time to pray, think, and discuss this very important part of your ministry. You honor the Lord God, your congregation, and your pastor/deacon by following the steps of this simple process. By God s grace you will all enjoy this unhurried process, and come away from your meeting closer to one another, and your Lord God. If you have questions, or need resource materials, do not hesitate to contact any member of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Rostered Ministers Compensation Committee through the synod office or the Indiana- Kentucky Synod staff for assistance. We stand ready to help you at any time. In shared ministry with you, Indiana-Kentucky Synod Rostered Ministers Compensation Committee 4

27 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. General Information.6 Base Salary 6 Housing Allowance 6 Social Security Offset 7 Benefits...7 Pension and Health Benefits 8 What Do I Do When I Turn 65 9 Sick Leave and Family Leave 10 Disability and Worker s Compensation 10 Other Benefits..11 Time off 11 Vacation 11 Holidays 11 Continuing Education 11 Sabbatical Leave 12 Professional Reimbursements and Expenses 13 Accountable Plan 13 Automobile Reimbursement 13 Other Expenses 13 II. III. Process 1: Annual Review of Compensation for Current Pastor...14 Base Salary and Benefits for pastor not living in parsonage 15 Base Salary and Benefits for pastor living in parsonage 17 Process 2: Calling a New Pastor 20 Pastor Minimum Standards 20 Base Salary and Benefits for pastor not living in parsonage 21 Base Salary and Benefits for pastor living in parsonage 23 Professional Reimbursements and Expenses 25 Moving Expenses (new call) 25 IV. Pastor of Record, Interim Pastor, Pulpit Supply.26 V. Continuing Education Standards..27 Helpful Links..28 5

28 I. GENERAL INFORMATION COMPENSATION PACKAGES There are two categories for determining the compensation package for a Minister of Word and Sacrament (pastor). Process 1 should be used for calculating the compensation package for a pastor currently under call. Process 2 should be used in calculating the compensation package during the Call Process. Whichever process you use, the first step is to make yourself familiar with the information on pages BASE SALARY The starting point for determining the compensation package for your current pastor is his/her current BASE SALARY. The starting point for determining the compensation package for a pastor you are about to call is the recommended MINIMUM BASE SALARY standards. Other factors (e.g., educational debt load of first call candidates, prior experience of second career candidates, merit and performance, the cost of living in a particular geographical area, length of time in the parish, the complexity of responsibilities, the financial ability of the congregation, etc.) should be taken into consideration when determining the final BASE SALARY figure. Honorariums or other fees received for weddings, funerals, outside speaking engagements, or from any other source should not be taken into account when setting the BASE SALARY, nor should any income received by the spouse be a consideration. In many congregations, a specific committee is asked to have primary concern for this ministry to the pastor and his/her family. This group should be the Executive Committee comprised of the President, Vice President, Treasurer/Finance Chairperson. The key task of such a committee is to discuss annually with the pastor a fair, honorable, and equitable compensation package. Since the pastor depends on the congregation Council and the congregation to make adequate provision for his or her financial needs, the pastor requires an opportunity to discuss those needs in an open and supportive forum. The Executive Committee is in a position to provide such a forum. The committee can receive data from the rostered person about his or her financial needs and subsequently make recommendations to Congregational Council for fair, honorable and equitable compensation. HOUSING ALLOWANCE It is fully expected that if a congregation furnishes a parsonage, it also must pay the taxes, insurance, maintenance, and all utilities of the home. An allowance for furnishings is also available and does not apply as taxable income for the pastor to the extent it is actually used. If the pastor lives in a parsonage, congregations should establish an Equity Fund in the range of 3%-5% of base salary. Such contributions should be made to Portico as a Housing Equity Retirement Contribution and are not included as taxable income. These funds and their earnings enjoy a special flexibility: they can be withdrawn at any time, and when used to purchase a home, they are often excluded from taxable income. 1 If a housing allowance is paid in lieu of the use of a parsonage, it should be at least 30% of the minimum base salary. One percent per month of the Fair Market Value (FMV) (the average cost of a home in the given area) is often used as a starting point for determining a monthly housing allowance to which should be added the cost of utilities and furnishings. Once the Total Defined Compensation (Base Salary + Housing + Social Security Reimbursement) is determined, the actual amount of this total that is designated as Housing Allowance can be adjusted to the needs of the minister as long as the Total Defined Compensation remains the same. In other words, the pay designated as Salary on the W2 can decrease (or increase) and the part designated as Housing Allowance can increase (or decrease) from the original figures used to calculate the Total Defined Compensation

29 DESIGNATION OF HOUSING ALLOWANCE In IRS Publication 517 2, the IRS states that The church or organization that employs you must officially designate the payment as a housing allowance before it makes the payment. It must designate a definite amount. It can't determine the amount of the housing allowance at a later date. If the church or organization doesn't officially designate a definite amount as a housing allowance, you must include your total salary in your income. Shown below is a sample resolution designating a housing allowance: The president informed the council that under the tax law, Ordained, commissioned, or licensed ministers of the gospel may be able to exclude from income tax the rental allowance or fair rental value of a parsonage that is provided to them as pay for their services. After considering the estimate of Rev. of his/her home expenses, a motion was made by, seconded by and passed to adopt the following resolution: Resolved that of the total cash salary for the year 2, $ is hereby designated as housing allowance. Resolved that as long as Rev. is our Pastor the above amount of designated housing allowance shall apply to all future years until modified. When it is time to pay income tax, it is important to note IRS Publication 517: If you own your home and you receive as part of your salary a housing or rental allowance, you may exclude from gross income the smallest of: The amount actually used to provide a home, The amount officially designated as a rental allowance, or The fair rental value of the home, including furnishings, utilities, garage, etc. You must include in gross income the amount of any rental allowance that is more than the smallest of: Your reasonable salary The fair rental value of the home plus utilities, or The amount actually used to provide a home. FURNISHINGS ALLOWANCE Pastors living in parsonages should be provided with a furnishings allowance to cover out of pocket expenses such as furnace filters, cleaning supplies, landscape expenses, etc. Even in a parsonage, every pastor has some expense in maintaining his or her home. The amount of the allowance may depend on several factors: whether or not the parsonage is furnished, who provides the upkeep, pays the utilities, etc. When the furnishings allowance is designated in advance, and to the extent it is actually used, it is a non-taxable source of revenue for the pastor. SOCIAL SECURITY OFFSET Currently, Social Security tax and Medicare is 7.65% (6.2% SS and 1.45% Medicare) for employer and for the employee. 3 That means as an employee you pay one half of the total Social Security assessed tax, and your employer pays the other half. Pastors are in a unique situation in that according to the Social Security Administration our ordained professionals are classified not as employees, but as self-employed meaning pastors pay the entire 15.3% Social Security tax. Interestingly, according to the Internal Revenue Service pastors are NOT considered self-employed, but instead viewed as employees and thus are issued a W-2 like all other employees. Throughout the ELCA nearly all 65 Synods strongly recommend that all congregations pay the

30 additional 7.65%, as does this synod. This cannot be withheld and remitted by the employing agency, but must be paid by the clergyperson directly. This is distributed to the clergyperson by the employing church, or agency, at the end of each pay period, and may be included with salary and housing allowance in one check. At the end of the calendar year, this amount is fully taxable and reported on the employees W-2 issued to the employee. Currently, about 80% of the congregations of the ELCA abide by this recommendation. Remember this is not a bonus (i.e., in addition to salary) from the congregation any more than it is a bonus to any employee who works in a secular vocation and has this paid by the employer. (See 2018 Internal Revenue Service Publication 15 4 for further clarification and guidance.) BENEFITS PENSION AND HEALTH BENEFITS In January 1, 2014, the most significant changes brought about by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as health care reform, took effect. They have implications for many employers, including congregations. 1. Each state has a health insurance marketplace, also called an exchange, where individuals can buy health insurance. The State of Indiana chose not to provide a marketplace, and so the federal government manages one on the state's behalf. The Commonwealth of Kentucky has a state exchange. The plans offered in the marketplace are in four categories: Bronze Silver Gold Platinum Portico offers similar plans: Bronze+ Silver+ Gold+ (the recommended level of coverage) Platinum+ 2. This document sets as the standard for the Definition of Compensation, Benefits, and Responsibilities of the Pastor the Portico Gold+ Plan. A Letter of Call will be signed by the Bishop only when that standard is met to the satisfaction of the Bishop. In some cases, it may benefit the rostered minister to select either the Bronze+ or Silver+ plan which can come with a Health Savings Account (HSA). If this option is desired by the rostered minister, it should be discussed with the Executive Committee before the time of the annual selection and/or noted to the Bishop during a call process. 3. The standard expectation of this synod is that any congregation or eligible ministry setting will provide health coverage for the rostered minister and their family, unless the rostered minister s family is covered elsewhere or chooses to waive coverage. 4. ELCA-Primary health contribution rates are based on geographic region, age and salary. 5. For 2019, each ELCA employer will need to select one ELCA health plan option for all employees (rostered ministers and lay church workers) that the congregation will pay for. 6. Once the employer makes a selection at EmployerLink on the Portico web site ( the employee will confirm that choice or choose to buy up to another plan option at myportico (also on the Portico website), and will be responsible for the cost difference. For example, if the employer selects the Gold+ plan and the employee opts to buy up to the Platinum+ plan, the employee would pay the difference in cost

31 Portico will continue to include in the required contributions a percentage that goes to a) Disability and Survivor Plans and b) Retiree Support (this is support for those retired rostered leaders whose pensions are low due to low compensation throughout their years of service). Portico will also include the Pension payment at the amount reported by the congregation, generally 12%. When a pastor waives health coverage because of coverage through the insurance of a spouse, or waives the coverage of their spouse/family through Portico, the congregation is strongly encouraged to provide additional compensation to their salary to account for the cost of this health coverage elsewhere. This additional compensation may be taxable income unless a Health Reimbursement Arrangement has been established. 5 The ELCA benefits program contribution rates are a percentage of defined compensation. Defined compensation is base salary, before any pretax benefit contributions* are deducted. For pastors, annual defined compensation also includes the amount of any Social Security tax allowance paid to the pastor and housing allowance. If housing is not provided, the amount of any cash housing allowance paid to the pastor is included. If housing is provided, an additional 30 percent of base salary and any Social Security tax allowance, plus any household furnishings or utilities allowance paid is included. The Synod recommends that congregations contribute the 12% retirement rate for pastors. Additional retirement contributions can be made by the employee (member pretax). If the employer chooses to make additional contributions from time to time, they can be included when paying the regular monthly bill by using the Explanation of Payment included in the monthly billing statement. ELCA-primary health benefits include a personal wellness account offering financial wellness dollars that can be earned each year by members (and spouses). The ELCA Flexible Benefits Plan is also available to employees who are sponsored in the ELCA benefits program and receiving ELCA-primary health benefits. ELCA-primary health benefits are exclusive of Medicare. (Those on Medicare may register for a personal wellness account, but are not eligible to receive the financial rewards.) See for more information. *Pretax benefit contributions include member pretax contributions to the ELCA Retirement Plan or another eligible retirement plan. They also include pretax contributions to qualified reimbursement accounts for health care, dependent care or transportation expenses. WHAT DO I DO WHEN I TURN 65? Medicare is a health benefits program for U.S. citizens or permanent residents who meet certain work history requirements: 1. Age 65, or older, 2. Individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), 3. Under age 65 with certain disabilities: a. You have been entitled to Social Security disability benefits for at least 24 months (which need not be consecutive); or b. You receive a disability pension from the Railroad Retirement Board and meet certain conditions; or c. You have Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), which qualifies you immediately; or d. You have permanent kidney failure requiring regular dialysis or a kidney transplant and you or your spouse has paid Social Security taxes for a certain length of time, depending on your age

32 To learn more about Medicare and how it can impact benefits and healthcare coverage with Portico go to these websites: Medicare Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services: Medicare: Portico EmployerLink: SICK LEAVE, FAMILY LEAVE, DISABILITY, AND WORKERS COMPENSATION Sick Leave of up to six weeks per year with full salary, housing and benefits should be provided by the congregation when needed. This is not accumulated and should not be abused. This is not an entitlement. Paid Family Leave of up to six weeks is recommended when a child is born or adopted. The number of weeks of leave before and after the birth should be specified in advance and with mutual discussion with the rostered minister. Similarly, paid Family Leave of up to six weeks also should be available to care for a sick family member such as a spouse, child, parent, or sibling. In the event a sponsored member of the ELCA benefits program is unable to perform his/her normal occupation for any employer, as a direct result of injury or physical or mental disorder that is verified by objective medical information from a Qualified Health Care Provider, they can apply for Total or Partial Disability. If granted, they may be eligible to receive these benefits: 1. During the first two months of disability (waiting period), the Participating Employer is expected to pay the Sponsored Member s full salary and to continue contributions for the Sponsored Member s ELCA health, retirement, disability, and basic life insurance benefits. 2. Once the Total or Partial Disability is approved a) A monthly income benefit, and b) Contributions for health benefits coverage under the ELCA Medical and Dental Benefits Plan for the Totally or Partially Disabled Member and his/her eligible family members, and c) Contributions to the Totally or Partially Disabled Member s retirement account under the ELCA Retirement Plan, and Contributions for basic group life insurance. A Sponsored Member must file a claim with Liberty Mutual, the Disability Benefits Administrator, within six months of becoming Totally or Partially Disabled. The disabling condition must have occurred while he/she was a Sponsored Member and the first day absent due to the disabling condition must occur while the Member is a Sponsored Member. A disability claimed for a date after the Member terminates employment or ends a call is not covered under the Disability Benefits Plan. See for more information on the ELCA Disability Benefits Plan. Monthly disability benefits available to eligible interim pastors who have chosen to continue ELCA disability coverage at their own expense while between assignments or on leave from call are slightly different. Congregations are legally required by Indiana and Kentucky state law to secure Workers Compensation on pastors and deacons (as well as all other employees) and provide for such expenses in the event of disability. 10

33 OTHER BENEFITS WEEKLY HOURS/TIME OFF Pastors, like anyone else, need some time off from work in order to replenish and re-energize themselves. Congregations should ensure that each pastor has two full days off per week. The pastor s weekly schedule (days/hours) may be negotiated as necessary. For the well-being of the pastor and health of the congregation, such a schedule should not exceed 50 hours in a work week. VACATION Everyone needs a period of time away from the job in order to refresh and recreate him or herself. The congregation should provide a minimum of four weeks of vacation per year (28 days, including the expected 2 days off per week), including four Sundays for all rostered ministers. An additional week of vacation should be granted after 15 years of service in the ministry; and an additional week should be granted at 25 years in the ministry. Continuing education time is not to be regarded as vacation, nor should it be used by the professional leader for vacation under any circumstances. Congregations in which the pastor has served for an extended period of time should consider additional vacation time. All costs and procurement of ministry coverage during vacation times, including worship leadership supply, are the responsibility of the congregation. A list of available pulpit supply may be secured from the synod website ( or synod office. HOLIDAYS Because of the nature of their professional responsibilities, pastors are seldom able to take advantage of three-day weekends and other holidays such as Christmas, Easter, etc. Generally, 9 to 11 total holidays should be granted plus three floating personal days at the discretion of the Congregation Council. Consideration should be given and the pastor should be encouraged to take these days off at another time during the week to compensate for these holidays. This should not be counted as vacation time. CONTINUING EDUCATION/SABBATICAL LEAVE The purpose of continuing education for pastors is to strengthen the professional for more effective service. The ELCA expects a minimum of 25 contact hours annually in organized continuing education. These experiences are to be with colleagues and under responsible sponsorship, capable directors, and qualified instructors. Continuing education may range from a single day seminar to enrollment in a formal program at an educational institution. The ELCA Letter of Call presently recommends a minimum of two weeks of continuing education annually, and may be accumulated during a three-year period for a total of six weeks. In the Indiana- Kentucky Synod, this time may be taken each year or after two or three years. It is recommended that the rostered minister(s) attend the annual Fall Professional Leaders Conference offered each year in the Indiana-Kentucky Synod and should not be considered part of the annual two weeks continuing education. To financially support continuing education, the congregation is encouraged to establish a fund to which it annually contributes a minimum of $700, with the pastor contributing a minimum of $300 for a minimum total of $1,000. Any money which the pastor contributes to the fund belongs to the pastor and may accumulate over a period of years. If the pastor resigns the call, any money contributed by the pastor but not used for continuing education is returned to the pastor. This money would be used for registration, course materials, travel and housing while the person pursues approved continuing education. Financial assistance is also available through the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Leadership Support Committee. A application form for funds can be found on the Synod s website. 11

34 First Call Theological Education (FCTE) is the required ELCA three-year structured program of theological education designed to support and strengthen the new rostered minister in terms of: (1) ministry skills; (2) pastoral identity; and (3) discernment of context. FCTE is experiential learning designed to meet participants at their point of need as they encounter the demands and expectations of ministry. Documents outlining the FCTE program are available through the Synod office. Congregations shall offer their pastor(s) sabbatical leave time for spiritual and personal renewal which may be a maximum of 8 weeks after four years or 12 weeks after six years in a congregation. Such sabbatical leave time should normally be offered at either of these intervals during a long pastoral service and should not preclude vacation time during the year of sabbatical leave. This leave should include special continuing education emphasis. The request, specific description and purpose of the sabbatical leave are to be submitted to and approved by the Congregation Council at least six months prior to the time it is to begin. Congregations might want to include in the budget and set aside funds each year toward that sabbatical so that its cost might be spread over several years. During sabbatical leave, the congregation continues to provide normal compensation, and pays for pulpit supply and related congregational ministerial expenses. The pastor is responsible for expenses related to the sabbatical such as additional living expenses, tuition, books and supplies. Supplemental funds may be available from the Indiana-Kentucky Synod to pastors for these related expenses. Normal vacation time may be used to extend the sabbatical leave. A report of his/her sabbatical activities is to be submitted to the Congregation Council. A pastor taking a sabbatical is expected to continue to serve the congregation granting the sabbatical for at least one year following the leave. Continuing education and sabbatical leave time accrue to an individual during the service in a single congregation. All accumulated continuing education time is forfeited with the acceptance of another position or call to a different setting. Such continuing education time may not be used for vacation purposes, may not be transferred to another rostered minister or staff person, and may not be exchanged for monetary reimbursement. SABBATICAL PLANNING FOR INTERIM MINISTERS Any Rostered Interim Minister who has not yet retired and has received accredited Interim Ministry Training, shall be eligible for a sabbatical after four years [208 weeks] of contracted Interim service. As trained interim ministers, these leaders rarely accrue sufficient time in one congregation to qualify for a sabbatical. To remedy this, any congregation which has contracted with such an Interim, shall contribute 8/208 of the weekly compensation package specified in the contract. [8/208 represents the weekly contribution to an eight-week sabbatical accrued after 208 weeks of service.] These funds shall be held in special accounts established by the Synod Office in each interim minister s name, and shall be held until the forty-eight months have been served. (Such contributions may be made weekly or monthly, by special arrangement with the synod bookkeeper.) Application to receive the funds and the sabbatical shall be made to the Synod Council, who shall collaborate with the Interim concerning content, timing, and reporting of the sabbatical. 12

35 PROFESSIONAL REIMBURSEMENTS AND EXPENSES ACCOUNTABLE PLAN Congregations should consider establishing an Accountable Plan (AP) for their rostered minister(s) and employees who have reimbursable expenses. Reimbursement of expenses under an AP provides a tax advantage over claiming these expenses on Schedule A, Form For details of setting up an AP refer to Minister s Guide for Income Tax Published by the Board of Pensions of the ELCA or refer to IRS Pamphlet 517 or 535. Examples of these reimbursements are: 1. Books and journals 2. Professional (professional dues, supplies, vestments, etc.) 3. Professional liability insurance 4. Cell phones 5. Mileage reimbursement (see below) AUTOMOBILE REIMBURSEMENT The costs which your Rostered Minister(s) incur in driving an automobile while performing church business are not personal expenses, but rather costs incurred by the congregation in order for the pastor to carry on the ministries of the congregation. As such, reimbursement, or coverage, for such costs should be fair, monthly, and complete at a 100% rate of reimbursement There are a number of ways to provide for this expense: 1. A monthly or yearly allowance (taxable income); 2. A reimbursement (at IRS standard mileage rate); check IRS Pub. 463 for current rate, or go to As of January 1, 2018, the rate is 54.5 cents per mile. 3. Leasing*; or 4. Purchasing (by the congregation)*. *Please note that when a congregation leases or purchases a vehicle for the pastor to use, it is the congregation s responsibility to provide for the maintenance, and insurance of the vehicle. Because of the vast differences in situations among our congregations, no recommendation is being made as to a minimum monthly or yearly allowance to be paid. The IRS requires that the rostered minister submit an accurate record of business miles driven and/or car expenses to the congregation or employing agency and that the car has a contemporaneous detailed log of distance and purpose of each use of the vehicle. OTHER EXPENSES Your rostered minister s attendance at official assemblies and conferences is a professional expense. Attendance at the annual Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly is constitutionally mandated and expenses for registration, lodging, meals, travel and other fees are the responsibility of the congregation. Attendance at other conferences should also be supported by the congregation or agency by payment of registration fees and other expenses. Discuss with your pastor his or her anticipated expenses in connection with assemblies and conferences in the coming year. 13

36 II. Process 1: ANNUAL REVIEW OF COMPENSATION FOR CURRENT MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT (PASTOR) A. Compensation of each pastor under call shall be reviewed annually. This shall be done by the congregation s Executive Committee or Congregation Council. Since the rostered minister depends on the congregation and its Council to provide adequately for his or her financial needs, each person requires an opportunity to discuss those needs in an open and supportive forum. Each pastor shall participate in his/her compensation review and shall be encouraged to openly share his/her expectations. The Executive Committee or Council can then make recommendations to the congregation for fair, honorable, and equitable compensation. B. Compensation adjustments shall include: 1. Base salary and Housing Allowance (if applicable); 2. Cost of living increase; 3. Merit increase based on an evaluation of the performance of each rostered staff member; 4. Incentive increase based upon new expectations of additional effort or responsibility; and, 5. Health and Medical Benefit adjustments consistent with ELCA Portico Benefits standards. C. The Congregation Council shall be responsible for presenting the compensation recommendations with appropriate rationale to the annual meeting of the congregation. A member of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Rostered Ministers Compensation Committee will be available for clarification of the process presented in this document. Contact may be made through the Synod Office. DETERMINING COMPENSATION PACKAGE BASE SALARY is that portion of the compensation provided to sustain the rostered minister who is called to carry out the Lord s work through the congregation. BASE SALARY does not include housing or professional expenses. DEFINED COMPENSATION includes BASE SALARY, HOUSING ALLOWANCE (or PARSONAGE related figures), and SOCIAL SECURITY ALLOWANCE. BENEFITS include health and pension benefits. PROFESSIONAL REIMBURSEMENTS AND EXPENSES are costs related to the necessary performance of ministerial duties, and include car reimbursement, continuing education allowance, books and journals, etc. 14

37 BASE SALARY AND BENEFITS Before beginning this section, be sure to read all sections in this booklet. Step 1: Fill out the following chart for pastor NOT living in parsonage: Pastor s current salary 1. $ Cost of living increase 2. $ [The 2018 recommended Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) that includes food and energy is 2.0%. The congregation also should take into consideration: a) the local cost of living (contact local Chamber of Commerce), and b) any change in needs of the pastor and family.] Merit increase* 3. $ Base Salary (add lines 1-3) 4. $ Step 2: Determine Social Security Offset Line 4 from above chart Housing Allowance (see page 6 and following) Total Social Security Allowance = 7.65 % of above Total $ $ $ $ Step 3: Add Line 4 from chart, plus Housing and Social Security Allowance DEFINED COMPENSATION $ Step 4: Health and Pension To determine the cost, congregations should sign up for EmployerLink at Step 5: TOTAL COMPENSATION PLUS BENEFITS $ Add Defined Compensation and health, retirement, disability, and basic life insurance benefits Step 6: Go to page 26 for Professional Reimbursements and Expenses. Step 7: Designate the actual amount of housing allowance that the pastor will claim from the total Defined Compensation see page 7 of this document for guidance. *Merit Pay reflects exceptional effort or additional responsibilities in the previous year. Merit increases should be revisited regularly and may be adjusted up or down. 15

38 Example of Determining Base Salary and Benefits No Parsonage (Pastor is married and has two children.) Step 1: Fill out the following chart for pastor NOT living in parsonage: Pastor s current salary 1. $40,000 Cost of living increase 2. $800 [The 2018 recommended Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) that includes food and energy is 2.0%. The congregation also should take into consideration: a) the local cost of living (contact local Chamber of Commerce), and b) any change in needs of the pastor and family.] Merit increase* 3. $1,500 (Example: Added Saturday night service during past year.) Subtotal 4. $42,300 Housing Allowance [see pages 6-7] 5. $12,690 [Current Salary plus any increase] (using 30%) Base Salary plus Housing 6. $54,990 (add lines 4 and 5) Step 2: Determine Social Security Offset $ 4, % x $54,990 Step 3: Add Line 6 from chart plus Social Security Allowance DEFINED COMPENSATION $59,197 Step 4: Health and Pension To determine the total congregations should sign up at EmployerLink at Step 5: TOTAL COMPENSATION PLUS BENEFITS $59,197 + Portico Contribution Add Defined Compensation and health, retirement, disability, and basic life insurance benefits Step 6: Go to page 25 for Professional Reimbursements and Expenses. Step 7: Designate the actual amount of housing allowance that the pastor will claim from the total Defined Compensation see page 7 of this document for guidance. *Merit Pay reflects exceptional effort or additional responsibilities in the previous year. Merit increases should be revisited regularly and may be adjusted up or down. 16

39 BASE SALARY AND BENEFITS Before beginning this section, be sure to read all sections in this booklet. Step 1: Fill out the following chart for pastor living in parsonage: Pastor s current salary 1. $ Cost of living increase 2. $ [The 2018 recommended Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) that includes food and energy is 2.0%. The congregation also should take into consideration: a) the local cost of living, (contact local Chamber of Commerce) and b) any change in needs of the pastor and family.] Merit increase* 3. $ Base Salary 4. $ Step 2: Determine Social Security Offset Line 4 from above chart Housing Allowance** Line 4 x 30% Total $ $ $ Social Security Allowance = 7.65 % of above Total $ Step 3: Add Line 4 from chart plus Social Security Allowance DEFINED COMPENSATION $ (This does not include the Housing Allowance/value of the Parsonage.) Step 4: Health and Pension** To determine the cost, congregations should sign up at EmployerLink at Step 5: TOTAL COMPENSATION PLUS BENEFITS $ Add Defined Compensation and health, retirement, disability, and basic life insurance benefits Step 6: Go to page 25 for Professional Reimbursements and Expenses. *Merit Pay reflects exceptional effort or additional responsibilities in the previous year. Merit increases should be revisited regularly and may be adjusted up or down. **For pastors living in a parsonage, the fair market rental value of the parsonage or 30% of the base salary should be added to total Defined Compensation for Social Security purposes and Portico contributions, but it is not paid to the pastor. It is appropriate to provide a Furnishings Reimbursement and an Equity Allowance (see pages 6-7). Either of these would be in addition to the Total in Step 5. 17

40 Example of Determining Salary and Benefits With Parsonage Pastor is married with no children. Step 1: Fill out the following chart for pastor living in parsonage: Pastor s current salary 1. $40,000 Cost of living increase 2. $800 [The recommended Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) that includes food and energy is 2.0%. The congregation also should take into consideration: a) the local cost of living (contact local Chamber of Commerce), and b) any change in needs of the pastor and family.] Merit increase* 3. $1,500 (Example: Added Saturday night service during past year.) Compensation 4. $42,300 (add lines 1-3) Step 2: Determine Social Security Offset Line 4 from above chart $42,300 **Housing Allowance (see pages 6-7) + $12,690 [30% is used here] Total $54,990 Social Security Allowance = 7.65 % of total $4,207 Step 3: Add Line 4 from chart plus Social Security Allowance DEFINED COMPENSATION $46,507 (This does not include the Housing Allowance/value of the Parsonage.) Step 4: Health and Pension** To determine the cost, congregations should sign up at EmployerLink at Step 5: TOTAL COMPENSATION PLUS BENEFITS $46,507 + Portico Contribution Add Defined Compensation and health, retirement, disability, and basic life insurance benefits Step 6: Go to page 25 for Professional Reimbursements and Expenses. *Merit Pay reflects exceptional effort or additional responsibilities in the previous year. Merit increases should be revisited regularly and may be adjusted up or down. ** For pastors living in a parsonage, the fair market rental value of the parsonage or 30% of the base salary should be added to total Defined Compensation for Social Security purposes and Portico contributions, but it is not paid to the pastor. It is appropriate to provide a Furnishings Reimbursement and an Equity Allowance (see pages 6-7). Either of these would be in addition to the Total in Step 5. 18

41 III. Process 2: CALLING A NEW MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT (PASTOR) A. When calling a new pastor, care should be taken to have a healthy conversation about compensation. This shall be done by the Congregation Council as part of their interview with the candidate. The Council shall present to the candidate a compensation package based on these standards and invite the candidate s response. It is important to have an open and honest conversation now, as this will set the tone for future compensation conversations. The Council will recommend a package to the congregation that has been agreed upon by Council and the candidate. The compensation will be voted on by the congregation at the Call Meeting. B. Compensation shall include: 1. Base salary and Housing Allowance (if applicable); 2. Social Security allowance (if applicable); 3. Health, retirement, disability, and basic life insurance adjustments consistent with ELCA Portico Benefits standards. 4. Professional expenses, such as automobile and continuing education; 5. Vacation and continuing education expenses. C. A member of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Rostered Ministers Compensation Committee will be available for clarification of the process presented in this document. Contact may be made through the Synod Office. DETERMINING COMPENSATION PACKAGE BASE SALARY is that portion of the compensation provided to sustain the rostered leader who is called to carry out the Lord s work through the congregation. BASE SALARY does not include housing or professional expenses. DEFINED COMPENSATION includes BASE SALARY, HOUSING ALLOWANCE, and SOCIAL SECURITY ALLOWANCE. BENEFITS include health and pension benefits. PROFESSIONAL REIMBURSEMENTS AND EXPENSES are costs related to the necessary performance of ministerial duties, and include car reimbursement, continuing education allowance, books and journals, etc. 19

42 FOR USE IN THE CALL PROCESS: MINIMUM BASE SALARY STANDARDS FOR A PASTOR (Minister of Word and Sacrament) Please note: This chart represents a 2.0% COLA. (For associate pastors, move one column to the left.) (For pastors serving more than one ministry setting, move one column to the right.) Years of Experience A Worship Attendance Up to 150* B Worship Attendance * C Worship Attendance over 300* 0 $38,250 $41,820 $50,490 1 $38,550 $42,120 $50,790 2 $38,850 $42,420 $51,090 3 $39,150 $42,720 $51,390 4 $39,450 $43,020 $51,690 5 $39,750 $43,320 $51,990 6 $40,050 $43,620 $52,290 7 $40,350 $43,920 $52,590 8 $40,650 $44,220 $52,890 9 $40,950 $44,520 $53, $41,250 $44,820 $53, $41,550 $45,120 $53, $41,850 $45,420 $54, $42,150 $45,720 $54, $42,450 $46,020 $54, $42,750 $46,320 $54, $43,050 $46,620 $55, $43,350 $46,920 $55, $43,650 $47,220 $54, $43,950 $47,520 $55, $44,250 $47,820 $56,190 *Average worship attendance excluding June-August. Add $400 for each year of experience over 20 years 20

43 SALARY AND BENEFITS FOR A NEW MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT (PASTOR) Before beginning this section, be sure to read all sections in this booklet. Step 1: Fill out the following chart for pastor NOT living in parsonage: Pastor s base salary from chart on p $ [For associate pastor move one column left, for a pastor serving more than one ministry setting, move one column right] Housing allowance 2. $ Subtotal Social Security Allowance (if applicable) Line 3 x 7.65% DEFINED COMPENSATION Total of lines $ 4. $ 5. $ Step 2: Health and Pension To determine the cost, congregations should sign up at EmployerLink at Step 3: TOTAL COMPENSATION PLUS BENEFITS $ Add Defined Compensation and health, retirement, disability, and basic life insurance benefits Step 4: Go to page 25 for Professional Reimbursements and Expenses. Step 5: Designate the actual amount of housing allowance that the pastor will claim from the total Defined Compensation see page 7 of this document for guidance. 21

44 EXAMPLE OF DETERMINING BASE SALARY AND BENEFITS No Parsonage Before beginning this section, be sure to read all sections in this booklet. Associate Pastor is married with 2 children, 4 years experience. The congregation averages 315 in worship. Step 1: Fill out the following chart for pastor NOT living in parsonage: Pastor s base salary from chart on p $43,020 [For associate pastor move one column left, for a pastor serving more than one ministry setting, move one column right] Housing allowance [30% is used here] 2. $12,906 Subtotal 3. $55,926 Social Security Allowance (if applicable) Line 3 x 7.65% 4. $4,278 DEFINED COMPENSATION Total of lines $60,204 Step 2: Health and Pension To determine the total congregations should sign up at EmployerLink at Step 3: TOTAL COMPENSATION PLUS BENEFITS $60,204 + Portico Contributions Add Defined Compensation and health, retirement, disability, and basic life insurance benefits Step 4: Go to page 25 for Professional Reimbursements and Expenses. Step 5: Designate the actual amount of housing allowance that the pastor will claim from the total Defined Compensation see page 7 of this document for guidance. 22

45 SALARY AND BENEFITS FOR A NEW MINISTER OF WORD AND SACRAMENT (PASTOR) Before beginning this section, be sure to read all sections in this booklet. Step 1: Fill out the following chart for pastor living in parsonage: Pastor s base salary from chart on p. 20 Housing Allowance* (Line 1 x 30%) Subtotal Social Security Allowance (if applicable) Line 3 x 7.65% DEFINED COMPENSATION* (Lines 3+ 4) 1. $ 2. $ 3. $ 4. $ 5. $ Step 2: Health and Pension* To determine the total congregations should sign up at EmployerLink at Step 3: TOTAL COMPENSATION PLUS BENEFITS $ Add Defined Compensation (less line 2 above) and health, retirement, disability, and basic life insurance benefits Step 4: Go to page 25 for Professional Reimbursements and Expenses. * For pastors living in a parsonage, the fair market rental value of the parsonage or 30% of the base salary should be added to total Defined Compensation for Social Security purposes and Portico contributions, but it not paid to the pastor. It is appropriate to provide a Furnishings Reimbursement and an Equity Allowance (see pages 6-7). Either of these would be in addition to the Total in Step 3. 23

46 EXAMPLE OF DETERMINING BASE SALARY AND BENEFITS With Parsonage Before beginning this section, be sure to read all sections in this booklet. Pastor is married with no children, 4 years experience. The congregation averages 120 in worship. Step 1: Fill out the following chart for pastor living in parsonage: Pastor s base salary from chart on p $39,450 Housing Allowance* (Line 1 x 30%) 2. $11,835 Subtotal 3. $51,285 Social Security Allowance (if applicable) Line 3 x 7.65% 4. $ 3,923 DEFINED COMPENSATION* (Line 3 + 4) 5. $55,208 Step 2: Health and Pension* To determine the cost, congregations should sign up at EmployerLink at Step 3: TOTAL COMPENSATION PLUS BENEFITS $43,373 + Portico Contributions Add Defined Compensation (less line 2 above) and health, retirement, disability, and basic life insurance benefits Step 4: Go to page 25 for Professional Reimbursements and Expenses. * For pastors living in a parsonage, the fair market rental value of the parsonage or 30% of the base salary should be added to total Defined Compensation for Social Security purposes and Portico contributions, but it not paid to the pastor. It is appropriate to provide a Furnishings Reimbursement and an Equity Allowance (see pages 6-7). Either of these would be in addition to the Total in Step 3. 24

47 PROFESSIONAL REIMBURSEMENTS AND EXPENSES To all above compensation examples, add, as applicable, the following expenses: Automobile Reimbursement (See page 13) $ Continuing Education Fund $ An annual minimum congregational contribution of $700 is recommended. (See pages 11-12) Books, Journals, etc. (See page 13) $ Other $ TOTAL PROFESSIONAL REIMBURSEMENT & EXPENSES $ MOVING EXPENSES At the time of a new or change of call, relocation and moving expenses of the pastor are the responsibility of the calling congregation. Because of the liability involved, it is strongly recommended that the services of a professional moving firm be secured. Please note that if the moving expenses are reimbursed to the rostered minister they are not taxable. If a fixed amount is given to them, it is taxable income, although the rostered minister could deduct those moving expenses. 25

48 IV. PASTOR OF RECORD, INTERIM, AND PULPIT SUPPLY PASTOR OF RECORD At the time of pastoral vacancy in a congregation, the bishop, working with the Congregation Council, appoints a Pastor of Record to provide basic leadership and pastoral care until another pastor is called or appointed as an interim. A Pastor of Record may be in an area ELCA congregation or may be serving in a non-congregational setting. INTERIM PASTOR Depending on congregational need and pastoral availability, an Interim Pastor may be appointed rather than a Pastor of Record to serve the congregation on a part-time or full-time basis during a pastoral vacancy. When this is done, the length of the interim, the pastoral responsibilities, and the remuneration will be negotiated with the Congregation Council. It is standard practice that no pastor is to be considered as a candidate for call to a congregation when serving that congregation as a Pastor of Record or Interim Pastor. The general standards for Pastor of Record or Interim Pastor service are as follows: A. Compensation and expenses for a Pastor of Record attending monthly council meetings and providing minimal emergency pastoral ministry (see Call Process Manual): $300 per month + mileage at current IRS rate Honorariums for additional service are negotiated with the Pastor of Record. B. Compensation for Interim Ministers: Provisions as negotiated and stated in the Interim Ministry Contract, with minimum $160/day plus housing, auto allowance, and appropriate pension and benefits. PULPIT SUPPLY During a pastoral vacancy or absence, it may be necessary for a congregation to secure a pulpit supply to lead worship. A current list of persons available for pulpit supply may be secured from the synod website or conference dean. Those asked to serve as pulpit supply should be contacted well in advance of the date needed and, upon acceptance, be provided with a copy of the worship bulletin and pertinent information about the service. A member familiar with the congregational worship practices should be on hand to welcome the pulpit supply prior to the service. The recommended honorarium for all persons serving as pulpit supply for one worship service is $150 plus round-trip mileage to/from the church(es), with the appropriate compensation for additional responsibilities. For each additional service, whether at the same congregation or at another, as in two-point parishes, an additional $50 per service should be paid. 26

49 V. LEADERSHIP SUPPORT STANDARDS FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION 1) A Continuing Education Covenant must be on file with the Synod office. This Covenant is renewable every seven years. There will be an attached letter from the Congregation Council or appropriate agency. 2) Continuing education grants may be provided through the Leadership Support Committee to all rostered ministers of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA. An application for funds can be found on the Indiana-Kentucky Synod website, 3) Grants will normally not exceed the amount contributed by either the recipient or the congregation or appropriate agency. The fund will be shared in approximate increments of onethird. In the event of greater need exceptions may be made. If applicants exceed available funds, they will be available based on needs. (The earlier application is made in the year, the greater the opportunities to receive funding.) 4) Continuing education grants will be made for structured formal study programs directly related and beneficial to the applicant s ministry, excluding tours. 5) Assistance grant requests will be made in one of two areas: a. Stolldorf Grants, not to exceed $ for the synod s fiscal year (Feb. 1-Jan. 31), for single event programs, such as conferences, seminars and workshops. b. Leadership Grants, not to exceed $ annually, for the development of leadership skills through participation in a multi-year program of supervised study, such as a Doctor of Ministry program. 6) Grant requests will require the approval of the Leadership Support Committee. The approval process will be as follows: a. Approval by a Synod Staff person and chair of the committee. b. Review by the Leadership Support Committee. c. The recipient, following the event, will submit a summary of the learning experience. 7) Sabbatical Grants for Pastoral Leaders (can include pastors, deacons and those in specialized ministries) is a grant program of the Louisville Institute that provides funds up to $15,000. Information can be found at or in writing to The Louisville Institute, 1044 Alta Vista Road, Louisville, KY, 40205, The Lilly Endowment provides grants for full-time pastors in congregational settings up to $45,000, including up to $15,000 for congregational expenses and events. Indiana pastors may apply online at or Kentucky pastors at or write to The Lilly Endowment, 2801 North Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN Other grant resources and learning opportunities can be found at or at A good planning resource book: Clergy Renewal: The Alban Guide to Sabbatical Planning, by A. Richard Bullock and Richard Bruesehoff. Alban Books are available directly from Rowman & Littlefield or from online sellers such as Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com. Rowman & Littlefield has established a special website for Alban customers: 27

50 HELPFUL LINKS Indiana Department of Revenue Kentucky Department of Revenue revenue.ky.gov Minister's Compensation and Housing Allowance: Ministers' Compensation & Housing Allowance (click on THIS and it will show the very long command line) Auto Allowance: Tax Topics - Topic 510 Business Use of Car (Click on THIS link) (re: Adequate accounting for use of personal vehicle for business use) Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services: Medicare: Medicare & You Handbook: Your Medicare Benefits: Medicare Savings Premium: Finally, if you have any questions, or need clarification with anything in this document, do not hesitate to contact the Indiana-Kentucky Synod office, or one of the members of the Indiana-Kentucky Rostered Ministers Compensation Committee for help. We are pleased to assist you in any way. Thank you for the opportunity to serve with you in ministry of the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 28

51 Indiana-Kentucky Synod PROPOSED STANDARDS and WORKBOOK FOR MINISTERS OF WORD AND SERVICE COMPENSATION (Standards for Ministers of Word and Sacrament are provided separately.) Recommended by the Synod Council for adoption by the 2018 Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly May 31-June 2, East 86 th Street, Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN Revised 04/18/2018

52 Dear Friends in Christ Jesus, We re pleased to present to you the proposed Indiana-Kentucky Synod Compensation Standards for ELCA Ministers of Word and Service (Deacon). We provide these for your use in determining just and honorable salary, benefits, allowances, and reimbursements for your professional staff. This is the best tool we have to enable you to make these decisions in a collaborative atmosphere with your co-workers in the gospel who give their lives to the ministry of Jesus Christ with you in your congregation. Please note that Process 1 is the process for determining compensation for a leader already under call and that Process 2 is to be used in the Call Process. Please use the standards in such a manner that there is good conversation between you and your rostered minister(s). It is wise to begin these discussions at least four months before your congregation s next fiscal year, in an open manner with your executive committee and each staff professional. These standards contain a process to assist discussion about issues relating to compensation. Further, these standards present charts and tools for you to calculate and determine compensation, as well as benefits, allowances, and reimbursements following established standards across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Rostered Ministers are strongly encouraged to take the initiative in this conversation with parish leaders since you are the ones who should understand your needs and desires. Don t expect your parish leaders to be mind readers. They re waiting for you to be a leader. With regard to Cost of Living (COLA), please visit the Social Security website at as well as contact your local Chamber of Commerce. These are very helpful in finding the actual cost of living variances in your specific county. Remember this is a look back, and not a predictor of the year to come. Also, visit the ELCA website ( for further compensatory information. Since age is now a factor (along with geography, size of congregation, and amount of compensation) in figuring health benefits rates there is no longer a chart with percentages for the coming year. Contact Portico Benefit Services (formerly ELCA Board of Pensions) by phone ( ) or (mail@porticobenefits.org) for information and assistance. If you desire assistance with any matter in this document, or have a question not addressed in the document, please do not hesitate to contact any of our committee members directly through the Indiana-Kentucky Synod office. These Standards are recommended by the Synod Council for adoption by the Indiana-Kentucky Synod in Assembly, May 31-June 2, 2018, and, upon adoption, become the appropriate norm for use in a current call process or in current conversation around compensation for a rostered minister under call. Please note that these are minimum standards for Ministers of Word and Service (Deacon). A separate guideline is provided for Ministers of Word and Sacrament (Pastor). With joy in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Martha Helms, Deacon Hope Moran, Rev. Dr. Jerry O Neal, David Quandt and Rev. Heather Apel Indiana-Kentucky Synod Rostered Ministers Compensation Committee 2

