The Nominating Committee of the Southwest California Synod invites members of synod congregations to prayerfully consider if God is calling them to serve on Synod Council or on a Synod Committee. Elections to fill these positions will take place at the 2022 Synod Assembly on June 11, 2022. Descriptions of the duties of each open position are included. If you are considering serving on the Synod Council, please read the Synod Council Conflict of Interest Policy here.
We are looking for candidates who have a desire to share their experience, knowledge and passion as leaders in the synod. We need good listeners, critical thinkers, folks with an openness to the Spirit, and a willingness to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns. You can learn more about synod leadership here.
The Southwest California Synod commits to diversity and inclusion, knowing God has created us with beautiful identities. The Churchwide constitution, which we must use for certain nominations, uses "male" and "female" language. This can only be changed by a Churchwide assembly vote, and people throughout the country are working to pass this change. Some of the positions we are filling are open to non-binary leaders and others who do not use "male" or "female" identity markers. Our forms and descriptions are not perfect, and in some cases are gendered. We know gendered language has been harmful, and that is not our intention. The church is changing, thank God, and we are committed to lifting up leaders of all self-identifications. If you are feeling called to service, or know of someone who is, please offer their name, using our forms to the best of your ability. Pr. Toni Casteneda Carrera (805-908-5193) is available to assist you in discernment and talk through options, no matter your identity.
Please note that nomination forms for all positions must be submitted no later than Sunday, May 1, 2022. Those who wish to be considered for open positions who have not submitted their form by that date must be nominated from the Synod Assembly floor.
Committee Positions
The following committee positions are open:
Endowment Committee Member-at-Large
Two open positions; may be filled by lay or rostered people
Persons serving on the Endowment Fund Committee should have experience in financial management as well as an understanding of the Mission Goals of the Synod. They must be able to share openly in discussions concerning the policies and mission of the church, and must be able to participate objectively in decisions regarding the disbursement of funds, such as Synod Grants.
Consultation Committee
Four positions to be filled by clergypersons (Ministers of Word and Sacrament)
The primary responsibility of the Consultation Committee is to hear the issues of all parties involved in cases related to ordained ministers, officers, associates in ministry, congregations, and members of congregations, and recommend whether or not disciplinary action should be taken. Persons serving on the Consultation Committee must have an ability to listen to the opinions of many persons, share openly in discussions of sensitive matters, know the policy and mission of the church, and be willing to uphold the integrity of the church and individuals to which the church ministers. Members serve a term of six years without consecutive reelection.
Discipline Committee
Four positions to be filled by laypeople
One position to be filled by a clergyperson (Minister of Word and Sacrament)
The Discipline Committee acts on the recommendations of the Consultation Committee. Persons serving on the Discipline Committee must have an ability to process input from many persons, share openly in discussions of sensitive matters. Persons, know the policy and mission of the church, and be compassionate, with a commitment to fairness and justice. Members serve a term of six years without consecutive reelection.
Council Positions
The Synod Council is the board of directors of the synod and serves as its interim legislative authority between meetings of the Synod Assembly. Those serving need a vision of the mission of the church, a record of leadership in their local congregation, and a commitment to Christ expressed in the stewardship of their gifts. They must be able to share openly in the decisions concerning the policies and mission of the church and be ready to assist the bishop of the synod in working with the agencies, institutions, conferences and congregations in implementing the work of the church.
The following council positions are open.
Synod Council Treasurer
This position may be filled by a lay or rostered person
The Treasurer is a member of the Executive Committee, is expected to attend all meetings of the Council, Executive Committee, and Synod Assembly, and to report the financial status of the synod to all meetings of the Council and the Synod Assembly. They need a thorough knowledge of accounting procedures and functions. The term of service is three years, with no limit as to the number of terms. The term of service is three years, and there is no limited as to the number of terms.
Synod Council Secretary
This position may be filled by a rostered or lay person
The Secretary is a member of the Executive Committee, is expected to attend all meetings of the Council, Executive Committee, and Synod Assembly, and is responsible for the keeping of minutes of all meetings. The term of service is three years, with a limit of one additional term.
Synod Council Member-at-Large
Two open positions:
One rostered woman (Minister of Word and Sacrament or Minister of Word and Service)
One lay woman
Members-at-Large are expected to be present at council meetings, to attend Synod Assembly, and to volunteer on Mission Teams, Task Forces and Committees. The term of service is three years, with a limit of one additional term.
Conference Representatives
The positions of Conference Representative for the Greater Long Beach, Foothill, and Channel Islands Conference are open. Council representatives serve both on the Synod Council and on their Conference’s Leadership Team. If you are interested in a Conference Representative position, please contact your Conference Dean. Conference Representatives are elected at Spring Conference Assemblies and affirmed at Synod Assembly. If you are interested in serving as a Conference Representative please contact your Conference Dean.
