A bishop’s nominee biographical
form soon will appear there. Persons who determine before the upcoming
Synod Assembly election that they may be interested in being nominated can
download and complete the form, then return it to the synod office. The
information will be held in confidence until after all of the nominations are
made on the first ballot of voting.
Sharing biographical information on potential nominees only at the
assembly and not beforehand is part of the “ecclesiastical ballot” process,
designed for full openness to the Holy Spirit at work.
In addition, results from four “listening
posts” held throughout the synod in February to gather desired qualities in
a new bishop will be posted there.
And third, demographic
information about the synod will be posted on the synod website. The
information, complied by the ELCA churchwide office, is aimed at helping
potential nominees and assembly voting members learn more about the synod.
Here is a sample of the data taken between 2005 and 2011:
Fewer giving more: Overall, membership
in the synod declined 20 percent, due to the sexuality vote, the economy and a
national decline in mainline church membership. In 2011, the synod had 32,000
baptized members and 24,000 confirmed members. Remaining confirmed members’ giving
increased 7.5 percent.
Local trends: Of the 91 congregations
and worshiping groups that make up the synod, 58 percent had declining
membership and 27 had growing membership.
Most groups mid-sized: In 2011, 59
congregation had between 50 and 350 worshipers. Eleven had fewer than 50
worshipers, and five had more than 350 worshipers.
Retirements: Sixty-five percent of
pastors were between ages 50 and 65, meaning many will retire in the next 15
years.
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