53 How to Plan Compensation with Your Rostered Minister(s) for Often one of the most difficult challenges in ministry is deriving a fair and equitable compensation for the rostered minister(s) in your congregation. Generally, this has not been addressed until late in the process of preparing a new budget for the following year. This is a mistake since it often results in frustration for both the rostered minister(s) and those trying to make decisions with regard to salary, benefits, and reimbursements. The following guidelines should make this process pleasant and honest. Obviously, first, begin your process with prayer. Second, know that your rostered minister(s) are not hired, they are called into ministry with you, alongside of you. It is extremely important that the rostered minister(s) be involved in this planning from the beginning to the end since they are the persons most affected by the final outcome. It is often difficult to talk about money and benefits, but it should not be. Good communication can, and must, occur at each step of this process. 1. Who should be in the planning process: The process should include the rostered minister(s) and the Executive Committee of the Congregation Council, and it may involve a member of the Mutual Ministry Committee, if appropriate. These are the people who can best assess the minister s effectiveness and his/her own needs, and have a grasp of the church s finances. Having more people in the meeting will slow communication and reduce effectiveness of the meetings. These are closed meetings and not open to the congregation for the purpose of maintaining a high level of open, honest, and healthy communication among the various leaders present. 2. What areas should be explored in the meetings: There are two areas of discussion: effectiveness and need. Start with need (First Meeting), which is the current compensation each rostered minister is receiving. Compensation of the minister is no secret to the congregation, because it is listed in the annual budget and/or annual report to the congregation. It includes, but is not limited to, the following areas: base salary, defined benefits (including housing allowance or equity allowance in the case of a church-owned parsonage), pension and full health care/lump sum death benefit/disability insurance, continuing education, book allowance, social security offset, reimbursements (car allowance, other tangibles applicable to your setting). Go through these step by step. Ask the minister at each juncture if he/she has any input that would be germane to the discussion. This may seem laborious, but the value is obvious since only the rostered minister knows precisely how the current mix of salary, benefits, and reimbursements affects her/him. In some cases, your rostered minister is below approved Synod established Minimum Compensation Standards. This needs to be discussed and remedied. Do this early in the process, preferably in early or mid-august, or four months before your congregation s new fiscal year. Take a lot of notes during the meeting and share those written notes that week with members present, and not present. This meeting should last about two hours. Your second meeting should be in two weeks. 3. How to address effectiveness of the rostered minister(s) (Second Meeting): It is never a question of how hard a person works, or how many hours, but what gets done and the effectiveness of the work. This is without doubt the most difficult area to quantify. Effectiveness is always a subjective judgment call at best. What one person might find important, another does not. Is sitting with the family during a routine surgery of a loved one important? Is reading and preparation for sermons/meetings/teaching/scripture study and prayer important? Is visiting regularly in the homes of church members important? Remember, much of what a pastor, or deacon, does is confidential, and thus cannot be judged in terms of effectiveness. Effectiveness is always, at best, a judgment call. Depending on each individual, subjective value judgments often are completely different. It has been said that every pastor, or deacon, has as many bosses as there are baptized members in the congregation. If that is true, then not all will be satisfied with the ministry at any given time, and the minister will not be a leader at all, but a hireling. Some will want the minister to be a chaplain, someone to take care of them and others in the congregation. Some will want the pews packed on Sunday and the offering plate full and will expect that to be the responsibility of the rostered minister. Some will want the rostered minister to prepare congregational members for leadership and provide vision and clear focus for the total ministry. 3

54 Importance and effectiveness are linked together in each person s mind. These are difficult to separate though they are clearly not the same, and even can work against each other. Finally, who decides the rostered minister s effectiveness? We believe it is the responsibility of the Congregation Council, not the general congregation, nor the rostered minister. If the rostered minister works well with his/her Congregation Council, you have an effective leader in your setting. Pastors and deacons are called to a SHARED MINISTRY with you. If there is not any sharing going on, it is the pastor or deacon s responsibility to make it happen. If assistance is needed to improve the shared ministry, use all resources available, especially Synod staff. This meeting should last about two hours. 4. How do we derive Total Compensation for the coming year: After you have completed the previous steps of the process, bring the entire group together to put the pieces together. Start with the effectiveness component that will help you determine how you will deal with the Synod Rostered Ministers Compensation Standards for next year. Review all the blank spaces of the Compensation Standards as provided in the attached workbook. Together, fill out the compensation material and discuss each item, at length if necessary. Start with the current base salary. Do two things with this number: First, check the grid of years of experience and size of worship attendance to see how it compares; second, have a conversation about a cost of living increase. Then move to each item: housing, continuing education, and book allowance. Then move on to benefits and reimbursements. When this part of the process is completed, total it, and then discuss it together with your rostered minister(s). Let your rostered minister take the initiative here. Once again, it is he/she that will be most affected by this decision. This meeting will last approximately two hours. Hopefully, everyone will have had much time to pray, think, and discuss this very important part of your ministry. You honor the Lord God, your congregation, and your pastor/deacon by following the steps of this simple process. By God s grace you will all enjoy this unhurried process, and come away from your meeting closer to one another, and your Lord God. If you have questions, or need resource materials, do not hesitate to contact any member of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Rostered Ministers Compensation Committee through the synod office or the Indiana- Kentucky Synod staff for assistance. We stand ready to help you at any time. In shared ministry with you, Indiana-Kentucky Synod Rostered Ministers Compensation Committee 4

55 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. General Information 6 Salary 6 Housing 7 Benefits..8 Pension and Health Benefits 8 What Do I Do When I Turn 65 9 Sick Leave and Family Leave 10 Disability and Workers Compensation 10 Other Benefits.11 Time Off 11 Vacation 11 Holidays 11 Continuing Education/Sabbatical Leave 11 Professional Reimbursements and Expenses...13 Accountable Plan 13 Automobile Reimbursement 13 Conference Expenses 13 Moving Expenses 13 II. Process 1: Annual Review of Compensation for Current Deacon..14 Salary and Benefits for Deacon under Call 15 Determining Salary and Benefits: An Example 16 III. Process 2: Calling a New Deacon...17 Minimum Salary Standards 18 Salary and Benefits for New Deacon 19 Determining Salary and Benefits: An Example 19 Professional Reimbursements and Expenses 20 IV. Continuing Education Standards Helpful Links.22 5

56 I. GENERAL INFORMATION COMPENSATION PACKAGES There are two categories for determining the compensation package for a Minister of Word and Service (Deacon). Process 1 should be used for calculating the compensation package for a deacon currently under call. Process 2 should be used in calculating the compensation package during the Call Process. Whichever process you use, the first step is to make yourself familiar with the information on pages SALARY Salary is that portion of the compensation provided to sustain the rostered minister who is called to carry out the Lord s work through the congregation. Salary does not include professional expenses or mileage reimbursements. Income from any other source and/or the income of a spouse should not be a consideration. Other factors which are to be considered in establishing the salary package for Ministers of Word and Service include: 1. Level of education 2. Length and variety of experience* 3. Certification by ELCA or predecessor bodies 4. Quality of performance 5. Job Description / Complexity of responsibility 6. Cost of living in a particular geographical area 7. Educational debt 8. Median income of the congregation and/or income of congregational members with comparable positions in the secular community 9. Length of time in the parish 10. Part time / Full time *Appropriate credit should be given for volunteer ministry experience, ministry experience in non- Lutheran settings, church agency employment or volunteer work, and non-ministry experience, particularly of second career candidates. Appropriate attention should be given to prior experience which, while not identical to the current position, has certainly helped to prepare the staff member for his or her current position. Congregations should also consider educational debt load of first call candidates. Benefits include health, retirement, disability, and basic life insurance benefits. Professional Reimbursements and Expenses are the funds provided by the congregation to reimburse the rostered minister for expenses related to the necessary performance of his or her duties, including automobile mileage reimbursement, continuing education allowance, books and journals, etc. This is covered on a separate page following Base Salary and Benefits. 6

57 HOUSING: Ministers of Word and Service are considered employees by the IRS for purposes of Social Security and income taxes, and require standard withholdings from their salaries. A standard W-2 is issued. Congregations are encouraged to consider costs of local housing in determining compensation for all staff members. Moreover, housing allowances in addition to salary or parsonages are typically not available for deacons, and so the salary standards are based on the need for these people to provide their own housing. However, a congregation may consider designating a portion of the salary as housing allowance for the deacon if they qualify under IRS policy. 1 The Congregation Council would have to pass a resolution to that effect. The church or organization that employs you must officially designate the payment as a housing allowance before it makes the payment. It must designate a definite amount. It can't determine the amount of the housing allowance at a later date. If the church or organization doesn't officially designate a definite amount as a housing allowance, you must include your total salary in your income. Shown below is a sample resolution designating a housing allowance: Resolved that of the total cash salary for the year 2, $ is hereby designated as housing allowance for Deacon. Resolved that as long as is called to be the above amount of designated housing allowance shall apply to all future years until modified. When it is time to pay income tax, it is important to note IRS Publication 517: If you own your home and you receive as part of your salary a housing or rental allowance, you may exclude from gross income the smallest of: The amount actually used to provide a home, The amount officially designated as a rental allowance, or The fair rental value of the home, including furnishings, utilities, garage, etc. You must include in gross income the amount of any rental allowance that is more than the smallest of: Your reasonable salary The fair rental value of the home plus utilities, or The amount actually used to provide a home

58 BENEFITS PENSION AND HEALTH BENEFITS In January 1, 2014, the most significant changes brought about by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as health care reform, took effect. They have implications for many employers, including congregations. 1. Each state has a health insurance marketplace, also called an exchange, where individuals can buy health insurance. The State of Indiana chose not to provide a marketplace, and so the federal government manages one on the state's behalf. The Commonwealth of Kentucky has a state exchange. The plans offered in the marketplace are in four categories: Bronze Silver Gold Platinum Portico offers similar plans: Bronze+ Silver+ Gold+ (the recommended level of coverage) Platinum+ This document sets as the standard for the Definition of Compensation, Benefits, and Responsibilities of the Deacon the Portico Gold+ Plan. A Letter of Call will be signed by the Bishop only when that standard is met to the satisfaction of the Bishop. In some cases, it may benefit the rostered minister to select either the Bronze+ or Silver+ plan which can come with a Health Savings Account (HSA). If this option is desired by the rostered minister, it should be discussed with the Executive Committee before the time of the annual selection and/or noted to the Bishop during a call process. 2. The standard expectation of this synod is that any congregation or eligible ministry setting will provide health coverage for the rostered minister and their family, unless the rostered minister s family is covered elsewhere or chooses to waive coverage. 3. ELCA-Primary health contribution rates are based on geographic region, age and salary. 4. For 2019, each ELCA employer will need to select one ELCA health plan option for all employees (rostered ministers and lay church workers) that the congregation will pay for. 5. Once the employer makes a selection at EmployerLink on the Portico web site ( the employee will confirm that choice or choose to buy up to another plan option at myportico (also on the Portico website), and will be responsible for the cost difference. For example, if the employer selects the Gold+ plan and the employee opts to buy up to the Platinum+ plan, the employee would pay the difference in cost. Portico will continue to include in the required contributions a percentage that goes to a) Disability and Survivor Plans and b) Retiree Support (this is support for those retired rostered leaders whose pensions are low due to low compensation throughout their years of service). Portico will also include the Pension payment at the amount reported by the congregation, generally 12%. 8

59 When a deacon waives health coverage because of coverage through the insurance of a spouse, or waives the coverage of their spouse/family through Portico, the congregation is strongly encouraged to provide additional compensation to their salary to account for the cost of this health coverage elsewhere. This additional compensation may be taxable income unless a Health Reimbursement Arrangement has been established. 2 The ELCA benefits program contribution rates are a percentage of defined compensation. Defined compensation is base salary, before any pretax benefit contributions* are deducted. For deacons, the defined compensation includes the full salary including any amount that may be designated as a housing allowance. The Synod recommends that congregations contribute the 12% retirement rate for deacons. Additional retirement contributions can be made by the employee (member pretax). If the employer chooses to make additional contributions from time to time, they can be included when paying the regular monthly bill by using the Explanation of Payment included in the monthly billing statement. ELCA-primary health benefits include a personal wellness account offering financial wellness dollars that can be earned each year by members (and spouses). The ELCA Flexible Benefits Plan is also available to employees who are sponsored in the ELCA benefits program and receiving ELCA-primary health benefits. ELCA-primary health benefits are exclusive of Medicare. (Those on Medicare may register for a personal wellness account, but are not eligible to receive the financial rewards.) See for more information. *Pretax benefit contributions include member pretax contributions to the ELCA Retirement Plan or another eligible retirement plan. They also include pretax contributions to qualified reimbursement accounts for health care, dependent care or transportation expenses. WHAT DO I DO WHEN I TURN 65? Medicare is a health benefits program for U.S. citizens or permanent residents who meet certain work history requirements: 1. Age 65, or older, 2. Individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), 3. Under age 65 with certain disabilities: a. You have been entitled to Social Security disability benefits for at least 24 months (which need not be consecutive); or b. You receive a disability pension from the Railroad Retirement Board and meet certain conditions; or c. You have Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), which qualifies you immediately; or d. You have permanent kidney failure requiring regular dialysis or a kidney transplant and you or your spouse has paid Social Security taxes for a certain length of time, depending on your age

60 To learn more about Medicare and how it can impact benefits and healthcare coverage with Portico go to these websites: Medicare Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services: Medicare: Portico EmployerLink: SICK LEAVE, FAMILY LEAVE, DISABILITY AND WORKERS COMPENSATION Sick leave of up to six weeks per year with full salary and benefits should be provided by the congregation when needed. This is not accumulated and should not be abused. This is not an entitlement. Paid Family Leave of up to six weeks is standard practice when a child is born or adopted. The number of weeks of leave before and after the birth should be specified in advance and in mutual discussion with the staff member. Similarly, paid Family Leave of up to six weeks also should be available to care for a sick family member such as a spouse, child, parent, or sibling. In the event a sponsored member of the ELCA benefits program is unable to perform his/her normal occupation for any employer, as a direct result of injury or physical or mental disorder that is verified by objective medical information from a Qualified Health Care Provider, they can apply for Total or Partial Disability. If granted, they may be eligible to receive these benefits: 1. During the first two months of disability (waiting period), the Participating Employer is expected to pay the Sponsored Member s full salary and to continue contributions for the Sponsored Member s ELCA health, retirement, disability, and basic life insurance benefits. 2. Once the Total or Partial Disability is approved a) A monthly income benefit, and b) Contributions for health benefits coverage under the ELCA Medical and Dental Benefits Plan for the Totally or Partially Disabled Member and his/her eligible family members, and c) Contributions to the Totally or Partially Disabled Member s retirement account under the ELCA Retirement Plan, and Contributions for basic group life insurance. A Sponsored Member must file a claim with Liberty Mutual, the Disability Benefits Administrator, within six months of becoming Totally or Partially Disabled. The disabling condition must have occurred while he/she was a Sponsored Member and the first day absent due to the disabling condition must occur while the Member is a Sponsored Member. A disability claimed for a date after the Member terminates employment or ends a call is not covered under the Disability Benefits Plan. See for more information on the ELCA Disability Benefits Plan. Monthly disability benefits available to eligible interim pastors who have chosen to continue ELCA disability coverage at their own expense while between assignments or on leave from call are slightly different. Congregations are legally required by Indiana and Kentucky state law to secure Workers Compensation on pastors and deacons (as well as all other employees) and provide for such expenses in the event of disability. 10

61 OTHER BENEFITS WEEKLY HOURS/TIME OFF Deacons, like anyone else, need some time off from work in order to replenish and re-energize themselves. Congregations should ensure that their Deacon has two full days off per week. The weekly schedule (days/hours) may be negotiated as necessary. For the well-being of the deacon and the health of the congregation, such a schedule should not exceed 50 hours in a work week. VACATION Everyone needs a period of time away from the job in order to refresh and recreate him or herself. The congregation should provide a minimum of four weeks of vacation per year (28 days, including the expected 2 days off per week), for all rostered ministers. An additional week of vacation should be granted after 15 years of service in the ministry, another week after 25 years in the ministry. Continuing education time is not to be regarded as vacation. Congregations in which a deacon has served for an extended period of time should consider additional vacation time. All costs and procurement of ministry coverage during vacation times, including worship leadership supply, are the responsibility of the congregation. HOLIDAYS Because of the nature of their professional responsibilities, deacons are frequently unable to take advantage of three-day weekends and other holidays such as Christmas, Easter, etc. Generally, 9-11 total holidays should be granted, plus three floating personal days at the discretion of the Congregation Council. Consideration should be given, and the staff member encouraged, to take days off another time during the week to compensate for these holidays. This should not be counted as vacation time. CONTINUING EDUCATION / SABBATICAL LEAVE The purpose of continuing education is to strengthen the professional for more effective service. The ELCA expects a minimum of 25 contact hours annually in organized continuing education. These experiences are to be with colleagues and under responsible sponsorship, capable directors, and qualified instructors. The congregation is encouraged to establish a fund to which it annually contributes a minimum of $700, with a deacon contributing a minimum of $300, for a total of $1,000. Any money which a deacon contributes to the fund belongs to the deacon and may accumulate over a period of years. If the deacon resigns the call, any money contributed by the deacon but not used returns to the deacon. This money would be used for registration, course materials, travel and housing while the person pursues approved continuing education. Financial assistance is available through the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Leadership Support Committee. Continuing education may range from a single day seminar to enrollment in a formal program at an educational institution. Deacons in their first call are expected to participate in First Call Theological Education; documents outlining this program are available through the Synod office. The ELCA call form presently recommends a minimum of two weeks of continuing education annually, cumulative up to three years. It is recommended that the professional staff member attend the annual Fall Professional Leaders Conference offered each year in the Indiana-Kentucky Synod. 11

62 Congregations should offer their deacon sabbatical leave time for spiritual and personal renewal which may be a maximum of eight weeks after four years or twelve weeks after six years in a congregation. Such sabbatical time should normally be offered at either of these intervals during a long term of service and should not preclude vacation time during the year in which the sabbatical leave is taken. The sabbatical should include an education emphasis. The request for sabbatical leave, along with the specific description and purpose of the leave, are to be submitted to and approved by the Congregation Council at least six months prior to the time the leave is to begin. Congregations might want to include in the budget and set aside funds each year toward that sabbatical so that its cost might be spread over several years. During sabbatical leave, the congregation continues to provide normal compensation and pays for any congregational ministerial expenses related to the absence of the staff member. The staff member is responsible for expenses related to the sabbatical, such as additional living expense, tuition, books, and supplies. Supplemental funds are available from the synod to rostered leaders for these related expenses. Normal vacation time may be used to extend the sabbatical leave. A report of the staff member s sabbatical activities is to be submitted to the Congregation Council, and a staff member taking a sabbatical is expected to continue to serve the congregation for a minimum of a year following the leave. Continuing education and sabbatical leave time accrue to an individual during service in a single congregation. All accumulated educational time is forfeited with the acceptance of another position. Such educational time may not be used for vacation purposes, transferred to another rostered staff member, or exchanged for monetary reimbursement. SABBATICAL PLANNING FOR INTERIM MINISTERS Any Rostered Interim Minister who has not yet retired and has received accredited Interim Ministry Training, shall be eligible for a sabbatical after four years [208 weeks] of contracted Interim service. As trained interim ministers, these leaders rarely accrue sufficient time in one congregation to qualify for a sabbatical. To remedy this, any congregation that has contracted with such an Interim, shall contribute 8/208 of the weekly compensation package specified in the contract. [8/208 represents the weekly contribution to an eight-week sabbatical accrued after 208 weeks of service.] These funds shall be held in special accounts established by the Synod in each interim minister s name, and shall be held until the forty-eight months have been served. (Such contributions may be made weekly or monthly, by special arrangement with the synod bookkeeper.) Application to receive the funds and the sabbatical shall be made to the Synod Council, who shall collaborate with the Interim concerning content, timing, and reporting of the sabbatical. 12

63 PROFESSIONAL REIMBURSEMENTS AND EXPENSES ACCOUNTABLE PLAN Congregations should consider establishing an Accountable Plan (AP) for their Rostered Minister(s) and employees who have reimbursable expenses. Reimbursement of expenses under an AP provides a tax advantage over claiming these expenses on Schedule A, Form For details of setting up an AP refer to Minister s Guide for Income Tax Published by the Board of Pensions of the ELCA or refer to IRS Pamphlet 517 or 535. Examples of these reimbursements are: 1. Books and journals 2. Professional (professional dues, supplies, vestments, etc.) 3. Professional liability insurance 4. Cell phones 5. Mileage reimbursement (see below) AUTOMOBILE EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT The expenses which Rostered Minister(s) incur in driving an automobile while performing church business are not personal expenses, but rather costs incurred by the congregation in order for the staff member to perform ministry. As such, reimbursement for such costs should be fair, monthly, and complete, at 100% of the IRS standard mileage rate (See IRS Publication 463 for current rate). A monthly or yearly allowance may also be considered in lieu of mileage reimbursement, however this amount would be considered taxable income for the rostered minister. Because of the vast differences in situations among our congregations, no recommendation is being made as to a minimum monthly or yearly allowance to be paid. The IRS requires that the rostered minister submit an accurate record of business miles driven and/or car expenses to the congregation or employing agency and that the car has a contemporaneous detailed log of distance and purpose of each use of the vehicle. CONFERENCE EXPENSES A deacon s attendance at official assemblies and conferences is a professional expense. Attendance at the Annual Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly is constitutionally mandated and expenses for registration, lodging meals, travel and other fees are the responsibility of the congregation. Attendance at other conferences should also be supported by the congregation or agency by payment of registration fees and other expenses. Discuss with your rostered minister his/her anticipated expenses in connection with assemblies and conferences in the coming year. MOVING EXPENSES At the time of a new or change of call, the relocation and moving expenses of the deacon are the responsibility of the calling congregation. Because of the liability involved, it is strongly recommended that the services of professional moving firms be secured. Please note that if the moving expenses are reimbursed to the rostered minister they are not taxable. If a fixed amount is given to them, it is taxable income, although the rostered minister could deduct those moving expenses. 13

64 II. Process 1: ANNUAL REVIEW OF COMPENSATION FOR CURRENT MINISTER OF WORD AND SERVICE (DEACON) A. Compensation of each rostered minister shall be reviewed annually. This shall be done by the congregation s Executive Committee or Congregation Council, in the same manner as such reviews are conducted for pastor(s) in the congregation. Since the rostered minister depends on the congregation and its Council to provide adequately for his or her financial needs, this person requires an opportunity to discuss those needs in an open and supportive forum. Each rostered minister shall participate in his/her compensation review and shall be encouraged to openly share their expectations. The Executive Committee or Council can then make recommendations to the congregation for fair, honorable, and equitable compensation. B. Compensation adjustments shall include, but by no means be limited to or by: 1. Base salary; 2. Cost of living increase; 3. Merit increase based on an evaluation of the performance of each rostered minister; 4. Incentive increase based upon new expectations of additional effort or responsibility; and, 5. Health, retirement, disability, and basic life insurance adjustments consistent with ELCA Portico Benefits standards. C. The Congregation Council shall be responsible for presenting the compensation budget with appropriate rationale to the annual meeting of the congregation. D. A member of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Rostered Ministers Compensation Committee will be available for clarification of the process presented in this document. Contact may be made through the Synod Office. 14

65 SALARY AND BENEFITS FOR A DEACON UNDER CALL Before beginning this section, be sure to read all sections in this booklet. Step 1: Fill out the following chart for a deacon under call. Current salary 1. $ Cost of living increase 2. $ [The 2018 recommended Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) that includes food and energy is 2.0%.] The congregation also should take into consideration: a) the local cost of living, (contact local Chamber of Commerce), and b) any change in needs of the pastor and family.] Merit increase* 3. $ Base Salary (add lines 1-3) 4. $ Step 2: Health and Pension To determine the cost, congregations should sign up at EmployerLink at Step 3: TOTAL COMPENSATION PLUS BENEFITS Add Line 4 from above plus Step 3 $ Step 4: Go to page 20 for Professional Reimbursements and Expenses. Step 5: Determine Portion of Salary to be designated as Housing $ (for tax purposes, if applicable see page 7) * Merit Pay reflects exceptional effort or additional responsibilities in the previous year. Merit increases should be revisited regularly and may be adjusted up or down. 15

66 EXAMPLE OF DETERMINING SALARY AND BENEFITS FOR DEACON UNDER CALL For a deacon, with master s degree, married with no children. Step 1: Current Salary $43,700 Cost of living increase $ 874 [The 2018 recommended Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) that includes food and energy is 2.0%. The congregation also should take into consideration: a) the local cost of living, and b) any change in needs of the deacon and family.] Merit increase* (if applicable) $ 0 Total $44,574 Step 2: Health and Pension To determine the total congregations should sign up at EmployerLink at Step 3: TOTAL Salary Plus Benefits $44,574 + Portico Contribution Step 4: Go to page 20 for Professional Reimbursements and Expenses. Step 5: Determine Portion of Salary to be designated as Housing $ (for tax purposes, if applicable see page 7) * Merit Pay reflects exceptional effort or additional responsibilities in the previous year. Merit increases should be revisited regularly and may be adjusted up or down. 16

67 III. Process 2: CALLING A NEW MINISTER OF WORD AND SERVICE (DEACON) A. When calling a new deacon, care should be taken to have a healthy conversation about compensation. This shall be done by the Congregational Council as part of their interview with the candidate. The Council shall present to the candidate a compensation package based on these standards and invite the candidate s response. It is important to have an open and honest conversation now, as this will set the tone for future compensation conversations. The Council will recommend a package to the congregation that has been agreed upon by Council and the candidate. The compensation will be voted on by the congregation at the Call Meeting. B. Compensation shall include: 1. Salary 2. Health, retirement, disability, and basic life insurance costs consistent with ELCA Portico Benefits standards 3. Professional expenses, such as automobile and continuing education 4. Vacation and continuing education expenses C. A member of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Rostered Ministers Compensation Committee will be available for clarification of the process presented in this document. Contact may be made through the Synod Office. 17

68 FOR USE IN THE CALL PROCESS: MINIMUM BASE SALARY STANDARDS FOR A DEACON (Minister of Word and Service) Please note: This chart represents a 2.0% COLA. Years of Experience A Without Masters Degree B With Masters Degree 0 $38,352 $42,636 1 $38,952 $43,236 2 $39,552 $43,836 3 $40,152 $44,436 4 $40,752 $45,036 5 $41,352 $45,636 6 $41,952 $46,236 7 $42,552 $46,836 8 $43,152 $47,436 9 $43,752 $48, $44,352 $48, $44,952 $49, $45,552 $49, $46,152 $50, $46,752 $51, $47,352 $51, $47,952 $52, $48,552 $52, $49,152 $53, $49,752 $54, $50,352 $54,636 After 20 years, add $600 per year. 18

69 SALARY AND BENEFITS FOR A NEW MINISTER OF WORD AND SERVICE (DEACON) Before beginning this section, be sure to read all sections in this booklet. Step 1: Salary from chart on page 18 $ Step 2: Health and Pension $ To determine the cost, congregations should sign up at EmployerLink at Step 3: TOTAL SALARY PLUS BENEFITS Add Step 1 plus Step 3 $ Step 4: Go to page 20 for Professional Reimbursements and Expenses. Step 5: Determine Portion of Salary to be designated as Housing $ (for tax purposes, if applicable see page 7) EXAMPLE SALARY AND BENEFITS FOR A DEACON IN CALL PROCESS Before beginning this section, be sure to read all sections in this booklet. Deacon, single, with 16 years experience with a master s degree, serving in a congregation Step 1: Salary from chart on page 18 $52,236 Step 3: Health and Pension $ To determine the total congregations should sign up at EmployerLink at Step 3: TOTAL SALARY PLUS BENEFITS $52,236 + Portico Contribution Step 4: Go to page 20 for Professional Reimbursements and Expenses. Step 5: Determine Portion of Salary to be designated as Housing $ (for tax purposes, if applicable see page 7) 19

70 PROFESSIONAL REIMBURSEMENTS AND EXPENSES Continuing Education (Annual Minimum $700 per year) (see page 11) Books and Journals (see page 13) Membership in Professional Organizations (see page 13) Mileage Reimbursement (see page 13) Other TOTAL PROFESSIONAL REIMBURSEMENTS/ EXPENSES $ $ $ $ $ $ (These numbers should appear in the congregation s annual budget in the same form as those provided to the congregation for pastors.) 20

71 IV. LEADERSHIP SUPPORT STANDARDS FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION 1) A Continuing Education Covenant must be on file with the Synod office. This Covenant is renewable every seven years. There will be an attached letter from the Congregation Council or appropriate agency. 2) Continuing education grants may be provided through the Leadership Support Committee to all rostered ministers of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA. An application for funds can be found on the Indiana-Kentucky Synod website, 3) Grants will normally not exceed the amount contributed by either the recipient or the congregation or appropriate agency. The fund will be shared in approximate increments of onethird. In the event of greater need exceptions may be made. If applicants exceed available funds, they will be available based on needs. (The earlier application is made in the year, the greater the opportunities to receive funding.) 4) Continuing education grants will be made for structured formal study programs directly related and beneficial to the applicant s ministry, excluding tours. 5) Assistance grant requests will be made in one of two areas: a. Stolldorf Grants, not to exceed $ for the synod s fiscal year (Feb. 1-Jan. 31), for single event programs, such as conferences, seminars and workshops. b. Leadership Grants, not to exceed $ annually, for the development of leadership skills through participation in a multi-year program of supervised study, such as a Doctor of Ministry program. 6) Grant requests will require the approval of the Leadership Support Committee. The approval process will be as follows: a. Approval by a Synod Staff person and chair of the committee. b. Review by the Leadership Support Committee. c. The recipient, following the event, will submit a summary of the learning experience. 7) Sabbatical Grants for Pastoral Leaders (can include pastors, deacons and those in specialized ministries) is a grant program of the Louisville Institute that provides funds up to $15,000. Information can be found at or in writing to The Louisville Institute, 1044 Alta Vista Road, Louisville, KY, 40205, Other grant resources and learning opportunities can be found at or at A good planning resource book: Clergy Renewal: The Alban Guide to Sabbatical Planning, by A. Richard Bullock and Richard Bruesehoff. Alban Books are available directly from Rowman & Littlefield or from online sellers such as Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com. Rowman & Littlefield has established a special website for Alban customers: 21

72 HELPFUL LINKS Indiana Department of Revenue Kentucky Department of Revenue revenue.ky.gov Minister's Compensation and Housing Allowance: Ministers' Compensation & Housing Allowance (hover on THIS to see the very long web address) Auto Allowance: Tax Topics - Topic 510 Business Use of Car (hover on THIS to see the web address) (re: Adequate accounting for use of personal vehicle for business use) Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services: Medicare: Medicare & You Handbook: Your Medicare Benefits: Medicare Savings Premium: Finally, if you have any questions, or need clarification with anything in this document, do not hesitate to contact the Indiana-Kentucky Synod office, or one of the members of the Indiana-Kentucky Rostered Ministers Compensation Committee for help. We are pleased to assist you in any way. Thank you for the opportunity to serve with you in ministry of the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 22

73 Reconciling in Christ Taskforce 2018 Report A report and recommendation put forward by the taskforce convened by the bishop and council of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod for the purpose of pursuing the duties prescribed by resolution R from the 2015 Indiana Kentucky Synod Assembly. The members of the taskforce have been the Rev. Heather Apel, Rev. Austin Newberry, Laura Richcreek, Rev. William Smith, and Rev. Matthew Voyer. The task presented was to discern the implications and requirements of pursuing a Reconciling In Christ designation for the Indiana-Kentucky Synod. Through the taskforce s research it was determined that a RIC designation for the synod is not a blanket designation for the individual congregations of the synod. The designation does allow for the synod to designate resources and staff to address the needs of congregations engaging the LGBTQ community, and individual members of the synod, rostered leaders, and seminary candidates who are LGBTQ. Second, it provides a platform for synodical responses to social issues concerning, not only the LGBTQ community, but all marginalized groups within society. After much study and conversation, the taskforce has come to the recommendations below and is submitting them along with a welcome statement for the council s consideration. We request the council s reflection on the recommended actions and welcome statement. Given the council s approval, the taskforce is asking that the welcome statement be sent to the assembly for approval. The recommendations of the taskforce are as follows: 1. To not pursue the synod designation of being a Reconciling Works synod, but to adopt an official statement of welcome for the synod. The concern is that pursuit of the title would be a polarizing action which would distract attention from the statement of welcome itself and detract from the intended goals of adopting it. a. The primary purpose of this statement is not affected by the lack of a designation. It is still the expectation that this welcome would guide the Indiana-Kentucky Synod in its officially addressing the needs of congregations engaging the LGBTQ community, and individual members of the synod, rostered leaders, and seminary candidates who are LGBTQ. Secondly, the statement should provide a platform for synodical responses to social issues concerning not only the LGBTQ community, but all marginalized groups within society. 2. To emphasize that the statement and its adoption do not obligate congregations to individually subscribe to it. However, it should serve as a resource for any congregation striving to determine how to extend the unconditional love of God and serve the other within their own body and their immediate context. In its work the taskforce referenced the following resources: Resolution R Bishop Gafkjen s, Initial reflections on the Reconciling in Christ Discernment Resolution Bishop Gafkjen s letter from Oct. 2014, which encouraged congregations and individuals to engage in conversation ELCA resource, Talking Together as Christian about Tough Social Issues ELCA resource, Report and Recommendations of Ministry to and with Same Gender Couples and their Families Working Group (M2SGF) Conference of Bishops, A Word of Welcome to Gay and Lesbian Persons Reconciling Works, Reconciling in Christ Synods: A Synod s Guide to RIC

74 Statement of Welcome The essence of our shared Lutheran faith tradition is that we are saved by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ alone, and by baptism have been formed into Christ s body, the church, for the good of creation. We are not saved by our good works, nor are we saved by our race, class, sexual orientation, gender expression, political views or any other status or distinction. Each of us stands in radical equality before God. Therefore, the church, called to love God and to serve our neighbor, raises up and advocates for the excluded and oppressed. For this reason, in this time, we, the Indiana-Kentucky Synod of the ELCA, recognize the need to lift up and extend specific welcome to those groups and individuals who are currently being slandered, discriminated against, and openly oppressed in our mission field. We extend the same radical love and welcome, which Christ first extended to each of us, to members of the LGBTQ community and their families, immigrant and refugee communities, those of varying economic classes, those of differing races and ethnicities, those with mental illnesses, those with disabilities, and those with addiction issues. In so doing, we recognize those members of our church who have felt alienated by the ELCA s decisions around human sexuality made in We reassert their welcome and inclusion and this body s mutual respect for them and for the principles established by the ELCA in regard to honoring the bound conscience of church members and congregations. For this reason, we, the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, are set free in Christ to name and reject those places where sin has worked to limit and warp the certain hope we have in the inclusive reach of God s grace, and our responding duty to love and welcome all people. We reject the power of sin in word and deed: that would portray God s gift and Christ s reign as dependent on works of the law, that singles out these groups and justifies their suffering of shaming, hatred, shunning, harassment, or assault, that clings to disproven scientific understandings of subjects like psychology, medicine, and sociology to legitimize such evils as conversion therapy, that make our acceptance of others conditional and selective, that make slander, discrimination, and oppression things that are excused as unrelated to the Christian faith, or justified as a defense of the Christian faith, or expected as an expression of the Christian faith, that excuse innocent participation in, and prideful justification of these sins. For this reason, we, the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, are set free in Christ to openly name the need for corporate and individual repentance of our intentional and unintentional participation in these sinful behaviors. We call for mutual repentance for those instances where both our silence and speaking have grieved God and harmed our neighbor, where we have been slow in reconciling, and where we have, out of spite, withheld forgiveness toward those who have harmed us. For this reason, we, the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, are set free in Christ to honor theological diversity, to create safe places for differences, and to recognize that our unity is found in Christ alone. Therefore, we are free to welcome LGBTQ individuals and their families, as well as other excluded and persecuted groups within our mission territory, to full participation in our synodical expression of church while calling on every congregation and church-related institution in our mission territory to faithful expressions of this same inclusive welcome in the name of Jesus Christ.

75 Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly Candidacy Committee Ministry Report 2018 It continues to be a privilege to serve as the committee chair of the Candidacy Committee. The committee continues to walk with candidates who are discerning God s call to public ministry in the areas of Word and Sacrament and Word and Service. Since the last annual report, our committee has met three times. At those meetings we entranced 7 applicants into the candidacy process and endorsed 6 candidates who are midway through which allows them to serve on internship. We also held our annual candidacy retreat in Indianapolis. During these retreats it is an opportunity for the committee to engage with the candidates, spend time in worship & devotion, participate in mini workshop presentations, and take a break from the studies of seminary. Region 6 also two inquirers retreats this past year and we have had some folks from the Indiana-Kentucky mission territory participate in these weekends. The Candidacy Committee continues to empower, equip, and lift of leaders for public ministry in our synod. We ask you - who do you know that has gifts for public ministry in our church? How can you continue to encourage them to discern God s calling? I ask for your continued prayers on behalf of the candidates in our synod as they continue discerning God s call. Faith is a life-long journey and what a joy it is to be able to walk along side folks who feel called to public ministry. Thank you. Respectfully Submitted by: Deacon Julie Schuessler Peralta Candidacy Committee Chair Indiana-Kentucky Synod

76 Report to the 2018 Synod Assembly Rev. Dr. William O. Gafkjen, Bishop Since it is by God s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. 2 Corinthians 4:1, 7 Leading church together. That s the theme of this 2018 Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly. It s also what we do day by day across this territory. We are leading church together. WE ARE When I was campus pastor at Penn State University I quickly learned that the defining chant at football games and other events was done antiphonally. That is, one side of the stadium would yell the first part and the other side of the stadium responded with the second: WE ARE / PENN STATE! WE ARE / PENN STATE! Over and over and over again the chant would rise to fill the stadium and resound across the landscape, a bold proclamation of shared identity. WE ARE / IK SYNOD! To borrow from the way Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, refers to the tradition he serves, we are the Lutheran branch of the Jesus movement in the Indiana-Kentucky territory. We are more than 50,000 members spread across two states and 75,000 square miles. We are gathered and sent from 180+ congregations, 6 campus ministries, 3 camps, 3 synodically authorized worshipping communities, 1 congregation under development, a handful of social service agencies, and a bunch of other networks, organizations, and initiatives. Yes, we are fewer congregations than we once were. More of our congregations and other ministries are struggling, unsure of their future, significantly challenged in the present. Yet, all across this territory congregations and other communities of faith engage the challenges and uncertainties with courage, creativity, and bold trust in the God of the crucified and risen Jesus who promises, I am about to do a new thing; even now it springs forth. Even those congregations who discern that the Spirit is calling them to move toward holy closure are following that way through sadness and disappointment into generosity and hope as they seed other ministries with their resources and assets and then disperse out into other congregations to come up alongside others in mission and ministry. In the midst of it all, this is who we are first, foremost, and forever: God s beloved children, baptized, marked, sealed, and sent in the Spirit of the risen Christ. We do not lose heart. We walk in the promise of the extraordinary power that belongs to God. We are the Indiana-Kentucky Synod. We are LEADING CHURCH And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed. Romans 12:2 In his commendable book, Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory, Tod Bolsinger suggests that Leadership is energizing a community of people toward their own transformation in order to accomplish a shared mission in the face of a changing world.

77 Of course, Martin Luther reminded us that this transformation is the work of the Spirit through means, as we Lutherans like to say. That is, through water and word, bread and wine, and through the actions and relationships of human beings the Holy Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens, and makes holy the whole Christian church on earth. [Small Catechism, Third article] I like to think that among the means the Spirit uses to transform communities from one degree of glory to another is leaders. In the power of the Spirit and working alongside of and welcoming the gifts of all of God s people, leaders energize and walk with communities of faith toward the transformation in the Spirit that will faithfully and effectively serve God s mission in God s always changing, always beloved, world. I give thanks for the rostered ministers, more than 300 pastors and more than 30 deacons, who serve in some way in this synod under call, on leave from call, under disability, and retired. You take your leadership role seriously and seek to faithfully, creatively, and effectively lead God s people through the wilderness of our time and place. You do this even and especially when the going is tough and God s people do not agree about the path forward or resist the new things God is doing. You faithful, wise, and courageous leaders keep us focused on central things as you continually remind us who we are in Christ and that we are called to follow the way of the cross in serving our neighbors in church and world. Thank you for your leadership. I give thanks for the scores and scores of lay leaders elected, volunteer, professional of faith communities of all shapes and sizes across the territory. You keep stepping forward to give significant time and energy to engage the realities of everyday mission and ministry with passion and hope, faith and creativity even and especially when you feel inadequate for the task or uncertain about what God is calling us to do and be. And you keep finding ways to serve Christ and the neighbor through your varied daily vocations in the world. Thank you for your leadership. I give thanks for for synod staff, conference deans, synod council, members of committees and working groups, and so many others from across the territory who give so much time and energy to this transformational ministry we share. Leadership in and through the synod expression of this church is not easy. It takes a great deal of energy. It often requires significant travel. God s people are sometimes hesitant to trust those who offer ministry and leadership from a wider church perspective. Yet, you embrace the vision of empowering, equipping and encouraging one another to make Christ known. Over and over again, you lead discernment, planning and experimentation with folks from across this vast territory, across the ELCA, and spanning the globe, in the hope of assisting other local leaders and faith communities to follow where the Spirit is leading. Thank you for your leadership. When thinking about leadership, I cannot help but acknowledge that across the church there is also a good bit of talk about a clergy shortage. This is certainly understandable. Across the ELCA 28% of congregations are without a called pastor. As I have shared before, in this synod about 40% of our congregations are without a called pastor. As with other ELCA congregations, some of that 40% are being served by interim pastors or another form of temporary or transitional ministry. Nevertheless, it s no wonder that the phrase clergy shortage slides so easily off our lips. I must admit, however, that I am not a big fan of this phrase. It s not that I am a Pollyanna who doesn t see the number of faith communities that need and do not have called pastors, or a bishop who does not know and appreciate the important and key role that word and sacrament ministry has in our tradition. I also know and understand the uncertainty and struggle that congregations without pastors often experience. We need more pastors and we need them as soon as possible. I hope that you are praying along with me that God will raise them up. I also hope that, with me and many others across this church, you are doing what you can to be a part of the answer to that prayer. I hope you are inviting people you know who have the kinds of gifts needed for public ministry to consider becoming a pastor or deacon. And I hope that you are looking deep enough into your own heart to discern whether you are one of those people.

