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Call for Nominations
SWCA Synod Council & Committees
Deadline Monday, April 17, 2023
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 2023 Synod Assembly on June 2-3, 2023. 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.
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 use the online nomination form, linked here and below, to nominate candidates. This form may also be used for self-nomination.
Please note that nomination forms for all positions must be submitted no later than Monday, April 17, 2023. 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.
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 Vice President
(Lay Person for 3 year term)
Commitment: Four to six regular Synod Council meetings per year as well as other meetings with synod leaders as necessary. Promote the ministry of the synod at quarterly events throughout the year.
The Vice President position will be elected by the Synod Assembly and be a voting member of a congregation of this synod. The Vice President must be a lay person. The Vice President responsibilities include chairing the Synod Council and in the event of the death, resignation, or disability of the bishop, the vice-president, after consultation with the presiding bishop of the ELCA, shall convene the Synod Council to arrange for the conduct of the duties of the bishop until a new bishop shall be elected or, in the case of temporary disability, until the bishop resumes performance of the duties of the office. See Synod Constitution S.8.20 for the responsibilities. All nominees for the Vice President position will be asked to present a short (5 minutes or less) speech during the 2023 Synod Assembly. Also, the synod constitution requires a criminal background check for all officers. Here is the SWCA Vice President Position Description.
Synod Council Member-at-Large
(Lay and Rostered Leaders for 3 year terms)
Four open positions
Commitment: Four to six regular Synod Council meetings per year. Promote the ministry of the synod in your congregation and conference.
Synod Council 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. Here is the SWCA Synod Council Member At-Large Position Description.
Synod Council Youth Representative
(10th or 11th grade for 2 year term)
Commitment: Synod Council Meetings. Promote the ministry of the synod in your congregation and conference.
Synod Council Youth Representative is expected to be present at council meetings, to attend Synod Assembly, and to volunteer on Mission Teams, Task Forces, or Committees pertaining to Youth involvement in the synod. The Youth Representative will be in Grade 10 or 11, the term of service is two years, with no re-election. Here is the SWCA Synod Council Youth Representative Position Description.
Conference Representatives to Synod Council
(Lay Persons for 3 year term)
- Tehachapi Conference Rep (Lay Person for 3 year term)
- Twin Valleys Conference Rep (Lay Person for 3 year term)
- South Bay Conference Rep (Lay Person for 3 year term)
Commitment: Synod Council Meetings. Promote the ministry of the synod in your congregation and conference.
Conference Representative Positions Elected at Spring Conference Assemblies and Ratified at Synod Assembly. Please talk to your dean if you are interested in serving in this capacity.
Committee Positions
The following committee positions are open:
Consultation Committee
(Lay Person for 6 year term)
Commitment: Intermittent meetings (usually about two meetings per year)
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 people, 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
(Lay Person for 6 year term)
Commitment: Intermittent meetings (usually one meeting per year.)
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 people, share openly in discussions of sensitive matters, know the policy and mission of the church, and be compassionate. Discipline Committee members should have a commitment to fairness and justice. Members serve a term of six years without consecutive reelection.