Dear Synod Community,
After the work of the Discernment Team and the approval of their report by the Synod Assembly, we are moving into a new Synod Structure in 2027. While the New Way Forward served us well, a lot has changed in the church and our culture since it was approved. We believe that this new structure will serve us well in this new time as we administer grants and do what we can to support the ministry of Presbyteries and congregations.
The new Standing Rules have been approved by the Mission and Ministry Commission. The new by-laws are drafted and ready for the Synod Assembly’s consideration in January. These technical details are, of course, important for our deliberation processes. But most importantly, we want our decision-making processes to be guided by the Spirit. I am especially excited that the new structure is intentional in welcoming the Spirit to work among us and in inviting commissioners and advisory delegates to guide the spiritual direction of the Synod Assembly through the Theology and Formation Pillar. This is only one way that commissioners will guide our deliberations. Much of this is not new. But I believe that we have made the changes that will help guide us in this new time and that right now is an exciting time to be part of the work of the Synod.
As we move toward the new structure, we are asking that Presbyteries elect their commissioners soon so that they can make plans and attend our orientation in October. We are asking that each Presbytery elect one Ruling Elder Commissioner, one Teaching Elder Commissioner, and one Young Adult Advisory Delegate. We are also asking that each presbytery elect one Alternate Ruling Elder Commissioner and one Alternate Teaching Elder Commissioner. Those who served on the Mission and Ministry Commission and Synod Assembly in the past year are eligible to serve as this is a new structure. The class years will be staggered. If you are a Presbytery Leader or serve on a Presbytery Nominating Committee and don’t know what the class years will be for your commissioners, please reach out to me.
Commissioners and Yount Adult Advisory Delegates will serve on Missional Pillars. These are committee-like entities that make recommendations to the Synod Assembly. There will be six Missional Pillars: Governance, Theology and Spiritual Formation, Grants, Collaboration, and Storytelling and Communication, and Regional Learning. Each commissioner will be assigned to one of these groups and recommend actions to the Synod Assembly. They will do their work during the Assembly meetings and sometimes between meetings.
In the new structure, the Mission and Ministry Commission will be phased out. The Synod Assembly, which previously met every other year, will meet three times per year. When they meet, their work will begin at noon on Fridays until around noon on Saturdays. Two meetings in October and April will be in-person. The January meeting will be on Zoom. If your Presbytery hasn’t elected commissioners yet, please do so soon! I think this will be a rewarding way for your members to serve the larger church.
If you have any questions, please contact me by email at stateclerk@synodne.org. I check email daily.
Peace,
Rev. T. J. DeMarco, Temporary Stated Clerk
Synod of the Northeast