78 Meanwhile, sisters and brothers, we can t just loiter in the narthex until the next wave of pastors arrives. As concerned as I am about providing the pastors and deacons that the church needs, I am equally concerned that if we focus obsessively on what we don t have enough clergy, for example we may very well succumb to the temptation to believe that until we have what we don t have we can t do what God needs, calls, and gifts us to do for the sake of the good news of Jesus. So I wonder: Are we willing and able to engage the hard work of looking deeply into ourselves and our communities for what God has, in fact, given us? Are we willing and able to open ourselves to the unpredictable work of the Holy Spirit in discerning what the world needs of us, and then energetically gathering and generously and creatively sharing those gifts and resources that we have been given for the sake of God s mission of offering the new, abundant, and lasting life of Jesus to us and to the world of which we are a part? If there was ever a time, the time is now for us to look deep within and around the gathered community of disciples, however large or small that local assembly might be, to see the many gifts God has given to engage the mission and ministry for which we exist. Now is the time, whether we have a pastor alongside us or not, to look around the neighborhood for both what s needed and for what God has already placed there to address those needs. Now is the time for us to be the ones who initiate conversation and partnership with anyone and everyone in our vicinity who is committed to the good news of Jesus and the well-being of our world. Again I wonder: Might we trust the One who has marked us with the cross of Christ and gifted and sealed us with the Spirit just enough to let go of the idea that we are not a real congregation unless we have a full-time (or even part-time) pastor to ourselves? Might we use our baptized, Spirit-opened eyes to look around the neighborhood and into our fullcommunion partner denominations, even if that neighborhood is miles across, to see who God might have already given to us as partners in mission and ministry and perhaps even to welcome the shared leadership of pastors and deacons for the sake of God s gospel mission in the corner of God s kingdom that we share? Might we listen deeply enough to the Spirit to imagine new or old and renewed ways of engaging public ministry shared by clusters of congregations, or partnerships of pastors and deacons? Might the Spirit be calling us to partner with community organizations, ecumenical partners, and inter-faith friends to tend to the common good in the corner of the world we inhabit together? Is our imagination broad enough to include effective leadership, energetic evangelism, and compassionate outreach by lay people, by the priesthood that includes all the baptized? All across this territory many of our congregations and other communities of faith are answering questions like these with an enthusiastic Yes! Where that yes resounds, where God s people trust God s promises and take a leap of faith to step toward an unfamiliar, but God-formed future, new life is blooming. Now is the time, sisters and brothers, for every one of us and all of us together to be the church in all its Christ-centered, Spirit-soaked, hope-fueled, abundantly-gifted fullness. We are leading church TOGETHER Speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body s growth in building itself up in love. Ephesians 4:15-16

79 We live and move and have our being in a deeply divided society. Families are politically polarized. Religious zealotry is killing people. Individuals are sorted and cloistered by which news station they listen to, watch, or read. The world needs the witness of a community that can pray, eat, talk, and work together across differences and divides for the sake of a common goal and for the common good. The common goal in our case, of course, is to proclaim and embody Jesus Christ crucified and risen for the life of the world, the whole world and every human being that is part of it. While our differences from and with one another might be important, it is crucial that we find ways to work through them with integrity, compassion, and hope and, in the power and wisdom of God s Spirit to find ways for our differences to serve the good news of Jesus rather than keep us from sharing and embodying it. Speaking the truth in love with one another so the whole body will be built up in love is very difficult work. The way forward calls us to the cross. The path is paved with repentance and forgiveness. It s foundation is the promise of resurrection. And, if we are going to make it through the wilderness into anything like a promised land and bring God s beloved world along with us this is the only way we will get there: together. When I was Assistant to the Bishop I served as one of the planners/managers of the Synod Assembly. Early on I learned that sometimes the turn around time between our synod assembly s plenary sessions and dinner in the same space was too short for the usual service staff to get the tables cleaned off and the entire room reset for the meal. At such times the venue managers would declare all hands on deck. This meant that everybody who worked for the convention center and was in the building service folk, sales people, managers, technicians everybody was expected to show up and get to work resetting the space for the banquet. This is an all hands on deck moment in the life of the church, sisters and brothers. The banquet is ready; God s new things that spring forth even now. Every cross-marked, Spirit-sealed child of God is needed to center anew in Christ crucified and risen and his mission of hope, healing, and reconciliation in the world. We are being called to drop whatever else is distracting us from this holy mission and to offer whatever gifts we have to reset the room (and our own hearts) to welcome, get on board with, and live together into the new, abundant, and lasting life that is rising. I am grateful that you and your local community of faith are among those hands on deck. I am grateful for your willingness to walk and work together toward the new life rising. I am grateful for the promises that lead and sustain us along the way. We are the IK Synod, leading church together. Thanks be to God! Bishop Bill Gafkjen

80 2018 REPORT OF INDIANA-KENTUCKY SYNOD VICE-PRESIDENT TED MILLER Reflecting on the privilege of continuing service into a fifth year as Indiana-Kentucky Synod Vice-President, I give thanks to God and to the servants of Christ in our nearly 200 ministry sites for extending my opportunity to serve in this capacity. I am truly humbled by having been called to another four-year term by the Synod Assembly in June in Covington. When I am asked why I feel called to continue in this volunteer role, my response always starts with the inspiration I receive from the many others who also answer the call not only for volunteer service as part of the diverse and gifted 26-person Synod Council but also for the many others who use their God-given gifts dedicated to make Christ known throughout our Mission Territory and beyond in the many committees and task forces, all having the opportunity to work with our very dedicated and gifted Synod Staff. Again this year, your Synod Council began the year with a two-day retreat. Meeting at the Benedict Inn on September 15 th and 16 th, Executive Committee together with Synod Attorney Josh Tatum led a retreat centered on visioning plus worship and fellowship as well as orientation and reorientation. The Synod Staff now has been realigned with the four priorities which emerged from the recent Holy Conversations process in our Mission Territory. Our work in leading church together now focuses more clearly on cultivating faith communities and centers for mission, forming and sending faith-filled disciples, deepening and expanding collaboration and communication, and developing and supporting mission leaders. On November 17 th and 18 th, Synod Council met at the Synod Office for a meeting including a new process of consultation concerning ELCA Mission Support with Nick Kiger from the ELCA staff. As usual, the Friday evening session began with devotions and the Saturday session started with Eucharist. The January Synod Council meeting, for which travel in recent years frequently has been difficult at least in some parts of our two states, again this year was conducted by ZOOM conference call on Saturday, January 20, As I write this report in the first week of March, Synod Council is scheduled to meet at the Synod Office on April 20 th and 21 st as well as in Fort Wayne on the morning before the start of Synod Assembly on May 31, At the Synod Assembly, I ll have the opportunity to ask you to thank each of the members of this year s Synod Council, but I d like to use this chance to thank those whose tenure ends with this Synod Assembly, Pastor Dana Lockhart (having completed a full three-year term) and Liz Gaskins (who has served the maximum two three-year terms). Special thanks, too, go to those other Synod Council members whose current terms end this year but could be reelected, specifically Pastor Jack Dixon (who completed an unexpired clergy term) and five others who are completing full three-year terms Mike Anderson, Rebecca Daum, Clyde Knigga, Laura Richcreek and Deacon E. Louise Williams. Mike and Laura also have served for the past two years on the Executive Committee together with Pastor Amy Beitelschees-Albers and the four officers also including (in addition to the V.P.) Bishop Bill Gafkjen, Secretary Judy Bush and Treasurer Chris Walda.

81 Although the primary task of a Synod Vice-President involves chairing the Synod Council, the 65 ELCA V.P.s also are empowered by annual gatherings either preceding the Churchwide Assembly (last held in New Orleans in 2016 and next to be held in August of 2019 in Milwaukee) or in the fall at the ELCA Churchwide Office in Chicago. This year s V.P. Gathering in October was attended by a large majority of the 65 and all six of us who are privileged to serve in ELCA Region 6, which in addition to our Mission Territory includes the three synods in Ohio and two in Michigan. As we share best practices and join together in worship and fellowship for three days, I always am inspired by the incredible and diverse gifts gathered in that group, which also spent some of our time this year in joint session with the ELCA Conference of Bishops. The ministry we share continues to be enriched by our time together in person. Throughout the year, though, our communication continues by listserv. In addition to the special relationships cultivated especially with our regional V.P.s, our sister synod West Virginia/Western Maryland V.P. Paul Wangerin (Walt s brother) and I have committed to join each other for at least one sister synod Synod Council meeting this year. As synods and as the ELCA, we all are able to make a significant difference in our hurting world by working and leading together. As but one example, I would highlight the February World Hunger Events held on our Mission Territory and underscoring the lives changed in the HKBP Aids Ministry in our companion church in Indonesia. At the Synod Assembly, we plan to share some of the inspiring stories told at that event. At every ELCA event I attend, I should add, I receive thanks and now share with you the thanks of a grateful church for the work of Bishop Gafkjen as Chair of the ELCA Conference of Bishops. This past fall Josh Tatum and I also attended a Chicago continuing education gathering of the ELCA Attorneys Association. Although the vast majority of that group engage in private practices of law differing greatly from my now-35-year employ as Kentucky Supreme Court Staff Counsel, this was another great opportunity to share best practices and to open our eyes to new possibilities as we shared together in the seminar as well as the fellowship and worship opportunities for those serving in capacities including Synod Officers or Synod Attorneys. In closing, I give thanks to God for the opportunity to serve with and for the people of our Indiana-Kentucky Mission Territory and for those behind the scenes who inspire and support me to make my service possible. Among those, I thank the people of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Crestview Hills, Kentucky and the many there who sustain me through our Bible Study groups and men s ministries and the Chancel Choir. Most of all, I thank and give thanks for my wife of 41 years, Dr. Lisa Miller, who retired this year after 31 years as a pediatrician. Beginning when we met through Lutheran Campus Ministry at William & Mary nearly 45 years ago, her faith and love and support still sustains me daily as we share the joys and challenges of our lives which have been blessed by incredible opportunities to serve and to parent our three amazing children, all now married and in three different states and giving us the opportunity to be grandparents of four preschoolers plus another on the way. In His Service, C. Theodore Miller, Indiana-Kentucky Synod Vice-President

82 Indiana-Kentucky Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Report of the Secretary and Synod Council Judith A. Bush, Secretary May 31-June 2, 2018 This last year for me and my role in the Synod Council has been distinct from past years. I took on being the district Rotary governor July 1 which is very demanding of one s time and energy. Then in September I became ill resulting in major surgery in November. I am very grateful to Synod Council member Laura Richcreek for taking the minutes for the November and April Synod Council meetings. The synod council acts as the board of directors of the synod and serves as its interim legislative authority between meetings of the Synod Assembly. Members are elected by the Synod Assembly. There are four officers: the bishop, vice president, secretary and treasurer; the bishop serves a six-year term and the other officers serve four-year terms. Additionally, there is one lay member from each of the ten conferences, eight clergy under call, one lay rostered leader, one youth and one young adult member. The adult members serve three-year terms and the youth serves a two-year term. The clergy members, lay rostered leader, youth member, and the young adult member are elected at large by the Synod Assembly upon nomination by the Nominating Committee. Lay members representing conferences are nominated by their conference with no nominations from the Synod Assembly nor from the Nominating Committee. If no persons of color and/or persons whose primary language is other than English are elected to the Synod Council, the Synod Council at its first meeting following the Annual Synod Assembly shall elect to the Synod Council for a three (3) year term up to two (2) lay members to ensure that there are two (2) persons of color and/or persons whose primary language is other than English on the Synod Council. The Indiana-Kentucky Synod Council has met four times since the 2017 Synod Assembly and will meet May 31st prior to the 2018 Synod Assembly. Meetings were held in September, November, and April over two-day periods beginning on Friday evening through Saturday afternoon. The regularly scheduled meeting in January was an electronic meeting using an application that allowed members to see and hear other participants during the morning of January 20th. Minutes that have been approved are found on the synod website: The minutes of the April meeting will be reviewed by the Synod Council Thursday, May 31, and will be available at the Synod Assembly. Also, available on the website are the minutes for recent Synod Assemblies, including the 2017 Synod Assembly. During the September Synod Council meeting, the council met at the Benedict Inn Retreat and Conference Center, Beech Grove, Indiana. New members to the Synod Council were oriented. The four priorities which emerged out of the holy conversations were highlighted as ways to shape our work together to achieve the mission of the synod. The new staff responsibilities are aligned with the four priorities. The four priorities are cultivate faith communities as centers for mission, form and send faithfilled disciples, deepen and expand collaboration and communication, and develop and support missionary leaders. The differences between technical problems and adaptive challenges were discussed. The three functions of the Synod Council were also discussed and contrasted; fiduciary, strategic, and generative. Pastor Jack Dixon was elect to the Synod Council to fill a vacancy until Synod Assembly in June The council listed ways the synod is acting on each of the four priorities. The council approved the memorandum of understanding with Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary to establish a TEEM housed at CTS. A Synodically Authorized Worshiping Community was approved as Grace and

83 Hope Fellowship at Pendleton Correctional Industrial Facility. Synod Attorney Josh Tatum provided a review of how the congregation constitution review process works and discussed fiduciary duties, lawyer and client relationship, and struggling congregations. During the synod council meetings in September, November, and April sharing of the Eucharist led by synod council members and/or synod staff occurs. Changes in congregational constitutions have been reviewed by the Congregation Constitution Task Force with action regarding those constitutions reported to the Synod Council. The Indiana-Kentucky Synod Guidelines for Adopting or Amending Congregational Constitutions is available to help congregations when changing their constitutions. It can be found at Also, during meetings, changes in the status of pastors have been reviewed and/or approved such as on-leavefrom call, retirement, or interim assignments. Reports from staff members are shared as well as reports from committees and task forces. The November meeting was held at the Synod office. Nick Kiger from the ELCA Mission Support Team visited the Synod Council Meeting. Also, visiting were Phil and Sue Schmidt and Chris Burnett. Mr. Kiger shared a report entitled Future Direction 2025 and Mission Support. The challenges and opportunities of the synod were discussed. It was noted that there are 80 congregations without a called pastor. In 2010 there were 205 congregations in the Indiana- Kentucky Synod; in 2015 there were only 184 congregations which represents a percent decline in that period of time and a percent decline in baptized membership. The January Synod Council meeting was held electronically on Saturday, January 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:35 p.m. The churchwide assembly voting member representation was reduced by one; the recommendation from the Nominating committee regarding the representation to Churchwide Assembly by conference was presented. Registration fees for the 2018 Synod Assembly were approved. The Synod Assembly offering designations were approved. Synod Assembly Committees were approved. The Synod Council approved the Daryl Emowrey Memorial Endowment by-laws and gift policy. Also, the Synod Council approved the development of a process and policy regarding how gifts are received and used by the synod. The April Synod Council meeting was held April at the IN-KY Lutheran Center. The proposed Synod Assembly agenda, the proposed Synod Budget, the proposed compensation standards for ministers of Word and Service, and the proposed compensation standards for ministers of Word and Sacrament were approved for presentation to the Synod Assembly for approval. As we approach the 31st Annual Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly we are moving consistently to be the church. We will explore Leading Church Together. Respectfully Submitted in His Service, 2 Judith A. Bush, Secretary Empower, equip, and encourage the people of God to make Christ known 911 E. 86 th Street, Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN Ph Fax

84 Report of the Treasurer 2018 Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly Chris Walda, Treasurer My second year as treasurer has been as busy as the first. continuing to learn the intricacies of the synod s operations and different programs. Each of these programs touches the finances in some way. I see first hand how much the synod staff and our many volunteers get done with a limited budget. We had some challenges with mission support from congregations during our last fiscal year that ended January 31 st.. However, the January mission support total was the best month I ve seen. We ended the year at $1.71M, or $65,000 below our budeted number of $1.775M. We made it though the year by holding back expenses where we could. We finally received our audit report for the fiscal year ended January 31, The audit was performed by Wipfli, a firm in Milwaukee that was selected and paid by Mission Investment Fund (MIF). It was a clean report with no issues. The fiscal year that ended January 31, 2018 was our second and final using the MIF Synod Financial Services (SFS) pilot program. The SFS team processed our mission support payments, accounts payable, payroll, financial reporting and coordinated the annual audit. While it did save the synod money, it never gained the efficiencies needed to be financially viable and was ended a year early by MIF. Over the past six months the finance committee and synod staff worked through the process to convert to our selected financial system, ACS. We re excited about the possibilities that ACS brings including a database feature that will allow important information to be more accessible. I m looking forward to working with the synod staff and volunteers in the next year. We ll be continuing to learn our new accounting system and work through the process to select a new auditor. I feel confident that we have the right team in place to tackle each item and provide the support to further our overall mission. Respectfully submitted, Chris Walda, Treasurer Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA

85 2018 Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly Report Rev. Heather K. Apel Assistant to the Bishop for Leadership I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. -Philippians 1:3-6 Philippians 1:6 has been a life verse for me ever since I was in high school when I spent the summer living with family friends who were building a retreat center in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. While reading devotions one day after lunch, this verse from Pauls letter to the church at Philippi jumped out at me and has stuck with me ever since. Both then, and now, it reminds me that God isn t finished with me yet, as I continue to live each day, striving to be faithful to my calling as a baptized child of God and public leader in the church. The good work that God began in Jesus, in the early church, in you and in me will continue until our Lord returns again. As I reflect on this past year as the Assistant to the Bishop for Leadership, this verse once again comes to mind as my roles and responsibilities have changed as a part of this shared mission and ministry of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod. I can see the good work that has begun, and is continuing to occur, in the many people and places I encounter. Here is a summary of the good work I have seen and participated in through my calling in and around this great mission territory: We witnessed many examples of good work at 2017 I-K Synod Assembly in Covington, KY, where we gathered under the theme: Formed in the image of God + Reformed in the cross of Christ + Transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. We celebrated and honored the ministry that has been, including the 500 th commemoration of the Reformation, but also looked ahead to where God is leading the church in the future. It has been bittersweet to let go of the planning responsibility of the Synod Assembly, an event I dearly love since it brings the church together in one place for 3 days of learning, worship and connection with God and each other. I know that good work has been occurring with the lives of the 23 men and women who are currently engaged in theological studies and ministry formation at 5 of the ELCA seminaries and 1 divinity school. These individuals are preparing for callings as public leaders in the church Ministers of Word and Sacrament (pastors) and Ministers of Word and Service (deacons) who will use their gifts and talents in a variety of settings once they complete their academic learning, practical formation and ELCA Candidacy process. The members of the IK Synod Candidacy Committee are diligent in their accompaniment of these folks, supporting them during this journey, and working on behalf of the wider church to approve these candidates for their calling as pastors and deacons in the ELCA.

86 Through the generosity of people within this church, we have seen the good work that comes when we can financially support those who are preparing for public leadership. The IK Synod s Endowment fund provided over $61,000 to be used for seminarian scholarships and other financial support. This assistance helps those individuals lower or eliminate their student debt and financial burdens while they engage in theological learning and formation. We have more than $67,000 of scholarship funds available for the academic year. Good work is happening in the many congregations and rostered ministers I work with during times of transition and call process. Although there was a steep learning curve to this new responsibility, as I tried to understand the depth of congregational call process while keeping up with my other roles within the synod, I am enjoying this opportunity to engage in congregations across IN and KY. I hope that my approach to this process is bringing a fresh perspective, as the synod staff accompanies congregations and those rostered ministers in this time of discernment, exploration of new calls and retirement. I give thanks for those rostered ministers and group facilitators who are engaging in First Call Theological Education in their first 3 years of ministry, as well as those interim ministers who serve and support congregations during times when they are without a called pastor. Finally, I know that good work is happening among God s people in the many faith communities and congregations where I spend my time each week. My role change has increased my interactions with congregations, their leadership teams and rostered ministers, which has allowed me to see and hear even more clearly what God is doing in these places. Although it does require a lot of time in the car in order to be engaged with this synod s ministries and leaders, I can t imagine doing this work without being out and about in the synod. As I prepare to mark the end of my seventh year serving the people and ministries of this Indiana- Kentucky mission territory, I regularly give thanks for all of the good work that God is doing in, with and through the communities and leaders in this synod. I was honored to be granted a sabbatical leave by the IK Synod Council this past year, which I used to rest and spend time with family and friends. That time away gave me an opportunity to reflect on my own discernment and continued commitment to use my gifts for the wider church through this calling as an Assistant to the Bishop. As I continue to focus my time and energy on Leadership ministry within the IK Synod, working with candidates, rostered ministers and congregations/ministries, I am humbled and grateful for this calling, and the good work that I see God doing through me and so many others. Thank you for your partnership and support in this shared mission and ministry as we lead this church together.

87 2018 Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly Report Rev. Daniel W. Fugate Assistant to the Bishop for Discipleship See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. 1 John 3:1 I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Assistant to the Bishop for Discipleship in the Indiana-Kentucky Synod. My first year in this call has been filled with new experiences and new opportunities for service and growth. My responsibilities include: Lifelong Faith Formation. I have been privileged to speak to and work with a variety of groups and congregations across our mission territory in the area of faith formation. I have developed a Congregational Faith Formation Assessment tool and planning chart to assist congregations. A variety of faith formation resources have been added to our synod website. Please know that I stand ready to partner with you and your congregation to develop a clear plan for faith formation and provide resources necessary to help your members grown in faith. I can assist with planning, training, resources, and support. Ministry with Children, Youth, and Families. God has claimed us through the waters of Holy Baptism and we are children of God. That s what we are. There have been many opportunities to work with those in the first third of life as well as with those who serve them, including: Our Bishop Day for Youth which was a great day filled with learning, worship, service, fellowship, and fun, despite the pretty uncooperative weather. A Youth Ministry Visioning event was held with youth and adults from across the synod. This event helped lay the foundation for our synodical youth ministry initiatives in the year ahead. Please stop by the I-K Synod Discipleship table at MissionFest and pick up a copy of our plan. I hosted a lunch for those from our synod who attended the Extravaganza in Houston. Mikey Kracht from Holy Shepherd in St. John, Indiana, and Nathan Budnik from Christ in Valparaiso attended the ELCA Youth Leadership Summit with me in Houston. I serve on the Board of Directors for the ELCA Youth Ministry Network. Campus Ministry. In addition to working with all of our campus ministries through the Indiana- Kentucky Synod Campus Ministry Committee, I have served on the board of our newest campus ministry at the University of Louisville. Pastor Austin Newberry began as the campus pastor of this joint Lutheran-Episcopal Campus Ministry in September of 2017.

88 Companion Synod Relationship with the HKBP. What a joy it was to host Sister Nurhayati Silalahi, Executive Director of the HIV AIDS Ministry of the Huria Kristen Batak Protestan (HKBP), who spent 10 days in our mission territory. The HKBP is a 4.9 million member Lutheran church body in Indonesia which is one of our two global companion synods. Sister Nur visited congregations, agencies, and individuals across the state of Indiana and the commonwealth of Kentucky. The work that she does is truly amazing. At the assembly, we will share a videotaped interview with Sister Nur to learn more about the ways in which she serves God s children in Indonesia. The offering from our closing worship will go to help fund the HIV AIDS ministry of the HKBP. Special thanks are in order for all those who helped with the two ELCA Campaign Events held during Sister Nur s visit and to those who opened their doors and their hearts to her. Synod Assembly Program Planning. Much organization and effort has gone into planning this year s Synod Assembly. Meeting under the theme Leading Church Together, we will hear from dynamic speakers, talented musicians, and share time with wonderful people who make up our synod. It promises to be an inspiring and empowering time to strengthen each of us to continue to lead church together. We ve already begun working on the 2019 Synod Assembly which will be held at the Memorial Union at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. I ve been privileged to visit, meet with, teach, preside, and preach at many congregations, ministeriums, conference meetings, and other gatherings all across our mission territory. There has been opportunity to share in special times like the anniversaries of congregations, the conclusion of a congregation s ministry, the anniversaries of ordinations and consecrations of rostered leaders, funerals, and meetings, lots and lots of meetings! It has been quite a year for me and my family in this new call. Thank you to Bishop Gafkjen, my colleagues on the synod staff, our hardworking Synod Council, and to all the children of God whom the Holy Spirit has called and gathered as this part of the body of Christ known as the Indiana-Kentucky Synod. It is my pleasure to serve with all of you. I am truly grateful. Please don t hesitate to call on me if I can be of assistance to you or your congregation. I can t wait to see what unfolds in this next year as we lead church together! Peace be with you, Dan Fugate

89 Leading Church Together Synod Assembly 2018 Director for Evangelical Mission Report Pastor Nancy Nyland God s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God s Spirit. God s various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God s Spirit. God s various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful: wise counsel..clear understanding..simple trust..healing the sick..miraculous acts..proclamation..distinguishing between spirits..tongues..interpretation of tongues. All these gifts have a common origin, but are handed out one by one by the one Spirit of God. He decides who gets what, and when. (1 st Corinthians 12:4-11 The Message) It continues to be a delight and privilege to serve the congregations and ministries in the Indiana-Kentucky Synod. It is amazing to witness how the faithful people in this mission territory are Leading Church Together. And even more wonderful to realize how this leading is done is such a variety of ways. The various gifts that are handed out by the Spirit to all kinds of people are bearing fruit. Ø YOU Thanks to each one of you for your faithful witness in word and deed, for your sharing of self and time, talents and resources with your neighbors, for all the ways you are involved in your congregation and/or ministry, for being the Church and for Leading Church Together! Ø Congregations and ministries Out and about, as I meet with leaders and others throughout this mission territory, as I listen, I experience the whole spectrum..fear, hope, frustration, weariness, energy, hopelessness, willingness to risk, boldness, hesitation, and more. But in all of this, I witness people who have a deep faith in God that is unwavering. I witness a movement of the Spirit that is handing out all kinds of gifts to all kinds of people and not just handing them out but working in and through both the gifts and the people to positively impact the church and the world. Ø Shared ministry we now have 12 congregations and/or ministries who are sharing a pastor. These leaders gather quarterly to share their experiences and to learn from one another as they lead in these unique ministry settings. I continue to facilitate Area Mission Conversations which result in congregations joining together to do mission and ministry. These conversations often open opportunities of creatively sharing staff between two, three or even more congregations. Ø Connect Transformational Ministry Process 33 congregations are discerning, beginning this process, are currently involved in this process, or have completed the two-year jump-start of Connect and are continuing congregational renewal. New energy, multiplication of leadership, more engagement in the community, and greater vitality are all results of this process, providing space for congregations to focus on renewal. Ø New ministries Roots of Life in Noblesville, IN continues to grow and thrive as they serve their community with God s radical love. Shalom International Ministry in Indianapolis is in a transition period being served ably by interim leaders and looking

90 hopefully toward the future. Our newest ministry is Grace and Hope Fellowship at Pendleton Industrial Correctional Facility in Pendleton, IN. Our leader there, John Stramiello, continues weeks of prison training to enable him to serve inside the walls of this medium security prison. Even as he trains, he is forming relationships and is eagerly anticipating the day when he can fully begin to develop this ministry, first with a Bible Study and then into a worshipping community. Watch for opportunities to partner with this unique ministry. Ø Redevelopment ministries After a long wait, Risen Lord in Bargersville, IN called Pastor Lecia Beck as their pastor/redeveloper and have officially begun the redevelopment process. They are EXCITED! Grace in Elkhart, IN and their pastor, Dan Forehand, are blessed with robust redevelopment and many new ministry possibilities on the horizon. Faith in Fort Wayne and their pastor, Marty Hampton, are now in shared ministry with St. James, New Haven, IN. This new partnership along with other existing partnerships are positively impacting the ministry at Faith. Ø Stewardship and Mission Support The first IK Synod StewardFest was held in April with over 60 in attendance. A variety of people with a variety of gifts led two plenary sessions and 8 workshops throughout the day that covered the expanse of what it means to be stewards of all that gives to us. We rejoice that this event was ecumenical as partners from the Episcopal Church joined in leadership and participation. Our Mission Interpretation program continues to grow as congregational Mission Ambassadors are trained and equipped to share stories from the wider church. Thanks to the faithful giving of Mission Support by our congregations, the IK Synod and the ELCA (that s you) do awesome mission and ministry at home and around the world that is nothing short of miraculous. Thanks for your commitment and generosity! A note of thanks to many incredibly gifted people: Renewing Mission Table Bruce Bye, Jon Dahl, Al Davis, Sue Davis, Pr. Judy Follis, Pr. Dan Forehand, Kim LaSalle-Hiatt, Pr. Laura Meier, Pr. Marissa Harrison-Tweed Stewardship/Mission Support Table Pr. Curtis Black, Pr. Andrea Hickey, Pr. Roberta Meyer, Pr. Chuck Miller, Pr. Jerry O Neal, Phil Schmidt, Susan Schmidt Carol Webb, my administrative assistant Pr. Jerry O Neal, Director of Stewardship My ministry is greatly enhanced by each one of you as we partner together to serve in Christ s name. Your servant in Christ, Pastor Nancy Nyland Director of Evangelical Mission Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA

91 Dear brothers and sisters in the Indiana-Kentucky Mission Territory, What a privilege it is to serve as your Stewardship Director! One of my greatest joys in this role is to say thank you for your generosity. For the third straight year, you have collectively contributed more than $1.7 million in Mission Support. THANK YOU! Your gifts help us lead church together across this territory, strengthening congregations, supporting rostered leaders, reaching our youth and college students, and so much more. Additionally, 43% of the Mission Support you give is forwarded to the Churchwide expression of the ELCA; through these resources, your gifts are literally changing lives around the world! I continue to enjoy working with you all as we seek to be more generous and faithful stewards in our lives and ministries. Over this past year, I met with four congregations to discuss their stewardship, with several rostered ministers to strengthen them in their leadership, with candidates for rostered ministry at the synod s Candidacy Retreat in August, and with all of the rostered ministers gathered at the Professional Leaders Conference in September. Does your ministry need a boost in its stewardship? I am available to meet with you, your stewardship committee, your council, and even your whole congregation or group of congregations. I tailor our work to your unique context and circumstances. Please contact me at joneal@iksynod.org or (260) ; I look forward to working with you! In addition to my work with individuals and small groups, I helped lead collective training on three occasions this past year. I led a workshop titled Reforming Stewardship: Changing the Narrative at last year s Synod Assembly. In August 2017, I helped to lead our annual Growing Steward Leaders Retreat for rostered ministers at the synod office. And in April of this year, our synod s Stewardship & Mission Support Table held our first-ever StewardFest at St. John Lutheran Hubbells in Sunman, IN. This event approached stewardship from numerous angles, including personal finance, caring for creation, stewarding relationships, spiritual gifts, training for congregational treasurers, and talking about money in congregations. Thank you to so many people who made StewardFest a success! Watch for a StewardFest to be held in your part of the IK Synod in the future. One last thing: in my work on stewardship, I have begun working on a book! Tentatively titled The Ten Words: Managing Your Personal Finances Simply and Faithfully, it is based on the premise that managing our personal finances as Christians does not have to be complicated; we can be faithful with our finances using a few simple principles. I hope you ll join me for my workshop at this Synod Assembly, where we will have some conversation around these principles. Again, I continue to be humbled and honored to serve as your Stewardship Director. Please contact me if I can help you and your congregation. May God continue to bless and strengthen our synod as we empower, encourage, and equip one another to make Christ known! Shalom, Pastor Jerry O Neal IK Director of Stewardship & Mission Support

92 2018 Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly Report Mr. Thomas Dearchs Synod Coordinator for Communications, Office, and Synod Assembly Staff liaison for Worship Empower, equip, and encourage the people of God to make Christ known Cultivate congregations as mission centers form and send faith-filled disciples expand and deepen communication & collaboration support and develop missionary leaders Every person a missionary, every community a mission center, every leader a missionary developer It is hard to believe that it has been a year since beginning my work at the Synod office. I continue to serve the people of God at Christ Lutheran, Kokomo, as the Minister of Music. This year marks by 18 th year of service at Christ. In my role at the Synod office, I have three areas of primary responsibility: Communications, Office Management, and Synod Assembly. In addition, I serve as staff liaison for worship. Synod Communications Establish, oversee, manage, and expand synod communications, including newsletters (Weekly News and Mission Matters), social media, website, video, public relations, and all other publications, digital and print Oversee and manage the technological needs and equipment of the synod office and staff, including liaison with contracted IT services Liaison with ELCA Churchwide communications staff, public media, and other communication organizations and individuals Office Management On behalf of and in consultation with the bishop, oversee and manage personnel matters, such as employee handbook and policies, work schedules, payroll and related concerns, such as liaison with payroll service company and with Mission Investment Fund Synod Financial Services Liaison with landlord/building management Synod Assembly/Logistics In consultation with the bishop and in partnership with Rev. Daniel Fugate, Assistant to the Bishop for Discipleship, plan and lead logistical aspects of the annual Synod Assembly, including but not limited to venue concerns, contracts, requests for proposal, registration process, fees, A/V needs and crews, and dates

93 Lead and oversee all communications before, during, and after the Synod Assembly Page 2 continued Synod Worship In consultation with the Rev. Heather Apel, Assistant to the Bishop for Leadership, planned, prepared and led worship for the Professional Leaders Conference at Clifty Falls State Park, Madison, Indiana In consultation with Pastor Nancy Nyland, Director for Evangelical Mission, planned, prepared and led worship for 6 Connect worship services Attended the Institute of Liturgical Studies at Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana Convened the Synod Worship Committee to plan worship for Synod Assembly Led devotions on several occasions at Synod staff meetings I offer a public word of thanks to our wonderful administrative staff. This includes: April Lynch, Sylvia Ore, and Carol Ann Webb. I am also grateful for the supportive and visionary leadership of Bishop Gafkjen and the partnership in the Spirit of Rev. Heather Apel, Rev. Daniel Fugate, Pastor Nancy Nyland, and Rev. Jerry O Neal. It is a joy, privilege, and honor to serve in the Office of the Bishop. Blessings, Thomas Dearchs

94 2399 SYNOD COUNCIL MINUTES INDIANA-KENTUCKY SYNOD, ELCA JANUARY 20, 2018 ELECTRONIC CONFERENCE MEETING ATTENDANCE Officers: Bishop Gafkjen, Vice-President Ted Miller, Secretary Judy Bush, Treasurer Chris Walda Clergy: Pastors Amy Beitelschees-Albers, Teri Ditslear, Jack Dixon, Jessica King, Dana Lockhart, Randall Randy Schroeder, and Michael Vinson Laity: Michael Anderson, Vicky Carron, Rebecca Jane Daum, Elizabeth Gaskins, Gregory (Shawn) Hall, John Huchko, Larry Johnson, Don MacMillan, Matthew Pope, Laura Richcreek, Noah David Smith, E. Louise Williams, and Linda Wray Staff: Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Dan Fugate, DEM Pastor Nancy Nyland and Tom Dearchs Synod Attorney: Josh Tatum (absent) Auxiliary Representative: Deb Rieselman Churchwide Representative: Absent: Clyde Knigga, and Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Heather Apel SYNOD COUNCIL DEVOTIONS Vice-President Ted Miller called the Synod Council meeting to order at 10:05. The meeting was an electronic online meeting using the Zoom application. The meeting was opened with Bishop Gafkjen sharing Psalm 62 beginning with verse 5, a song of trust in God alone. He then led the group in prayer. ROLL CALL Secretary Judy Bush called the roll. AFFIRM MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING Secretary Bush was in the hospital due to surgery at the time of the last meeting. Laura Richcreek reported that she had fourteen pages of notes of the November meeting and the notes are not complete. She posted a partial recording of the minutes. Vice-President Ted stated that action on the minutes will take place during the April Synod Council meeting. OFFICER REPORTS A. VICE-PRESIDENT Vice-President Ted indicated that he did not have a written report. He stated that the group would be discussing open positions for Synod Council and other elections to take place during Synod Assembly. January 2018 Synod Council Minutes

95 2400 B. SECRETARY There was no secretary report. C. TREASURER a. Treasurer Chris Walda reviewed his report. December was a good month. Mission Support remains below last year and our budgeted amount. We had our best month of the year in December receiving $151,500. However, we remain under our budget for this point in the year by $121,000 and behind last fiscal year at this time by $51,800. The endowment's accumulated undistributed earnings keep growing and continue to approach half of the total $5.25 million in endowment net assets. The principal is intact. b. The conversion of our financial administration from MIF to ACS is going well. We had three days of training with the synod staff and the ACS trainer in December. We have the updated chart of accounts ready to go, thanks to Finance Committee member Marty Mielke. We will begin processing mission support and writing checks on February 1st. The new software application has great directory information. c. We have delayed the development of the budget slightly from last year s schedule due to the ACS installation. Chris reported that he will work with the staff and have the budget draft to the finance board by the end of February. They will review it and have it approved for the council s April meeting. d. They will have the revision of the Financial Charter of the Finance Committee ready for the April Synod Council meeting e. Bishop Bill reported that elimination of the regional coordinator position affected the Region 6 archives financial record keeping. The financial records and management will be transferred to Capital University. The account has a few thousand dollars remaining of Region 6 funds. Bishop Bill recommended that the remainder be moved to I-K Synod to fund Region 6 activities. D. BISHOP a. Bishop Bill demonstrated the directory information on the ACS application. b. Ordained Staff 2018 Housing Allowances Bishop Gafkjen asked that the Indiana-Kentucky Synod staff clergy housing allowances for taxable year 2018 be approved, the recommendation is that the allowances be as follows: for Pastor Heather Apel $16,000, Pastor Dan Fugate $22,000, and Bishop Bill Gafkjen $45,000. After discussion the Synod Council VOTED: SC/2018/1: WHEREAS the Indiana-Kentucky Synod is a religious non-profit institution of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and, whereas the Synod employs Bishop William Gafkjen and Pastors Dan Fugate and Heather Apel, and whereas the Internal Revenue Service has advised the January 2018 Synod Council Minutes

96 2401 necessity of annual official action by the official body of the employing religious institution to exclude from the gross salary of clergy the estimated cost of renter payments for the purchase of a house, including down payment, mortgage principal, interest and taxes; garage rent; utilities; insurance; repairs and maintenance; furnishing; housing expenses as set forth; and WHEREAS the following estimate of housing costs has been submitted to the Synod for the taxable year 2018 and included in the budget for the year : Bishop William Gafkjen $45,000, Pastor Dan Fugate $22,000 and Pastor Heather Apel $16,000; BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED by the Synod Council that the above amounts be designated as housing allowance, excludable from the gross salary paid for tax purposes, up to the extent they are used for said actual housing, and that any other allowance specifically designated and allocated by the Synod Council in this resolution may also be excluded for tax purposes up to the extent that any one or all of them are actually used for such specific purpose. Vice-President Ted asked Bishop Bill to explain why DEM Nancy Nyland is not included. He explained that she is an employee of the ELCA. It was pointed out that Pastor Teri Ditslear in an employee of the synod. Therefore, the Synod Council VOTED: SC/2018/2: WHEREAS the Indiana-Kentucky Synod is a religious non-profit institution of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and, whereas the Synod employs Pastor Teri Ditslear, and whereas the Internal Revenue Service has advised the necessity of annual official action by the official body of the employing religious institution to exclude from the gross salary of clergy the estimated cost of renter payments for the purchase of a house, including down payment, mortgage principal, interest and taxes; garage rent; utilities; insurance; repairs and maintenance; furnishing; housing expenses as set forth; and WHEREAS the following estimate of housing costs has been submitted to the Synod for Pastor Teri Ditslear $20,000; BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED by the Synod Council that the above amount be designated as housing allowance, excludable from the gross salary paid for tax purposes, up to the extent they are used for said actual housing, and that any other allowance specifically designated and allocated by the Synod Council in this resolution may also be excluded for tax purposes up to the extent that any one or all of them are actually used for such specific purpose. c. Roster Concerns January 2018 Synod Council Minutes

97 2402 Bishop Bill noted that Sister Nora Frost will not be retiring at this time. He did recommend that the Synod Council approve retirement of Pastor Rudy Mueller and Pastor Dennis Zimmerman, February 1, The Synod Council VOTED: SC/2018/3: that retirement status be granted to Pastor Rudy Mueller and Pastor Dennis Zimmerman effective February 1, d. Congregational Concerns Bishop Bill noted that Synodically Authorized Worshipping Communities annually need to be reauthorized. The Synod Council VOTED: SC/2018/4: that Shalom International Ministries, Indianapolis, IN, and Christ Chapel, Elizabethtown, KY, which is nested with Christ Episcopal Church, be renewed as Synodically Authorized Worshipping Communities. e. Establish Grace & Hope Fellowship (Pendleton Prison) as SAWC DEM Pastor Nancy Nyland reported that the team that was the call committee interviewed and decided to recommend a call to John Stramiello who is a lay person that has the personal characteristics to work with this community. She listed the individuals on the interview and call committee among the committee were Synod Council members Teri Ditslear and Noah Smith. He will not be issued a call but will affirm him as a chaplain and will be considered a lay developer. He will be serving under the supervision of the bishop and will be considered a lay minister. There was a concern about sacramental ministry in this ministry. DEM Nancy reported that there will be worship on Monday evenings. Congregations will be invited, and the pastor of that congregation will preside at the service and offer communion. Pastor Teri reported that we are doing a new thing with this ministry. Another concern was raised regarding calling him without having training in Lutheran doctrine. It was reported that after serious deliberation the interview committee was unanimous in their decision to call him. There will be training for individuals in prison ministry and for mission developers which will include boundaries training. Those who served on the interview team spoke about deliberating for several hours about the decision. Nancy related his history in the church and in his professional life. He does not have a BS but has considerable life experience. Pastor Dana Lockhart moved that the consideration be tabled to the April meeting, seconded by Pastor Mike Vinson. There was discussion about training and the time frame for the training and the consequences for delaying. The training is scheduled for February upon approval; if it is tabled then the next training will be in August. The synod council voted on the motion to table which was defeated. After extended discussion and deliberation the Synod Council January 2018 Synod Council Minutes

98 2403 VOTED: SC/2018/5: That John Stramiello be affirmed as a lay developer for the Grace & Hope Fellowship at Pendleton Prison. There was one negative vote and one abstention. REPORT FROM I-K WOMEN OF THE ELCA Deb Rieselman is the president of the I-K Women of the ELCA. She related her work in the church. She is passionate about social justice and has been since early in her childhood. The I-K Women of the ELCA have an all new board with a lot of enthusiasm. It is a full board. The focuses for next year include engaging younger women in the church, human trafficking, human slavery, sex slavery, engaging minority women in the church, poverty particularly in the Appalachian area. She related that the biggest Klan activity is in a triangle including Indianapolis, Kentucky, Ohio. The Appalachian area has one of lowest rates of quality of life and longevity of life; there is an opioid crisis in that area. The average age of going into prostitution is 13 in the US. She stated that social media has facilitated human trafficking. They are looking at coordinating with the greater church and what has high priority in our area. D. BISHOP CONT D. Bishop Bill noted that he put an invitation to worship on Wednesday in the dropbox. It was an invitation for community worship with Teem students, faculty and staff on Wednesday, January 31 st, at 11:00 a.m. at the Indiana-Kentucky Lutheran Center, Room 40. Bishop Allende and Bishop Gafkjen would be preaching and presiding and was issued by Rev. Robert Saler Ph. D. and Rev. Moses Penumaka, Th. D. There are 6 students in the first teem cohort. NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT AND ACTIONS A. CHURCHWIDE ASSEMBLY VOTING MEMBERS Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Dan Fugate reported that the number of Churchwide Assembly Voting Members would be reduced by one person from previous years. The Nominating Committee has determined that the Churchwide Assembly Voting Members would be as follows: 1. Bishop (clergy, male), 2. Vice President (lay, male), 3. Secretary (lay, female), 4. Treasurer (lay, male), 5. Lay Female Indianapolis (youth or young adult), 6. Lay Female North Central, 7. Lay Male Northeast (person of color or primary language other than English), 8. Lay Male Eastern Kentucky, 9. Lay Male Evansville, 10. Lay Female Northwest Indiana (person of color or primary language other than English), 11. Clergy East Central Indiana, 12. Clergy Lafayette, 13. Clergy Southeast Indiana, 14. Clergy South Central. B. OTHER Conferences will be encouraged to consider nominating youth or young adults for their conference nominee positions. January 2018 Synod Council Minutes

99 2404 SYNOD ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE REPORT AND ACTIONS A. APPROVAL OF REGISTRATION FEES Pastor Dan recommended that Synod Assembly fees for 2018 be increased by $5. Early bird registration for voting members and guests would be $175 ($200 after March 30). Retired professional leaders would be $85 for early bird registrants and raise to $100 after March 30. The Synod Council VOTED: SC/2018/6 that Synod Assembly fees for 2018 be $175 for early bird registration for voting members and guests, $200 after March 30, and for retired professional leaders be $85 for early bird registrants and raised to $100 after March 30. B. AFFIRMATION OF OFFERINGS Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Dan Fugate requested that Synod Council designate Synod Assembly offerings as follows: Gathering worship: Grace and Hope Fellowship at Pendleton Industrial Correctional Facility and Sending Eucharist: HIV/AIDS Ministry of Huria Kristen Batak Protestan (HKBP). The Synod Council VOTED: SC/2018/7 that the 2018 Synod Assembly offerings be designated as follows: gathering worship to Grace and Hope Fellowship at Pendleton Industrial Correctional Facility and sending Eucharist to HIV/AIDS Ministry of Huria Kristen Batak Protestan (HKBP) C. COMMITTEES a. Elections Pastor Fugate requested that Synod Council appoint the Elections Committee for Synod Assembly as follows: Pastor Steven Renner chair, Deacon Hope Moran, Pastor Matt Masko, Pastor Teri Ditslear, Noah Smith, Larry Johnson. b. Reference and Counsel He requested that Synod Council appoint the Reference and Counsel Committee for Synod Assembly as follows: Pastor Tim Knauff, chair; Michael Anderson, Pastor Jessica King, Laura Richcreek, Marilyn Saum, and Josh Tatum c. Minutes Mike Anderson, Laura Richcreek, Becky Daum, and Judy Bush exofficio all volunteered to be on the Synod Assembly minutes committee. The Synod Council VOTED: SC/2018/8 that the 2018 Synod Assembly Elections Committee be appointed as follows: Pastor Steven Renner chair, Deacon Hope Moran, Pastor Matt Masko, Pastor Terri Ditslear, Noah Smith and Larry Johnson; that the 2018 Synod Assembly Reference and Counsel Committee be appointed as follows: Pastor Tim Knauff, chair, Michael Anderson, Pastor Jessica King, Laura Richcreek, Marilyn Saum, and Josh Tatum, parliamentarian; and that the 2018 Synod Assembly Minutes Committee be January 2018 Synod Council Minutes

