A Matter of Perspective
Bishop Bill Rindy, May 2, 2009
» Downloads:
- State of the Synod Address (download pdf file)
- State of the Synod – Power Point (download PowerPoint file)
- State of the Synod – Presentation Slides (download pdf file)
I knew that I was going to be giving a “State of the Synod” address at the assembly, so I asked myself, “What is the state of the synod?” The answer kept coming back to me, “that depends…”
I did not dare write this address until the week of the assembly, as there were still many flood fights going on. Then I realized that the state of the synod depends mostly on where one chooses to focus.
If one’s focus is on farm prices, water levels, the economy, the state of the synod might seem dismal.
Instead of focusing on the flood, I chose to focus on God’s work being done through our hands as God’s children responded to the needs of the neighbor, even the ones they did not know. Jesus commanded us to “let our lights so shine before others, that they might see our good works and give glory to our Father in heaven.” The lights were shining brightly in the EaND Synod.
As I look at the finances of the synod, I am filled with gratitude for the amazing faithfulness with which you all have responded. Instead of a $250,000 deficit, we only came up $72,000 short of our goal. Thank you! Instead of having to reduce our 2009 mission plan by $270,000, we only had to reduce it $170,000. Thank you! The state of the synod is truly a matter of perspective… it depends on where you focus.
Everywhere I go I encounter faithful lay leaders, good pastors, and people who care about the Gospel and the Kingdom of God. Rural congregations facing challenges are not asking, “How can we keep our doors open?” But rather, “How do we faithfully do ministry into the future?” I am inspired and encouraged by what I see.
There are many things that would seek to distract us from our mission. I choose to focus on the Great Commission: We’re called to make disciples; to baptize; to teach the ways of Jesus. Jesus commanded us to “seek first the kingdom of God” in Matthew or as Luke put it, “See the Kingdom of God.” As we stay focused on this greatest of commissions, as we seek the Kingdom, all these other things that we need will be added to us as well.
There are also other good things that could distract us from our mission: being a “green” church; world hunger; socially active; politically active; etc. These things are not bad in and of themselves, but when then take over the center, we can miss the mark. As we keep our Christ-centered mission focused, all of these things can flow out of us as disciples just as good trees bear good fruit.
Messiah Lutheran made over 10,000 sandwiches during the flood;
Numerous pastors came to assist with the evacuation of vulnerable adults in Fargo;
Faithful pastors walk the difficult journey with their people;
South Pleasant- 15 members- LMM group serves YWCA shelter;
Congregation of Sudanese refugees from Sioux Falls, SD, sends $100 to assist with flood;
What is the state of our synod? It depends on where you focus.
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