Official Workbook overture source text
Overture: 2-03
Workbook page: 295-296
Source pages: 295, 296
Source status: source checked / public
Submitter: Board for International Mission
Ov. 2-03
To Direct Board for International Mission to Study Ecclesiastical Supervision, Pastoral Care, and Synod Membership in International Mission Contexts
WHEREAS, The 2023 Synod c onvention adopted Resolutions 2- 03 and 2-06A (2023 Proceedings, 124–126), which address matters related to ecclesiastical supervision, pastoral care of missionaries, and Synod membership for international congregations; and
WHEREAS, These matters relate to the responsibility of the Board for International Mission (BIM) under Bylaw 3.8.3; and
WHEREAS, The BIM has already invested significant time studying the possibility and advisability of such arrangements and has determined that reasonable pathways exist; and
WHEREAS, Responsible stewardship requires careful study and appropriate consultation prior to proposing potential actions to the Synod; therefore be it
Resolved, That the BIM continue to study and identify priority considerations related to ecclesiastical supervision, pastoral care, and structural organization in international mission contexts; and be it further
Resolved, T hat such study include, but not be limited to, examination of the Synod’s historical international districts, prior inclusion efforts, mission -based or associate relationship models, existing international mission structures, and core ecclesiastical needs (including supervision, pastoral care, and call processes), while considering policy based solutions within the existing constitutional and bylaw frameworks of the Synod; and be it finally
Resolved, That the BIM conduct this work with appropriate consultation and submit a written summary of its findings and any recommendations to the 2029 Synod convention.
Board for International Mission