100 2405 appointed as follows: Michael Anderson, Laura Richcreek, Becky Daum, and Judy Bush. D. OTHER Vice-President Ted Miller suggested that it would be good to invite the vice president of our companion synod to the 2018 Synod Assembly. Michael Anderson moved that Paul Wangerin, vice-president of the West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod be invited as a guest to the 2018 Synod Assembly. The Synod Council VOTED: SC/2018/9 that Paul Wangerin, vice-president of the West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod be invited to the 2018 Synod Assembly. FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT AND ACTIONS BB DISCUSSED A. Approval of Mowrey Scholarship Fund By-Laws Bishop Bill reported that the synod had received a $10,000 gift from Daniel Mowery to set up the Daryl Emowery Memorial Endowment. The purpose of the endowment was to provide financial assistance and Seminary scholarships to seminary students. The Synod Council VOTED: SC/2018/10 to approve the Indiana-Kentucky Synod s Daryl Emowrey Memorial Endowment by-laws and gift policy. B. Approval of engaging synod Ministry Funding Plan process (document in Dropbox folder) Bishop Gafkjen discussed the need for a policy and process regarding how gifts are received and used. He asked that the Synod Council approve development of the process under the leadership of Chris Burnette and his supervisor. The Synod Council VOTED: SC/2018/11 approval of the development of a process and policy regarding how gifts are received and used by the synod. C. Affirmation of hiring of part-time synod accountant The Finance Committee has worked on description of the part-time synod accountant since the synod would no longer be using the services of the MIF SFS. Treasurer Chris Walda on behalf of the Finance Committee recommended Sue Miller, former treasurer, be hired for the position. The Synod Council OTHER BUSINESS VOTED: SC/2018/12 approval of hiring Sue Miller as part-time synod accountant. A. Future meeting responsibilities The next Synod Council meeting is April 20, 21. Laura Richcreek will be the secretary for the meeting. Pastor Dana Lockhart volunteered to be mission monitor. The chaplains will be Pastors Randy Schroeder and Jess King. January 2018 Synod Council Minutes

101 2406 B. Other Louise Williams asked about the anti-racism task force. Bishop Bill answered that it has been formed. SENDING PRAYER: Bishop Bill thanked everyone for being together. Then he led the group in prayer. The meeting adjourned at 12:35 p.m. Respectfully Submitted in His Service, Judith A. Bush, Secretary January 2018 Synod Council Minutes

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103 IKSynod Council Meeting November 17-18, 2017 Attendees: Bp Gafjken, Laura Richcreek, Ted Miller, Chris Walda, Matt Pope, Jack Dixon, Randy Schroeder, Jess King, Mike Anderson, Becky Daum, John Hutchko, Don MacMillan, Vicky Carron, Nancy Nyland, Jerry O Neal, Tom Dearchs, Dan Fugate, Amy Beitelschees-Albers, Larry Johnston, Shawn Hall, Heather Apel, E Louise Williams, Dana Lockhart, Noah Smith, Linda Wray Guests: Nick Kiger, Phil and Sue Schmidt, Chris Burnett In absentia: Judy Bush, Mike Vinson, Clyde Knigga, Teri Ditslear Friday, November 17, 2017 Prayer, Welcome and Introductions Commenced 7PM Laura Richcreek opened the meeting with prayer. The first 25 minutes were spent with Ted Miller introducing our guests and then started our time of introductions and sharing responding to, Where do you see God at work? Nick Kige, from Mission Support presented the Future Direction 2025 and Mission Support--(see Nick s.ppt presentation, as provided in Dropbox). Bp. Gafjken added that these numbers are a window into our story. We are not the largest, but geographically, one of the largest. One of the pieces of our culture is distance. We have to move Synod Assembly north to south and back. It s part of our culture. Additionally, our synod is not all one culture. Note: as many as 60 congregations do not submit their congregational reports. Last report s numbers are used and sometimes, they haven t submitted reports for years. This affects giving, grants, accuracy of who we are. Noted the Nones unaffiliated. Noted political information coming to play in the lives of our congregations these days. It is a polarizing time in our culture, regarding social concerns and immigration. In 2002, we had 235 organized congregations. In the last week, at least three are considering dissolution. 9K folks. In 2011, average attendance, now it s 1405(?). Worship attendance drops. Even regular attendance is defined differently by pollsters. Average worship attendance across the synod is 82. We also have 80 congregations without a called pastor. They are trying to figure out how to be church. Nick encouraged us to see the opportunities and the challenges. He asked, what are some of the strengths of this synod? Great leadership synod staff and in the congregations Not many strangers in the congregation everybody knows everybody those who do remain are often highly committed leadership is hopeful and working hard to engage current realities Youth campus ministries, outdoor ministries open to nontraditional ideas willingness to engage ecumenical partners so much to offer a broken world to improve people s lives

104 Nick asked what is it about lutheranism that is offered? Congregations are turning outward engaging in the community Patience in engaging the community (Nick observed) Nick then asked, what are some of the challenges? rural congregations were successful for a time but now youth have to move away to get jobs less generational consistency in congregations aging parochial model not working (Nick) we realize that what we ve done isn t working but we don t know what to do next fearful of what we don t know (see above) lack of morale--outlook is bleak, work is challenging, Lutheran church tends to be an aged church dying out we are getting insular looking more inward than those who are looking outward focus on what we don t have instead of what we do have!--we don t share that message as we should we come from a place of scarcity competition from other churches competing with sports schedules, etc. (schools no longer honor wednesday nights and sundays) not willing to get out of their comfort zones lay people not attending synod assembly Pastors are overwhelmed lay people don t see big picture How do we translate the positivity from this level to the congregations so they share that joy and positivity? Asked of the Schmidt s how is it being received? They responded, Positively! Sue defined mission interpretation --people who have a mission of telling others about opportunities, tell stories of other congregations and new congregations; help them all connect. They want to recruit someone from each congregation to be that storyteller. Tell the story and thank people. No asking for money. Their Mission Matters will be coming out in December. Nick added they are also really good story hearers draw it out of the congregations. Our context drives the type of ministry. So, Nick asks, what are the ministry priorities of this synod? Social injustices What ministry would you be doing if budget weren t a factor? Hard to be visionary and realistic and finding the balance between the two What is Mission Support? (benevolence) see the website for the difference between benevolence and mission support unrestricted or undesignated giving shared from congregations with synods shared from synods with the churchwide expression expended by all expressions of the elca for ministries within the elca and our partners 5.5% of regular giving in a congregation

105 ranges between 19 and 55 % ONE aspect of our giving (generosity goes beyond mission support) Used to be linear, pyramidal. Now it is represented by gears interlocking (See the Faith in Action for more stories!) In Block 2 of Nick s presentation, he showed Mission Support Dollars at Work (see.ppt). Nick noted that social justice is part of every category, not just what is seen by itself. Young adults are in global mission Australia and UK. Unlike other denominations, ELCA supports the missionaries monetarily. Chris Burnette, the Regional Gift Planner, is meeting with congregations and working with them on the gift policy. This is about gifts that will be given now or later or what to do with gifts that are given and how those are distributed and planned. He said many congregations don t ever ask for planned giving. He hopes to work with the Connect team, transformation team, first call pastors to get them off on the right foot, synod gift policy, stewardship extravaganza. Chris encourages us to him about coming to our churches as it can be very beneficial for our congregations Closing: Nick asked us to come ready to discuss how we move forward. Phil Schmidt had a handout to share with someone we think might want to be a mission ambassador and please visit the website! Wrapped things up at 8:50 PM. Saturday, November 18, 2017 Worship began at 9 AM Attendees: add l Mike Vinson Bp Gafjken had a nice surprise for each of the council members a devotional by Walter Brueggemann. Thanks all around. More sharing from those who missed that time yesterday. Nick Kiger began the day s discussion with, What s your story? Have to start with how we re connected before we talk about stewardship and mission support. Personal story congregation s story synod s story and wider Where stewardship and Mission Support are going well, it s because the leaders know the story. Questions for consideration: (see ppt) do we feel connected? Consider the challenges mentioned yesterday. Nick (?) told the story of a church and pastor the church was not excited to be a church. Took ten years to get them excited about their story. Then he could talk about their connection to the synod. They couldn t think about sharing and mission support until they understood this connection. Then they talked about their connection to the wider church. Nick asked for any anecdotes Don MacMillan suggested mission support is a foreign concept to some. Then he described several projects like a men s shelter, chili supper, fundraising, visiting overseas missionaries. Then not too far away, a congregation that doesn t do so much and seems not to have a strong connection. Nick asked in the church with the

106 missionaries, do the folks understand the connection between support and those missionaries. Don said yes. Dana Lockhart offered four frontier congregations out west (SD), during a blizzard, struggled to see how they were connected to the wider church. Bp Eaton visited and that made it easier to have that conversation about support and giving. ELCA ministry does reach into the furthest corners of our country. Mike Vinson said he struggles to have these conversations with those who are already poor. (Intentionally poor college students). Nick feels we can respond to that through this process. Nick mentioned the understanding of what a little means that it is still meaningful. That the giving helps to make that connection stronger. He brought up the synod in Puerto Rico. Also Breath of God in Baltimore-- we sustain each other. --their pastor. Mike said the stories about mission support are from people who can do a lot and his students and the poor still can t connect to that. Nick said we also need to tell the stories of those congregations that are dissolving and the blessings that come from that. Need to do a better job of telling the stories. What are the stories that more and more people can relate to? Nancy Nyland said we need to broaden our thinking that giving is only what s in the offering plate. Nick--Consider the gift we are beyond dollars. Quantify the value of the time and effort we give. Jerry O Neal interjected that it s not just giving it s mission support! Changing the language you are giving mission support. Nick asked what the number one storytelling document is in a congregation.:the itemized budget. This is how we say we re successful or not if we can balance this budget. Talked about a narrative budgeting concept. Can be a helpful tool. One congregation does ministry on the behalf of another. (need to rethink how we consider this) Shawn Hall using envelopes marked Mission Support that are available in the pews and always keep them in front of folks, maintaining the awareness. Amy Beitelschees-Albers talked about the language, as well. Instead of youth ministry ministry of youth so it calls attention. Part of making it a narrative budget. Dana the Episcopalian church sends them a bill for the percentage of what they need to pay. He knows this wouldn t work but maybe we have a polity problem. Reminds us of sending members to assembly who vote on the budget, then congregations need to support that budget their rep s voted on. Has no problem making the first line item 14% of the last year s offering on his congregation s budget. But synod benevolence is the first place to cut. Jack Dixon sees that mindset that is grown in the church. Arguments over where else to cut there are those who would not cut that ever. That was the first line item and there was no arguing over it. Nick mentioned someone told him they had one class or maybe even part of one class about stewardship, so we re already behind. Tithing is no longer touted as part of our faith. Jerry O Neal said it s a heart change a culture change.

107 Jack when you first give away 10% of what you have, it changes what you do with the rest of what you have. Mike reminded us of using GOOD examples. The Roman Catholics (and others) preach that giving is tied to your salvation. The gospel is lost. Dana can t ignore what s going on we are a middle class and the middle class is getting squeezed. Some of our folks CAN T do that. Millenials are doing the same as their parents for 20% less at the same age. How can we talk about stewardship when we have less economic security and less discretionary income than our parents and grandparents. We are raising a generation that will have it worse than those who came before them. We are preaching law to the downtrodden. So how do we exist within these realities? E. Louise Williams asked, do we believe that the gospel works and do we proclaim it? Mentioned Mary Mora from Kenya. Her response when offered more was it is enough. Louise reflects do I live with that reality or with the attitude of deserving more? It is enough now what? Shawn said that you give of whatever means. No more yeah, buts Nick so where do we even start? This strategy will always be a living, working document. Starts from a place of discipleship (see mission statement). He said he has read a lot of these and not all start here but we re off to a good start. What do we think the synod is already doing in terms of mission support that is working well? Don mentioned Come2Go storefront ministries in Fort Wayne. Where is new space being created? Connect program six campus ministries christian ed candidacy process (going on right now, upstairs)--walking through that process is mission support at work! Day with the bishop national youth gathering (self-funded event) indirect support through Dan s going these are the connections we need to talk about Instead of what does the synod do for me, ask what would we do without the synod? What can we do differently to tell more of this story? Vicky Carron partnering with other congregations, stories cross boundaries, morale increases by being borrowed from another. Nick told of one congregation who learned more from another congregation that talked about stewardship that they could relate to. Jerry said that the primary motivation as Lutherans is grace. God has first given to us. Not a have to but a get to. A response to the gospel.

108 How often we talk about stewardship, discipleship and something else separately but what if we talked about them together. How do we claim what s Lutheran about giving? Bp Gafjken asked about the role of synod council do we need to step up individual roles as interpreters, challengers? Nick it s Our plan. One group did a spiritual gifts inventory. Vicky wrote an article about her learnings from her first synod council meeting. Nick can put a resource about mission support vs benevolence in the dropbox to share. It s not to get them to change what they call it but to understand why it s called that. Chris Burnette said he talks to church councils about gift policy and can explain what synod is doing as he has a captive audience. Louise can 1. take a minute to lift up something we re doing 2. go more faithfully to the ministerium in her area 3. build community within deacons Ted talked about developing mission interpreters. The Schmidt s are an example. Synod council can be advocates for the program. (see handout and website) Nick said folks have said this helps them to figure out where they fit what their call is. Discernment. Then want to do more. Nancy mentioned that of the twenty or so congregations represented around the table--what if we committed to pray for someone who might be good for this and then recommend them to Sue and Phil. (Note: training is online!) Mike Anderson said that communications are sometimes stalled on someone s desk. Include the ask. Mike Vinson said that we always placed this tithe with a dollar sign. At the time it was written, it was food, livestock. Jack echoed the idea and said we need to look at time and talents, not just dollars and cents. Nick confirmed that we need to be better at communicating that things other than money are valuable. Nancy said that the synod and bishop know what size and vitality of a congregation mean and they are not necessarily related. Shawn asked about those who are Thrivent members and if they know we can ask for an action team? Free money? Nick wrapped things up and said to look at our plan, brainstorm as to where each of us can fit, communicate with synod staff. He thanked us for what we re doing here, the conversations having them, an intentional beginning. And for our faithfulness. Break--

109 2370 SYNOD COUNCIL MINUTES INDIANA-KENTUCKY SYNOD, ELCA September 15-16, 2017 BENEDICT INN RETREAT & CONFERENCE CENTER BEECH GROVE, INDIANA ATTENDANCE Officers: Bishop Gafkjen, Vice-President Ted Miller, Secretary Judy Bush, Treasurer Chris Walda Clergy: Pastors Amy Beitelschees-Albers, Teri Ditslear, Jack Dixon, Jessica King, Randall Randy Schroeder, and Michael Vinson Laity: Michael Anderson, Vicky Carron, Rebecca Jane Daum, Gregory (Shawn) Hall, John Huchko, Larry Johnson, Clyde Knigga, Don MacMillan, Matthew Pope (Saturday), Laura Richcreek, Noah David Smith, E. Louise Williams, and Linda Wray Staff: Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Dan Fugate, DEM Pastor Nancy Nyland, Tom Dearchs Synod Attorney: Josh Tatum Auxiliary Representative: Churchwide Representative: Absent: Pastor Dana Lockhart, and Rebecca Grate, Elizabeth Gaskins, Matthew Pope (Friday), Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Heather Apel PRAYER, WELCOME, AND INTRODUCTIONS The executive committee met at 2:30 p.m. in room 105 of the Benedict Inn Retreat and Conference Center, Beech Grove, Indiana, in preparation for the Synod Council Meeting. Newly elected Synod Council members joined the executive committee for dinner and orientation at 5:00 p.m. Vice-President Ted Miller called the meeting to order in room 105 of the Benedict Inn Retreat and Conference Center. Sister Margaret Ann welcomed the group. She gave the combination number of the entry door which will be locked for security purposes. She asked individuals to keep snacks in meeting room since the rooms have recently been renovated. She noted that breakfast will be available at 8:00 a.m. She also noted that there are phones on each floor to use in case of an emergency. Vice-President Miller asked Deacon E. Louise Williams to lead the group in prayer. He then asked each person to introduce himself/herself, share their place of worship, and where they see God at work. The stories of God s work throughout the synod were powerful, inspiring, poignant, and personal. At the conclusion of the sharing, Vice- President Ted thanked the group for sharing and observed that some of the stories are amazing. FIDUCIARY, STRATEGIC, AND GENERATIVE FUNCTIONS OF SYNOD COUNCIL Vice-President Miller turned the meeting over to the bishop. Bishop Gafkjen welcomed everyone, especially the new members. We will be spending our time orienting new members and reorienting older members as to how things are done. We will find ourselves in new ways

110 2371 and encourage positive relationships. He stated that he would walk through some themes as to how groups work together. He noted that around the room were four news print sheets on the walls with the four priorities for synod ministry listed, one on each sheet. The four priorities emerged out of holy conversations in the synod. The mission statement of the synod is to empower, encourage and equip one another to make Christ known. It leads to our vision of every person a missionary, every pastor a mission director, and every congregation, conference and ministry a mission center. The four priorities should shape our work together to achieve the mission of the synod. With the new staff, now the staff is aligned with the four priorities. Priority of cultivate faith communities as centers for mission is aligned with Nancy Nyland s job. Form and send faith-filled disciples is another priority; we want to be mindful that we are being formed and sent ourselves and we want to equip those out in the synod to work with congregations in forming and sending; this is Pastor Dan Fugate s priority. Deepen and expand collaboration and communication is seen in the collaboration with other denominations and religions which falls in Tom Dearchs s responsibilities. The work that all synod staff does overlap all the priorities. The fourth priority is to develop and support missionary leaders which includes congregational leadership and that primarily is under Pastor Heather s responsibilities as Assistant to the Bishop for Leadership. She is responsible for Candidacy, First Call Theological Education, Mobility, Call Process, and Congregational Transition, Leadership Support, Global Mission: IELCH. All synod staff work on the four priorities. As a synod council, it is important to be familiar with these priorities in making decisions. The council needs to consider does the decision fit within the priorities. Bishop Gafkjen stated that we will spend time dreaming and discerning what the Synod Council might do. He asked the council to do some thinking about the activities of the synod and where those activities fit under the four priorities. Individuals shared that it is difficult to involve others in collaboration in justice issues. Bishop Gafkjen asserted that the synod needs to be the initiator of the collaboration. The ELCA has collaboration as a part of its DNA with more arrangements of full communion than any other denomination. We have informal dialogue with Pentecostals. Bishop related that he led ecumenical discussions with catholic ecumenical bishop groups. Collaboration and communication needs to start with the Lutheran activities. The four priorities are lively and important and help us find our way through the wilderness. Addressing these priorities with congregations is a challenge for the synod. Bishop Gafkjen then turned the discussion to differences between technical problems and adaptive challenge. Technical problems have the following characteristics: are easy to identify, often lend to quick, easy solutions, often solvable by authority or expert, require change in just a few places, people are generally receptive to technical solutions, solutions can often be implemented quickly even by edict. There are adaptive challenges which have the following characteristics: are easy to deny and difficult to identify the problem; require changes in values, beliefs, roles, and relationships; people with the problem do the work of solving it; require change in numerous places; people often resist even acknowledging adaptive challenges;

111 2372 solutions require experiments and new discoveries; can take a long time to implement; and cannot be implemented by edict. There are three functions of the Synod Council and all three need to be addressed. They are fiduciary handling the money or tangible resources of the synod, overseeing the tangible resources management or operations, also being cognizant that the resources are managed appropriately, ensuring legal compliance and appropriate safeguards. The second function is strategic which has to do with setting priorities, develop and improve synod priorities to be faithful stewards, and to monitor the strategies and performance of those strategies. The third piece is generative which is creating and new things, looking outside of usual frameworks of operation to get at our reason for existence and purpose, deciding to decide and what to decide, probing assumptions, and identifying underlying values that should drive strategy and tactics. Generative is thinking and praying and dreaming of new priorities. That God is about to do a new thing, do you not perceive it. INTRODUCTION TO THE AGENDA Vice-President Miller reviewed the agenda for Saturday beginning with breakfast at 8:00 a.m. and then communion upstairs in the chapel. Pastor Dan Fugate and Louise Williams will be chaplains. Vice-President Ted continued to review the agenda. In the business items, he noted that the first item of business will be to elect a Synod Council member for the clergy vacancy created by Karen Strietelmeier s move. Also, Pastor Rebecca Grate has moved out of the synod, so another clergy will need to be selected. Additionally, vacancies on the Discipline and Consultation Committees need to be filled. Mike Anderson moved, and Noah Smith seconded that Pastor Jack Dixon be elected to the Synod Council through the Synod Assembly in June The Synod Council VOTED: SC/2017/44: that Pastor Jack Dixon be elected to the Synod Council until the Synod Assembly in June Ted continued to review the agenda. EVENING PRAYER The Council moved to the chapel on the second floor for Prayer at the Close of Day from the Book of Common Worship led by E. Louise Williams and Pastor Dan Fugate. FELLOWSHIP After evening prayer, the council engaged in fellowship with snacks and drinks. HOLY COMMUNION SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2017

112 2373 Following breakfast, the group joined for worship service of Holy Communion in the chapel of the Benedict Inn led by E. Louise Williams and Pastor Dan Fugate. The service opened with the gathering hymn, Awake, O Sleeper. The Gospel reading was Matthew 18:21-35 on Forgiveness. Deacon Louise preached on the Gospel reading. She noted that her comments were more musings than a sermon. She read a story about a deaconess visiting a prisoner who had killed a fellow deaconess. Over a several years period, first by mail and then in person, she laid hands on him and blessed him, she did not forget but offered forgiveness. In the reading Peter asked about how many times must we forgive. Jesus tells a parable regarding the unforgiving servant one wonders how did the slave amass such a debt, but the king disregards rules, in forgiving the debt. But the slave reverts to old way, not a very gracious ending. Forgiveness is hard. We remain stuck in past without forgiveness. How does God forgive-- more than we can count. We begin to see the new thing God is doing. We get a glimpse of God's heart around the common table. We get a sense of God's generosity and forgiveness. The hymn of the day was Our Father, We Have Wandered. GENERATIVE DISCUSSION: DREAMING FOUR PRIORITIES Vice-President Ted called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. He thanked those who prepared the worship service, especially Deacon Louise for her message. He asked Matthew Pope who joined the group since last evening to introduce himself, where he worships and where he sees God at work. He then turned the meeting over to Bishop Gafkjen. Bishop showed the gift of a Luther likeness music box that he got from Holland. Bishop called attention to red Luther which is on loan from the United Church of Christ. This observation of the 500 th year of the Reformation is quite different from other commemorations. It is remembering in order to re-member the church. The others have focused on how great it is to be Lutheran. This one is more ecumenical with Catholics participating and use of Catholic Cathedrals. There seems to a reformation of reconciliation rising up. It is the idea of forgiveness and restoring relationships. Let s not just celebrate being Lutheran. We are always seeking to be reformed. We are always looking to empower, equip, and encourage others to be the church. He asked individuals to list ways that the synod is acting on each of the priorities. Listed are the items under each of the priorities. Develop and Support Missionary Leaders Freed to Lead, seminary scholarships, Synod Assembly, TEEM, theological, Heather, leadership workshops, CONNECT (congregation leaders, coaches), boundary workshops, VDC (via de Christo), candidacy process, mission ambassador program, professional leaders gathering, diakonia, first call theological education for region 6, spiritual direction, campus ministry, outdoor ministry, ELCA Fund for Leaders, financial support for seminaries/colleges. Expanding and deepening Collaboration and Communication Synod Assembly, Tom, TEEM, Synod Newsletter, Conference to conference to synod, ministrium, Facebook, Twitter, Weekly News, Episcopal/Lutheran Relationships in several areas in the synod, Synod Council

113 2374 with conferences and congregations, website, world hunger. Cultivate Congregations as centers for mission Synod Assembly, Connect, Healthy Congregations Valerie Webdell, Camps, Nancy Nyland DEM, Vacancy Consultations with synod staff, Discovering Hope Workshops, Exploring God s Expectations, congregations in transition, SAWs, Cuds, Redevelopments, Comprehensive Ministry Reviews, God s Work Our Hands, campus ministry. Form and Send Faith-Filled Disciples Dan, Seminary scholarships, Synod Day with the Bishop, Synod Assembly, Healthy Congregations, Diakonia, Connect, Campus ministry. He then asked the Synod Council to dream about what the synod might do to grow. He will ask the executive committee to work on the ideas that have been proposed and look at which has most potential for change. Vice-President Ted thanked Bishop Gafkjen for leading the group through the discussion. FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITIES Secretary Bush referred for consideration the previously distributed draft minutes of the June Synod Council meeting. Linda Wray moved that the minutes be approved and several seconded the motion. The Synod Council VOTED: SC/2017/45: that the minutes of the June 1, 2017, Synod Council meeting, pages , be approved. She noted that the synod constitution has been revised and is in the dropbox. Also in the dropbox, there is a spreadsheet that records the elections at Synod Assemblies since Vice-President Ted reported that he and synod attorney Josh Tatum attended an attorney meeting last week by the ELCA. He will be attending the meeting with synod vice-presidents in two weeks; they will also be meeting with bishops at that time. He will report on those meetings. He updated the council on the consultation situation with Gloria Dei in Crawfordsville. The panel was able to come to resolution. They did come to the conclusion that there should not be a recommendation of discipline. Ted and Bishop had a telephone conference with the congregation president and vacancy pastor. Bishop Gafkjen has met with them. They are pondering alternatives. One of which could be a discipline. Jim Moore agreed to serve as chair of the discipline committee. Bishop reported on his interactions with the congregation. They have agreed to work with the Healthy Congregations process. Josh Tatum related that the amount of time and effort that the consultation panel expended was significant. He also shared that the experience in following this process is something that Bishop Gafkjen and Vice- President Ted may bring to the wider church. Treasurer Chris Walda shared that the financial reports (attached) were in the dropbox. He started with explaining that he takes the reports from Synod Financial Services and creates the dashboard that we all are used to. As of the end of July, Mission Support is below budget by $109,000 which is $28,000 lower than last year. He acknowledged that Pastor Jerry O Neal as stewardship director is doing important work in this area. He thanks congregations for their

114 2375 giving, especially those who are ahead of giving. Pastor Nancy will be contacting those who haven t been giving; she also sends letters of appreciation to those that are giving. Now we do not have the capacity to send out quarterly statements. Cash is $22,000 under budget which is a reflection of the decreased mission support. He reported on the endowment which is in excellent shape and accumulated undistributed earnings keep growing and are currently over one third of the total $4.97 Million in endowment net assets. The Synod Council discussed how they might help congregations maintain mission support and the fact that congregations have various financial conditions. Financial Committee member John Huchko reported on the Financial Committee activities. The committee has been developing a policy for how to handle gifts to the synod. They are getting to finalizing the Finance Committee Charter and will be able to bring to council next time. They are asking for recommendation for two additional members of the finance committee. The Synod Council VOTED: SC/2017/46: that Becky Daum and Vicki Garber be approved as members of the synod Finance Committee. They have been looking at alternatives to the Mission Investment Fund Synod Financial Services. They have decided to go with the same group that does payroll which is CFS. Internal staff will handle mission support and accounts payable. We will have to hire an auditor beginning in January The work that was previously done by an outside accountant will mostly be handled by current staff. Vice President Ted mentioned that we will need a clergy member to serve in the vacancy on the Synod Council created by Pastor Grate s move out of the synod. Judy Bush mentioned that there are other positions that need to be filled, specifically, two positions on the Consultation Committee; one is to be filled by a clergy, male or female, and one by a lay person, either male or female and one opening on the Discipline Committee which is a female clergy position and is a six-year term. Pastor Teri Ditslear volunteered to be on the Discipline committee. Pastor Mike Vinson nominated her to that position and the Synod Council VOTED: SC/2017/47: that Pastor Teri Ditslear be elected to the Synod Discipline committee. Vice-President Ted asked Bishop Gafkjen if we might do roster concerns. Bishop agreed to do so. He explained that there at 4 conditions for pastors active, retired, disability, and on leave from call. Retired pastors may continue to serve if Synod Council approves based on Bishop s recommendation. There are three pastors who are seeking approval to continue service in the retirement. Based on Bishop Gafkjen s recommendation, the Synod Council

115 2376 VOTED: SC/2017/48: that the retirement of Pastor Scott Meier be approved effective May 1, 2018, the retirement of Pastor Steven Scott be approved effective August 1, 2017, and the retirement of Pastor Susan Briehl be approved effective September 1, He then discussed those requesting on leave from call. After Bishop Gafkjen s discussion and recommendation, the Synod Council VOTED: SC/2017/49: that Pastor Jim Ward be granted on leave from call for the first year, that Pastor Kelly Skram be granted renewal of on leave from call for the fifth year of six for family need, that Pastor David Russell be granted on leave from call for the first year, that Pastor Howard Clevenger be granted on leave from call for the first year, and that Pastor Scott Moore be granted on leave from call for a second year. PRAYER AT MID-DAY At 11:58 a.m. Pastor Dan offered prayer before lunch. Vice-President Ted asked individuals to return as soon as possible to resume the meeting. LUNCH BUSINESS Synod Council Fiduciary Responsibilities: Josh Tatum, Synod Attorney Review and submission of disclosures & related Concerns Congregational (and Other) Review Process and Changes, Josh Tatum Remaining reports and other business, including submitted report highlights Sharing of any visions, tasks, questions, concerns that need to be considered in future meetings or between meetings (e.g. where to go with the retooling proposals) Mission Monitor Report & Review of the meeting Vice-President Ted called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. Bishop continued with his report. He referred to the note about Pastor Marlyn Nelson. Pastor Nelson is a full-time employee with 3M and is now in China for his employment. His two-year extension granted by the Council of Bishops will expire in January and he will let it expire. Pr. Marlyn Nelson will be leaving the roster January 19, No action by the Synod Council is required. Bishop Gafkjen asked Tom Dearchs and Pastor Dan Fugate to share about their new jobs. Tom shared that the weekly is a bit longer. The Facebook and twitter account are being used more extensively. There are some changes on the website. He has guidelines for requesting publication of items and shared those guidelines, Publication Submission Guidelines, with the group. They are planning to get rid of the server since most everything they do is cloud based. December 5 th there is a synod open house from 1 to 4; ecumenical partners will be invited. He was asked if individuals could have access to contact information for pastors in their conference. Pastor Dan reported that he has been traveling around the synod to get acquainted with others. He is working on doing Bishop s Days for youth in areas around the synod. In terms of

116 2377 synod assembly, he has met with the Northeast ministrium because he wants to use their expertise in the area for Synod Assembly in There will be a youth leadership gathering and he is applying for a grant from Lutheran. There is another youth leadership summit and two students are going this year. Bishop reported that it is good to have a full staff. Staff meetings are fun. He then began to discuss TEEM. They want it to go live in January. Lutheran House of Study will still go on as planned. It will be used for lay worship leaders. Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary is the partner for TEEM (Theological Education for Emerging Ministries). We have been offering at least one class each year at CTS and taught by Rob Saler. TEEM will basically be a seminary for this area. We would be establishing a partnership with Pacific Lutheran Theology Seminary. In our synod we have the equivalent of a theological teaching staff in various areas in the synod. If the agreement is approved today, we can probably have classes up and running in January. There will basically be no cost to the synod. The TEEM program duration varies with the person; usually it is 3-4 years. The council discussed the program. It will be called TEEM IK. The instructors will be hired by PLTS with consultation with the I-K Synod staff. After discussion, the Synod Council VOTED: SC/2017/50: that the Memorandum Of Understanding with Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary be agreed to establish a TEEM (Theological Education for Emerging Ministries) housed at CTS. Bishop reported that in November Nick Kiger will be with us at the November Synod Council meeting. He is the area Mission Support contact for our synod. Initially they were to do consultations with every synod but now they are being called symposiums. He has asked to talk with the synod council for two hours. He will also plan to be in one congregation on Sunday. Pastor Nancy Nyland highlighted a couple things. Doug Mmari will be returning to lead the ministry on the east side of Indianapolis. Twenty-six congregations have been involved in the connect process. There will be six -seven congregations beginning the Connect process in November. A SAWC is being initiated at Pendleton Correctional Industrial Facility. Pastor Nyland shared that 68 percent of individuals are rearrested after 3 years of dismissal; that figure drops to 2 percent if individuals are involved with a prison ministry. She feels that we have a different voice; most prison ministries have a Pentecostal bent. The proposed SAWC, Synodically Authorized Worshiping Community, would be named Grace and Hope Fellowship. She expressed that she had been involved with prison ministry early in her career and found it to be an affirming and blessed experience. We will be there to spread hope and to be part of forgiveness and reconciliation. Pendleton is an all-male facility. She discussed the application. If approved, it will go to New Start Review Table at the ELCA. She will apply for a grant; the grant guideline is $30,000 for a three-year period but she would like to start with a request for $30,000 for a two-year period. She referred to the budget in the application; looking for

117 2378 congregations to help supplement the budget. The proposal comes as a recommendation from the bishop and the Renewing Mission Table. Based on that information the Synod Council VOTED: SC/2017/51: that the SAWC application for Grace and Hope Fellowship at Pendleton Correctional Industrial Facility be approved. SYNOD COUNCIL FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITIES: JOSH TATUM, SYNOD ATTORNEY First synod attorney Josh Tatum discussed how the congregation constitution review process works. The Synod Council delegated responsibility for review of constitutions to the Task Force based on the guidelines that have been adopted by the council. There are three topics that he will discuss fiduciary duties, lawyer and client relationship, struggling congregations. Fiduciary duties involve the following: 1. Loyalty involves conflict of interest and 2. Communication of conflict of interest or anything that could affect the synod 3. Confidentiality with regard to personnel, staff, or rostered leaders 4. Competence don t play lawyer, stay in your lane, able to understand documents presented, implement decisions based on decision of whole body To whom does the synod council owe responsibility? To the synod as a separate entity. The attorney represents the synod and not the staff. Options for struggling congregations: he referred to synod constitution S When a congregation ceases to exist, the synod becomes the successor organization. Congregation can affiliate with another congregation. He named the other things that congregations can do as authorized in the constitution. MISSION MONITOR REPORT AND REVIEWOF THE MEETING Pastor Teri Ditslear was the mission monitor and she reported times when she perceived the mission as a priority. She appreciated that we were very generative with dreaming our four priorities. Louise s message tied into the bishop s discussion. We needed to be both generative and substantive and we had the opportunity to say yes to a new SWAC and TEEM. What might we do differently. It seems like everyone has read the reports ahead of time and seemed well prepared. Pastor Amy asked how the new members did with their first meeting. Most were pleased with the orientation and the visioning that was foundational. It was observed by Louise that many don t talk about their ministry. Some felt that it was important to share with congregations what the synod is about. Volunteers to be worship leaders are needed for the next meet; Vicky Carron and Laura Richcreek volunteered. Pastor Mike Vinson will preside at the communion service. Louise Williams volunteered to be mission monitor.

118 2379 Ted thanked all for serving and participation in the meeting. He noted that it has been and remains a real blessing to serve with you. SENDING PRAYER Pastor Dan closed with prayer. The meeting was adjourned at 2:59 p.m. Respectfully Submitted in His Service, Judith A. Bush, Secretary Future meeting dates November 17-18, 2017 (Friday-Saturday) + INKY Lutheran Center + inc. ELCA Mission Support Symposium Saturday, January 20, :00am Noon via Zoom video conference April 20-21, 2018 (Friday-Saturday) + INKY Lutheran Center Thursday, May 31, Fort Wayne, IN + 9:00am Noon, First Day of Synod Assembly

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123 2359 SYNOD COUNCIL MINUTES INDIANA-KENTUCKY SYNOD, ELCA JUNE 1, 2017 KENTUCKY ROOM, MARRIOTT HOTEL COVINGTON, KY ATTENDANCE Officers: Bishop Gafkjen, Vice-President Ted Miller, Secretary Judy Bush, Treasurer Chris Walda Clergy: Pastors Amy Beitelschees-Albers, Teri Ditslear, Rebecca Grate, Jessica King, Randall Randy Schroeder, and Michael Vinson Laity: Michael Anderson, Rebecca Jane Daum, John Huchko, Clyde Knigga, Don MacMillan, Matthew Pope, Laura Richcreek, Marilyn Saum, Noah David Smith, E. Louise Williams, and Linda Wray Staff: Assistants to the Bishop Pastors Heather Apel and Dan Fugate and Tom Dearchs Synod Attorney: Josh Tatum Auxiliary Representative: Linda Doerge Churchwide Representative: Rev. Vicki Garber Guest: Mikka McCracken Absent: DEM Pastor Nancy Nyland, Pastor Dana Lockhart, Elizabeth Gaskins, Amy Kruse, and Jim Swinford DEVOTIONS The Synod Council met in the Kentucky Room of the Marriott Hotel, Covington, Kentucky, the site of the 30 h annual Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly held from June 1 through June 3, The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Vice-President Ted Miller. He expressed that we would try to close the meeting by 11:30 a.m. He extended welcome to everyone on the 225 th anniversary of the birth of Kentucky. Bishop Gafkjen opened by reading from Bread for Today, Psalm 33 which begins with, Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous He reflected on the reading, one of the things that came to mind are the famines in some parts of the world and how to address them. There are other famines also that we should be mindful of; that the eye of the Lord is upon them and upon us as we come to this meeting. Our soul waits for the Lord and we can be glad in Him. He mentioned a text message from Liz Michael whose husband Terry died unexpectedly Tuesday. She texted that she is praying for us and for the assembly. He closed by leading the group in prayer. Vice-President Ted also mentioned that the group should keep in prayer Jim Swinford who could not be with us due to health issues as well as Liz Michael. INTRODUCTIONS AND REMINDERS INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS Bishop Gafkjen introduced Tom Dearchs who is the new synod communications coordinator plus. He also introduced Pastor Dan Fugate who is the new Assistant to the Bishop for Discipleship and who will be focusing on Lifelong Faith Formation, Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Synod

124 2360 Assembly: Program, and Global Mission: HKBP. He and Tom will be working very closely with Bishop Gafkjen on the youth emphasis. They are a welcome addition to synod staff. They said that they are pleased to be working with all. Also, he introduced Mikka McCracken who is the churchwide representative to the Synod Assembly and who serves with ELCA World Hunger as Director for Planning and Engagement. She worked on the Lutheran World Federation preassembly youth conference in Namibia where she demonstrated global leadership. She mentioned her favorite thing of the Lutheran World Federation Assembly was hearing the Lord s prayer in everyone s language. It is her pleasure to share the churchwide report and she will also lead a spark talk. Called Forward Together in Christ is a primary emphasis from churchwide. She will express thanks to this synod for mission support. She will share about herself. Bishop Bill mentioned the way the groups of the church are working together is exemplified in the Called Forward Together in Christ document. APRIL 2017 MEETING MINUTES Secretary Bush referred for consideration the previously distributed draft minutes of the April Synod Council meeting. Linda Wray moved that the minutes be approved and Becky Daum seconded the motion. The Synod Council VOTED: SC/2017/32: that the minutes of the April 28-29, 2017, Synod Council meeting, pages , be approved. REVIEW OF THIS MEETING S AGENDA Vice-President Ted Miller reported that we will begin with his report and the congregational concern listed later in the agenda will be addressed under his report. He also stressed that there will be budget discussion and bylaw change discussion so the group would have to move expeditiously. ASSEMBLY DETAILS AND TASKS REVIEW OF ASSEMBLY AGENDA ATTENDANCE AT NEW VOTING MEMBER ORIENTATION OTHER GUESTS FOR THE ASSEMBLY: PR. VICKI GARBER (ELCA CHURCH COUNCIL), BP SUZANNE DILLAHUNT (SOUTHERN OHIO), PRESIDENT BETH PAUL (CAPITAL UNIVERSITY/TRINITY SEMINARY) Vice-President Ted reviewed some of the details regarding the Synod Assembly. The orientation for new Synod Assembly attendees is at 12:15 p.m. in Ballroom D. He encouraged all Synod Council members to attend. TED MILLER, VICE-PRESIDENT Vice-President Ted reviewed the membership on the executive committee as specified in the Synod constitution S The membership of the Executive Committee consists of one lay male, one lay female, one clergy and the four officers. He read off who is eligible to serve in each position. He asked Bishop Bill to lead in prayer and then asked each synod council member to list

125 2361 one lay male, one lay female and one clergy member to serve on the Executive Committee. He asked Josh Tatum and Pastor Vicki Garber to tabulate the ballots. Vice-President Ted thanked those who are completing their terms on Synod Council Noah Smith (two years on the council) and Marilyn Saum (six years on the council). Jim Swinford and Amy Kruse who were not present are also completing their terms. Pastors Amy Beitelschees-Albers, Jessica King, and Randall Schroeder are completing a three-year term but are running for re-election. CONGREGATION CONCERNS GLORIA DEI, MULBERRY, IN (DISCIPLINE OF A MEMBER) Vice-President Miller discussed the situation at Gloria Dei, Mulberry. He mentioned that there are many steps in the process dealing with a conflict within a congregation leading to discipline of a member as outlined in the congregational and churchwide constitutions. Rita Betts is now the congregation president. Pursuant to *C15.02, the Synod Vice-President selects five members of the Synod Consultation Committee required by S (including two of the clergy members and three of the lay members) and whose functions further are described in Chapter 20 of the ELCA Constitution and Chapter 17 of the Synod Constitution. The constitution requires the Synod Consultation Committee to address the situation. If further action is needed after the 45-day period of notification by the congregation council that the Synod Consultation Committee will address the situation, then the Executive Committee of the Synod Council will need to appoint from the Synod Council a non-voting chair of the discipline panel derived from the Synod Discipline Committee. The discipline hearing is a due process panel that will be attended by Josh Tatum as synod attorney. Vice-President Ted thought that it might be appropriate to appoint a chair of the Discipline Committee since there has not been a designated chair. The Executive Committee is recommending that Jim Moore be asked to be chair the Discipline Committee; and if he is unable to serve as chair, then the Executive Committee is recommending that Pastor Amy Beitelschees-Albers be asked to be the chair. The Synod Council VOTED: SC/2017/33: that Jim Moore be asked to be chair of the Synod Discipline Committee and Pastor Amy Beitelschees-Albers be appointed chair if Jim Moore is not able to serve as chair. Pastor Mike Vinson volunteered to be the non-voting chair of the discipline panel if needed. REPORT ON ELECTION Josh Tatum returned and announced the results of the Executive Committee election. All were reelected as follows: The tellers report for election of the lay female on the executive committee was as follows: Number of votes cast 21 Necessary for election 11 Becky Daum 2 Laura Richcreek 14

126 2362 Louise Williams 3 Linda Wray 2 Laura Richcreek was elected to the executive committee. The teller s report for lay male is as follows: Number of votes cast 20 Necessary for election 11 Mike Anderson 15 Don MacMillan 2 Matthew Pope 3 Mike Anderson was elected to the executive committee. The teller s report for clergy is as follows: Number of votes cast 21 Necessary for election 11 Amy Beitelschees-Albers 11 Randy Schroeder 7 Teri Ditslear 2 Mike Vinson 1 Amy Beitelschees-Albers was elected to the executive committee. Based on tabulation of ballots, the Synod Council VOTED: SC/2017/34: that, pursuant to S , Pastor Amy Beitelschees-Albers, Mike Anderson, and Laura Richcreek were elected to one-year terms as members of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Executive Committee. JUDY BUSH, SECRETARY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT AND RELATED DECISIONS; SYNOD ASSEMBLY RELATED CONCERNS; FINAL LOOK AT PROPOSED BYLAW CHANGES REGARDING DEANS Secretary Judy Bush shared that the Congregation Constitution Task Force has reviewed the policy statement regarding Conference Deans and the possible new position of conference Chaplain for the Ministrium with review of the possible changes to the synod constitution bylaws. Bishop Gafkjen discussed the process with the deans and their input. Secretary Bush read the proposal of changes to the Synod Constitution bylaws. It was offered as a recommendation from the Task Force. The proposed process for selection of deans was discussed. Also, the role of the chaplains was discussed. If the Synod Council approves the proposed bylaw changes, then they would be distributed Friday morning during the Synod Assembly when the Bishop discusses his report. The plan would be that the assembly vote would be Saturday morning. After discussion, the Synod Council

127 2363 VOTED: SC/2017/35: that the proposed changes to bylaws S and S be approved for presentation to the 2017 Synod Assembly for action. BISHOP BILL GAFKJEN Assistant to the Bishop Rev. Heather Apel reported that Rev. Paul Offhaus (St. John, Fort Wayne, IN) agreed to serve on the IK Synod Candidacy Committee last summer after the June synod council meeting. We requested that he be appointed before the August Candidacy Meeting, and she thought she had shared that request with the executive committee, but it could not be found it in any of the synod council minutes. She asked that the Synod Council please appoint him to a five-year term, retroactive to August The Synod Council VOTED: SC/2017/36: that Rev. Paul Offhaus (St. John, Fort Wayne, Indiana) be appointed to the IK Synod Candidacy Committee for a five-year term retroactive to August Bishop Gafkjen asked that Roster concerns be addressed. Pastor Dennis Wenzel and Pastor Robert Rohrman are requesting approval of retirement status effective July 1, Approval by the Synod Council allows the retired individuals to remain on the roster of the church and serve as ordained clergy as specified in the ELCA constitution The Synod Council VOTED: SC/2017/37: that retirement status be granted to Pastor Dennis Wenzel and Pastor Robert Rohrman effective July 1, Pastor Libby Manning has requested a Synod Council call to continue her work at Wabash College and continue her service and remain on the roster of Word and Sacrament. With Bishop Gafkjen s recommendation, the Synod Council VOTED: SC/2017/38: that Pastor Libby Manning be called to Interim Ministry to serve as Associate Director of Wabash Pastoral Leadership Program effective April 24, Bishop Gafkjen discussed the fact that Pastor Chuck Miller is requesting disability status. After discussion, the Synod Council VOTED: SC/2017/39: that Chuck Miller be moved from Interim Ministry to disability status effective December 11, There were two requests for On Leave from Call. Pastor Bill Chamberlain is requesting a second year renewal of his on leave from call status. And Deacon Becky Swanson is requesting on leave from call. The Synod Council VOTED: SC/2017/40: that Pastor Bill Chamberlain be granted a second year of on leave from call status and Deacon Becky Swanson be granted on leave from call status. Bishop discussed the interim status of pastors. There were no new changes. He noted that St. Paul Lutheran Church (Bluffton, Indiana) is closing in July.

