Blue Ribbon Task Force Report and Analysis: Part One

Part One: A Summary of the Event

My report and analysis will be divided into three parts. First, I will provide a general look at what happened at the conference. In part two I will offer and comment upon the content of the presentations and a portion of the questions raised and answers given, with emphasis on what I feel are the most critical and important recommendations. The final section will give my summary and general critique of this proposal and the future of the Synod.

The Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and Governance began their work four years ago. President Kieschnick suggested that they have spent thousands of hours on the recommendations, and it shows. Before you read all of this, please be aware that the entire presentation given in Boston a few weeks ago will be posted on the the Synod’s website in a few weeks. My review and analysis can be compared to this, keeping in mind that there may be some differences between that presentation and this one in Dallas.

The event began Friday at 1 pm. The presentation was held for four Districts: Oklahoma, Texas, Mid-South and Southern. I represented the Oklahoma District as a member of the Praesidium, not as a delegate. After some welcoming remarks, 1st Vice President Diekelman offered an opening devotion, based on the “Service of Prayer and Preaching” found in The Lutheran Service Book. Following this, we endured some lengthy presentations by members of the Task Force on the History of the Synod’s Constitution and Structure, and the basic methodology of the Task Force. These presentations were necessary, though on the long side, especially for a Friday afternoon.

These reports emphasized a few points that are important. First, they insisted there was no “hidden agenda” in what they were proposing. Second, they listened to leaders, congregations, circuits and each and every individual comment offered–thousands and thousands of them. Third, they emphasized that their work was somewhat independent of the Synodical President: while he directed them in their duties, their recommendations do not necessarily please the president in every point. President Kieschnick also emphasized this, directing us to re-read his report, which takes exception to a few of the proposals.

Next, the Task Force described each recommendation they offered, with an rationale provided. While not entirely comprehensive, they provided a good summary with some supporting reasons. At the conclusion of this, each table was allowed time to discuss the recommendations and submit written questions to the Task Force.

After our most excellent dinner (truly the most delicious broccoli I’ve ever had–steamed with onions and peppers–buttery and al dente), the best part of the conference began, with reading the questions, followed by a question-and-answer from the floor. At 8:15 pm, the four districts present at the Conference split into “Caucuses”, each with a representative from the Task Force or Praesidium present, to discuss the recommendations and have questions answered.

The next morning the conference convened at 8:00 am with more Q&A. First, additional submitted questions were answered, followed by equal time for questions from the floor. The even concluded with some closing remarks and closing devotion. We were dismissed at noon.

While painfully long, the meeting was very helpful for me in getting the big picture in what the Task Force was proposing and understanding the minutiae of the recommendations. I am encouraged by many of the recommendations, yet have some deep and abiding concerns in the overall picture and the future of our Synod.

Related posts:

1. Blue Ribbon Task Force Report and Analysis Part Two
2. Blue Ribbon Task Force and Analysis Part Three:The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
3. Regional Gathering Update
4. The Task Force Report: Initial Observations
5. Other Information from the Convention