Conference Deans

Through my years of ordained ministry, I have had the privilege of serving this church in a number of different ways. One of my favorites was serving as dean of the Central Conference. I was reminded of this on Thursday when our synod’s deans met.

I do not remember exactly how I came to be elected the dean. It might have been a case of volunteering for the job in a year when no one else wanted it. Perhaps I was nominated by someone, the train whistle blew, and that was it. I just cannot recall. I am, however, glad it happened.

Each synod is divided into conferences, which are geographical clusters of congregations. The Northern Illinois Synod has eight conferences, with descriptive if uninspired names: Northwest, North, Northeast, West, Central, East, South and Southwest. The boundaries of our conferences generally fall along county lines, with two or three counties represented in each conference.

Each conference elects a dean, who in my experience has always been a rostered leader, and a secretary/treasurer. Deans and secretary/treasurers serve for three year terms. The dean’s role is not well defined, but communication within the conference is a big part of it. The dean is also responsible for calling meetings of the conference, making sure that necessary elections are held, and submitting a report each year for the Synod Assembly. Deans also provide for and chair monthly meetings of the rostered leaders of the conference.

When I was dean, collegiality amongst rostered leaders was an emphasis. In the early days of my ministry, I learned the joy and necessity of having great colleagues. I suppose that is why I have long tried to promote solid collegiality. As dean, I also encouraged a sharing of the Eucharist at gatherings of rostered leaders. It helps to have colleagues with whom you can laugh and cry, pray and sing, be encouraged and be consoled. Today, I see deans working toward these same goals.

The eight deans of the synod meet together four times a year in the synod office in Rockford. They come to share what is going on in their respective conferences with the bishop and synod staff. The deans help us discern the needs of our congregations. Their discussion forms our prayer petitions and our priorities. In turn, Bishop Wollersheim shares ELCA news, gives an update on the synod, and shares our current financial picture including each congregation’s Mission Support.

The dean’s role is important yet underappreciated. Bishop Wollersheim thanks them often for their service. I simply wish to make that thanks public today.

Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/ or comment on Facebook. --JC