128 2364 There is a $10,000 bequest from the Betty L. Eigelbach Living Trust/Calvary Lutheran Church, Louisville, Kentucky. The synod staff recommendation is the following: $1, to Region 6 archive (for closed congregation) and $9, in support of anti-racism and boundary training. The Synod Council VOTED: SC/2017/41: that the $10,000 bequest from the Betty L. Eigelbach Living Trust/Calvary Lutheran Church, Louisville, Kentucky, be distributed as follows: $1, to Region 6 archive (for closed congregation) and $9, in support of anti-racism and boundary training. Bishop Gafkjen discussed his experience at the Lutheran World Federation Assembly. He was able to meet the new Ephorus of the HKBP synod. It was a young delegation. It is wonderful to have the relationship growing again. There are other Lutherans in Indonesia; the HKBP is the largest. Bishop Bill noted that he has had a Facebook relationship with another of the Indonesian leaders. The IELCH Chilean group was not there; Pastor Heather has been working with them. They have a new bishop. There is the possibility of a resolution being presented provided that 50 signatures are obtained by 5:00 p.m. Thursday. One conference (the Evansville Conference) voted to submit the resolution; Bishop did not check his since he was in Namibia and was unaware that they had submitted it. E. Louise Williams moved to accept the resolution from the Evansville Conference; Mike Vinson seconded the motion. After discussion, the Synod Council VOTED: SC/2017/42: that the Evansville Conference resolution be considered timely and be considered by the Synod Assembly. CHRIS WALDA, TREASURER AND FINANCE COMMITTEE First, treasurer Chris Walda discussed the treasurer s report for the first three months of the year, ending April 30, Mission Support was down $30,000 more than last year. Operating cash dropped from a positive $8,000 in March to a negative $5,900 in April. The operating bottom line will be updated once the audit is finished in May. The audit is being done with all six synods at the same time. The good news is that the endowment is continuing to improve. The MIF SDS report is also in the dropbox. DISCUSSION OF BUDGET PROPOSAL Treasurer Chris discussed the fact that only $6,495 of council designated funds was needed to balance the budget which is much lower than in the past. There was a request to open the discussion to give to Trinity Lutheran Seminary what has been done in the past. Bishop felt the decision made during the April Synod Council meeting may have been made on incomplete and incorrect information. He felt that this may be the wrong time to reduce funds; this may be the time that support is needed. The decision is very difficult for him to defend as a bishop. Pastor Terri Ditslear moved that the decision be reconsidered, seconded by Pastor Randy Schroeder. After much discussion, the Synod Council

129 2365 VOTED: SC/2017/43: that the proposed budget be restored to the way it was presented by the Finance Committee in April. REPORT OF SYNOD ATTORNEY Josh Tatum reported that he is making it a goal to make a bylaw change to addressing resolutions. It is a lot easier for the chair to react to items; it is useful to let the chair know ahead of time. Amendments presented in writing for instance. ASSIGNMENT OF ACTION ITEMS Pastor Dan Fugate and E. Louise Williams were volunteered to have the September meeting worship and devotions. Pastor Teri Ditslear volunteered to be the September mission monitor. Vice-President Ted reminded everyone to be there at 12:15 for orientation. PRAYER AND MEAL Bishop Bill led the group in prayer prior to lunch SYNOD COUNCIL MEETING DATES o September 15-16, 2017 Benedict Inn, Beech Grove, IN (reserved) o November 17-18, 2017 o January 19-20, 2018 o April 20-21, 2018 o May 31, 2018 (Synod Assembly, 5/31-6/2, 2018) o September 14-15, Benedict Inn, Beech Grove, IN (reserved) o November 16-17, 2018 o January 18-19, 2019 o April 26-27, 2019 The meeting was adjourned at 10:56 a.m. Respectfully Submitted in His Service, Judith A. Bush, Secretary

130 2366 Attachment A Treasurer s Report Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA May 29, 2017 Financial Update (3 months ended 04/30/17): 1. Mission Support started slowly in February as it has in past years and recovered a bit in March. April was much well below budget leaving us $80k below budget and $30k below this time last year. 2. Operating cash: Operating cash dropped from a positive $8k in March to a negative $5.9k in April. April 2016 is not comparable since the Calvary cash was counted as cash on hand because it had not yet been designated yet. 3. The operating bottom line will be updated once the audit is finished in May. 4. The endowment's accumulated undistributed earnings keep growing and are currently over one third of the total $4.73 Million in endowment net assets. Principal is intact. Detailed financial reports are available upon request. Please feel free to contact me at (cell) or via at CJWalda@Yahoo.com. Respectfully, Chris Walda

131 2367 Attachment A

132 2368 Attachment A

133 2369 Attachment A

134 Thursday, June 1, 2017 MINUTES 30 TH ANNUAL ASSEMBLY INDIANA-KENTUCKY SYNOD, ELCA NORTHERN KENTUCKY CONVENTION CENTER COVINGTON, KENTUCKY Formed Reformed -- Transformed GATHERING WORSHIP Following a 12:15 p.m. welcome and orientation session for first time attendees led by Synod Council Vice-President Ted Miller and Synod Attorney Josh Tatum, the Synod Assembly began with Opening Worship in Event Hall 1, lower level, Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, Kentucky. Bishop Gafkjen presided at the worship service assisted by worship assistants Linda Witte Henke and Thomas J. White. The service was a hymn festival celebrating the 500 th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. The articles of the creed and Luther s Small Catechism were the meditations of the service with the following scripture readings: Genesis 1:26-31, Philippians 2:5-11, and Romans 12:1-2, The offering was designated for Always being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA s 2017 focus area: Global Church. This ministry supports Missionaries, Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM), Global Ministries, and International Women Leaders. The offering was $2, PLENARY SESSION I OPENING OF ASSEMBLY, GREETINGS AND INTRODUCTIONS, OPENING REMARKS Bishop William Gafkjen called the meeting to order at 2:30 p.m. in Ballroom ABC and led the opening liturgy. He noted that we are trying to be the church in these 72 hours together for the sake of the world. He thanked the participants for their willingness to take time from their schedules to be together as the church. He stated that we will engage in humility and the bond of peace. Further, he stated that we will be re-energized to go out to be the church in our communities. He invited individuals to engage him in conversations. He then did introductions. Bishop Gafkjen introduced the following individuals for floor waves: Mikka McCracken, Director, ELCA World Hunger Planning and Engagement; Rev. Vicki Garber, who serves on the ELCA Church Council; Chris Burnette, ELCA Foundation Gift Planner; Rev. Cathy Schibler, Portico Benefits regional representative; Eric Martinez, ELCA Mission Investment Fund; Ted Miller, Vice President of the Indiana- Kentucky Synod; Judy Bush, Secretary of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod; and Josh Tatum, Parliamentarian and synod attorney. He announced that keynote presenters would be introduced later as they speak. He introduced the Plenary Musicians who will play throughout the assembly: Rev. James Capers, Rev. Amy Beitelschees-Albers, Chris Durham, Rev. Stephen Flynn, Davion Porter, Malcom Shirley, and LeeAra Watson. Bishop Gafkjen drew attention to the statue of Luther on the dais; it is traveling with Bishop Gafkjen and is a gift from the United Church of Christ where it had been in storage. The statue will be with the group throughout the assembly. He invited individuals to take pictures with the Luther statue. One might want to take a selfie with it for a possible gift from Starbucks. 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 1

135 There will be some book signing times with Rick Rouse who is the author of the 2016 Fortress Press book for pastors and church leaders, Beyond Church Walls: Cultivating a Culture of Care. Other titles include A Field Guide for the Missional Congregation, Go Make Disciples, and Fire of Grace: The Healing Power of Forgiveness. PRELIMINARY CREDENTIALS REPORT At 2:40 p.m. Bishop Gafkjen invited to the dais the new Assistant to the Bishop for Discipleship and who will be focusing on Lifelong Faith Formation, Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Synod Assembly: Program, and Global Mission: HKBP, for a preliminary report of registration for the 30 th Annual Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly. Registrants as of 2:30 p.m. included 281 registered voting members of which 190 were lay voting members and 91 were clergy voting members. Of the lay voting members 110 were female and 80 were male; of the clergy voting members 28 were female and 63 were male. Secretary Bush indicated to Bishop Gafkjen that the early registration reflected a quorum. Bishop Gafkjen declared that we are officially convened as assembly. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Secretary Judy Bush presented the proposed agenda (Attachment A), including proposed Rules of Assembly on page 4, as recommended for adoption by the Synod Council. Copies of the proposed agenda were available on the website and in the bulletin of reports. There are changes that have been made and are the following: the Bishop s report has been moved to Friday morning, Bishop Suzanne Dillahunt will be the first keynote speaker, the election results for Synod Council positions will be announced after the Bishop s report on Friday morning, constitutional changes will be considered on Saturday morning at 11:35 a.m., the Sending Rite will be moved to 12:15 to allow more time for discussion about budget and constitution changes. On behalf of the Synod Council, Secretary Bush moved the proposed Synod Assembly Agenda as modified be adopted. Bishop Bill stated that the agenda is on the floor, and unless there are any objections we will adopt this agenda for the assembly There being no discussion, it was VOTED: SA/2017/1: that the Synod Assembly agenda recommended by the Indiana- Kentucky Synod Council in SC/2017/24 be adopted. Bishop Gafkjen announced that there were parliamentary procedure charts on the tables for reference and should remain on the tables throughout the assembly. ASSEMBLY COMMITTEES Secretary Bush announced that the Synod Council had appointed the following 2017 Synod Assembly Committees: Conduct of Elections is composed of Rev. Nancy Nyland, Rev. Daniel Fugate, and Rev. Heather Apel. Minutes Committee is composed of Michael Anderson, Rebecca Daum, Rev. Rebecca Grate, Laura Richcreek, Jim Swinford, and Judy Bush, ex officio. Reference and Counsel Committee is composed of Rev. Tim Knauff, chair; Michael Anderson; Rev. Jessica King; Laura Richcreek; Marilyn Saum; and Josh Tatum, Parliamentarian. 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 2

136 Nominating Committee is composed of Rev. Tim Kraemer, chair (Evansville Conference); Rev. Wendy Piano (North Central Conference), Melissa Raley Kratzer (South Central Conference), Rev. Will Peugeot (Lafayette Conference), Dorothy Nevils (Northwest Indiana Conference), Janet Manning (East Central Indiana Conference), Gary Pook (Northeast Conference); Tim Sherrill (Indianapolis Conference), Rev. Sue Socha (Southeast Indiana Conference); and Bob Young (East Kentucky Conference). KEYNOTE PRESENTATION I FORMED IN THE IMAGE OF GOD Bishop Gafkjen invited Bishop Suzanne Dillahunt of the Southern Ohio Synod to the dais. Bishop Gafkjen thanked her profusely for agreeing to give the keynote presentation. Bishop Suzanne is not having a Synod Assembly this year; he expressed gratitude that she is presenting the keynote. He presented her with a gift from the Indiana-Kentucky Synod. Prior to the presentation, Rev. Michael Vinson, Purdue Campus Minister and synod council member, led the assembly in prayer from a floor microphone. Bishop Dillahunt began her remarks, thanking the audience. She brought greetings from Southern Ohio, hi from First Lutheran in Cincinnati. She stated that she would like to bring your hi to summer camp. Then she took a panoramic picture to post on their website. Our assembly is reviewing very familiar themes; Blessed be the Holy Trinity; I believe from the Apostles Creed. Do you see God? We begin with our confession of faith. Imago dei refers to the image of God, relationship between God and Man in Genesis 1: 27, let s make man in our image, God created man in his image. In Peter, we look at the Hebrew word for image shadow, focus on what God does and God s power. Humans are very good, play and sing, look to the future, and love because God loves. There is the age-old rebellion that entices us away from God and we sin. Paul in Ephesians 4:24-32 speaks of putting on new self, according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. In Baptism, we are joined in Christ, reborn, grow in faith love and obedience, and restored to the image of God because of Christ. Paul never mentions our sin without God s grace, nor the restored image of God without mentioning Christ. Christ reforms us, makes the relationship much more than we ever knew. Our theology comes from Romans as Lutherans emphasize grace ; what does this mean? Do you see God in this place? Stand up and say hi to the person behind you. Bishop Dillahunt declared, I saw the image of Christ in you. We see that image in how we act toward one another. In our world today, we have become numb to one another, as illustrated by Facebook posts, which drives behavior. We don t sink to the lowest denominator, illustrated by profanity and name calling becoming the norm. We need to stop it. We need a voice against this kind of behavior. We need to be a voice for the face of God. We need to see the person next to us as a child of God. We may not like the person but have to love them. She called attention to the two questions at your table; put words or phrases on sticky notes that answer the two questions, share with others. She gave 5-6 minutes for the exercise. She stressed the importance to hear one another. Through Christ we have one another. Love one another is mentioned throughout the new testament. We are called to be in the Image of God; forgiveness is the image of God for those who love poorly. Every time we open ourselves to love, we open ourselves to great suffering. The pain of leaving is the outcome of loving. It happens through the power of the Holy Spirit as a result of our baptism. Our gifts cannot reach the full potential without the power of the Holy Spirit. She referred to the Small Catechism, one common true faith, this Christian church is most 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 3

137 certainly true. Learn to be for others, not against them. Formed in the image of God tells us who and whose we are, we are image bearers of God; each reveals an aspect of the image of God. Jesus built a tent, and moved into our neighborhoods. He died a criminal s death on the cross. You are called to be children of God. You can too make a difference. You are part of the Body of Christ and heirs of the kingdom. When we look into baptism, you are God s presence now. She closed with the singing To Be Your Presence. Plenary Devotions Formed in the Image of God were recited, following the worship booklet, page led by the Synod Musicians. NOMINATIONS REPORTS Bishop Gafkjen invited Secretary Judy Bush to the dais. Secretary Bush noted that there are three lay positions open on the Synod Council. Lay Synod Council members represent their conferences, so the conference nominates the individual for the position and there are no nominations from the floor in accordance with the synod constitution. The term is for three years and an individual may serve two consecutive terms. After a six-year period the conference is represented by the opposite gender; i.e., if the conference was represented by a lay male for six years, it would be represented by a lay female for six years. The three open Synod Council Lay Conference Positions and the nominees are the following: Evansville lay male, Larry Johnson Indianapolis lay female, Victoria (Vicky) Carron South Central lay male, Gregory (Shawn) Hall She asked the nominees to stand as their name was called. Pursuant to S no further nominations were permitted from the floor, and the Bishop declared the three individuals elected by acclamation and it, therefore, was VOTED: SA/2017/2: that Larry Johnson, Victoria (Vicky) Carron, and Gregory (Shawn) Hall be declared elected to three-year terms as lay members of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Council. On behalf of the Synod Assembly Nominating Committee, Rev. Tim Kraemer, chair of the Nominating Committee came to the dais and reported. The Nominating Committee has several positions for which it has responsibility for obtaining nominees. For all of the positions for which the Nominating Committee is responsible additional nominations may be made from the floor pursuant to S9.03. There were three Synod Council at-large clergy positions which can be filled by either a male or female and were three-year terms. Individuals nominated for the three Synod Council clergy positions were Rev. Amy J. Beitelschees-Albers, Rev. Jessica King, and Rev. Randy Schroeder. Bishop Gafkjen opened for nominations from the floor. Rev. Jack E. Dixon was nominated. There was one Synod Council at-large position to be filled by a youth who has not reached the age of 18 at the time of election; it is a two-year term and can be filled by either a male or female. Morgan Bodie had been nominated. Bishop Gafkjen opened for nominations from the floor. Noah Smith was nominated. The Synod Vice-President position is open for election. It is a four-year term and may be filled by a male or female. It must be filled be a lay person who is a member of a congregation of the synod. Ted Miller was nominated. 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 4

138 There are two openings on the Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Board, Indiana-Kentucky Corporation Board. One is a clergy position which can be filled by a male or female. The other position is for a lay male position. Both positions are three-year terms. Nominees for the clergy position were Rev. Adam Ruschau and Rev. Richard Hartman. Nominees for the lay male position were Erik Johnson and George Schmalz. There were two positions on the Consultation Committee; one is to be filled by a clergy, male or female, and one by a lay person, either male or female. The positions are six-year terms. There were no nominees for the two Consultation Committee positions. There is one opening on the Discipline Committee. It is a female clergy position and is a six-year term. There was no nominee for that position. There being no additional nominations, Bishop Gafkjen declared the nominations for Synod Council Clergy, Synod Council Youth, Synod Vice-President, and Lutheran Outdoor Ministries board closed. The Synod Council will appoint individuals to the two positions on the Consultation Committee and the position on the Discipline Committee. He announced that those nominated from the floor need to complete and submit a nomination form by 8:00 p.m. tonight. There being no other nominations for Synod Vice-President, Bishop Gafkjen declared Ted Miller elected; therefore, the Synod Assembly by acclamation VOTED: SA/2017/3: that C. Theodore Miller be declared elected to a four-year term as Vice-President of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod. INTRODUCE VOTING DEVICES Bishop Gafkjen provided instruction in using the voting devices. He noted that one needed to press firmly on the choice one was making and to look for a small green light when pressing the button. The group engaged in a practice session answering sample questions. He announced that if one had problems to please take the device to the information booth. REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE SYNOD Secretary Bush reported that the highlight of the year was the Churchwide Assembly in August held in New Orleans. The synod was represented by the voting members that the 2015 Synod Assembly had elected and the officers of the synod. The theme was Freed & Renewed in Christ 500 Years of God s Grace in Action. There were 980 voting members from 65 synods and more than 9,300 congregations. The Churchwide Assembly is the primary decision-making body of the ELCA; the highlight for her were the worship services. Our synod was well represented in leadership roles in the outstanding mid-day worship services; E. Louise Williams preached on Friday, Sr. Nora L. E. Frost was Assisting Minister on Thursday, both Assistants to the Bishop Pastor Heather Apel and Pastor Rudy Mueller were participants in the worship services. Among the legislative actions, the Assembly voted to unify the three lay service rosters into a roster of Ministry of Word and Service; the memorial that was passed by the 2016 Synod Assembly on the repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery was joined with similar memorials from other synods and approved; and the memorial passed by the 2016 Synod Assembly on behalf of a peaceful resolution between Israel and Palestine was also affirmed. A most significant action was the overwhelming approval of the thirty-two agreements of the Declaration on the Way ; another was the approval of the Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 5

139 Representation and Opportunities (AMMPARO) strategy as a whole church response to the migration of children and their families around protection, advocacy, representation and opportunities. The budget for the church was approved and a new vice president elected. There were several changes in both the Synod Constitution and the Model Constitution for Congregations, particularly with the change in unification of the three lay service rosters. Some of constitutional changes were required and those changes in the synod constitution became effective with notification from the ELCA; others will be addressed at this 2017 Synod Assembly. The most impactful impression from the Churchwide Assembly is the spirit of the ELCA under the leadership of Bishop Eaton; it was very inspiring. The synod council acts as the board of directors of the synod and serves as its interim legislative authority between meetings of the Synod Assembly. Members are elected by the Synod Assembly. There are four officers: the bishop, vice president, secretary and treasurer; the bishop serves a six-year term and the other officers serve four-year terms. Additionally, there is one lay member from each of the ten conferences, eight clergy under call, one lay rostered leader, one youth and one young adult member. The adult members serve three-year terms and the youth serves a two-year term. The clergy members, lay rostered leader, youth member, and the young adult member are elected at large by the Synod Assembly upon nomination by the Nominating Committee. Lay members representing conferences are nominated by their conference with no nominations from the Synod Assembly nor from the Nominating Committee. If no persons of color and/or persons whose primary language is other than English are elected to the Synod Council, the Synod Council at its first meeting following the Annual Synod Assembly shall elect to the Synod Council for a three (3) year term up to two (2) lay members to ensure that there are two (2) persons of color and/or persons whose primary language is other than English on the Synod Council. The Indiana-Kentucky Synod Council has met five times since the 2016 Synod Assembly. Meetings were held in September, November, and April over two-day periods beginning on Friday evening through Saturday afternoon. Due to predicted weather conditions, the regularly scheduled meeting in January was changed to an electronic meeting using an application that allowed members to see and hear other participants. Then the council met this morning. Minutes that have been approved are found on the synod website: The minutes of the April meeting were reviewed by the Synod Council this morning, and are available at the Synod Assembly. Also, available on the website are the minutes for recent Synod Assemblies, including the 2016 Synod Assembly. The minutes were in the packet. During the September Synod Council meeting, the council met with the conference deans at the Waycross Conference Center in Morgantown, Indiana, and discussed the Conference Dean Proposal that had been developed in conversations and consultations with the deans. Jim Swinford was elected as a synod council member to serve until the 2017 Synod Assembly. An update on two of the Holy Conversations was provided. The synod Guidelines for Adopting or Amending Congregational Constitutions was amended. Synod Attorney Josh Tatum provided a review of his work as synod attorney. During the synod council meetings in September, November, and April sharing of the Eucharist led by synod council members and/or synod staff occurs. Changes in congregational constitutions have been reviewed by the Congregation Constitution Task Force with action regarding those constitutions reported to the Synod Council. The Indiana-Kentucky Synod Guidelines for Adopting or Amending Congregational Constitutions is available to help congregations when changing their constitutions. It 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 6

140 can be found on the website. Also, during meetings, changes in the status of pastors have been reviewed and/or approved such as on-leave-from call, retirement, or interim assignments. Reports from staff members are shared as well as reports from committees and task forces. The November meeting was held at the Synod office. Changes to the synod constitution were approved for adoption at the 2017 Synod Assembly. The council reviewed the principles from Structured for Mission led by Bishop Gafkjen. During the reports section of the meeting, Bishop Gafkjen reported that the regional coordinator positions would be eliminated as of the end of February. Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Apel reported on her trip to Peru for the ELCA Global Church Consultation for Latin America and Caribbean; she recommended that the Global Mission team in the synod be reengaged. Also, Pastor Heather reported that the theme of the 2017 Synod Assembly would be Formed in the image of God Reformed by the cross of Christ Transformed by the power of the Spirit. She also reported on changes in the format of Synod Assembly. During the business session of the November Synod Council meeting, the forming of a task force to explore the possibility of a congregation behind bars at the Pendleton Correctional Facility was approved. The January Synod Council meeting was held electronically due to weather conditions. Synod Assembly Committees were approved. With Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Rudy Mueller s resignation, a new configuration of synod staff responsibilities was recommended by Bishop Gafkjen. The proposal was to have two full time assistants to the bishop with one being Assistant to the Bishop for Leadership and the other would be Assistant to the Bishop for Discipleship. The general areas of responsibility for the Assistant to the Bishop for Leadership would include Candidacy, First Call Theological Education, Mobility, Call Process, and Congregational Transition, Leadership Support, Global Mission: IELCH. Pastor Heather Apel agreed to assume that position. The Assistant to the Bishop for Discipleship would include the general areas of responsibility of Lifelong Faith Formation, Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Synod Assembly: Program, and Global Mission: HKBP. Another full-time position was recommended, Synod Communications Coordinator with general areas of responsibility to include Synod Communications, Office Management, Synod Assembly: Logistics (including working with our contracted meeting planner). This will be one layperson (not rostered) working full-time. The council approved the bishop s recommendations. Registration fees for the 2017 Synod Assembly were approved. The 2017 Synod Assembly worship offering designations were approved. The Synod Council expressed its appreciation to Marilyn Smith for her service as regional coordinator to the Area 6 region and her service to the synod. During the April Synod Council meeting the proposed Synod Assembly agenda and the proposed Synod Budget was approved for presentation to the Synod Assembly for approval. Bishop Gafkjen is expected to report on the Deans re-visioning process. There was much discussion about the dean s position and restructuring to be more effective in serving the ministerium. As we approached the 30th Annual Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly there was much anticipation for the work of the Spirit as we come together in this the 500th year of the Reformation. The theme is particularly meaningful Formed in the image of God Reformed by the cross of Christ Transformed by the power of the Spirit. 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 7

141 ELCA CHURCHWIDE GREETINGS At 4:10 p.m. Bishop Gafkjen invited Mikka McCracken, Director, ELCA World Hunger Planning and Engagement, to the dais and presented her with a gift from the Indiana-Kentucky Synod. Synod Council member Laura Richcreek led prayer from the floor. Ms. McCracken extended greetings on behalf of Bishop Eaton and all the ELCA staff and began with a word of prayer. She expressed her belief that it is possible to end world hunger. She grew up in northern Minnesota, was adopted in South Korea. Her mother retired as a pastor. She plans to share information about the emphasis, Called Forward Together in Christ. We share a Church together in three expressions congregation, synod, ELCA. What does it mean to be Lutheran, to be ELCA Lutheran? She recalled working on the planning of the assembly in Namibia at the same time that the new Pope was being elected; it led her to think what do we see when we think of Lutherans. She shared the ELCA video (6 minutes) which is available on the ELCA website and answers the question. It is easy to see the mission in our local environments but we are called to bring mission to the world. Being part of the larger church is a way to show what God is calling us together to do. Our church will be going out into our communities during God s Work, Our Hands day in September. Called Forward Together priorities are the following: a thriving church spreading the Gospel and deepening faith for all, a church equipping people for their baptismal vocation, an inviting and welcoming church that reflects and embraces the diversity of our communities and the gifts and opportunities that diversity brings, a visible church deeply committed to working ecumenically and with other people of faith for justice, peace and reconciliation in communities and around the world, and a well-governed, connected and sustainable church. The gap between congregations and available pastors is becoming huge doubling from 2017 to As we look to the future, it is helpful to look at our history with the formation of the ELCA in The development led to the Campaign for the ELCA, Always Being Made New in year 25 which is a five-year campaign. God doesn t need our money but God s work needs our money. Mission support of $1.8 billion is given to congregations, then $760,000 to the ELCA from the Indiana-Kentucky Synod; the mission support makes sixty-five percent of the support for ELCA. As of this year sixty-seven percent of the goal for the Campaign for the ELCA has been raised; each synod supports the campaign differently. There are 384 new ministries currently under development, three in our synod Roots of Life in Noblesville, IN, Shalom International Ministry with Salem Lutheran Church, and Christ Lutheran Chapel in Elizabethtown, KY. There are one hundred fifty congregations in renewal, four in our synod; she credited DEM Rev. Nancy Nyland for the renewal work in the Indiana-Kentucky Synod. The lift up leaders program is supporting five in this synod. All are called to lift up leaders. We continue to train and send missionaries. The YAGM, Young Adults in Global Mission, is sending out young adults each year. The Campaign also supports Global Ministries and International Women Leaders. Do more about poverty and hunger thank you for gifts to world hunger, $21.9 million given to World Hunger this past year. There are resources in over 60 countries with 347 projects in the United States, with one at Faith in Avon, Indiana. She invited individuals to join her at the Spark Talks. She also mentioned Lutheran Disaster Response, support of AMMPARO to accompany migrant minors. She also mentioned Chris Burnette who is the regional gift planner for the synod. She noted that these are times of great challenges but also of great opportunities. 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 8

142 What does ELCA mean to you? She expressed hope the group would remember these stories and her story as to why she is so passionate. She was adopted from South Korea at 6 months, met her birth father at age of 12, and found she was the youngest of 5 sisters. Her birth father was a rice farmer; he was required to have a boy to pass on wealth. What are the systems that keep poor folk poor? Our call is more than service. It is a both/and paradox. Faith compels us to address problems of either/or and move to both/and. We believe it is possible to end world hunger. We have the foundation of Here I stand, I can do no other. We are Called Forward Together in Christ. In closing, she expressed a big thank you for your work and ministry. Bishop Gafkjen thanked her for her message and noted that his children were born in South Korea also. Bishop Gafkjen made the following announcements: Any floor nominees must complete and submit nomination form by 8:00 p.m. tonight. Forms are available at the Information Desk. Visit Mission Fest between now and dinner, or check into hotel. Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. There will be a buffet line in Ballrooms D/E (just off the main lobby). Resolutions with 50 signatures are due to the dais in convention hall by 5:00 p.m. Please take all your materials with you and exit the room quickly so the staff can prepare for dinner. Tomorrow morning there is an 8:30 a. m. start time. At dinner, we will not call you to attention for a group prayer before the meal. Once you have a gathering of folks at your table, please say grace among yourselves and begin eating. Tonight, is a Made New for Mission Banquet, recognizing those in ministry for a number of years, as well as recognizing anniversaries of congregations. MADE NEW FOR MISSION BANQUET: Celebrating Leaders and Ministries of the Past, Present and Future At 6:30 p.m. the Synod Assembly gathered for the Made New for Mission Banquet in Ballroom ABC of the Northern Kentucky Convention Center. Bishop Gafkjen called the meeting to order at 7:15; he recalled being elected bishop in this room and recalled the support of the Northern Kentucky Convention Staff. He shared an experience of recognizing the Ministers of Word and Service and thanked them for their ministries. He expressed that the ministries working together can be a positive view of the future. A Welcome Rite to the Roster of the Ministry of Word and service was conducted. The names of the deacons were displayed on the large screens and Bishop Gafkjen invited those deacons present to join him at the font. He presided at the rite. Bishop thanked the assembly for recognizing the deacons. Bishop Gafkjen then called to the dais Rev. Ronald M. Haseley and Deacon E. Louise Williams; each were recognized for fifty years since ordination or being commissioned. He spoke about the accomplishments and recognitions of each one personally. Then the following were recognized for twenty-five years since ordination: Rev. Martin E. Bornhoeft and Rev. Stephen P. Flynn who is part of the worship band, Rev. Richard L. Hartman, and Rev. William M. Bucher. Those not able to be present were Hartman and Bucher. A group photo was taken of the honorees and each was presented a certificate. Linda Doerge, president of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Women of the ELCA, spoke. Exciting was how she would describe the work of the Women of the ELCA. The clusters have focused on the human sex and labor trafficking. She spoke about the biennial conference and spoke about the work of the 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 9

143 women s groups. She thanked all those who support the Women of the ELCA. She stated that working together we can make a real difference in the lives of women, children and faithful. Bishop Gafkjen thanked her for her faithful service and the good work of the group recognizing that people are not for sale. Bishop Gafkjen read the names of those celebrating more than fifty years since ordination. Those celebrating fifty-five years of faithful service were Rev. J. Patrick Flynn, Rev. Daniel L. Hamlin, Rev. David P. Kahlenberg, Rev. John B. Pannkuk, Jr. and Rev. Thomas D. Richards. Rev. V. Mack Goeglein and Rev. Frederick W. Pfotenhauer were celebrating sixty years since ordination; Rev. Paul E. Hinrichs and Sister Rose Ann Kraus were celebrating sixty-five years since ordination and being commissioned. Rev. Patrick Flynn was present and Bishop Gafkjen asked him to stand. Bishop Gafkjen invited members present from congregations celebrating significant milestones to come stand in front of the dais. He read church names and handed out certificates. Calvary Lutheran Church in Cromwell, Indiana, was celebrating 150 years. St. John s Lutheran Church in Otwell, Indiana, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Bellevue, Kentucky, and Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Richmond, Indiana, all were celebrating 125 years of service. St. Andrew s Lutheran Church, in Indianapolis (Speedway), Indiana, was celebrating 75 years of ministry. Cross and Crown Lutheran Church of Indianapolis, Indiana, Lutheran Church of the Cross, Muncie, Indiana, and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Mulberry, Indiana, were celebrating 50 years of service. They did a photo of the group. Bishop Gafkjen introduced those new to Indiana-Kentucky Synod roster since last year s assembly and first-call candidates in the Indiana-Kentucky Synod. Those listed were Rev. Evangeline Anderson-Rajkumar, St. Peter s and Gethsemane, Corydon, Indiana; Rev. Ronald Barnett, retired, Valparaiso, Indiana; Rev. Benjamin Groth, Chaplain, Berea College, Berea, Kentucky; Joy Heine, seminary graduate awaiting call (Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago), Creighton Leptak, seminary graduate awaiting call (Trinity Lutheran Seminary); Rev. James Lichtenberger, retired, W. Lafayette, Indiana; Rev. Matthew Masko, Holy Trinity, New Castle, Indiana; Rev. Ellen Mills, on leave from call, Bloomington, Indiana; Rev. Emmanuel Penumaka, Trinity, Lebanon, Indiana; and Rev. Leah Schade, professor, Lexington Theological Seminary, Lexington, Kentucky. He thanked all those new to the synod for coming to join us. Bishop Gafkjen noted it is special to recognize those who have served for an extended period and those beginning their ministry. He recalled that he was only thinking about playing sports when he was called to office and asked to preach. He was encouraged by those who believed in him and saw his gifts. He encouraged those in the assembly to use their energy to see the gifts in others and encourage them. COMMEMORATION OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED Bishop Gafkjen led the Remembrance of the Faithful Departed liturgy. Those remembered included Bernie Augenstein (Synod Council member), Deacon Christine Bauer, Rev. Loyal Bishop, Rev. Max Blankenburg, Rev. Richard Dunning, Rev. Reuben Evenson, Rev. Vernon Graham, Melissa Hayes (seminarian), Rev. Clark Hobby, Rev. Samuel Klopfer, Rev. Elizabeth Nickel, Rev. Arlington Dutch Rehrig, Rev. Robert Schrack, Rev. David Seifert, Rev. David Stephey, Margaret Young (wife of Pr. Ed Young) and Terry Michael (faithful volunteer of the assembly). Members of the assembly also lighted additional candles in remembrance of loved ones. 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 10

144 Friday, June 2, 2017 PLENARY SESSION II KEYNOTE PRESENTATION 2 REFORMED IN THE CROSS OF CHRIST Bishop Gafkjen called the session to order at 8:30 a.m. He thanked the musicians for leading the devotions. The devotions were entitled REFORMED in the cross of Christ, page 18 of the worship booklet. He then invited Beth A. Lewis to the dais recalling his first meeting with Beth; she is the President & CEO of 1517 Media, the ministry of publishing of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Media is the parent organization for Augsburg Fortress, Fortress Press and Sparkhouse. Bishop Gafkjen noted that she is responsible for leading Augsburg into the future. He then provided her with a gift from the Indiana-Kentucky Synod. Prayer from a floor microphone was led by Rev. Vicki Garber, member of the ELCA church council. Ms. Lewis said it is good to be home. She noted that she was raised in Faith Lutheran Church of Lexington, Kentucky. She offered to send the slides of her presentation to those who request. She showed some surviving manuscripts that date from the 15th century. A scribe in a monastery could copy about 2 high quality pages per week. Records in a German monastery show that one 1272 page Bible took two scribes 5 years ( ) to complete. The printing press with movable type was invented by Guttenberg in the mid-15 th century. He was a tinker and inventor but in many ways, he took items that had existed for many centuries and adapted them. He found that parchment could not stand up to the printing press. He crafted small bits of metal to form letters, etc. He invented wooden storage boxes. What did he print to begin indulgences. It wasn t until 1504 that the Bible was printed. The printing press was an extraordinary leap forward. In the first year 180 Bibles were produced. Martin Luther first started by criticizing indulgences. Over 2500 of Luther s works were printed between 1518 and 1544, twenty percent of all pamphlets were Luther s during the first three decades of the 16 th century, and 3.1 million copies of Luther s works were in circulation between 1516 and How are we called to reform the church by using today s version of moveable type presses. Today s media includes twitter, snapchat, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram. She encouraged the use of smart phones in worship. A favorite way to create intergenerational ministry is by using technology. She showed a smart phone in a pew holder and showed a statement that stated the following: We ask you to please silence your cellular devices. But feel free to check in on Facebook.com/firstlutherch and tweet your favorite sermon She showed a picture of an elderly lady in a rocking chair looking at a video on her smartphone; my favorite idea for using video in worship. There is resistance to change. We must change to reach our children and grandchildren. In 1990, we had about 1 million in ELCA Sunday School/Weekly Faith Formation; in 2015 that number had dropped to about 200,000. We must change; what we are doing is not working. Sparkhouse Family provides for families with small children. They are providing a kids one-year Bible Story reading plan for children. Like Luther, as we reform we must always point to the cross of Christ recognizing that we are loved through God s grace and therefore called to love & serve our neighbors. No exceptions. She shared a quote by Wendell Berry: The Christian gospel is a summons to peace, calling for justice beyond anger, mercy beyond justice, forgiveness beyond mercy, love beyond forgiveness. 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 11

145 She showed several examples of the use of social media in illustrating the programs in the synod. Shown was the B.U.I.L.D program in Lexington, Building a United Interfaith Lexington through Direct Action; GoTeams at come2go ministries in Fort Wayne; Servants of Christ Lutheran Church, where Wade Apel pastors, children have a safe place to sleep in the Indy area; reforming tradition of serving others such as Lutheran Child and Family Services. She mentioned programs and services in the synod, helping people enjoy life: I. U. Rose House/Campus Ministry rent-a-puppy; Crawfordsville free water well for hikers; band refurbishment in Grace Lutheran Church in Elkhart, Indiana; Harstad Fine Arts Series at Faith Lutheran Church, Lexington, Kentucky. She quoted Wendell Berry again, As I have read the Gospels over the years, the belief has grown in me that Christ did not come to found an organized religion but came instead to found an unorganized one. He seems to have come to carry religion out of the temples into the fields and sheep pastures, onto the roadsides and the banks of the rivers, into the houses of sinners and publicans, into the town and the wilderness, toward the membership of all that is here. She called attention to Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church in Kendallville, Indiana. Mt. Pleasant is an open country church who was feeling called to a ministry to the children in the neighboring town (Kendallville). They took a risk, purchased an abandoned LCMS church building in town and now have Apple Tree Center which houses a pre-school, after-school program, as well as other programming. Congregations bemoan the lack of resources. Grace and Glory, Goshen, Kentucky, has an amazing community food pantry which reflects generosity in a deep and profound way. This small congregation worshiping around people organizes, host and manages a food pantry that serves many families, 1154 in March. Who says small congregations can't have vibrant ministries? People from the community partner as volunteers and other individuals, organizations and churches contribute to the food pantry. They hold a farm to table meal each year as a fund raiser (so much per plate) and they also invite patrons of the food pantry (free meal). They have an amazing story about an outside walk-in cooler that was donated complete with delivery and installation by the Louisville company who sells the coolers. It was indeed the work of the Spirit. They also have a horse farm ministry, created back pack ministry and want to expand to a Spanish language ministry; She closed by stating, May God bless you as you reform your ministry for the sake of the world! and stating thank you Indiana-Kentucky Synod. She left the assembly with her contact information. TREASURER S REPORT AND MISSION PLAN (BUDGET) PRESENTATION Bishop Gafkjen announced that the offering on Thursday was $2, The offering is designated for Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA s 2017 focus area: Global Church. This ministry supports Missionaries, Young Adults in Global Mission, Global Ministries, and International Women Leaders. At 9:30 a.m. treasurer Chris Walda and Indiana-Kentucky Synod Finance Committee Chair Paul Trickel were invited to the dais for the treasurer s report and the Mission Plan (Budget) presentation. Synod Treasurer Chris expressed gratitude to our congregations for making the financial contributions to support our common mission in the Indiana-Kentucky Synod and beyond. He reported that Mission Support for fiscal year was $1,768,000 which was $68,000 above the budget and $2,000 greater than the previous year. Mission Support for the current fiscal year, from February through April has been $358,646 which is $79,000 less than budget. Mission Investment Fund Synod Financial Services 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 12

146 has provided the following services for the synod: cash receipts, accounts payable, payroll with a separate vendor, journal entries, financial reporting, and the annual financial audit. The arrangement with the MIF SFS is not going to be continued. The Finance Committee will have to make decisions regarding the services that were being provided by MIF SFS. The decisions are the selecting the accounting system software, identifying a payroll solution, determine the best way to handle monthly accounting duties, and selecting an auditor. Treasurer Walda continued and reported on the endowment; the current endowment balance is $4,730,000; the June 2016 endowment balance was $4,100,000. Funds from the endowment are focused on the following areas: outreach of $120,000, candidacy of $62,000, synod operations of $33,000, and continuing education of $5,200. The budget proposal for fiscal year was presented by Finance Committee chair Paul Trickel. Paul noted that he would share pictures of his vacation to his home in Montana which he loves and he also loves our theme Formed, Reformed, Transformed. He tied the theme into the budget presentation. Formed is the notation that the budget before you is centered in ministry and not finances; but with the understanding that your generosity in Spirit, involvement and financial treasures are all needed to support our ministry. Under the frame work of Reformed we ll discuss changes to the budget related to sources of financial support and Transformed provides the perfect lens for looking at the impact of your generosity! Paul noted that the projection for Mission Support for the previous three years was $1.7 million. Mission Support came in at $1.768 million for FY (ending January 31, 2017). The budget projection of Mission Support for FY is set for $1.75 million and the proposed Mission Support for FY is $1.775 million. Paul then shared some slides from his boyhood home of Montana and commented, When you think of God forming the Earth, what do you think of: God s hands molding the land, sea and sky or Do you picture God imagining it, as only God can, and the Earth taking shape. I struggle to understand the depths of God s ability to imagine, create and bring to life, but for me Montana helps increase my awareness of God s limitlessness. He then shared the Sources of Income for the Formed aspect of the budget. They were the following: Mission Support $1,775,000 Endowment Earnings $220,100 Fees and Registration $123,750 New Church Starts $138,000 Churchwide $44,800 Council Designated $98,100 He related the Budget Changes to the Reformed aspect of the budget. The changes in the proposed budget are the following: Increase in Mission Support, Other Income Decreases, Increasing Shared Mission Support, and Decreasing Synod Expenditures. In terms of transforming the world, Paul related the proposed expenditures for work in the Indiana-Kentucky Mission Territory. The amounts are as follows: FY $1.59 million, FY $1.62 million, FY $1.47 million, FY $1.68 million (budgeted), and FY $1.63 million (proposed budget). In terms of transforming the world through Mission Support to the wider church, he related the following figures: FY $889,830 (52%), FY $918,701 (52%), FY $732,211 (43%), FY $752,500 (43% budgeted), and FY $763,250 (43% proposed budget). 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 13

