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Musings of the Synod Executive
by Zane K. Buxton
Synod Executive
zbuxton@att.net |
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Synods
As people assembled in Minneapolis for the General Assembly, there were a number of different proposed actions (overtures) that would affect the governance of our church, particularly concerning synods. The Form of Government proposal (FoG) included a provision for more flexible functioning of synods, as well as a general reduction of mandatory functions of all governing bodies. The overture proposed by our synod would allow for a similar flexibility in functioning. The future of the Synod of Puerto Rico seemed to be a particular challenge. Another overture called for the elimination of synods from our polity. That, of course, prompted an overture asking for a special committee to review the whole interaction of the differing levels of the church. And that led to a recommendation from Gradye Parsons, the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, and the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly for the formation of an Administrative Commission to deal with a lot of questions concerning synods. There were also overtures to allow for presbyteries to be part of a theologically conservative synod – a way to divide the church but stay in one pension system.
In the end, the General Assembly soundly defeated the call to eliminate synods, rejected the theological division of the church, approved our overture for flexibility (as well as FoG), and formed an Administrative Commission to report to the next General Assembly recommendations of a number of questions concerning the governance of the church. Presbyteries vote on overtures, of course, so the final decision on some issues remains to be seen. But it seemed that the church was not ready for wholesale change in the governance structures and also understood the need for more flexibility in synod functioning. It is already the case that synods are trying, within the scope of the Constitution, to meet the specific needs of the church in their regions.
A Thank You
In the spring, I noted that we were going through a staff design exercise. That streamlining of staff was approved by the Synod Assembly in June. One result of that design change is that at the end of this month, there will be no position of Executive Assistant. The office staff will consist of an Executive and a Book-keeper / Office Assistant (who is a continuing employee, David Rogge) working three days per week. There will be days when only the answering machine is at work in the office.
Rebecca Kennedy has been our Executive Assistant since August of 2003. I want to thank her for her dedication to the work of the church and loyal support of our needs as a synod. However, with the elimination of a couple of functions of the synod, it was no longer appropriate to keep the position in which she served in the synod staffing model. We have been able to keep synod per capita to a minimal increase of seven cents, even with the continual decline in church membership within the synod, and provide for a new level of support for ministry across presbytery boundaries within the synod as a result of the streamlining of staff.
Rebecca is due our thanks and good wishes as she looks to new opportunities in the future.
A Farewell
While the process of looking at that synod staffing design was in process, I was also in process of assessing the future direction of my ministry. The design does call for the continuation of a full-time synod executive. At least for the near future. The continuing dour economic climate and the continuing shrinkage of general (undesignated) mission support for presbyteries, synods, and the General Assembly pose challenges for staffing at all levels beyond the local congregation (and they are not immune to the challenges, either). Our small presbyteries continue to seek ways to adapt.
But I also reached the conclusion that at my current place in life, with the intent to retire in about two years, I really should look at returning to ministry in a local congregation for that transition time. And folks have basically said they could understand that desire. I've been traveling on behalf of the Church for seventeen years. I am looking forward to more time at home with Karol.
So, as a result of making that interest known, I will begin serving at the interim pastor of First Church, Boise, Idaho, in the middle of November. As we have not been keeping the discussion of this idea a secret, most who read this will simply be learning the details, not the basic idea. Karol and I are excited about this next adventure in our life together.
But as I come to terms with the reality that God has opened this new door to ministry, I know that I will miss dear folks in the eight presbyteries of this synod. You have welcomed me to your presbytery meetings, listened to my counsel in relation to particular challenges (not always heeding my advice, of course – but we are Presbyterian, after all), and shared meals, drink, and worship with me. I will also miss my colleagues who serve the other synods.
I am looking forward to retiring twice (once from all of the things related to ministry beyond a presbytery). Don't expect to see me in Pittsburgh for the next General Assembly. I don't intend to become a GA junkie. And I will leave all those committees of the General Assembly to some new folk. The second retirement comes after a time of being with God's people in the life and ministry of First Church, Boise.
You are, of course, welcome to come and visit us in that place. Grace and peace to all.
Conversation
In light of my announcement above, I have to say that my long-standing invitation to any readers to respond to my Musings probably has to have a use by date at this point. I won't be serving the Synod of the Rocky Mountains after the middle of November and am not sure of the future use of the email address below. Over the years, I haven't received too many direct responses anyway. But until November, at least, I would still welcome your ideas about the health of the church and its responsibilities in mission, particularly your ideas about our shared regional ministry. Send me email (zbuxton@att.net), call me, or visit with me when I'm at your presbytery meeting or at your church. I do hope to be in several of the presbyteries in coming weeks.
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