The LCMS’ Blue Ribbon Governance Task Force has released their “final” report to the Synod that includes their recommendations for restructuring. As I have written before, I am not confident that the Task Force’s focus on structuring the Synod around larger congregations and districts is a good thing. Just glancing at the final report, not much has changed from their original form and my same objections stand.

Reminder – not everything being suggested is bad. Some of the ideas (such as rewriting the preamble of the Synodical Constitution) aren’t deal breakers. just head scratchers. But some of the proposals rile me up, such as reducing the number of convention delegates from 1200+ to only 650 while giving larger churches more of a say in delegate selection.

One of the more interesting aspects in my first quick glance is that the individual district structure will remain as it current is — but a special Task Force (hopefully with a better acronym than the current Blue Ribbon Task Force has) will be set up to investigate merging or eliminating districts.

Another idea I like – making the Synodical Convention (and thus, the nationally elected offices) every four years.

The lengthy report is available at the LCMS website or click here for a direct download link.

(More over at reviovine.com)