147 He summarized the presentation of the proposed budget for FY with the following figures: Projected Mission Support from congregations will be $1.775, the Shared Mission Support with churchwide will remain at 43%, the Total Budget expenditures and income will be $2.4 million, and the budget may be seen as Forming, Reforming and Transforming our Mission Territory and World-Wide Ministries. He closed by asking for questions from the assembly; there were none. Bishop Gafkjen thanked both treasurer Chris Walda and Finance Chair Paul Trickel for their missional perspective in their work and for their dedication. UPDATED CREDENTIALS REPORT AND GENERAL ELECTION Bishop Gafkjen invited Rev. Daniel Fugate to the dais. Pastor Fugate reported that as of 9:40 a.m. there were 385 registered, 331 were voting members and 54 were visitors. Of the voting members 34 percent or 114 were clergy and 66 percent or 217 were lay voting members. Of the clergy 40 were female and 74 were male; of the lay voting members 127 were female and 90 were male Bishop Gafkjen mentioned that book signing by Rick Rouse was available in the Mission Fest. Bishop Gafkjen asked that the voting members use their electronic devices for voting for the three at-large clergy positions on Synod Council and for the youth position on Synod Council. Rev. Will Smith led prayer from the floor microphone. After prayer, individuals voted. MISSION UPDATE: REPORT OF BISHOP WILLIAM O. GAFKJEN Here is Bishop Gafkjen s report. Perhaps you have noticed the Trinitarian movement of our trifold assembly theme. It fits with the spirit of the 500 th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. It was highlighted beautifully in our opening worship yesterday. It also aligns with the concern that many of us have in this anniversary year to reacquaint ourselves with confessional writings that emerged in the years following Martin Luther s tacking some ideas for discussion on the public bulletin board otherwise known as the door of the Wittenberg castle church. For my part, I have been spending more time with Martin Luther s Small Catechism. In that spirit, portions of Luther s explanation of the three movements of the Apostles Creed will come together with our assembly theme to shape the comments that I ll share with you over the next few minutes. We are formed in the image of God. We believe that God has created us together with all that exists. God has given us and still preserves our body and soul: eyes, ears, and all limbs and senses; reason and all mental faculties. In addition, God daily and abundantly provides all the necessities and nourishment for this body and life without any merit or worthiness of ours at all! For all of this we owe it to God to thank and praise, serve and obey him. This is most certainly true. Usually, when we hear or recite these words from Luther, we think individually, we each think about our own body, our own life, and the way God provides for and nourishes us. For the next few minutes, I invite you to also think about the body as Christ s body, the church. Picture all of us together across this territory and the life we share as the ears and eyes, limbs and senses, of Jesus, crucified and risen. As I move through this first year of my second set of six years as your bishop, I am profoundly aware of the many ways in which our creating, creative God supplies what we need to do what God calls us to do and be not just for me to serve faithfully as your bishop, but for all of us to work together as followers of Jesus across this territory. I am moved daily to give thanks and praise for God s amazing 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 14

148 generosity often while I am driving to or from a meeting or worship or conversation with you, the leaders, people and faith communities of this synod. I thank God for sterling staff members who reflect God s generosity in the way they give of themselves. I mentioned each of them in my written report (which I know you have read, studied, and inwardly digested by now), but I want to again name them and thank them, and ask you to thank them, here. First, are three gracious souls who left your synod staff since last assembly: Leslie French (parttime Synod Communicator, now serving as Administrative Assistant for King of Glory, Carmel, IN), Pastor Rudy Mueller (Assistant to the Bishop, now serving as Interim Pastor for Pilgrim, Carmel, IN), and Deacon Marilyn Smith (Region 6, now serving as Interim Minister for Risen Lord, Bargersville, IN). I also thank God that God daily and abundantly provides for this ministry we engage together through your synod staff members, new and continuing, who serve generously and graciously through significant transition and with shifting roles (Please stand and wave so we can thank you): April Lynch, my administrative assistant and data base manager; Sylvia Ore, administrative support for Heather Apel and for our financial management; Carol Webb, administrative support for Nancy Nyland, Jerry O Neal, and Dan Fugate; Pastor Heather Apel, whose role will change to Assistant to the Bishop for Leadership ( as she lets go of some responsibilities and picks up others, like call process, interim ministry, first call, and other leadership support and development concerns); Pastor Jerry O Neal, full time as pastor for Holy Trinity, Muncie, IN, part time Synod Director for Stewardship and Mission Support; Pastor Nancy Nyland, Director for Evangelical Mission; Chris Burnette, Gift Planner for the ELCA Foundation, Southern Ohio Synod, and this synod; Stephanie Dillon, our contracted meeting planner who works with our staff and with venue staff to make sure everything is as it needs to be for the assemblies; Tom Dearchs, our new Synod Communicator (who also is responsible for office coordination, synod assembly logistics, and synod worship); Pastor Dan Fugate, our new Assistant to the Bishop for Discipleship (which includes youth, young adult, lifelong faith formation, synod assembly programming, and our relationship with the HKBP, our companion church in Indonesia). Thanks to Pr. Karen Husby, Pr. Judy Follis, Tom White, and Linda Witte-Henke for being pinch hitters to provide interim synod ministries in various ways after Rudy Mueller left our staff in January. They ve been hitting it out of the ballpark during the time of transition in staffing. Also among the necessities and nourishment that God abundantly provides for the body of Christ and for our life together across this synod are the members of the synod council, synod committees and teams, and conference deans, including your officers, Vice President Ted Miller, Secretary Judy Bush, and Treasurer Chris Walda. If you are on Synod Council or are a Conference Dean or serve on any synod committee, task force or team, please stand and wave so we can acknowledge you and give thanks to God for you. Churchwide staff and ELCA Council and Conference of Bishops are also part of the provision and nourishment God provides for us; some of each are with us this weekend. God has given us a wide web of partners in this work. We are fed by their partnership and our work is multiplied when we engage it together. Among them, Bishop Suzanne Dillahunt (Southern Ohio Synod), Mikka McCracken (ELCA Churchwide, Director for World Hunger ministry), Pastor Vicki Garber (ELCA Church Council for a little longer, at least). And I give thanks and praise to our creating, creative God for you, dear sisters and brothers. I thank God and you for your amazing generosity in sharing mission support which continues to increase, at least a bit, year by year, nourishing and multiplying the mission and ministry that we do 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 15

149 together and spreading it across and far beyond the two states in which we live to bless hundreds, thousands of others that none of us could reach alone. I also praise God and thank you for your willingness to take risks, to extend beyond familiar habits and comfortable ways of being church, and to entrust yourselves to the promises of God that we will find new, abundant, and lasting life when we follow the way of the cross in giving ourselves away. I am nourished and inspired by your bright witness. Please stand, every one of you, and let s thank and praise God for daily and abundantly providing the nourishment and necessities for this body and our life. While you re standing, let s sing the Doxology together... We are also reformed in the cross of Christ. We believe that Jesus Christ is our Lord. He has redeemed us he has purchased and freed us from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil with his holy, precious blood and with his innocent suffering and death. He has done all this in order that we may belong to him, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in eternal righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as he is risen from the dead and lives and rules eternally. This is most certainly true. These continue to be very difficult and challenging times for many of us, in the world and in our life together as church. We are still trying to figure out how to be God s people in this new day. We can t find solutions to the biggest challenges we face together. We try to face our fears and embrace new and unfamiliar, even awkward, realities, but the temptation to retreat, to retrench, to resist is often too strong to overcome. We seek certainty and try to find refuge in isms of all kinds, political, theological, and churchy (or ecclesial), dogmas that we cling to and fling at each other, in the world and in our life together as church. And all too often we end up yelling at each other across great divides, questioning the motives and morals of others, blaming those who are different from us, as we insist on creating the world or the church in our own image. When James and John, the sons of thunder, expressed something of this posture in requesting to sit on either side of Jesus when he came into power, Jesus said, in essence, It might be like that among the power brokers in the world, but it shall not be so among you. We are, after all, re-formed in the cross of Christ. As our deep Reformation anniversary dialogues with our Roman Catholic sisters and brothers have reminded us, this significant anniversary year of the Protestant Reformation is a time to move from conflict to communion. This is a time to move beyond the shouting, and accusing, and footstomping and to refocus on the living gospel, the stunning, reconciling, resurrecting good news that in Christ God has reconciled the world to God s very self and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. This is a time to be recaptured by the good news, re-formed in the cross of Christ, and to share it and look for it and welcome it in unexpected places and through every person, especially those who differ or are different from us. After all, sisters and brothers, our unity is in Christ the Lord, crucified and risen. It s not in any perspective or politics or theology or tradition. It s no wonder that the ancient apostle Paul said in 1 st Peter: Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind It is for this that you were called that you might inherit [and be] a blessing. We have lots of hard work, challenging conversations, difficult decisions ahead of us on this wilderness road we travel together. There are and will be times when the challenges will threaten to rip the fabric of our life together, in local faith communities or across this synod. 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 16

150 But, we are able to walk this way together because Jesus Christ is our Lord. We belong to him, every one of us and all of us, and all of those who are not currently among us. We live under Christ, crucified and risen. We abide in his reign (not ours or anyone else s). And, in the power of the Spirit we seek, together, to serve the crucified and risen Christ, as elder brother Martin put it, in righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, entrusting ourselves and others to the power of his resurrection. And along the way, we are transformed in the power of the Spirit. We believe that by our own understanding or strength we cannot believe in Jesus Christ our Lord or come to him, but instead the Holy Spirit has called us through the gospel, enlightened us with his gifts, made us holy, and kept us in the true faith, just as he calls, gathers, enlightens, and makes holy the whole Christian church on earth and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one common, true faith This is most certainly true. Transformation deep, life-giving change is the work of the Spirit. And it often begins with a renewal of our own hearts, our own conversion. Do you recall the very first of Martin Luther s 95 Theses? Our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, in saying Repent, wanted the entire life of the faithful to be one of repentance. The transformation of the Spirit begins with repentance, which a reflection of the transformation our own hearts, as individuals and as communities of faith. The Spirit turns us away from what is self-centered or inwardly turned, and turns us outward, as individuals and as faith communities, toward the other, toward those who have been excluded or lost or denigrated or harmed or who are desperate for a word of hope. And in that way, we are transformed to serve God and love neighbor, entrusting ourselves and our world to the promise of new, abundant, and lasting life, the joy on the other side that compelled Jesus to endure the cross and calls us to follow. Okay, here it comes, Isaiah 43:19: I am about to do a new thing, even now it springs forth; do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness, waters in the desert. Why does God promise this? Why does God s Spirit transform us? Isaiah 43:20 gives a hint: So that the people whom I formed for myself might declare my praise. Formed in God s image, we are reformed in the cross of Christ, and transformed in the power of the Spirit to declare God s praise. This transformation that we pray for and work toward is not tinkering for tinkering s sake. Not so any of us can get our way. Not even so we or our institutions or communities will survive. God s Spirit works God s way in us so that God will have effective witnesses to God s goodness and grace in this troubled, often graceless world. God needs a people to declare God s praise. That would include those of us marked with the cross of Christ and sealed with the Spirit. Many new things are rising among us, sisters and brothers, as we walk in the Spirit s way of transformation and new life, with our eyes fixed on the cross of Christ. I d like to finish up by highlighting three synodical transformations that are emerging and one local: Connect: A growing cadre of congregations (21) whose leaders are making the significant, multiyear commitments to learning with other congregations about how the Spirit works transformation and then leading their congregations in welcoming deep and adaptive change for the sake of the gospel. Change in deans role toward a stronger, clearer focus on empowering, equipping, and encouraging the rostered leaders in their conferences. These are difficult and challenging days for rostered ministers. We need to keep finding ways to support and accompany one another and to hold each other accountable to the good news of Jesus. This change in the role of deans will help us to do 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 17

151 that. In fact, this change is a concrete result of our Holy Conversations process and multiple and deep conversations among deans, synod council, synod staff and others for the better part of the last three years. This change will also give us time, a year and more, of discernment about other parts of the conference system and how we tend to relationships among congregations and the relationships between congregations and other local ministries with the synod council and the office of the bishop for the sake of the gospel. LHS@CTS: The emerging Lutheran House of Studies at Christian Theological Seminary is a way to provide solid theological education and formation that is close to home and rooted in this territory for the whole spectrum of leadership, lay worship leaders, synodically authorized ministers, candidates for rostered ministry (including those in Theological Education for Emerging Ministries), and all members of congregations across the synod. In complementarity and partnership with our ELCA seminaries and for the sake of the gospel. CTS s soon to be interim president, Bill Kincaid, and Pastor Rob Saler, who has been a key leader in establishing the LHS, are here with us to talk in more detail with you about this exciting new thing God is doing among us for the sake of the good news of Jesus. New Hope, Monticello, IN: In the midst of struggle and concern about their future as a congregation, these good folks have realized that in some ways their building has become more burden than blessing. After a strong vote to stay together as a congregation, they are now in deep discernment about what it means to be a church without walls that they may continue to be a people who keep singing God s praise. In his book, Martin Luther: An Ecumenical Perspective, Roman Catholic Cardinal Walter Kasper references the story about Martin Luther s alleged assertion that If I knew that the world would end tomorrow, I would still plant a little apple tree today. Cardinal Kasper then shares some thoughts about ecumenical relationships. What he says also applies to the Spirit s work of transformation, so I have replaced references to ecumenism with transformation in this quote: On November 1, 2009, I was allowed to plant a little linden tree in the newly erected Luther garden in Wittenberg. [By the way, we also have an Indiana-Kentucky Synod tree in that same garden.] As a return gift, the Lutherans planted, during the term of my successor, a small olive tree at the Roman Basilica of St. Paul Outside-the-Walls. Whoever plants a sapling has hope, but also needs patience. The sapling must, for a start, grow deeply and establish deep roots so that it can withstand unfavorable storms. We also have to go ad fontes [back to the sources] and ad radices [back to the roots]. Spiritual [transformation] requires joint reading of Scripture and common prayer. On the other hand, the sapling must grow tall and stretch heavenwards to the light. We cannot make [transformation] nor engineer or violently force [transformation]. [Transformation] is a gift of God s Holy Spirit. We ought not think too little of his power, or throw in the towel too soon and give up hope before its time. God s Spirit, which has begun the work of [transformation], will also lead it to its conclusion, a [transformation] not as we want it to be, but rather as [God] wants it. Finally, the sapling must grow broadly so that the birds of heaven can nest in its branches (see Matt 13: 32), that is, so that all [people] can find a place under it and in its shade. We must allow [transformation] in the form of a great, reconciled diversity, [multi-dimensional], and open for all people of goodwill [that we may] give common witness to God and [God s] mercy. [Cardinal Walter Kasper, Martin Luther: An Ecumenical Perspective, Kindle loc. 611] 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 18

152 Sisters and brothers, we are that sapling, planted and nourished by God s Spirit, and growing broad branches to provide cool and hospitable shade for all people in witness to the forming, reforming, transforming God whose praise we sing. Thank you for your partnership and companionship on this amazing journey, sisters and brothers. And thanks be to God. Vice President Miller confirmed that the tree planted for the synod is growing, having recently visited Wittenberg. REPORT OF ELECTIONS COMMITTEE Rev. Heather Apel of the elections committee began her report of the results of the first ballot for election to Synod Council (clergy) Synod Council Clergy (three vacant positions) Number of Votes Cast 317 Number needed for election 159 Rev. Amy Beitelschees-Albers 231 Rev. Jack Dixon 142 Rev. Jessica King 228 Rev. Randy Schroeder 238 Bishop Gafkjen declared that the Synod Assembly VOTED: SA/2017/4: that Pastors Amy Beitelschees-Albers, Jessica King and Randy Schroeder were elected to three-year terms on the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Council. Rev. Heather Apel of the elections committee reported the results of the first ballot for election to Synod Council Youth Synod Council Youth (one vacant position) Number of Votes Cast 299 Number needed for election 150 Morgan Bodie 126 Noah Smith 173 Bishop Gafkjen declared that the Synod Assembly VOTED: SA/2017/5: that Noah Smith was elected to a two-year term on the Indiana- Kentucky Synod Council. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTIONS FROM REFERENCE AND COUNSEL COMMITTEE Bishop Gafkjen invited Pastor Tim Knauff, chair of the Reference and Counsel Committee, to the dais for discussion of the resolutions. Pastor Knauff reviewed the role of the Reference and Counsel Committee. That role is to help the assembly in understanding the resolutions. The committee works with those submitting the resolution to assure that any revisions are in keeping with the intent of those submitting the resolution. There is only one resolution: Resolution R-01-17, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, submitted by the Evansville Conference. Pastor Tim read the resolution. 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 19

153 CHRISTIAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY: LUTHERAN HOUSE OF STUDIES Bishop Gafkjen invited Rev. Dr. Bill Kincaid, interim president of Christian Theological Seminary to the dais. He noted that Dr. Kincaid was on the verge of becoming president of CTS. Rev. Dr. Kincaid extended greetings, and stated that he was delighted to be with you. Additionally, he said that he was excited to partner with you through the Lutheran House of Studies and was especially grateful to Bishop Gafkjen and Dr. Saler. He noted that there was a table in the Mission Fest and encouraged individuals to stop by. He stated, We are committed to you, and have courses taught by Lutheran theologians. They continue to offer courses of interests. Some may start with a few courses at CTS and then go on to a Lutheran seminary. He shared pictures of those in study at locations throughout the world and noted that we nourish and prepare Christian leaders. He expressed the hope that we continue to talk. He closed by stating that you have my prayers and best wishes. BREAK FOR SPARK TALKS, MISSION FEST, REFRESHMENTS At 10:50 a.m. Bishop Gafkjen made the following announcements: Buffet lunch will begin at 12:30 in Ballroom D/E Refreshments available now outside Ballroom Each Spark Talk will be given twice, 11:00-11:30 and 11:45-12:15 You can also visit Mission Fest between now and start of afternoon plenary session, which will resume at 1:45 p.m. here in Ballroom ABC. He then dismissed the attendees to the Spark Talks. The Spark Talks were the following: Putting Faith into Action for Justice: Formed, Reformed and Transformed led by The Rev. Dr. Leah D. Schade, Assistant Professor of Preaching and Worship at Lexington Theological Seminary; How Might Your Congregation Observe Reformation 500? led by Beth Lewis, President & CEO for 1517 Media; Transforming Relationships for Youth Ministry led by Rev. Daniel Fugate, Assistant to the Bishop, I-K Synod; Stories from Shared Ministries led by Rev. Nancy Nyland, I-K Synod Director for Evangelical Mission, and participants in area ministry conversations in I-K Synod; The Next 500: Toward a just world where all are fed led by Mikka McCracken, ELCA World Hunger Director for Planning and Engagement; Connect led by members of the I-K Synod Renewing Mission Table; and 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering led by Deacon Julie Peralta. PLENARY SESSION II, CONTINUED At 1:45 p.m. Bishop Gafkjen introduced Pastor Dan Fugate. He is the new Assistant to the Bishop for Discipleship. His general areas of responsibility include Lifelong Faith Formation, Youth and Young Adult Ministry. He also introduced Tom Dearchs who has been leading devotions. His job description is a most complicated title synod communicator, office coordinator, manager, and liaison to worship life. He will be working with logistics of the Synod Assembly. PORTICO UPDATE Bishop Gafkjen invited Rev. Cathy Schibler, Portico Benefits regional representative, to the dais. He introduced her and stated that she a real joy, that it is great to meet with new and old friends. She shared a video from Portico which focused thinking of wellbeing from whole person perspective and preparing for retirement. She summarized that Portico is here to serve church leaders so they can serve 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 20

154 others. She also referred to the brochure, What it would be like if Martin Luther was a financial planner. She encouraged individuals to stop by and pick one up of the brochures. TIME OF VOICE Pastor Marty Hampton of Faith Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, said thank you. We are a congregation of transformational ministry. Your gifts make a difference. They are providing a Wednesday evening service to the community. Rev Rob Abner of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bryant, Indiana, stated that small churches do much. They have a global food bank and have raised $44,000 and provided 210,000 meals. Resurrection Lutheran Church of Fort Wayne, Indiana, had youth who wanted to do more volunteer work in their community. They contributed $394 from youth and 597 volunteer hours. At St. Paul Lutheran Church in Milan, Indiana, provided prom dresses for girls who don t have them. UPDATED CREDENTIALS REPORT AND GENERAL ELECTION Bishop Gafkjen invited Rev. Daniel Fugate back to the dais. Pastor Fugate reported that as of 1:30 p.m. there were 386 registered, 332 were voting members and 54 were visitors. Of the voting members 34 percent or 114 were clergy and 66 percent or 218 were lay voting members. Bishop Gafkjen asked that the voting members use their electronic devices for voting for the two positions on the Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Board one clergy and one lay. Rev. Will Smith led prayer from the floor microphone. After prayer, individuals voted. REPORT OF THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE SYNOD Bishop Gafkjen asked Vice-President of the Synod Ted Miller to the dais for the report of the vice-president. He observed that he had once been secretary of the synod for multiple terms, and then returned as vice-president four years ago. Vice-President Miller began by stating that partnership is a big word and he really appreciated that relationship, he realizes it in the respect that we have as lay people from our bishop. He expressed, thank you for my re-election. There are fifteen synods in assembly at this time; vice-presidents keep in touch through a list serve. It is unusual that there were no other nominees for the vice-president position; this is the first time the synod has done it this way as a result of changes to the constitution. He was elected to the secretary position in 1999 unexpectedly. He would like to use his time to say, thank you, first to the Synod Council. He asked each member to stand as he called their name, how many years they had been on Synod Council and the conference they represent. There are twenty-six on the Synod Council. Those being on the council one year are Linda Wray of the East Kentucky Conference, John Huchko of the North Central Conference, Don MacMillan of the Northwest Conference, at large members Pastors Teri Ditslear, Rebecca Grate, and Michael Vinson and elected at large our young adult member Matt Pope. Those who have been on for two years include Rebecca Jane Daum of the East Central Conference, Michael Anderson representing the Lafayette Conference, Laura Richcreek of the Northeast Conference, Clyde Knigga of the Southeast Indiana Conference, elected at large are Pastors Dana Lockhart and Karen Strietelmeier, and elected at large as a lay rostered leader E. Louise Williams, and elected as a youth member Noah Smith. Those serving three years include Amy Kruse of the Southcentral Conference, and Pastors Amy 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 21

155 Beitelschees-Albers, Jessica King, and Randy Schroeder. Serving five years is Liz Gaskins who was elected as a person of color. Serving six years is Marilyn Saum representing the Evansville Conference. Others who attend the Synod Council meeting are synod staff, the president of the Indiana-Kentucky women of the ELCA, Rev. Vicki Garber who has represented our synod on the churchwide council, and synod attorney Josh Tatum. There have been some spirited discussions. He enjoys them as individuals and they are always respectful. Highlight this past year was the churchwide assembly. Those representing our synod included Pastors Matthew Manning, Sharon Walker, Eric Grayvold, Bimen Limbong, and Susan Socha. Lay males were Paul Trickel, Gary Moeller, and David Truelove. And lay females were Linda Henke, and Sister Nora Lynn Ellen Frost; youth and person of color was Scout Elizabeth Bluejacket Landlin. Also, attending as voting members were the four officers treasurer Sue Miller, secretary Judy Bush, Vice-president Ted Miller and Bishop Gafkjen. He thanked them for their service. The next churchwide assembly will be in August 2019 in Milwaukee. The election for that assembly will be done by the 2018 Synod Assembly. He had a couple more thank you s. One is to God for the stamina to fill the office, to his church family of Gloria Dei, and thanks to his family. He has served the synod over an eighteen-year period, beginning as secretary in His children were young and all are married now and spread around the country. He met his wife through Lutheran Campus Ministries; their common faith has strengthened them. They will celebrate forty years of marriage this weekend. He closed by stating, Thank you for all we do to make Christ known. DISCUSSION ON RESOLUTIONS FROM REFERENCE AND COUNSEL COMMITTEE Bishop Gafkjen invited Reference and Counsel Committee Chair Rev. Tim Knauff back to the dais. The resolution was discussed. The original was modified by reducing the number of whereas clauses and changing the last Resolved clause. Chair Knauff read the resolution. The resolution was then on the floor for discussion. Each speech would be limited to three minutes. An amendment was suggested by Pastor Tim Kraemer. Bishop Gafkjen asked for a second to the amendment. There was no second so without a second the amendment died. Chair Knauff spoke about the elimination of the whereas clause referencing hate groups being removed. The answer regarding that elimination was that the focus was on the resolved portion. There are hate groups attacking others than refugees and we should speak out against hate groups. After discussion, the Synod Assembly VOTED: SA/2017/6: that R be adopted as follows: WHEREAS, according to the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, we are now witnessing the highest levels of displacement on record. An unprecedented 65.3 million people around the world have been forced from home. Among them are nearly 21.3 million refugees, people who have left the country of their nationality due to well-founded fear of being persecuted1; and WHEREAS, God s love for the stranger and our calling to love and serve the neighbors God gives to us are central to the Biblical narrative: 1 UNHCR Figures at a Glance, available at for a definition of refugee, see Convention and Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, available at 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 22

156 Exodus 22:21, You shall not wrong or oppress a resident alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt. Matthew 25:35, for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me ; and WHEREAS, individuals and communities in the United States are struggling with the tension between their desire to welcome newcomers and fears for the change this brings in local communities; and WHEREAS, immigrants and refugees have always been a part of the Lutheran church in the United States; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Indiana Kentucky Synod will encourage all congregations of the synod to support and engage in the ongoing work of welcoming refugees through Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and various partner organizations and ministries of this synod; and BE IT RESOLVED that the Indiana Kentucky Synod recommits to being an advocate and justice seeker for refugees; requests that the synodical bishop communicates our concerns to our members of Congress and other federal, state, and local elected officials; and encourages all congregations and their members to express their concern for refugees to their elected officials; and BE IT RESOLVED that all congregations of the Indiana Kentucky Synod be encouraged to pray for the displaced and refugees around the world, for aid and resettlement organizations, for just and humane governmental policies that reflect our nation s core values of welcome and inclusivity, and for a world where no one need flee their home for fear of violence, oppression, or economic hardship; and BE IT RESOLVED that each congregation and synodical leadership be encouraged to celebrate and give thanks for the rich and diverse gifts refugees bring to our communities, our states, and our nation by annually hosting a Refugee Sunday ( and further BE IT RESOLVED that the Indiana Kentucky Synod Council request the Church Council to direct the Presiding Bishop to communicate the church s resolute commitment to the resettlement of refugees in the United States and encourage steadfast support for this program to the President and members of Congress. REPORT OF THE ELECTIONS COMMITTEE Bishop Gafkjen called Rev. Heather Apel to the dais. She read the results of the election. Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Indiana-Kentucky Corporation Board - Clergy Number of Votes Cast 279 Number needed for election 140 Rev. Adam Ruschau 98 Rev. Richard Hartman 181 Bishop Gafkjen declared that the Synod Assembly 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 23

157 VOTED: SA/2017/7: that Rev. Richard Hartman was elected to a three-year term on the Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Indiana-Kentucky Corporation Board. Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Indiana-Kentucky Corporation Board Lay Male Number of Votes Cast 271 Number needed for election 136 Erik Johnson 162 George Schmalz 109 Bishop Gafkjen declared that the Synod Assembly VOTED: SA/2017/8: that Rev. Erik Johnson was elected to a three-year term on the Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Indiana-Kentucky Corporation Board. PRESENTATION OF COMPENSATION STANDARDS At 2:40 p.m. Bishop Gafkjen invited to the dais David Quandt for presentation, on behalf of the of IK Synod Professional Leaders Compensation Committee and the Synod Council, of the proposed standards for compensation for ELCA Ministers of Word and Sacrament and ELCA Ministers of Word and Service. Copies were in the bulletin of reports. Mr. Quandt offered thanks to former Assistant to the Bishop Rev. Rudy Mueller for his work on the compensation standards prior to his resignation from synod staff. He introduced himself as a member of the Compensation Committee and explained the purpose of the compensation committee. He referred first to the proposed compensation standards for Ministers of Word and Sacrament. There were no changes except to the salary standard with a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) of.3%; there were minor editorial changes. The proposed standards come to floor as a recommendation from Synod Council. Voting by digital devices with 257 Yes votes and 11 No votes, it was VOTED: SA/2017/9: that the recommended PROPOSED STANDARDS and WORKBOOK FOR MINISTERS OF WORD AND SACRAMENT COMPENSATION be adopted. He then turned to consideration of the proposed compensation standards for ministers of Word and Service. There are basically the same minor edits. The recommended cost-of-living increase is also.3 percent. Those voting for the standards as recommended by Synod Council were 263, and 5 voting no. The Synod Assembly VOTED: SA/2017/10: that the recommended PROPOSED STANDARDS AND WORKBOOK FOR MINISTERS OF WORD AND SERVICE COMPENSATION be adopted. Bishop Gafkjen asked everyone to stand and then be seated beginning with the oldest. There were two delegates who were under 15. He thanked them for being here. The Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church Olean moved confirmation up two weeks, so a 14-year-old could come. He stated that we need to bring those who are not in the room to be with us ANNOUNCEMENTS Bishop Gafkjen made the following announcements: Breakouts will begin at 3:00 p.m. 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 24

158 BREAKOUTS For those who signed up in advance for the service projects at the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky and the Welcome House of Northern Kentucky, meet downstairs in the lobby outside Hall 1 for transportation. Enjoy dinner here in the area tonight dining maps are located in the lobby at the Information Desk The Cincinnati Reds baseball game begins at 7:10 p. m. a map with the walking route across the bridge is located at the Information Desk. Beer and Hymns (cash bar with various adult and non-alcoholic choices) will begin at 7:30 p.m. here in Ballroom ABC. We begin tomorrow morning at 8:30 a. m. with worship here in this room. The Breakouts were the following: Faith, Sexism, Justice the ELCA s next social statement led by Rev. Jane Aicher and Rev. Cindy Geisen, Social Statement Process Builders for the IK Synod; Reforming Stewardship led by Rev. Jerry O'Neal, IK Director of Stewardship & Mission Support; Healthy Church Leaders: Building an Effective Ministry Team led by Rev. Dr. Rick Rouse, pastor and author; Grow, Hold & Fold: Turning around faith-based organizations for the 21st century led by Beth Lewis, President & CEO of 1517 Media; Telling Mission Stories for Future Mission Ambassadors led by Phil and Susan Schmidt, Indiana-Kentucky Synod Mission Interpretation Coordinators; All God s Children Have Gifts--Defining and Discovering Our Gifts from God led by: Rev. Roberta Meyer; and FAITHWALKING led by: Dr. Ken Shuman. DINNER ON YOUR OWN, OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES Saturday, June 3, 2017 EUCHARIST WORSHIP A worship service including Holy Communion was held in the Ballroom ABC of the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, Covington, Kentucky, with presiding minister and preacher Bishop William O. Gafkjen and assisting minister Wayne Schedler. Music preceding the service and throughout the service was led by Director of Music Thomas J. White. Other musicians were Scott Heersche, Jonathan Stites, Justin Croushore, J. D. Handshoe, and Lu Anne Wallace. The choir was composed of members of congregations in the Eastern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana Conferences and other participants. Linda Witte Henke and Tom White, co-chairs of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Worship committee, were directors of the liturgy. Crucifer was Jordan Wolfred, and Torch Bearers were Jonah Smith and Jack Wolfred. Cantor was Leslie Hughes. Lectors were Deacon Jody Winter and Noah Smith who read Genesis 1:26-31 and 2 Corinthians 3:17-4:1. The Gospel reading was Matthew 16:21-26 (Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection). Bishop Gafkjen brought greetings in the name of Jesus from the Episcopalian joint service in Lexington, KY, during Holy Week and he asked to send greetings to Lake Luther, where he will participate the next day in the commissioning of the camping staff for the camping season. He related his experience at the Lutheran World Federation Twelfth Assembly in Namibia with more than 10,000 worshipers in a soccer stadium celebrating the 500 th year of the Reformation. In Namibia 85 percent are Christian and 50 percent of those are Lutheran. 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 25

159 He referred to a writing by James Parker about Dorothy Day, a Catholic activist, for whom holiness is to live in accordance to divine love. She devoted her life to the poor however unlovable. He thought about the stories we ve heard; is it not true that those who see the need and serve in love; those who shall be last; the first will be last. Bishop Gafkjen declared that as we go deep into the depths of death with Jesus we arise with Him in baptism and communion. We give testimony about divine love wherever we are. He recalled that Michael Bischoff was hesitant to work with Lutherans because he didn t want to prop up a dying church but as he worked with the synod he was convinced we were committed to rising from death, he proclaimed I m falling in love with Lutherans. Bishop closed that renewal comes from death and resurrection. Our Lutheran theology proclaims that renewal comes as a gift of God. This is who we are died with Christ, raised with him. Communion assistants included those celebrating fifty or twenty-five years of rostered ministry, conference deans, and others serving in the Indiana-Kentucky Synod. The offering was designated to establish a fund for Indiana-Kentucky Synod Youth Ministry and was $2, Ushers and the Altar Guild were Synod Assembly participants and volunteers. Piano Solutions of Carmel, IN, provided the use of a grand piano for the assembly. MISSION FEST GIFT GIVEAWAY Phil Henke came forward to begin the gift giveaway. Names of people who were to receive gifts from Mission Fest booths were called out. Individuals received the gifts. PLENARY SESSION III At 10:08 a.m. Bishop Gafkjen called the meeting to order noting there is a sweet, sweet spirit in this place and expressing thanks for the worship. He invited Rev. Dr. Richard Rouse to the dais and presented him with a gift from the Indiana-Kentucky Synod. Synod Council member Deacon E. Louise Williams offered prayer from a floor microphone. KEYNOTE PRESENTATION 3 TRANSFORMED IN THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT/GOD S VISION FOR THE 21ST CENTURY CHURCH Rev. Rouse asked the group to turn worship books to page 20 and read in unison the passage from Romans 12:1-2, Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed. Transformation is the work of god s spirit among us. He shared a quote by Michael Foss The discipleship model expects the Christian community--through Word and Sacrament--to transform lives. He asserted that is what we are all about. He asked the group to explore ways we are called to be church for the world. When a marathon blocked ways to get to church, the congregation decided to think creatively about next year. They set up a water station in a nearby park. They began getting publicity, ordered water bottles and t- shirts for workers. They turned an obstacle into an opportunity. He discussed a paradigm shift in pastoral care to congregational care; with pastoral care the Pastor or lay caregiver devotes time and energy meeting the needs of an individual or family connected with the congregation. With congregational care following the example of the Book of Acts, the congregation uses the gifts of God s people for the healing of the larger community and the world. We are stuck in the old paradigm. We have seen dire statistics where the nones have soared; he shared a population projection to 2050 where the nones are 25.6 percent of the population and Christians are 65.8 percent of the population compared to 17.1 percent and 77.4 percent in God s Great rummage sale is to return to the book of Acts to remind the church of its mission, a new more vital form of Christianity appears about every 500 years; new less fossilized expression of its former self appears. 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 26

160 Every time established Christianity has broken open, faith has spread dramatically into new geographic & demographic areas. He pointed to the Christian revival faith in Africa. He discussed a new definition of Mission. The common view is that congregations have a mission. The New Testament teaches that God has a mission and congregations to help carry it out sharing the Good News for the sake of the world! A missional congregation is one seeks to be a partner in God s mission. Miseo Deo or God s Mission is to redeem the world and composed of two parts the Great Commission ( Go into all the world and make disciples! ) and the Great Commandment ( Love God and love your neighbor ). A Missional Congregation understands that it is primarily a community of God s people being trained and equipped to live among the world as daily disciples. Its purpose is to carry out God s gospel mission of the healing and redemption of the world. Individuals live out baptism in daily lives, wherever we are we are the church. The four-fold task of the church is to worship, serve, equip, and nurture. The church is making a paradigm shift from I go to church to I am the church. What do we aspire to be A church for me/us or A church of others. The focus of a church for me/us is on the local congregation as contrasted to a church for others with the focus on neighbors/world. In a church for me/us membership is valued and in one for others discipleship is valued. The church for me/us is clergy centered and the church for others is lay empowered. He asserted that we need to change the questions to the following: What is God s vision for our promised future as a congregation, Where is God leading us, What new opportunities is God opening up for us, and How can we partner with God in God s mission in the world? He related that a young pastor was called to a century old congregation where the neighborhood had changed. He realized that he was called to vibrant ethnic Spanish neighborhood and provided services to that neighborhood. That congregation is thriving. All congregations face demographic changes, among them are geographical, socio-economic, generational, ethnic, cultural shifts which lead to worship patterns. Some time the only constant is change. We all struggle with change; there are different responses to change. One study found 16 percent were Innovators and Early Adapters, 34 percent were the Early Majority, 34 percent were Late Majority, and 16 percent were Laggards and Antagonists. Sometimes we spend too much time with the highly resistant. There is a way to navigate change. He listed seven ways to navigate change. They were Assess the climate, Manage the anxiety, Become aware of changing context, Cultivate a new core identity, Embrace Adaptive Change behavior, Take the temperature, and Stay the course. He discussed seven building blocks of change step 1 Identify for congregation s mission, step 2 Explore the needs of the community, step 3 Take time for theological reflection, step 4 Assess potential partnerships, step 5 Create a covenant of care, step 6 engage others in implementing the plan, and step 7 evaluate and make mid-course corrections. He gave an example of partnering with others. In the north Seattle community of Mukilteo, Muslims were being bullied, several groups came together to a safe place at Pointe of Grace Lutheran Church. As we seek to be church for world many in none zone are looking for three things. They are looking for a sense of community (belonging), having a meta story that anchors their lives, and service: want to make a difference in their community. They seek a church that gives them identity and purpose, an authentic faith, and they need to live out the faith. Rev. Rouse spoke of quadrants of care as the congregation, community, context, care with a holistic approach. The congregation tries to meet its own needs, it may not know the community needs; 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 27

161 context implies working within the community; care is one that expresses concern for others suggesting a holistic approach. He suggested three key listenings of missional congregations. They were Listen to God where is God opening doors; Listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying through your members; and Listen to the cries of your neighborhood. Peace Lutheran Church in Tacoma, Washington, was practicing radical hospitality to address racial harmony. They worship at the site of each murder and do a cleansing ritual. People were emboldened to help police and city officials and reclaim their community. He shared a quote from Carey Nieuwhof. Churches that become passionate about people outside their walls will be far more effective than churches that are passionate only about keeping the few people they have inside their walls. He concluded with a baptismal sense of identity. The old vision is called, gathered, nourished. The new vision is claimed, gathered, sent. It is a shift from membership to discipleship where every member is a missionary, every pastor an equipper, and every congregation a Mission Training Center. The effect is to create disciples who make a difference and bring healing and hope. Bishop Gafkjen announced that individuals were to return the electronic voting devices. PLENARY DEVOTIONS TRANSFORMED IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Bishop Gafkjen asked that all turn to page 21 of the worship booklet for devotions. He asked that all thank the worship leaders. FINAL CREDENTIALS REPORT ON REGISTRATION AND ATTENDANCE Bishop Gafkjen invited Rev. Dan Fugate to the dais for the final credentials report on registration and attendance. There was a total of 333 voting members and 54 visitors and guests, a total of 387. There were 51 percent female and 49 percent male. Of the 333 voting members, 113 were clergy and 220 were lay voting members. There were 34 percent clergy and 66 percent lay voting members. Of the clergy 39 or 35 percent were female and 74 or 65 percent were male. Of the lay voting members 127, or 58 percent, were female, and 93 or 42 percent were male. Of the total voting members 166 or 49.8 percent were female and 167 or 50.2 percent were male. Secretary Bush received the report for the record. Bishop Gafkjen spoke about the offering being dedicated for youth ministry in the synod. He introduced the young people handling the camera. Noah Smith expressed gratitude for the additional young people at the assembly. CAPITAL UNIVERSITY/TRINITY LUTHERAN SEMINARY GREETINGS Bishop Gafkjen invited Dr. Elizabeth Beth Paul, recently elected President of Capital University, to the dais. She exclaimed that it was wonderful to be here. They are having a wonderful year. She joined Capital in July 2016 and described herself as a mission directed learner and leader. Trinity separated from Capital in 1959; they saw an institution that wanted to be whole again. Some felt the family had been torn apart, people are crying out for institutions that embrace purpose, and service. They pursued how to put the organizations back together; there were very difficult, organizational and financial issues. They have a ratio of students to faculty of 3-4 to 1 and students to staff of 2 to 1; there has been some pain and loss in the transition. We all need to be respectful and supportive of a new 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 28

162 future. There is the possibility of providing supportive degrees for students. They have been committed for over 180 years. She is looking toward the future. ADOPTION OF FY BUDGET At 11:15 a.m., Bishop Gafkjen invited back to the podium Finance Committee Chair Paul Trickel and treasurer Chris Walda for discussion of the fiscal year Budget for adoption (Attachment B). There was an opportunity for questions and comments regarding the proposed budget. Jerry O Neal expressed appreciation for restoring the original amount to Trinity Lutheran and support for stewardship. There was a question about mission support going down. Chair Trickel asked the group to support the mission of the synod by supporting the budget. The Synod Assembly by overwhelming approval VOTED: SA/2017/11: that the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Budget with income and expenditures of $2,396,075 and mission support of 43 percent to the ELCA be adopted. Bishop Gafkjen thanked the finance committee and others for their fine work, especially in keeping mission at the center and carefully monitoring resources. ELCA CREDIT UNION VIDEO A short ELCA Credit Union video was shown. CONSTITUTION CHANGES Bishop Gafkjen invited Secretary Judy Bush to the dais to present the proposed changes to the synod constitution. Secretary Bush reviewed that the proposed changes (attachment C) were sent to congregations in November Additionally, changes to the bylaws regarding deans, specifically S and S (attachment D) were passed by Synod Council action, SC/2017/35 for presentation to the 2017 Synod Assembly for action. After several comments and discussion, the assembly voted and the changes were adopted by a vote of 208 to 18. VOTED: SA/2017/12: that the proposed changes to the Indiana-Kentucky Synod constitution (attachment C and attachment D) be adopted. Bishop Gafkjen invited individuals to share a time of voice. Pastor Vicki Garber noted that the president of North Korea stated that we are on the brink of war. She was asked to lead the group in prayer. A pastor of a small congregation spoke about flowers being delivered to a hospice facility. A representative of Messiah Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, expressed thanks for the gift. He spoke as the director of finance for 130 congregations in the Fort Wayne area who have come together to provide food for food pantries. Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne had provided for the food pantry that had closed and had collected over 300,000 pounds of food on one Saturday. Paul Trickel of Crestview Hills, Ky. answered questions about the change in the budget income number. The dean of the Indianapolis Conference, Pastor Christine Wulff announced that they would be sending 25 members to the West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod assembly and some of them may be visiting us. 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 29

163 It was announced that the bishop of the South Central Illinois synod was just re-elected. FINAL RESOLUTION BY REFERENCE AND COUNSEL At 12:02 p.m., Bishop Gafkjen invited Rev. Tim Knauff, chair of the Reference and Counsel Committee to the dais for presentation of the final resolution. It was a resolution of thanks on behalf of the committee and a sending resolution. He asked that the assembly vote by applause and a loud shout of praise, it was VOTED: SA/2017/13: that R 02-17, A Sending Resolution, be adopted as follows: WHEREAS, the Indiana- Kentucky Synod has met in assembly in Covington, KY on June 1, June 2, and June 3, 2017; and WHEREAS, we in the Indiana-Kentucky mission territory are formed in the image of God, reformed by the Holy Spirit, and transformed for the sake of the world; WHEREAS, we are called to empower, equip, and encourage one another to make Christ known so that every member will be a missionary, every leader a mission director, and every community of faith a mission center; therefore BE IT RESOLVED, that we express our thanks, appreciation, and support to those who made this inspiring experience possible: To Bishop Suzanne Dillahunt for reminding us that we are formed in the image of God and challenging us in how we should treat one another with candy; To zealot Mikka McCracken, whose goal to eliminate poverty throughout the world reminds us the church has a vital part to play in actively working to end poverty and world hunger, and for her joyful singing; To Beth Lewis, who proclaimed that Martin Luther really didn't mean to cause any trouble as he worked to reform the church, and that as the reformation of print and technology has changed from loose bits of alphabet to screens, so too are we being reformed as disciples of Christ; To Rev. Dr. Richard Rouse, who invites us to be missional congregations, transformed in the power of the spirit to love and serve our neighbors; To our brothers and sisters in the United Church of Christ for breaking red Martin out of the depths to have countless selfies taken; To the Deacons in our mission territory as their gifts are welcomed and recognized for ministry; To those who led Spark Talks, Workshops, and who were God s hands and feet within Covington; To the programs, institutions, and agencies who joined us and the volunteers who joined us for Mission Fest; To the Reverend Heather Apel, for her experience, dedication, and hard work in this her last Assembly as director, for we know it takes two to replace her; To Reverend Dan Fugate and Tom Dearchs who were diligent learners and leaders at their first Synod Assembly on staff; 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 30

