To Direct Board for International Mission to Study Ecclesiastical Supervision, Pastoral Care, and Synod Membership in International Mission Contexts

Official Workbook overture source text

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 
2026 Convention Workbook
295FLOOR COMMITTEES: REPORT AND OVERTURE ASSIGNMENTS