164 To the synod staff and Synod Assembly Planning Team and volunteers who have blessed us with their generosity and hospitality throughout the Assembly; To our Synod Assembly Worship Team and musicians for sharing their gifts for worship and music, providing us with uplifting and transforming worship and song; To the staff of the Northern Kentucky Convention Center for their gracious hospitality, welcoming spirit, and excellent service; To Treasurer Chris Walda and the members of the Finance Committee for their missional leadership of our synod s finances; To re-elected Vice President Ted Miller, who is not afraid of where God is calling him; To Paul Trickel for not making us endure a detailed thirty minute look at the budget but instead caused us to envy his vacations as well as reflect how his experiences and ours helps us think about being formed, reformed and transformed with our financial stewardship; To the Synod Council for its commitment to the mission of the synod; To Secretary Judy Bush for detailed records and faith filled leadership; To our weeping Bishop Bill Gafkjen for his humble leadership that is appreciated and recognized by many throughout the ELCA, for his songs of praise for the ministry of God happening across this mission territory heard by his windshield, and his ukulele style, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that together we are formed, reformed, and transformed to be Church for the World. CLOSING REMARKS AND SUMMARY BY BISHOP GAFKJEN Bishop Gafkjen announced that our worship this morning was our closing comments. He gives thanks to each one as we move out into the diaspora marked with the cross of Christ. He noted that the Martin Luther statue will be on permanent loan. CALL FOR A MOTION TO ADJOURN The Assembly business having been completed, Bishop Gafkjen asked, Is there a motion to adjourn? There was a motion to adjourn with second and all voting to adjourn. The assembly adjourned at 12:10 p.m. The group moved transition to the sending rite, page 48 in the worship booklet. SENDING RITE AND INSTALLATION OF NEWLY ELECTED MEMBERS Bishop Gafkjen invited newly elected persons, Tom Dearchs and Pastor Dan Fugate to join him at the font. The Affirmation of Baptismal vocation and the Installation of Newly Elected Members was conducted. The assembly was dismissed with the admonition to Go now in peace and joy to love God, proclaim the resurrected Christ, and serve one another in the power of the Spirit. Respectfully Submitted in His Service, 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 31

165 Judith A. Bush, Secretary 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 32

166 Attachment A 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 33

167 Attachment A 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 34

168 Attachment A 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 35

169 Attachment A 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 36

170 Attachment B 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 37

171 To: Congregations of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America From: Judy Bush, Secretary Indiana-Kentucky Synod Subject: Proposed Synod Constitution Changes Date: November 28, 2016 Attachment C Greetings from your Synod Council. The Synod Council met November and is proposing changes to the Synod Constitution. According to S18.13.b. of the Synod Constitution, notice of proposed changes to the Synod Constitution is to be sent to the congregations of this synod at least six months prior to the next regular meeting of the Synod Assembly. These changes will be considered for adoption at the next Synod Assembly, June 1-3, If you would like to discuss, please contact a Synod Council member. The Synod Constitution may be found on the website under resources. During the 2016 Churchwide Assembly in August, changes were made to synod constitutions. Mandatory changes have been made to the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Constitution. There were non-mandatory changes made to the model Synod Constitution during the 2016 Churchwide Assembly. The Indiana-Kentucky Synod Council is proposing changes be made to the Synod Constitution in accord with those changes made by Churchwide Assembly; these changes may be found below and on the following pages. Note: Changes are highlighted. Additions are underlined. Deletions are struck through in the text. S S7.22. S7.24. S7.27. S S8.55. S The time and place of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly shall be determined by the Synod Council. The time and place for the next regular assembly normally shall be announced six months prior to the assembly. Date. The Synod Assembly shall meet annually, within six months after the end of the fiscal year of the synod. The Synod Assembly shall not be scheduled to meet on the dates for the following holy days: the Transfiguration of Our Lord, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, The Resurrection of Our Lord, The Ascension of Our Lord, The Day of Pentecost and the Holy Trinity. The This synod may establish processes that permit retired ordained rostered ministers, retired associates in ministry, retired deaconesses, and retired diaconal ministers on the roster of this synod to serve as voting members of the Synod Assembly, consistent with S7.21.c. above. The synod may establish processes that permit ordained ministers, associates in ministry, deaconesses, and diaconal ministers who are on leave from call, or those designated as disabled, or on leave from call, on the roster of the synod to serve as voting members of the Synod Assembly, consistent with S7.21.c. above. If the synod does not establish processes to permit the rostered leaders ministers specified above to serve as voting members, they shall have voice but not vote in the meetings of the Synod Assembly. Ordained ministers Ministers under call on the rosters of this synod shall remain as members of the Synod Assembly so long as they remain under call and so long as their names appear on the rosters of ordained ministers of this synod. Associates in ministry, deaconesses of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and diaconal ministers of this church serving under call on the roster of this synod shall remain as members of the Synod Assembly so long as they remain under call and so long as their names appear on the official lay roster of this synod. Lay members of the Synod Assembly representing congregations shall continue as such until replaced by the election of new members or until they have been disqualified by termination of membership. Normally, congregations will hold elections prior to each regular meeting of the Synod Assembly. This synod may establish processes through the Synod Council to grant a minister of Word and Sacrament from a church body with which a relationship of full communion has been declared and established by the Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America the privilege of both voice and vote in the Synod Assembly during the period of that minister s service in a congregation of this church. Duly elected voting members of the Synod Council who are not otherwise voting members of the Synod Assembly under S7.21. shall be granted the privilege of both voice and vote as members of the Synod Assembly. Should the vice president, secretary, or treasurer die, resign, or be unable to serve, the bishop, with the approval of the Executive Committee of the Synod Council, shall arrange for the appropriate care of the responsibilities of the officer until an election of a new officer can be held or, in the case of temporary disability, until the officer is able to serve again. The term of the successor officer, elected by the next Synod Assembly, shall be for the remainder of the officer s term. If the treasurer is appointed by the Synod Council, the Synod Council shall appoint a new treasurer for the remainder of the term. The functions of the Synod Council shall be to: th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 38

172 Attachment C S S S S S S S S S S S S S d. Provide for an annual review of the roster of ordained ministers of Word and Sacrament and the roster of ministers of Word and Service and of other official rosters, receive and act upon appropriate recommendations regarding those persons whose status is subject to reconsideration and action under the constitution and bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and make a report to the Synod Assembly of the Synod Council s actions in this regard. e. Issue letters of call to ordained rostered ministers and letters of call to associates in ministry, deaconesses, and diaconal ministers as authorized by Chapter 7 of the constitution and bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.... This synod shall in its bylaws or by continuing resolution establish a process to ensure that the members of its committees and other organizational units will be persons possessing the necessary knowledge and competence to be effective members of such units, and to meet the requirements of S6.04. With the exception of ministers on the rosters of this synod who reside outside the territory of this synod, each member of a committee of this synod, or any other organizational unit created by this synod, shall be a voting member of a congregation of this synod. Other Committees. Committees shall be appointed to oversee and implement the work of the synod. Committees shall relate to their counterparts in the ELCA and in the region. Committees shall report to the Synod Council after each committee meeting. Unless otherwise stipulated, every committee shall submit to each regular meeting of the Synod Assembly a written report of its activities along with such recommendations as it may desire. When a pastor or when an associate in ministry, deaconess, or diaconal rostered minister resigns, the Congregation Council shall receive the letter of resignation, report it to the congregation, and at once notify the bishop of this synod. A congregation under financial obligation to its former pastor or associate in ministry, deaconess, or diaconal rostered minister shall make satisfactory settlement of the obligation before calling a successor. The pastor (a) shall keep accurate parochial records of all baptisms, confirmations, marriages, burials, communicants, members received, members dismissed, or members excluded from the congregation, and (b) shall submit a summary of such statistics annually to this synod, and (c) shall become a member of the congregation upon receipt and acceptance of the letter of call. In a parish of multiple congregations, the pastor shall hold membership in one of the congregations. The pastor shall be a member of the congregation that has extended the letter of call. In a parish of multiple congregations, the pastor shall hold membership in one of the congregations. Each ordained minister of Word and Sacrament on the roster of this synod shall submit a report of his or her ministry to the bishop of the synod at least 90 days prior to each regular meeting of the Synod Assembly. No ordained minister of Word and Sacrament shall accept a call without first conferring with the bishop of this synod. An ordained minister of Word and Sacrament shall respond with an answer of acceptance or declination to a letter of call within 30 days of receipt of such call. In exceptional circumstances with the approval of the bishop of this synod and the chair of the Congregation Council of the congregation issuing the call, an additional 15 days may be granted to respond to a letter of call. All ordained ministers of Word and Sacrament under a call shall attend meetings of the Synod Assembly, and the pastors of congregations shall also attend the meetings of the conference, cluster, coalition, or other area subdivision to which the congregation belongs. The minister of Word and Service shall become a member of the congregation upon receipt and acceptance of the letter of call. In a parish of multiple congregations, the minister of Word and Service shall hold membership in one of the congregations. Each minister of Word and Service on the roster of this synod shall submit a report of his or her ministry to the bishop of the synod at least 90 days prior to each regular meeting of the Synod Assembly. No minister of Word and Service shall accept a call without first conferring with the bishop of this synod. A minister of Word and Service shall respond with an answer of acceptance or declination to a letter of call within 30 days of receipt of such call. In exceptional circumstances with the approval of the bishop of this synod and the chair of the Congregation Council of the congregation issuing the call, an additional 15 days may be granted to respond to a letter of call. All ministers of Word and Service under a call shall attend meetings of the Synod Assembly, and the ministers of Word and Service of congregations shall also attend the meetings of the conference, cluster, coalition, or other area subdivision to which the congregation belongs. 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 39

173 PROPOSED CHANGES TO SYNOD CONSTITUTION Attachment D S Officers. Conferences shall have the following officers: a chairperson, a secretary, and a dean. They may have a treasurer. c. The dean of the ministerium shall be chosen by the ministerium appointed by the Synod Council. S Ministeriums. a. Membership. The ministerium is to includes all ordained ministers, associates in ministry, deaconesses and diaconal ministers active or retired Ministers of Word and Sacrament and all active or retired Ministers of Word and Service who are members of congregations within the boundaries of a conference. Other ministers may participate in the life of a particular conference upon approval by the ministerium. c. Dean. At its first meeting after each Synod Assembly in even-numbered years, the ministerium shall hold an election for dean. The dean shall be an ordained pastor under call in the conference or retired and residing in the conference and in good standing on the roster of this synod. Should an elected dean under call go on leave from call before the term is expired, that dean may complete the term with the recommendation of the bishop of the Synod and the approval of the Synod Council. If there is no dean, the bishop or a representative of the bishop shall summon a meeting to elect a dean. In addition to responsibilities as an officer of the conference, the dean shall: 1. Lead the ministerium in accomplishing its objectives. 2. Assist the bishop in ministering to members of the ministerium and their families. 3. At the direction of the bishop, install ordained ministers and associates in ministry called to service within the conference. The dean of the ministerium in each conference supports the ministry of the synod and the ELCA and facilitates collegial relations among rostered ministers. The dean must be a member of the ministerium. The dean may be reimbursed from synod funds for expenses related to the responsibilities of the dean as approved by the bishop or the bishop s designee. The dean s responsibilities are as follows: 1. be a liaison between conference rostered ministers and the Office of the Bishop, the Synod Council, and other conferences of this synod; 2. initiate regular gatherings of rostered ministers for the purposes of worship, and community building, ongoing growth and development in ministry, and exploration of shared mission and ministry; 3. initiate occasions of welcome and orientation for newly arrived rostered ministers and farewells for rostered ministers leaving the conference; 4. with permission and as appropriate, communicate in timely fashion the ministerium s pastoralcare concerns and celebrations to the chaplain for the ministerium and the Office of the Bishop; 5. facilitate communication among the ministerium members; 6. preside at the election of the chaplain for the ministerium; and 7. meet with the bishop or the bishop s designee and deans of other conferences for communication, reflection, development, and mutual support at least three times a year and as called for by the bishop or the bishop s designee. d. Selection and terms of deans. The Synod Council appoints each dean upon recommendation by the bishop, whose recommendations will take into consideration consultations with the ministerium. The dean serves a three-year term and may be appointed to serve no more than six years in any eight-year period. The term of each dean lasts from June 1 until a successor takes office. If a dean does not serve a full term, the Synod Council appoints a dean to serve the remainder of the term. The Synod Council will stagger the terms of deans in three groups. e. Chaplain for the Ministerium. Each ministerium may elect a Chaplain. The chaplain serves a threeyear term and is eligible for reelection. The chaplain, in consultation with the dean, the Office of the Bishop, and the Synod Council, fosters pastoral care among the rostered ministers of the conference and their families. f. Meetings. The ministerium shall meet regularly, as called by the dean. 30 th Annual Synod Assembly, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, Minutes 40

174 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8 Dear Friends in Christ, We are Lutheran. For the past year it has been all Reformation all the time! So now what? The Lutheran Confessions teach that God freely and graciously creates a trusting relationship between us and Jesus. As we gather to meet in synod assemblies, let us remember that our hope is in the living Christ and share that assurance with the joy of the gospel. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are free of the burden of making ourselves acceptable to God. The cross of Christ and the living Christ assure us that God s final word for us is life and freedom in Christ. Lutherans confidently and enthusiastically claim this promise: For freedom Christ has set us free (Galatians 5:1). How does this claim affect your faith journey as an individual, a congregation, synod or member of the church universal? Through his death and resurrection, we have a truly living Lord who meets us, forgives us and calls us to follow, and in that we find our freedom. Because we are set free in Jesus Christ, we are free from trying to save ourselves and free for loving and serving others. As a church, we walk by faith, trusting God s promise in the gospel and knowing that we exist by and for the proclamation of this gospel word. Future Directions 2025 Through Called Forward Together in Christ Future Directions 2025, we are addressing the challenges and embracing the opportunities of the church we are becoming a church that is confident about who we are in Christ and what God is calling us to do. I invite you to lift up these goals and engage how we journey forward in Christ as church together. You can learn more by visiting ELCA.org/future. ELCA Youth Gathering Many of us will be together at the ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston June 27-July 1, I look forward to sharing in the excitement and energy of our young people as they experience the wonder and joy of being with more than 30,000 Lutherans and grow in their faith formation. For information and resources on the Gathering, go to ELCA.org/gathering. The Campaign for the ELCA We are in our final year of Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA. Help us rally to the end! As of Dec. 31, the campaign has received more than $138.6 million in cash and multiyear commitments, representing 70 percent of our $198 million goal. Read more about the campaign s progress at ELCA.org/campaign. Thank you for your continued support! 8765 West Higgins Road Chicago, Illinois ELCA.org LivingLutheran.com

175 God s work. Our hands. Sunday Sept. 9 is our suggested date for the 2018 dedicated day of service. If your congregation cannot participate on this date, please consider another day. God s work. Our hands. Sunday is an opportunity for us to explore one of our most basic convictions as Lutherans: that all of life in Jesus Christ every act of service, in every daily calling, in every corner of life flows freely from a living, daring confidence in God s grace. To order T-shirts or download resources, go to ELCA.org/dayofservice. Join the conversation There are two opportunities for you to provide feedback about what this church says on important issues. One is Draft of a Social Statement on Women and Justice. The draft is in two sections: basic theses and fuller explanations, which speak about how sexism harms us all in church and society. The task force wants to hear from you about the content of the draft and this innovative format. Find the draft, supplementary materials and order information at ELCA.org/womenandjustice. The other is on the draft of A Declaration of our Inter-Religious Commitment: A Draft Policy Statement of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The comment period is open from now until June 30, Visit ELCA.org/ecumenical for more information and the document. I have shared some of the ways we are loving and serving our neighbor. This is what being free in Christ looks like. This is part of our Lutheran story. This is part of your congregation s story and your synod s story. Wherever you are for your synod assembly, from the Alaska Synod to the Caribbean Synod, there is something that we all have in common our life in Christ. We have our life in Christ in the crucified and risen Savior, in the one who poured out his life for us, the one who gave himself away for the life of the world so we may be free. As Lutheran Christians, we live in the freedom of Christ. With gratitude, The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton Presiding Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

176 2018 SYNOD ASSEMBLY Churchwide report in detail

177 SYNOD ASSEMBLY DETAILED PACKET Table of Contents 500th anniversary of the Reformation 3 Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA 3 Advocacy 4 AMMPARO (Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities) 5 Book of Faith 7 Congregational Vitality 9 Ecumenical and Inter-religious relations 14 ELCA Credit Union 17 ELCA Foundation 17 ELCA Fund for Leaders 18 ELCA World Hunger 19 ELCA Youth Gathering 20 Entrance Rite Discernment Group 21 Ethnic Specific Multicultural Ministries & Racial Justice 22 Global Church Sponsorship 23 Global Mission 24 God s work. Our hand. Sunday 27 Leadership 27 Lutheran Disaster Response 30 Missionaries 32 Mission Investment Fund 33 The Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities 33 Office of the Treasurer 34 Refugees and migrants 34 Systems Academy 35 Theological Discernment 36

178 500th anniversary of the Reformation The ELCA s Reformation anniversary commemoration, Freed and Renewed in Christ: 500 Years of God s Grace in Action, gave a confident and joyful witness to the life and freedom in Jesus Christ that is for all. A heartfelt appreciation to the many congregational and synodical coordinators, committees and leaders who collaborated to build and sustain anniversary momentum. In 2017, the ELCA joined global Lutheran companions in hosting topical events around the country that engaged people of all ages and backgrounds both within and outside of this church. Many of these focused on acknowledging what Martin Luther did to spark the Reformation, revisiting the roots of our Lutheran beliefs and articulating what those roots mean for us today and in our engagement with others. The commemoration year that began on Oct. 31, 2016, as Pope Francis and The Lutheran World Federation leaders co-hosted worship and common social engagement in Sweden, culminated a year later with a national commemoration event in Washington, D.C. hosted by the ELCA s Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton. More than 6,000 viewers participated in that event in person or online as we honored the first centennial anniversary in the ecumenical era. Ministries of reconciliation featured ecumenical and inter-religious partners and stories of congregational vitality and leadership highlighted how we are called forward together in Christ. Results from the anniversary communications engagement survey (February and November 2017) revealed an increase in respondents knowledge and participation with double-digit increases in several areas. More importantly, 91 percent of respondents stated they participated in one or more anniversary activities. Lastly, many engaged with the anniversary online through social media platforms and ELCA500.org. Thanks to those who utilized, recommended and shared the online resources resulting in more than a 50 percent increase in social media followers and nearly a 10 percent increase in website traffic in Many of these resources continue to be available through 2018 at ELCA500.org. Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA We are now in the final year of the ELCA s first comprehensive five-year campaign, Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA. As of Jan. 31, we have raised more than $144 million 73 percent of our goal in cash and multi-year commitments for churchwide ministries and are so grateful for the continued support and partnership of ELCA synods and congregations. Since the campaign s launch in 2014, we have accomplished amazing things with the help of ELCA members, congregations and synods. More than 300 Domestic Hunger Grants support sustainable solutions that get at the root causes of hunger and poverty across the U.S. In addition, nearly 60 countries around the world have ELCA World Hunger supported programs. The ELCA Fund for Leaders provided 251 students with more than $2.1 million in seminary scholarships during the academic year. With more than $1 million in support from the campaign, Renewing Congregations grants are being implemented across the ELCA, including 16 Synodical Renewing Congregations Strategies, six Area Ministry Strategies and four Fast Growth Congregations Initiatives. 3

179 Funding from the campaign has expanded the work of ELCA congregational new starts by funding 18 additional ministries in a variety of contexts and with creative strategies. The International Women Leaders initiative has reached 115 international Lutheran women with access to academic scholarships, training and networking opportunities. Eleven global ministry evangelism projects were initiated by companion churches in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America. Twenty-one new or enhanced youth and young adult ministries have received a grant to grow existing programs or start new ones. Young Adults in Global Mission launched four new country programs Rwanda, Cambodia, Australia and Senegal with 93 young adults sent into service during the year. This represents a nearly 48 percent growth since the campaign s launch four years ago. The 2018 campaign theme, Leadership, includes a focus on ELCA Fund for Leaders and Youth and Young Adults. Congregations and synods received a kickoff packet in early January with materials to get started. In June, congregations and synods will receive information on a new initiative, launching in September, to help us celebrate the leaders in our congregations while supporting the next generation of leaders through these ministries. For additional resources, including the campaign case statement, videos and more, visit the campaign resources website at ELCA.org/Campaign-for-the-ELCA/Resources. For more information as you plan your involvement in the campaign, please contact us at or us at campaignforelca@elca.org. Advocacy Living out our baptismal identity ELCA Advocacy works for change in public policy based on the experience of Lutheran ministries, programs and projects in communities throughout the world, and on concerns that the ELCA has identified and spoken about through its social teaching documents. ELCA Advocacy invites Lutherans to live out our baptismal identity through participation in opportunities to learn and act with and on behalf of our neighbors with the ELCA Advocacy network. We are excited to have welcomed over 5,000 new advocates to the national Advocacy network in 2017 alone. Join these Lutherans and thousands more as we advocate together for a just world where all are fed. Visit ELCA.org/advocacy to learn more. We are called For Such a Time as This to #PrayFastAct! In May 2017, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and the Most Rev. Michael Curry, presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church, issued a joint invitation to a season of prayer, fasting and advocacy out of concern for proposed deep cuts to programs that are vital to hungry people struggling with poverty. ELCA Advocacy supports this call with #ForSuchATime, an advocacy opportunity on the 21st of each month that joins spiritual disciplines with action to address hunger, poverty and environmental degradation. Find more at ELCA.org/prayfastact. 4

180 Farm bill advocacy In 2018, ELCA Advocacy is working to pass the farm bill that funds agriculture and food programs and helps to support American farmers in their vocation to steward the land. With the renewal of the farm bill every five years, we are offered an opportunity to reduce hunger and poverty in the U.S. and around the world and encourage sustainable stewardship. Advocacy staff have held listening sessions in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Texas and California to inform policy work and hosted 150 hunger leaders in January for advocacy together. on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for information on how to take action. Building new advocacy leaders In 2017, ELCA Advocacy launched the ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellowship program, a year-long transformative experience that combines leadership development and faith formation with impactful advocacy for economic, racial and gender justice. The inaugural class of ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellows currently serve in ELCA Advocacy network offices in Texas, Minnesota, Virginia and Washington, D.C. AMMPARO Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities (AMMPARO) accompanies Central American unaccompanied migrant children forced to flee their communities due to horrific violence, lack of opportunities or environmental problems. Although faith communities work in different ways on issues of immigration, we are still the only church with a comprehensive strategy that has a regional focus of addressing the root causes of migration in Central America and of accompanying immigrant children and families in the U.S. A significant percentage of funds for AMMPARO are used by ELCA partners in Central America to address the issues that drive people to flee and to offer safe alternatives to migrant youth and families who have been deported. Our companions have experienced great success in providing these individuals with the opportunities for new lives that remove the need to migrate. In two years, 76 congregations have become welcoming and sanctuary congregations in 26 synods, committing to accompanying migrants in their communities. Today, 18 synods have an organizational structure with either AMMPARO, Welcoming or Sanctuary task forces. And five ELCA synods are now sanctuary synods. These congregations and synods have overcome the fear that many of our communities experience daily, have moved beyond their walls and have a new sense of vitality through their work. 5

181 How do synods and congregations and ELCA members accompany migrant children and families? Here is where the AMMPARO letters P-A-R-O come in Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities. Protection This means accompanying children and families in their communities. One example is Ascension Lutheran Church in Milwaukee; it rehabbed an old youth room that had a bathroom and turned it into a sanctuary suite. And Lutherans in Los Angeles, Chicago, Omaha and Denver are observers in immigration court through our Guardian Angel programs. They provide support and accompany children and families during one of the most difficult moments in their lives. Advocacy Last year, the AMMPARO network and leadership of the ELCA sent 2,582 messages, 390 letters, 2,192 electronic messages and made many phone calls calling for protecting vulnerable children and families as well as sound and compassionate ways to address the root causes of migration. Representation Today, children and families seeking refuge in the U.S. have to represent themselves in court. The ELCA now has a small network of AMMPARO pro bono lawyers that accompany them. We also have lawyers who are representing sanctuary congregations. Opportunities In addition to the accompaniment by Lutheran Social Services organizations, congregations are helping immigrants in their communities make new lives. In some cases, this includes finding short- and long-term foster families for them. It also includes helping parents get their kids enrolled in school and helping them find health services and employment. In 2018, AMMPARO is aiming for 150 ELCA congregations that are welcoming or sanctuary and engagement in 33 synods. You can be part of this movement by connecting to them through ELCA.org/ammparo. 6

182 Getting the Word Out We give thanks to God for all of the individuals, congregations, synods, and churchwide ministries and institutions for their deep and abiding commitment to God s transforming word in Christ, in proclamation and in Scripture! The Book of Faith Initiative is a continuing priority of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, dedicated to encouraging all ministries and people of the church to continually renew and enrich our broad and deep engagement with Scripture for our own sakes and for the sake of the world. The Book of Faith Initiative has operated using a decentralized, grassroots approach centered on our common vision in which all are invited to open Scripture and join the conversation. We invite leaders to continue and boldly further this effort in their places of involvement. From the beginning, the goal of the initiative has been two-fold: 1. to meet the continuing challenge of widespread biblical illiteracy and 2. to renew the teaching of our rich theological heritage of scriptural understanding, interpretation and engagement. To help realize the above goals and address the challenges listed below, we want to further encourage engagement of Scripture, especially using the multiple lenses approach. We seek your help and support as partners in this effort, in addressing the challenges that are currently serving to shape our calling. Some of the larger challenges are: The growing number of people in society claiming to be spiritual but not religious The need to address and learn from the great variety of cultures that make up this church and world The role of the Bible in mission outreach The importance of family and home as centers of faith development The need for creative use of social media Continued biblical illiteracy Despite the challenges, Christ is present as we engage Scripture and this promise calls us forward together. Please join us in getting the word out and in encouraging all to open Scripture and join the conversation! Learn more: #bookoffaith 7

183 Four lenses for engaging Scripture. Open Scripture. Join the conversation. The initiative has emphasized that biblical engagement is greatly enriched by the use of multiple lenses in conversation with Scripture and other people. This suggested method is centered on four ways of reading the Bible and asking questions: devotional, historical, literary and theological reading. DEVOTIONAL We begin. We read, ask questions, reflect on the meaning of the Bible from wherever we are in place, time or state of mind. No matter where we are, our Book of Faith meets us there. LITERARY We pay close attention to how the passage is written. We notice what kind of literature it is. We notice all the details, themes, characters, storyline, poetry and logic. We compare and contrast these with our understanding and experience of life. In this process we discover meaning. HISTORICAL We seek to understand the world of the Bible. We explore the world of the writers and the original readers, the rulers, slaves, women, men and children. All the people in our Book of Faith. How do we understand their social and cultural contexts? How were their lives different from or the same as ours today? THEOLOGICAL As we open Scripture and join the conversation, we ask our deepest questions and listen for God s voice. We hear God s demands as well as God s words of comfort and promise. We see Christ alive yesterday and today. We feel the movement of the Spirit and are moved to respond. God is present in the word. 8

184 Congregational Vitality In each synod, directors for evangelical mission (DEMs) engage lay and rostered leaders in the formation and development of congregational vitality. The congregational vitality working description: Communities of Jesus that nurture life-changing relationships with God, one another and the world. DEMs are the vitality organizers who help make connections as the ELCA in congregations, synods and the churchwide expression to be catalysts for new mission starts, vital congregations, stewardship ministries, and Mission Support. They build upon ELCA commitments to ethnicspecific communities, communities of color and the young-adult population, as well as people and communities experiencing poverty, so that we might be a thriving, equipping and inviting church that embraces diversity and strives for justice and peace throughout the earth. Domestic Mission has a new Congregational Vitality Team led by the Rev. Ruben Duran. This team will partner with synods, bishops, directors for evangelical mission, pastors and congregations across the church to foster and nurture congregational vitality. Vitality is described by the Conference of Bishops as communities of Jesus that nurture life-changing relationships with God, one another and the world. Seeing ministry through the prism of vitality is an exciting and promising direction for this new team and a central goal of the ELCA. Certainly, vital communities of Jesus exist in many places in our church and indeed go back to the life-changing communities of the early church. We envision that this work will support vital communities that are in place and foster and promote new vital communities. Vitality ministry will be deeply rooted in relationships, collaboration, creative and repeating innovation, and a passion for learning and sharing that learning throughout the church. Local leaders will be encouraged and expected to discover their God-given vitality in diverse contexts, especially among emerging generations, ethnic and multicultural communities, and among leaders in ministry among people experiencing poverty. Creating the Congregational Vitality Team is a proactive response to the ELCA priorities expressed in the Future Directions 2025 initiative. An example of vitality ministry is found in new starts: We share Christ s love by extending our welcome through new congregations and by supporting them as growing centers for evangelical mission. We are worshiping in pews, city parks, cafes and libraries; we are breaking bread in homes and in shelters, and we are equipping our neighbors with both spiritual and physical sustenance. With our hands, we are doing God s work of restoring and reconciling communities in God s name. There are 431 ELCA new ministries under development in the United States and the Caribbean through the work of synod mission tables made up of local leaders, directors for evangelical mission and bishops. But there is more work to be done and communities to reach. To reflect the diversity in our country, we are engaged in God s mission with the goal of becoming an evangelizing, multicultural, multigenerational church. 9

185 Celebrating Congregational Vitality stories from across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Deaf ministry in Allegheny Synod: Following the signs Sorry, I m deaf, said the sign on the back of Kory s shirt, as he tended to his duties in the garden center at the Home Depot in Tacoma, Wash. The sign indicated that customers should face Kory directly to ask for help. But the sign soon became a call to ministry for the Rev. John Telyea, Kory s coworker and a student at Seattle University at the time. Telyea initially befriended Kory partly as a practical matter. He wanted to learn about the garden center of the store to help customers. In early February 2018, the Rev. John Telyea and Rev. Timothy Knauss met with three ministers of deaf congregations to gain insight into the process of forming a deaf congregation. Left to right: the Rev. Russ Rockwell, Word of Life Deaf Lutheran Church, Lancaster, Pa.; Deacon Dor-othy Sparks, BOLD (Bread of Life Deaf Lutheran Church), Minneapolis, Minn.; Telyea; and the Rev. Beth Lockard, Christ the King Deaf Church, West Chester, Pa. Telyea planned to learn Kory s language so that he wouldn t have to keep writing notes to communicate with him. He learned the American Sign Language (ASL) signs for different types of flowers and plants. Soon he was conversing with Kory and his deaf friends who passed through the store. He enjoyed the beauty and depth of the language. As he got to know Kory, Telyea began to understand some of the problems deaf people encounter: So often the hearing community conveys the message to the deaf community that there is not a place for you, or you don t use my language, he said. Building faith and understanding His time with Kory helped shape Telyea s ministry interests, particularly in his present call in westcentral Pennsylvania. Pastor at Geeseytown/Newry Evangelical Lutheran Parish in Hollidaysburg, Telyea has been leading the Allegheny Synod Deaf Ministry group since fall The group gathers members of the deaf community from Blair and surrounding counties for fellowship, Bible study and conversation. Fewer than 10 deaf congregations exist across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), according to the Rev. Timothy Knauss, assistant to the bishop of the Allegheny Synod and director for evangelical mission of the ELCA. Today, the synod is seeking to develop a deaf congregation in the Altoona area of Pennsylvania. Telyea is leading the way, with support from Knauss and other leaders involved in deaf ministries from around the country. Plans include starting a monthly evening worship service (on March 25, 2018) at Geeseytown Lutheran and working from there to engage in faith building. Telyea hopes this ministry will help the hearing community become more comfortable interacting with the deaf community. It s OK to say hi to someone who may seem different or speak another language, he added. Telyea also participates in a weekly lunch gathering for members of the deaf community and hearing people who are studying to be interpreters for the deaf at a local college. Conversation covers life issues affecting both the deaf and hearing communities. 10

186 Same gospel, different language Knauss is an enthusiastic resource for Telyea. He is excited to follow his own desire to develop a deaf ministry as he brushes up on his ASL skills and follows God s call to gather in this community. Knauss hopes that through this ministry, congregations will continue to grow in their communication of faith regardless of the language of our senses. He added: Through Pastor John s compassionate leadership, we feel that the deaf community will see the welcoming body of Christ throughout the Allegheny Synod. Trusting in God, Telyea and Knauss are simply following the signs. Multicultural ministry in Florida Bahamas Synod: Empowering leaders Diana Fajardo has a gift for building up people. Her passion is to serve the Latino immigrant community in Fort Lauderdale and the greater Broward County area of South Florida. Working in partnership with the ELCA and the Florida Bahamas Synod, she is the mission developer for Comunidad Luterana Todos los Santos, a Reconciling in Christ (RIC), Spanish-speaking community of faith growing as a mission of Abiding Savior Lutheran Church in Fort Lauderdale. Todos los Santos offcially began in 2015 and is housed in the Abiding Savior building. It has a unique origin, having grown organically among the people Above left: Thanks to the part-nership among ELCA New Start Program and Hunger Program, Todos los Santos and El Centro Hispano, we are able to respond as the church together to social issues, said Diana Fajardo. The Hunger Grant enabled students from Cuba to enter a special GED literacy program through the Florida virtual home school program. The same grant helped El Centro offer certification opportunities for adults to improve their household incomes, reach financial independence and change their lives. Above right: The communities of Todos los Santos and El Centro Hispano are constantly in contact, sharing culture and traditions as well as celebrating and encouraging children s education. served by and/or serving others through a local community center called El Centro Hispano de Todos los Santos. El Centro assists and empowers low-income, underserved immigrant families from Latin America. For the past three years, El Centro, too, has operated at Abiding Savior. Fajardo is the link connecting Abiding Savior, Todos los San-tos and El Centro as they work together to grow faith, build relationships and serve the needs of the larger community. Fajardo cofounded El Centro 14 years ago, and until recently she served as its executive director. In her role as mission developer for Todos los Santos, Fajardo continues to oversee El Centro, working with a coordinator and board of directors. Neighbors helping neighbors Members of the Todos los Santos congregation actively connect in ministry with El Centro s multiethnic community. They are key partners neighbors help neighbors raising up leaders in the immigrant community, training church and community volunteers and mentoring those who have been served so that they may serve and empower others in the community. El Centro engages, nurtures and encourages Latino immigrant families through a variety of activities and educational programs for families, children, youth and young adults. 11

187 Another very important goal is to equip adults to become self-suffcient, helping them to adapt to their new culture so that in turn they can support their families and the larger community. Parents and guardians must have the necessary skills to support their children s education and help them to achieve school success and to be models of behavior, Fajardo said. Adults can take career- and life-skills classes and even earn certifications in food handling and beauty, thanks to partnerships with local organizations. Participants feel God at work through El Centro. We receive the word of God that nurtures our lives and prepares us to serve God s creation, said certification student Carmen Martinez. Raising up leaders also involves building relationships with local agencies, including the police department, United Way and several government agencies. The mutigenerational community gets the benefit of healthier families, individuals and professionals, all contributing to build an inclusive and equal environment for the new generations, Fajardo said. Fajardo is a TEEM (Theological Education for Emerging Ministries) program participant through the Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest (LSPS), Austin, Texas, a program of Wartburg Theological Seminary (Dubuque, Iowa). As she looks ahead toward ordination and the future of the ministries she shepherds, she is filled with hope. She knows Todos los Santos and El Centro will continue to impact the community, growing faith and changing lives. I believe that God s grace heals and prepares us to share the good news with all the people. The more I witness our society being restored, the more I rejoice, with the hope of a better world for the new generations. 12

188 ELCA congregational vitality key statistics: 431 new ministries are under development. 59 new starts were approved in total new starts approved over the last four years. 515 new ministries have been organized as congregations since the birth of the ELCA in % of all new starts are among ethnicmulticultural communities. 18% of 2016 new starts are with ecumenical partners. 21% of 2016 new starts are young adult-millennial leaders and communities. 151 ministries, including strategic renewal, ethnic-specific, ministry with and among people living in poverty, and specialized ministries (prison ministries, people with disabilities) were supported with Congregational Vitality Partnership Support totaling $2.4 million in FY projects are being supported with more than $1 million in the ELCA Campaign Renewing Congregations Initiative approved during the past three years, including: 19 synodical renewing congregations strategies 6 area ministry strategies 4 fast-growth congregations 72 practitioners trained as facilitators for Congregational Development Trainings in the last 12 months leaders participated in Congregational Development Trainings in the last 12 months What YOU can do SHARE AN IDEA: If you have an idea for a new congregation, contact your synod office. Ask for the director for evangelical mission or your bishop. PRAY: Be a prayer partner for the new starts, mission developers and vitality work. GIVE: Share your resources to propel ELCA Congregational Vitality today by making a gift online at ELCA.org/newcongregations/donate or ELCA.org/campaign. 13

189 Congregational Vitality: Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) In 2017, Global Mission introduced the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) to directors for evangelical mission to strengthen their abilities to accurately understand and adapt behavior to cultural differences and commonalities. In 2018, this proven tool will be used for two synod assembly Glocal events. The IDI is an essential tool for congregational vitality as we seek to become a more inviting and welcoming church that reflects, embraces and identifies the gifts of the diversity of the communities where our congregations are or could be located. Ecumenical & Inter-Religious Relations Draft of inter-religious policy statement The draft ELCA policy statement, A Declaration of Our Inter-Religious Commitment, has been released for public review and comment until June 30, ELCA.org/Faith/Ecumenical-and- Inter-Religious-Relations/Inter-Religious-Relations/Draft-Policy-Statement Individuals or groups are welcome to participate. The document can be downloaded from the website; input can be shared through the online survey link. Detailed information describing the background and process is also available online. The Inter-Religious Task Force, appointed by Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton in 2016, will receive the input and revise the document for consideration by the Church Council and the 2019 Churchwide Assembly. All questions can be directed to Kathryn Lohre. 500th anniversary of the Reformation: year in review The 500th anniversary of the Reformation and its call to mutual understanding, dialogue and reconciliation, shaped our church s ecumenical and inter-religious relations in Lutheran-Catholic relations Recalling the joint ecumenical commemoration in Lund, Sweden, jointly led by The Lutheran World Federation leadership and Pope Francis, the ELCA Conference of Bishops Ecumenical and Inter- Religious Liaison Committee and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs co-hosted a similar service on March 2, 2017, and signed a joint statement. ELCA.org/service-of-common-prayer This was bookended by another service of common prayer on Nov. 5, 2017, held at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame. Presiding Bishop Eaton preached and copresided with Bishop Denis Madden, auxiliary bishop emeritus, Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore, and co-chair of the U.S. Lutheran-Catholic dialogue. Other judicatory leaders and pastors also participated. news.nd.edu/news/ecumenical-prayer-service-affirms-christian-unity-inchallenging-times/ In between, many events, initiatives and services occurred in synods and congregations across the church. Please invite synods to share records of these events with the Office of the Presiding Bishop. The current round of U.S. Lutheran-Catholic dialogue on Faithful Teaching is at the point of working intensively on the report. Internationally, The Lutheran World Federation and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity have committed to finding pastorally significant ways to take 14

190 up questions of church, Eucharist and ministry, as were addressed in the Declaration on the Way affirmed by the 2016 Churchwide Assembly. The Lutheran World Federation In May 2017, the 12th Assembly of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) took place in Windhoek, Namibia, under the theme Liberated by God s Grace. A service commemorating the 500th anniversary was held in Sam Nujoma Stadium, providing a focal point for the assembly. Namibia, a beautiful country with a rich Lutheran history, provided a remarkable context for this forwardlooking assembly and symbolized the ways in which the global Lutheran movement is growing most strongly in the global south, especially in Africa and Asia. Archbishop Musa Panti Filibus of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria was elected by the assembly to serve as LWF president and Bishop Eaton was elected by the new council to serve as the LWF vice president for the North American Region. Reformation Day 500 On Oct. 31, 2017, Bishop Eaton co-hosted with ELCA Vice President Bill Horne, Chair of the Conference of Bishops Bill Gafkjen, and Metropolitan Washington, D.C., Synod Bishop Richard Graham a daylong program of public witness. Looking Back and Called Forward: A Commemoration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation was hosted by Lutheran Church of the Reformation on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The first segment of the program focused on ministries of reconciliation: 500 years of division and 50+ years of dialogue, lifting up Lutheran- Catholic, Lutheran-Jewish, and Lutheran-Muslim relations, and racial justice and reconciliation. The second segment of the program explored leadership and congregational vitality. The day concluded with worship building on the liturgy used in Namibia by the LWF and a celebratory reception. The complete program, as well as videos and other information can be found at ELCA500.org/ resources/october-31-commemoration/. Lutheran-Jewish relations The ELCA Consultative Panel on Lutheran-Jewish Relations developed a Litany of Confession for the occasion of the 500th anniversary, based on the 1994 Declaration to the Jewish Community. This public act of confession and commitment took place in the presence of our Jewish partners in the context of Reformation Day 500. The litany can be found on pages 6-7 of the program booklet linked below; it can be adapted for use across the church. ELCA500.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/ Final-Program-Booklet_web.pdf The ELCA participated in the national Jewish-Christian dialogue on pastoral issues co-convened by the National Council of Churches and the National Council of Synagogues and hosted by the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 1, The theme was Religious Reformation Past, Present, Future. Lutheran-Muslim relations As part of our commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, the ELCA had a significant presence at the annual Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) Convention. Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton addressed the assembly. By design, the interfaith unity banquet on July 2, 2017, spotlighted Lutheran-Muslim relations and was attended by nearly 70 ELCA Lutherans. Bishop Richard Jaech (Southwestern Washington Synod); Bishop Claire Burkat (Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod) and her colleague from the Council of Religious Leaders of Greater Philadelphia, Imam Anwar; and Bishop Wayne Miller (Metropolitan Chicago Synod) shared about Lutheran-Muslim 15

191 relations between congregations and mosques, city-based inter-religious councils, seminaries, nonprofit organizations and individuals. Bishop Eaton was honored with ISNA s interfaith unity award. The ELCA participated in the national Christian-Muslim dialogue co-convened by the National Council of Churches and the Islamic Circle of North America, which focused on re-invigorating the dialogue and common public witness. Full communion The ELCA tends to relations and reception with our six full communion partners through the ongoing work of coordinating committees, which meet at least annually. Notably, this year, for the first time the biennial assembly of the African Descent Lutheran Association (ADLA) was held jointly with the Union of Black Episcopalians in Cherry Hill, N.J., and Philadelphia. ADLA President Lamont Anthony Wells was the visionary behind this ecumenical convening. This gathering also honored 30 years of ADLA presence within the ELCA and its predecessor bodies. The theme was, Like a Mighty Stream, Let Justice Roll: Absalom, Jehu, and Beyond, honoring the forbears in the faith, especially those pioneers of African descent within each tradition, current leadership and the call to ongoing formation and support of future leaders. National Council of Churches Act Now: Unite to End Racism initiative Building on its history during the civil rights movement, the National Council of Churches (NCC) will launch a truth and racial justice initiative, Act Now! Unite to End Racism, in Washington, D.C., April 3-5, A rally will take place on the National Mall on April 4 honoring the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. s assassination. Bishop Eaton will be one of the main speakers; ELCA participation is currently building across the church, including synod bishops, pastors, deacons and lay people. rally2endracism.org/ Historic Black Church relations For the third year, the ELCA participated as a sponsoring partner in the Conference of National Black Churches National Consultation, held Dec , 2017, in Memphis on the theme, Overcoming the Burden of Bias. Our presence at this gathering has been helpful for tending to both the internal and external/ecumenical dimensions of our work to address racial injustice and white supremacy. It has also been important as a space for building and nurturing relations with our bilateral dialogue (AME) and discourse (AMEZ) partners. Global church relations: Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land In January 2018, Bishop Eaton led a delegation to participate in the consecration of Bishop Ibrahim Azar as the new bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. Elected one year ago, Bishop Azar succeeded Bishop Munib Younan, who also completed this year his service as president of The Lutheran World Federation. The ELCA delegation participated in events honoring Bishop Younan, the consecration of Bishop Azar, and made church to church visits with the six congregations and the baptismal site at Bethany Beyond the Jordan. Included were five synod bishops, including Bishop Don Kreiss of the Southeast Michigan Synod (companion synod) as well as the Rev. Khader El-Yateem, the president of the Association for Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage, and staff. 16

192 ELCA Credit Union The ELCA Federal Credit Union has had a tremendous response since its grand opening in We are delighted to be serving ELCA members, congregations and synods nationwide and the Caribbean. A few highlights: We offer consumer loans, credit cards, deposit accounts and more. Those who have refinanced or consolidated existing debt have saved an average of over $1,500 in finance charges. We also offer ministry deposit accounts, and coming soon in 2018, we will offer small loans for our congregations/ministries. We provide full account access via desktop and mobile app. Find out more about your credit union at elcafcu.org or by phone at We look forward to serving you! ELCA Foundation The ELCA Foundation: Your life. Your faith. Your gift to the future. We are pleased to announce that effective Jan. 1, 2018, the Endowment Fund of the ELCA, a separately incorporated ministry, began doing business as The ELCA Foundation. This follows action by the ELCA Church Council last November to assign additional responsibilities to the Endowment Fund corporation for all work historically associated with the ELCA Foundation. The new structure anticipates an expanded role for the endowment fund board of Trusteet in overseeing the work of The ELCA Foundation. To accomplish this goal, four sub-committees of the board of trustees, in addition to the executive committee, have been created: audit, finance, investment and resource development. We have moved several positions, previously in the Office of the Secretary and the Office of the Treasurer, to the foundation: compliance, investment administration and chief financial officer. This year will be a time of transition as we review processes and procedures around the management of the gift pools. To ensure uninterrupted services as systems are transitioned, we are entering into a service-level agreement with the Office of the Treasurer for financial and trust administration. The work of the regional gift planners will not change much in terms of the day to day interaction with your synod and its ministries. The ELCA Foundation will continue to work in coordination and cooperation with the ELCA churchwide organization, particularly though its Mission Advancement unit. The ELCA Foundation supports 21 regional gift planners throughout the U.S. These gift planners provide a number of services: They help congregations, synods and other Lutheran ministries identify their financial needs and wants and develop a Ministry Funding Plan. They help members of the congregations align their passions with the ministry funding needs through planned giving. 17

193 Gift planners help donors make decisions about whom they want to help. Gift planners make sure everything is in place to fulfill the donor s wishes. In 2017, the 17 ELCA Foundation regional gift planners completed $34.7 million in planned gifts and $800,000 in current gifts. Congregations will receive $11.2 million and synods $3.4 million when those planned gifts are realized. In addition to the new written gifts, the foundation stewarded $11.3 million in gifts written in previous years, meaning a call was made to the previous donor to confirm that the gift was still in place and fair market value was updated. The foundation opened 56 Fund A accounts with $7.8 million of deposits and added $20.1 in net deposits to existing accounts, while writing $5.1 million in planned endowment deposits. Our gift-planning partner in Nebraska completed $3.5 million in planned gifts and $115,000 in current gifts but left our network in August. The position is currently open. Our South Dakota partner hired a new gift planner in Our Texas partner, Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest, which consists of four gift planners, completed $9.6 million in planned gifts and $288,000 in current gifts. Our total network of 23 regional gift planners completed $47.8 million in planned gifts and $1.2 million in current gifts in ELCA Fund for Leaders In 2017, Fund for Leaders marked 20 years of ministry, and there was much to celebrate! As of Dec. 31, the Fund for Leaders endowment had reached $57.3 million, allowing Fund for Leaders to provide more than $2.1 million in scholarship assistance to 251 seminary students during the academic year. Synodical scholarships represent almost $500,000 of the $2.1 million distribution, disbursed in 152 awards by 41 synods. Among the funds awarded in 2017 were 20 new full-tuition scholarships (of the 40 total) which were awarded thanks to a generous three-year, $3 million gift from Dean and Rosemarie Buntrock. Other scholarships were awarded for new mission developer/ redeveloper candidates, and scholarships for seminarians pursuing chaplaincy ministry in military, prison or Veterans Affairs hospital settings. For fiscal year 2017, Fund for Leaders raised more than $4 million. Of this amount, more than $1.5 million came from partner synods giving directly to Fund for Leaders, and the remainder came from donor gifts through The Campaign for the ELCA. In 2017, Fund for Leaders staff worked with students, seminaries, synods and our new ELCA GrantMaker software to initiate a fully online application process for all full-tuition scholarships, allowing all eligible students entering ELCA seminaries to apply directly to Fund for Leaders to be considered for a scholarship. The 2018 award process is currently underway. 18

194 As of Jan. 31, 2018, ELCA Fund for Leaders can celebrate reaching its campaign revenue goal of $15 million in gifts and commitments to this ministry! For 2018, Fund for Leaders will be concentrating on three primary goals: 1) continued development work with new and existing donors to expand the reach and impact of ELCA Fund for Leaders; 2) the implementation of our new direct application and award process; and 3) planning with the ELCA campaign team for events and strategies connected to the campaign s 2018 focus on leadership, including the Fund for Leaders. Focusing on these strategies will allow the Fund for Leaders to continue to grow in its ability to support as many future ELCA ministers as possible, toward our mission goal of fully funding tuition for all rosteredministry candidates at ELCA seminaries. ELCA World Hunger Generosity: Even in the wake of disastrous hurricanes and unprecedented generosity to Lutheran Disaster Response this year, donors continued to give generously to ELCA World Hunger more than $21.3 million in 2017! Giving from donors (directly, through congregations, and through synods) to ELCA World Hunger continues to grow every year and is now significantly higher than it was previous to The Campaign for the ELCA. This increasing generosity allowed ELCA World Hunger to distribute more funds to programming in 2017 than in any previous year. Hunger leaders: A network of synod and congregational hunger leaders represents the local hands and hearts of ELCA World Hunger. In January, ELCA World Hunger convened the 2018 ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering in Washington, D.C., under the theme Until All Are Fed 150 representatives from more than 50 synods and 30 states came together for a focused training on farm 19

195 bill-related advocacy as part of ELCA World Hunger s comprehensive approach. As the government shutdown lifted, our Lutheran leaders met in over 120 Capitol Hill visits, supported by over 300 online actions from the network across the nation. Thank you, ELCA synods, for your commitment to turning out your hunger leaders for this important work we do together until all are fed! Domestic Hunger Grants: ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grants are in transition. We give thanks for the leadership and work of Josselyn Bennett, the now-retired former director of Poverty and Justice Ministries, and wish Joe Young the best in his new responsibilities as her successor. Within that transition, the newly formed Domestic Hunger Strategy Team, led by Mikka McCracken, will take leadership for the ELCA Domestic Hunger Grant process and affiliated training. We will share important updates through synod offices and our network of hunger leaders. We expect the new cycle to take effect in ELCA Youth Gathering: Why are many of the people who produce much of the world s food hungry themselves? We are excited to explore this question with you through ELCA World Hunger s Global Farm Challenge. Learn more and download congregational toolkits at ELCA.org/ globalfarmchallenge. In this final year of The Campaign for the ELCA, if we all work together, alongside our companions around the world, to ensure that all are fed... well, that changes everything! ELCA Youth Gathering Every three years, youth from across the ELCA and the world gather for a week of faith formation. On June 27-July 1, the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering will bring together in Houston more than 31,000 youth and their adult leaders from every synod in our church. Through worship, interactive learning, Bible study, service learning and fellowship, youth will grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ, experience new perspectives, learn about the ELCA, deepen passions and explore vocation. The theme for the 2018 Gathering is This Changes Everything, focusing on the gift of grace God bestows on each of us. This gift, undeserved and freely given, changes lives and perspectives as people realize they are enough because of what Christ has done and are called into the world to serve their neighbor and share the good news. The primary Scripture will be Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. Immediately preceding the Gathering are the table and the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE). The table blesses and empowers young people who live with a wide range of physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities so that they might grow as faithful, wise and courageous witnesses. MYLE gathers young people of color and those whose primary language is other than English to explore culture, form leaders, claim identity, deepen faith and make friends. You can learn more about the Gathering, MYLE and the table at ELCA.org/gathering or find us on social media. 20

196 Entrance Rite Discernment Group The Entrance Rite Discernment Group has been tasked to bring a recommendation to the Church Council for action by the 2019 Churchwide Assembly regarding the entrance rite for the Roster of Ministers of Word and Service. The Church Council also requested that the group provide recommendations on appropriate diaconal symbols and whether constitutional language on representational principles should be altered. To find FAQs and resources related to this work go to: ELCA.org/Resources/Word-and-Service-Roster. 21

197 Ethnic Specific Multicultural Ministries & Racial Justice Team March 14-15, 2018: The 2016 Churchwide Assembly called for the convening of a Task Force for Strategic Diversity. The task force is intentionally composed of people of color. The participants are diverse in race, ethnicity, gender and regional representation. The task force will include mapping anti-racism, racial inclusivity and multicultural relationship building, resources and initiatives happening across the ELCA. Reports on its progress and recommendations will be prepared for the 2019 Churchwide Assembly, with interim updates and reports given to the Church Council. March 16-17, 2018: The Ethnic Specific, Multicultural Ministries and Racial Justice Team convened a follow-up to the 2016 Multicultural Leadership Summit called The Power of Connection. Each caucus group present at the 2016 summit reviewed action steps in monitoring progress and offered recommendations in areas in need of resourcing or reprioritizing. Representatives received updates on churchwide assembly actions and the strategic direction of the churchwide organization. The spring 2018 Conference of Bishops implemented a continuing resolution on diversity goals. The 2016 Churchwide Assembly asked this church to report on synodical efforts in becoming a more diverse denomination. The continuing resolution states, in part: This church commits itself to ethnic and racial diversity. Each expression of this church shall annually assess its ethnic and racial diversity when compared to the demographic data of its community or territory. During the session, the bishops were asked to identify priorities in their synod and the ways in which increased diversity can be addressed. An assessment of their efforts and a progress report will be shared during the October 2018 meeting. This work is facilitated by Domestic Mission and Research & Evaluation. The International African Lutheran Conference will convene in Moshi, Tanzania, Aug. 9-13, The conference theme is UBUNTU, I Am Because We Are: Reconnecting, Re-rooting and Growing. The gathering will engage participants in a worship service, educational workshops, community connections with emphases on women and young adult leadership. The event is co-sponsored by Domestic Mission, Global Mission and The Lutheran World Federation. The ELCA ethnic associations foster a collective voice and the involvement of people of color in the ELCA with special attention to the equitable participation in the life of our church. Each association is working on several initiatives to increase the visibility and involvement of the associations, particularly among people of color, in the synod and churchwide expressions, and various agencies. Wider engagement of the representative communities requires each association to increase the number of participating members and calls for deeper support for the growth and work of the associations. 22

198 Global Church Sponsorship Global Church Sponsorship consists of four priority ministries: Young Adults in Global Mission Missionaries Global Ministries International Women Leaders 2017 was the global church annual theme year for Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA. Many wonderful resources were created for congregations to use to lift up the work of global mission in their congregations. Those resources are still available for use, and we encourage congregations to continue lifting up the global church as we celebrate being church for the sake of the world. Pentecost Sunday Pentecost Sunday is the opportunity to reflect on the global community of which we are a part a community of people living out our faith, serving our neighbors and sharing God s love with the world. This Pentecost Sunday we will lift up life-changing ministries with our global companions working to grow the global Lutheran church. The Pentecost Sunday packet arrived at your congregation in mid-april. Global Church Sunday pick a Sunday in October! Global Church Sunday is about celebrating our church s connections and common mission within Christ s global church. It is a day to rejoice in our relationships with companions around the world, to learn more about how the ELCA is connected globally and to support our church s missionaries who work in partnership with our companions in Christ. The Global Church Sunday packet will arrive at your congregation in July. Other resources (available at ELCA.org/resources, click on ELCA Global Church Sponsorship ) Global Church Minutes: prayers to be incorporated in weekly worship Global Church Passport: educational activities for youth and young Church Story Series: 12 stories from our global companions International Women Leaders: Stories, video and booklets to help lift up the International Women Leaders program and International Women s Day 23

199 Global Mission Glocals and Mission Formation As the education and interpretation team within Global Mission, Mission Formation creates events, trainings and resources that equip members in the re-forming of global mission. This has meant fruitful partnerships with not only congregations and communities around youth programming, advocacy, cross-cultural competency training and congregational development but also with synods through their yearly assemblies. In 2017, as a key part of over 20 Mission Formation events, we were privileged to be a part of the programing of six synod assemblies stretching from North Dakota to Texas. When Glocal partners with a synod, we offer a wide range of plenaries, workshops, music and worship leadership that are rooted in accompaniment as a way of better seeing, being and doing mission abroad and in our own neighborhoods. Over the course of the last five years, Glocal has participated in assemblies in 25 of our 65 synods, connecting congregational leaders from around the country to issues and values of mission in new and deepening ways. In the coming five years, we look forward to partnering with 25 more synods as we continue to engage and deepen our understanding and practice of mission, to collectively receive the gifts of the global church, as well as to share resources that leaders can take home to their ministry and impact their home communities. Evangelism Mexico: ELCA Lutherans are excited to know that our church is in relationship with the Mexican Lutheran Church (ILM), a church body of 11 congregations and a member of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF). This is extremely important not only because of its geographic proximity but also because of the 54.1 million Latinos in the United States (see attached graphic from 2015), 64.1 percent are Mexican or of Mexican origin. In companionship with the ELCA, the ILM is investing in leadership development and theological formation and has a deep commitment to gender justice as a way of transforming a society that is machista and violent toward women. Nigeria: The Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN) is a strong and growing church with about 2.7 million members, many of whom are under 20 years old. With support from The Campaign for the ELCA, the LCCN is hoping to harness the energy of the large youth population in the church and communities, evangelizing through music, intentional conversation and educational opportunities. These evangelism efforts will strengthen the goal of the church to be a bulwark against youth radicalization, will teach the freely given liberating grace of God and empower Nigerian youth to live out their faith amid many challenges. 24

200 Siberia: With support from The Campaign for the ELCA, we are equipping women and men in Russia and other former Soviet states for leadership and service in the church. In 2017, a Clinical Pastoral Education initiative was created to provide lay a++nd clergy members with skills and formation in pastoral care. Participants said: I learned how to listen. I realize that empathy is at the center of pastoral care. and After this seminar I feel healthier spiritually and physically.... Many thanks for accompanying me on the way, for caring for the healing of my soul. Zambia: With support from The Campaign for the ELCA, Global Mission is helping the young, vibrant Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia (ELCZ) to grow. Of their 40 worshiping communities, only four have sturdy, weatherproof buildings. In 2018, the ELCA is investing in brick-and-mortar structures that will house worship spaces for the congregations of the ELCZ. Join us in this holy work of building permanent church buildings across the ELCZ. Health care Global Mission is exploring new ways to integrate a holistic perspective into its health care work, supporting projects that incorporate many aspects of life food security, peace, livelihoods into preventive and curative health care programs. In South Sudan, for example, the Evangelical Lutheran Church Africa Mission in South Sudan (ELCAMSS) opened a clinic at the Reconciliation Lutheran Church Community Center and Clinic in February The center and clinic create a holistic space that includes community worship, 25

201 educational opportunities and healing for people of many ethnic and religious backgrounds. Clinic services recently began with antenatal visits for pregnant women and well-child visits. In addition, spaces for training in computer, sewing and the English language are set up with instructors and ready to start working with students in the coming weeks. Overview and resources The ELCA has relationships with Lutheran companions in more than 120 countries through companion synod relationships, your offerings and prayers. Thanks to the generosity of ELCA members, the ELCA funds missionaries and projects in more than 90 countries. Receiving the gifts of the global church opens ELCA congregations to strengthening their proclamation and service. Individual congregations can enhance their connection with the witness of the ELCA s companions around the world with the 2018 Global Mission map brochure (available as a digital download or paper copy from the ELCA Resource Catalog). This brochure provides some highlights of the ELCA s global engagement and partnerships in This educational resource showcases a variety of ways in which we and our global companions walk alongside one another in Christ. This resource unfolds into a world map, which is wonderful for displaying in your congregation s foyer, narthex and literature racks. 26

202 Sustainable development Global Mission continues to expand support to projects that focus on peace, justice and human rights, as this sector represents some of the most potentially transformative work the ELCA supports. Half of the new projects beginning in 2018 are rooted in such work, including a number of projects that focus on gender justice and a new project working with ex-bonded laborers (Haliya) in Nepal. While the government of Nepal officially ended the Haliya slavery system in 2008, members of the freed Haliya community are often homeless and subjected to a range of human rights abuses. In this new project, LWF-Nepal will work with members of the freed Haliya community to increase the livelihood opportunities of families, promote children s access to quality education, and enhance advocacy and leadership skills within the community. Activities include nutrition education, highvalue crop production and market distribution, water access, education and vocational training, mobilization of freed Haliya human rights defenders and advocacy for the rights of freed Haliya at all levels of government toward creation and implementation of more just policies. God s work. Our hands. Sunday This year, we will observe God s work. Our hands. Sunday on Sept. 9. Across this church, over 36 percent of all ELCA congregations participate annually in this special day of service. Thank you to all who participate, and we look forward to having even more congregations join in this year. There are many resources currently available at ELCA.org/dayofservice and more will be added in the coming month. They include videos, social media memes, customizable door hangers and postcards, T-shirts and graphic resources. Watch for an updated planning toolkit, bulletin insert, worship resource and customizable posters. Promotion will include s to congregations and leaders, notices in Living Lutheran, Seeds for the Parish and Seeds Monthly, and numerous social media posts. Congregations are invited to share photos and stories through social platforms and LivingLutheran@ELCA.org. This is work you do in your communities every day, and we look forward to working together again this year on our dedicated day of service on Sept. 9. Leadership Leadership for Mission Team: The Leadership for Mission Team, in collaboration with all its educational networks, is committed to formation, education, and the continuing development and care for all lay leaders and rostered ministers. Candidacy Team: The team is collaborating with the Conference of Bishops on the document that will replace Vision and Expectations. In March, the team reviewed the sections of the Candidacy Manual that committees have identified as needing more clarity to help synod candidacy committees accompany candidates in their candidacy journey. Below is a chart with the information submitted by synods and entered in ECIS that shows the total number of candidates preparing for rostered ministry. 27

203 TEEM Candidates 116 Ethnicity Minister of Word and Service Minister of Word and Sacrament Grand Total African America/ Black Female Male Total Female Male Total African National American Indian/ Alaska Native Arab/Middle Eastern Asian/Pacific Islander Caucasian ,098 1,313 Latino/Hispanic Multi-racial Other Blank Total ,376 1,621 Lay School for Mission: An asset map that identifies all the lay school programs across the country is almost complete and will be available soon on our ELCA website. Also included on the site will be contact information for each of the programs and their course offerings. This information will provide resources for synods and congregations as they begin their lay schools. The Latino Academy: The eight Spanish courses developed to equip Latino(a) leaders for service in their congregations is now available on the Select website. A new website being developed will offer an easy link to these resources. Theological education: We continue to work with the Theological Education Advisory Committee to develop strategies to increase the number of people discerning a call to rostered ministry. An important area being addressed by our theological education network is building alliances that will continue to focus on the best formation programs for equipping leaders for service in the church and in the world. International Leaders Program Global Mission s International Leaders Program provides academic scholarships to individuals endorsed by our global companions. The scholarship program is one of several ways in which the ELCA through the Global Mission unit accompanies our companions. The focus of the scholarship program is to increase the leadership capacity of global companions in areas of need that they identify. Scholarship awards are granted for a variety of fields of study, including theology, 28

204 business, education, medicine and science. Global Mission currently provides financial support to approximately 130 students who are engaged in programs of study in the U.S. and in or near contexts closer to their countries of origin. In order to achieve greater gender balance, a new scholarship initiative was implemented in 2015 through Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA. The International Women Leaders (IWL) initiative provides four-year scholarship awards for bachelor s degree study at ELCA colleges and universities. This critical initiative for women is thriving, thanks in large part to the generous support of donors to The Campaign for the ELCA and the faithful partnership of our excellent ELCA colleges and universities. Educational partners now include: Augsburg University, Concordia College, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Luther College, Newberry College, St. Olaf College and Wartburg College. California Lutheran University and Wittenberg University have joined this list of partners and will receive their first IWL scholar in the fall. We also depend on the program s partnership with the ELCA global companion churches who have raised up these scholars and who will welcome them back after graduation. We re grateful to now partner with 10 companions in the work of the IWL initiative, spanning Cameroon, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mexico, Rwanda, Suriname, Thailand and Zimbabwe. The International Leaders Program staff invites synods to engage these international scholars during their time of study in the United States. We would be pleased to share the list of U.S.-based students with staff who are serving as churchwide representatives to synod assemblies this year. In addition to scholarships, the IWL initiative has provided leadership development seminars in Wittenberg, Germany. Nearly 100 women representing 38 of our global companions have participated in six week-long gatherings to learn about women of the Reformation era, to talk about women s empowerment, to network and share resources. The next generation of leadership seminars will take place in diverse contexts allowing for historical and contextual learning and cultural development. The first of the new-leader seminars is scheduled to take place in India later in Under the leadership of the International Leaders Program staff, Global Mission is currently engaged in a process of renewing its commitment to gender justice. Drawing on 30 years of experience and looking toward the future, all of Global Mission s sections are contributing to a comprehensive Gender Justice Strategy that will strategically shape our work in the coming years. Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) and leadership With generous support from Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA, the Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program sends 20-somethings into the world to be globally formed and globally informed by the visions, hopes and struggles of our companions around the world. Through its discernment and orientation, the YAGM program intentionally pushes hard against the volunteers understandings of God, sense of self, sense of vocation and sense of place in the world. That process is difficult and sometimes even painful, but it also opens a liminal space in which deep connections with God and with other people are created. These young adults then can return to the United States and push hard on the church and on the society in which this church is situated. Having been radically re-formed by the global context, our volunteers return with a renewed vision and commitment to the new reformation that we believe the Holy Spirit is trying to work within us. 29

205 Since 1999, more than 700 young adults have been shaped by this powerful program. They are now infiltrating the ELCA and the broader U.S. culture as pastors and deacons, as physicians and social workers, as activists and change-makers, and as people rooted in a vision that places restored relationships at the center of life and work. Glocal Musician Educators: A space that opens the ELCA to new leaders The Glocal Musician Educators program is an example of creating new spaces for musicians/artists/ educators to gather and learn so their stories and expertise can serve the wider church. This program receives the gifts of story, song and witness of our global and local companions and then translates them into competencies for proclamation and service in the U.S. context. The program started with 15 musician-educators and has grown to 170 members as of January This community is intergenerational, diverse in terms of ethnicities, orientations and socio-economic backgrounds. This community is generating a new profile of leader in the ELCA. These leaders: represent today s demographics and context of this country; are new to ELCA circles; represent perspectives, approaches and skills for community organizing, worship, theology, justice and advocacy of people of color and languages other than English; bring competencies in and a commitment to worship that is transcultural, contextual, countercultural and cross-cultural. (Nairobi Statement on Worship and Culture); and are trained in the accompaniment as a narrative, lens and methodology. Lutheran Disaster Response Domestic In 2017, Lutheran Disaster Response U.S. responded to about 11 disasters in 11 states, including flooding in Minnesota and legal support for unaccompanied minors from Central America in New York. The most notable responses were to the hurricanes of The 2017 hurricane season had 17 named storms that caused widespread destruction across the Atlantic region. Five of these hurricanes hit the U.S. mainland and/or territories, causing largescale damage across Texas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Our response: Hurricane Harvey Texas Lutheran Disaster Response, in partnership with Portico and LEAD of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, hosted a respite retreat for rostered leaders and their families who were affected by Hurricane Harvey in the Houston area. Lutheran Disaster Response is also a part of a consortium of four other Texas-based voluntary agencies that will be providing disaster case management to families and individuals recovering from the hurricane in 10 counties. This service will help survivors access resources, financial and other, to rebuild their homes and their lives. 30

206 Hurricane Irma/Maria Lutheran Disaster Response is working with the Florida-Bahamas Synod, the Caribbean Synod, affiliates and other International companions and partners to provide relief to the most vulnerable individuals and communities in the U.S. and around the world. Florida Lutheran Disaster Response provided early support to Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) to provide $100 gift cards to LSF staff and grants up to $5,000 for staff most severely affected to help with high deductibles and other expenses not covered by other funds. Also, through LSF, crisis counseling was provided to thousands in 20 Florida counties. In addition, LSF attorneys, through partnership with the Florida-Bahamas Synod, is helping congregations navigate insurance claims for hurricane damage. Georgia Lutheran Disaster Response, through a partnership with Lutheran Services of Georgia, is planning to launch a multiyear volunteer rebuild and repair program accompanied by construction management and other services. Puerto Rico Lutheran Disaster Response worked with the synod to establish Lutheran Disaster Response Puerto Rico (LDR PR), now a ministry of Lutheran Social Services of Puerto Rico. Partnering with LDR-PR and the Caribbean Synod, Lutheran Disaster Response distributed critical relief supplies, such as food, water, formula and diapers, during the days and weeks immediate following the storm. Also, 125 mattresses were given to families and individuals. Through our continued partnership, we are providing case management to 190 families and individuals to identify other unmet needs. Lutheran Disaster Response continues to work with LDR-PR to build its capacity to respond to this disaster. Through our partnership, we are planning to launch a multiyear volunteer rebuild and repair program. U.S. Virgin Islands Lutheran Disaster Response, through Lutheran Services of the Virgin Islands, is providing a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-funded crisis counseling program on the islands. In addition, we will launch a major, multiyear repair and rebuild program on St. Croix and will assist residents in building and implementing their recovery plans. Because of your generosity, about $15 million was raised to respond to the 2017 hurricanes. Because of this, Lutheran Disaster Response is able to provide significant, multiyear funding and other forms of support for years to come, including ongoing support to help survivors create their recovery plan and secure much needed resources, continued emotional and spiritual care for survivors and leaders in the response, and continued capacity building for our partners and affiliates. Lutheran Disaster Response received an extraordinary $22.9 million from donors in fiscal year 2017, including more than $14.7 million to support the ELCA s hurricane response efforts. 31

207 International In 2017, Global Mission responded to 23 disasters in 15 countries. The majority of these disasters were sudden-onset, natural disasters (primarily flooding and mudslides) wherein we provided immediate relief (e.g. food and non-food item distribution) through our companion churches, implementing partners and the ACT Alliance. In Cuba and Haiti, we responded to the 2017 Atlantic hurricanes through companion churches and ecumenical partners, and in December, Global Mission staff visited Cuba to discuss ongoing disaster recovery and preparedness efforts with the Cuban Council of Churches. In Nepal, our response to the earthquakes that affected nearly 8 million people continued in Last June, Global Mission staff visited companions and partners in Nepal where recovery projects have assisted over 40,000 people through shelter/home reconstruction, reconstruction of schools and a health center, new potable water sources, livelihood opportunities and community-rights training for Dalit communities. In Mexico, after an 8.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the Pacific coast in September, we responded through our local partner, Amextra, to provide immediate relief to families in Chiapas, which included food, water and personal hygiene kits. Additional support is being directed toward longer-term response efforts; with this support, we are accompanying local communities through activities such as re-opening businesses, building temporary and permanent housing for womenheaded households, the elderly and other vulnerable communities, and post-traumatic stress management workshops for children and adults. Missionaries ELCA missionaries, through their witness and service in more than 40 countries, are a mark of this church s vitality an embodiment of the relationship we have in Christ with our sisters and brothers around the globe. The ELCA sent 113 new missionaries and Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) volunteers into service this past year. These new missionaries include people like the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Holder Rich and the Rev. Dr. Mark Rich, who are educating a new generation of East African pastors and evangelists as professors at Tumaini University Makumira in Tanzania. They include the Rev. Viking Dietrich and Marissa Dietrich, who are strengthening relationships between the ELCA and our companions in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa in their role as ELCA regional representatives. They include English as a second language teachers serving in Lutheran schools in Slovakia and Poland, who are equipping young people to become faithful leaders in their post-communist countries. And they include vibrant, passionate ELCA young adults serving in 13 countries, who have opened themselves to be shaped and transformed by our global companions through the YAGM program. To learn more about ELCA missionaries and YAGM volunteers, or to support their ministries, visit ELCA.org/globalchurch. Follow their journeys on social 32

208 Mission Investment Fund The Mission Investment Fund (MIF) is the lending ministry of the ELCA. MIF makes low-interest loans to ELCA congregations and ELCArelated ministries for building and renovation projects. With MIF loans, congregations and ministries can purchase property, construct new buildings, and expand or renovate existing facilities. MIF loans expand the capacity for ministry. MIF loans help create expanded worship spaces, updated space for education and youth ministry, new kitchens for community meals and soup kitchens, affordable housing units for the community and much more. At year-end 2017, MIF had 888 loans outstanding, totaling $539.1 million. To fund these loans, MIF offers a portfolio of investments for congregations, their members, synods and ELCA-related ministries to purchase. At year-end 2017, MIF investments totaled $506 million. MIF is a financially strong and stable organization, with a record of steady, controlled growth. With total assets of $715.7 million and net assets of $203.9 million at year-end 2017, MIF maintains a capital ratio of 28.5 percent positioning MIF in the top tier of well-capitalized church extension funds. For more information, visit mif.elca.org. The Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities The Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities (NECU) is the vehicle for churchwide ministries in higher education. The NECU is an unincorporated, missional, collaborative association whose members are the churchwide organization and the 26 colleges and universities related to the ELCA. As of June 2017, the network s membership expanded to include Luther College in Regina, Saskatchewan, which is the only college formally related to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. The NECU is managed and supported financially by the colleges and universities and by the churchwide organization through the Domestic Mission unit. It is overseen by a board, whose directors are the presidents of member institutions, plus an executive director, whose service fulfills the duties of program director for colleges and universities in the Domestic Mission unit. The churchwide organization and the schools agreed to form the network in During 2016 and 2017, Lutheran identity in higher education was the NECU s focus, culminating in the reception of the statement Rooted and Open: The Common Calling of the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities. The network will focus in 2018 and 2019 on enhancing ties between higher education and other churchwide ministries. 33

209 Office of the Treasurer ELCA total operating revenue and support for 2017: $68,947,647 ELCA total expense and allocations for 2017: $66,190,185 ELCA World Hunger total income for 2017: $21,355,536 Campaign-to-date Congregations: $2,552,502 Leadership: $15,390,965 Global Church: $19,029,986 Hunger and Poverty: $100,849,769 Where Needed Most : $6,183,596 Total revenue and commitments: $144,006,818 Key information technology accomplishments during 2017 Launched ELCA Digital Directory replacing ELCA Yearbook Directory.elca.org ELCA granting process improvements and ELCA Grant Maker system implementation ELCA.org/grants Centralized and simplified churchwide electronic newsletter subscriptions community.elca.org/elca- -subscriptions Information security program and technology enhancements to protect sensitive data and systems Refugees and migrants In 2017, Global Mission continued to accompany refugees, migrants and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in both emergency relief efforts and through ongoing development work. Support was directed through partners and companions to respond to the ongoing refugee crisis in Europe and the Middle East, as well as with Rohingya IDPs and refugees in Myanmar and Bangladesh. We also responded to the conflict and famine within South Sudan and supported South Sudanese refugees in refugee camps in Kenya. In addition, we worked with repatriated refugees who have returned to Somalia in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) promotion. Projects continue to provide refugees with resources and assistance throughout all phases of their journey. For instance, the work of St. Andrew s Refugee Services (StARS) in Egypt provides the most vulnerable refugees in Cairo with protection services, adult education programming, early childhood development and education programs, connections with higher education and work opportunities, psychosocial support and links to care providers, and legal aid. In 2017, StARS provided 350 nutritious meals per day for children in their programs to enable concentration and success at school. 34

210 Systems Academy The ELCA Systems Academy began its third academic year last fall. The academy is a four-year commitment to the study of family systems theory and theology combined with clinical work. The appeal of natural systems thinking about human behavior and leadership functioning has taken on more relevance in addressing the larger and deeper processes that resist quick fixes. Among ministers, the natural systems theory of Murray Bowen, M.D., and his student, Rabbi Edwin Friedman, has gradually become a more effective resource and way of thinking about emotional processes in families and congregations. In the therapy field, a major shift in the study of human behavior has occurred and is still in the early stages where the focus is on the relationship system as an emotional unit instead of the focus being just on the individual. Each individual is understood as being part of a larger field of interaction in natural family systems thinking. ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton found this natural systems orientation especially helpful when she was a synod bishop responding to her responsibilities to rostered ministers and congregations. She saw a more comprehensive frame of reference for leaders stemming from natural family systems research and application. After her election as presiding bishop, she encouraged a family systems orientation in the synods and in the churchwide organization. As a result, an academy process was designed that would present natural systems concepts along with family of origin work, case studies and noteworthy presenters. Since the fall of 2015, eight to 10 synod bishops have been invited prior to the start of a new academy year to select a staff or synodical representative to be part of a four-year commitment to the academy s goals. The ELCA Systems Academy meets four times a year for three days. Depending upon their years of academy study, synodical appointees are in a variety of stages in the development of their synod work utilizing the lens of systems theory. The academy participants now include a total of 24 bishops appointees and seven churchwide staff. The ELCA Natural Systems Academy is a pathway initiative. Bowen s theory and Rabbi Friedman s application of this thinking has become a path to effective capacities of leadership beyond therapy and technique. Toward this effort, the academy curriculum aims include: 1. The ability to observe how things work in a relationship system 2. An understanding of how anxiety affects relationships 3. The impact of mature behavior on institutions and ministry 4. The challenge to think differently 5. An understanding of the challenge and the importance of how we treat one another 6. The practice of taking time to think 7. The way theory makes theology concrete Deacon Mary Ann Schwabe serves as the natural systems coordinator in the churchwide organization and as one of the coordinators of the ELCA Systems Academy. 35

211 Theological Discernment Human rights social message The Church Council adopted an ELCA social message on human rights during its November 2017 meeting. Drawn from experts in the field of human rights and Lutheran ethics, the message will be used to guide ELCA investment and social policy. Acknowledging that human rights do not fully encompass God s intention for abundant life, the message states that, The recognition of fundamental human rights, however, serves as a safety net of critical, baseline commitments. The message can be found at ELCA.org/socialmessages and will be released in Spanish in Women and justice social statement draft The ELCA Task Force on Women and Justice: One in Christ has released a draft social statement for public comment. People are encouraged to study the document individually or in groups and to respond via a response form or by attending a synodical hearing. Questions and comments can be directed to womenandjustice@elca.org. You can find more information at ELCA.org/womenandjustice, including: Digital copies of the draft Online response form Instructions for ordering paper copies Schedule of hearings Tips for discussion groups and hearings 36

212 The Mission Investment Fund (MIF) is the lending ministry of the ELCA. MIF makes low-interest loans to ELCA congregations and ELCA-related ministries for building and renovation projects. With MIF loans, congregations and ministries can purchase property, construct new buildings, and expand or renovate existing facilities. MIF loans expand the capacity for ministry. MIF loans help create expanded worship spaces, updated space for education and youth ministry, new kitchens for community meals and soup kitchens, affordable housing units for the community and much more. At year-end 2017, MIF had 888 loans outstanding, totaling $539.1 million. To fund these loans, MIF offers a portfolio of investments for congregations, their members, synods and ELCA-related ministries to purchase. At year-end 2017, MIF investments totaled $506 million. MIF is a financially strong and stable organization, with a record of steady, controlled growth. With total assets of $715.7 million and net assets of $203.9 million at year-end 2017, MIF maintains a capital ratio of 28.5 percent positioning MIF in the top tier of well-capitalized church extension funds. For more information, visit mif.elca.org. MIF loans and investments in the Indiana-Kentucky Synod (as of December 31, 2017): 12 Mission Investment Fund loans, with a balance of $4,452,270 $9,018,969 in Mission Investment Fund investments MIF representative: The Rev. Richard Wehrs, Regional Manager, Tel: (708) ; richard.wehrs@elca.org Mission Investment Fund 8765 West Higgins Road Chicago, Illinois Tel: Web: mif.elca.org

213 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Region 6 Archives In 2017, the ELCA Region 6 Archives navigated changes in supervisor, roles within the Archives Advisory Board, and relationships with Trinity Lutheran Seminary and Capital University while continuing to cooperate with others to preserve, share, and outreach about Lutheran stories from Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and the lower Michigan peninsula. Highlights include: Preservation: Receiving 72 accessions, including congregational histories, records from closed congregations, synod files, and other Lutheran historical items Processing incoming collections and placing backlogged records in acid-free folders Shifting and better organizing archival collections for most efficient use of shelf space Transmission: Answering 98 research questions Creating 80 new records in the PastPerfect catalog Inventorying the Audio-Visual Collection Outreach: Answering 17 advice inquiries about records management, congregational histories, congregational archives, and other topics Offering congregational history help, anniversary ideas, and research as part of the Archives annual Congregational History Campaign, as well as requesting publications from congregations celebrating major anniversaries in 2016 Participating in the ministry fairs of the North/West Lower Michigan Synod Assembly in Mt. Pleasant, MI, the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly in Covington, KY, and the Northeastern Ohio Synod Assembly in Akron, OH Providing 6 tours of the ELCA Region 6 Archives Presenting Your Congregation s Story, Our Lutheran Heritage: What to Keep, How to Keep It, and How to Share It at First Lutheran Church, Galion, OH, during the Northwestern Ohio Synod s Reformation 500 Crawl in July and October Participating in a Trinity Lutheran Seminary I-Group Play Date scavenger hunt by hosting students and professors for an 1800s German-language baptism record research activity Submitting information about the ELCA Region 6 Archives for the Society of Ohio Archivists Ohio Archives Passport, which helped raise awareness about archives in Ohio: Sharing information via website: and Facebook page: Thank you to ELCA Region 6 staff, congregation members, synods, rostered leaders, and bishops, Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Capital University, the ELCA Archives, the Archives Advisory Board, student workers Stephanie Engel and Sarah Bennett, and volunteers Rich Ferne and Brian Pinnegar for working with the ELCA Region 6 Archives. The ELCA Region 6 Archives success is possible because of everyone s cooperation and support. Respectfully submitted by Jennifer Long Morehart ELCA Region 6 Archivist ELCA Region 6 Archives, Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University, 2199 East Main Street, Columbus, OH (614) , ext. 4606, reg6archives@tlsohio.edu

214 Spring 2018 We are church together. This call from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton is at the core of Portico s identity: We serve those who serve the church, so they can serve others. Ecclesiastes 4:12 reads, a three-fold cord is not easily broken. Imagine, then, the resilience that comes from a community more than 50,000 strong that includes: Active and retired rostered ministers, lay employees, and family members Congregations, synodical and churchwide ministries, and social ministry organizations The dedicated and talented staff at Portico Benefit Services Together, we pool our resources and carefully steward our gifts, leveraging our collective strength to provide the care our members need. Together, we walk the path toward financial, emotional, and physical well-being, so all might experience God s abundant life. Together, we are church. In 2017, our community s size and scope allowed Portico to: Deliver personalized support that helps our members live well. Skillful Portico Care Coordinators by Quantum Health helped more than 70% of members with ELCA- Primary health coverage navigate the complex world of health care. More than 400 members enrolled in Livongo s innovative diabetes management program to make living with diabetes easier and more cost-effective. 35% of our sponsored members used Portico s Retirement Planning Tool to get a comprehensive picture of how much they re saving, and how it might last in retirement. 3,500+ members gained a better understanding of their financial picture after talking with our new inhouse team of credentialed Portico Financial Planners. Exceed our goals for practicing good financial stewardship. Over and above a record-breaking year for the markets, the expertise of our investment management team demonstrated our commitment to a long-term, diversified approach to investing. For the second year in a row, administrative efficiencies and innovative plan adjustments allowed us to hold our baseline increase for ELCA-Primary health benefits to 5% below the national trend of 6.5%. Benefiting from the run of growth in the markets and strategic fund management, we announced a 4.0% increase in the ELCA Participating Annuity payments for 2018, the sixth consecutive annual increase. Speak with one voice on behalf of those who serve the church. As part of the Church Alliance, Portico joined with 37 other denominations to advocate for legislation to protect 403(b)(9) plans designed to help churchworkers save for retirement. On behalf of ELCA investors, our shareholder advocacy team championed a history-making climatechange resolution at a major energy-producing company. The church is a shining example of what happens when we come together to care for one another. Lives are changed, hearts are touched, hurts are healed, hope is shared. We are grateful to lead the ELCA in the good work of wellness, and thankful for your partnership that makes this possible. We are church together and together, in Jesus name, we are creating abundant life for those who serve. In Christ, The Rev. Jeffrey D. Thiemann President and CEO

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216 Firmly rooted in its Lutheran heritage, Wittenberg University, located in Springfield, Ohio, continues to adhere to its mission and values as it challenges students to become responsible global citizens, to discover their callings, and to lead personal, professional, and civic lives of creativity, service, compassion, and integrity. Students are indeed living out their callings in service to their neighbors both near and far. As part of the weeklong celebration of the Inauguration of Wittenberg s 15 th President, Mike Frandsen, the campus came together for two service events. In the first, more than 225 students, faculty and staff packed 85,000+ meals over 24 hours through the Lesotho Nutrition Initiative (LNI). LNI was founded with students by our own Scott Rosenberg, professor of history, chair of our Peace Corps Preparation Program, and Honorary Consul to the Kingdom of Lesotho, a small landlocked kingdom in the middle of South Africa. The second event took place at Oesterlen Services for Youth, a social agency affiliated with the ELCA in Springfield, where students helped to refresh residents' living spaces with painting and stenciling. The April 5 Inauguration also brought distinguished church leaders to Wittenberg, including Southern Ohio Synod Bishop Suzanne Darcy Dillahunt, Executive Director of the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities Mark Wilhelm, and our own Board Chair, the Rev. Jonathan Eilert from Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Loveland, Ohio. The event itself proved both unifying and inspiring. To see photos and read a recap of the week, visit a special website that was created at Earlier in the spring, Wittenberg had the honor of welcoming retired Bishop Munib Younan of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, and recent president of the Lutheran World Federation. A Palestinian Christian, Bishop Younan is sought after for his perspective on just peace. At Wittenberg, he spoke on the global refugee crisis and the challenges and opportunities of interfaith work in Jerusalem. Wittenberg remains grateful to the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities, which provided a portion of the funding for the bishop s visit. Wittenberg also sponsored a visit from the Bishop with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Springfield, and the congregations of St. Anne Episcopal Church and Lord of Life Lutheran Church in West Chester, Ohio. Wittenberg also celebrated its Lutheran heritage last fall in a rich array of observances of the 500 th anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation, including a poster exhibit from Germany, an exhibit from Wittenberg s extensive archives showcasing Reformation-era artifacts, the Sauer Symposium, concerts, and an all-class-year Wittenberg Choir reunion. continued on next page

217 The commemoration closed with a service of word, prayer, and song, which brought together Lutherans, Catholics, and other Christians to give thanks for reconciliation in the Gospel, as well as a visit from Martin Luther on October 31. The spring Board meeting will feature a presentation from faculty, students, and the university pastors on the continuing significance of the university s Lutheran heritage for Wittenberg's mission and future initiatives. Additionally, the Board is expected to receive an update on strategic planning efforts, which have included conversations surrounding the launch of a new Center for Vocation and Lifelong Learning to ensure that Wittenberg students understand the impact of vocational calling in one s life. Moreover, the university is currently exploring expanding its mission-centered commitment to service and compassion with a new undergraduate program in nursing. Lastly, campus ministry was enhanced earlier this year with the addition of Dan Jacob, a 2010 alumnus of Wittenberg, and an ELCA deacon. Under call from the Southern Ohio Synod Council, Jacob was installed this past fall as a Ministry Associate in the University Pastor s Office to work with contemporary worship, ELCA-related events, and various campus ministry initiatives. A double major in English and philosophy with a minor in history, Jacob received his master of divinity from Yale Divinity School. He has served as a youth director in Connecticut and Ohio, and is working with youth at Peace Lutheran Church in Beavercreek, Ohio, along with serving at the university. Wittenberg continues to encourage Lutheran students to attend by offering the $80,000 Martin Luther Scholar Award, among other scholarships. Wittenberg cordially invites all members of the synod to visit campus for worship services, athletic contests, and Wittenberg Series cultural events, or to set up a visit in the archives. Lutheran youth groups are encouraged to retreat at Wittenberg as well, so as to experience firsthand a student life of faith and service. Please visit our website at or contact Deacon Dan Jacob at Weaver Chapel, , for more information. Submitted as 2018 Synodical Report

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219 INDIANA-KENTUCKY SYNOD CONSTITUTION/BYLAWS/STANDING RESOLUTIONS June 2017 Introduction from Constitution for Synods S01. Name and Incorporation S02. Status S03. Territory S04. Confession of Faith S05. Nature of the Church S06. Statement of Purpose S07. Synod Assembly S07.32 Assembly Committees S08. Officers S08.10 Bishop S08.20 Vice-president S08.30 Secretary S08.40 Treasurer S08.50 General Provisions S09. Nominations and Elections S10. Synod Council S11. Committees S12. Conferences, Clusters, Coalitions, Area Subdivisions, and Networks S13. Congregations S14. Ordained Ministers and Lay Rostered Ministers S15. Financial Matters S16. Indemnification S17. Adjudication S18. Amendments, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions