Rev. Dr. Thomas Zelt called the September 2019 meeting of ... · Metric 4: A pathway of missionary...

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CNH Board of Directors Meeting – March 9, 2019

CALIFORNIA-NEVADA-HAWAII DISTRICT OF

THE LUTHERAN CHURCH-MISSOURI SYNOD

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

March 9, 2019

Rev. Dr. Thomas Zelt called the September 2019 meeting of the CNH Board of Directors to order

at 9:30 am.

1. BOARD ROLL CALL √ = present

* = voting member

District Officers:

√ District President: Rev. Michael Lange

√ First Vice President: Rev. Dr. Thomas Zelt*

√ Secretary: Rev. John Standley

√ Treasurer: Louise Rickey

Regional Vice-Presidents:

√ Rev. Jason J. Bredeson *(Northern)

√ Rev. Aaron Smith *(Pacific)

√ Rev. Clarence Eisberg * (Southern)

√ Rev. Jedidiah Maschke *(Nevada)

√ Rev. Mitchell Gowen *(Hawaii)

Regional Directors:

√ Mrs. Marilyn Maxner * (Southern)

Ms. Laurie Hertzberg * (Northern)

√ Joan Hilse * (Pacific)

√ Mr. Curt Drumm * (Nevada)

√ Mrs. Lana Wold* (Hawaii)

Commissioned Minister Director:

√ Mr. Mike Mancini*

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2. OPENING DEVOTION

Secretary Standley offered the morning devotion. Rev. Standley read Luke’s account of the

Transfiguration, setting it in the context of the events leading up to the disciple’s “Hilltop”

Experience. John used his past experience in ministry and life to illustrate how God gives us

occasional “Hilltop” events to lift us up from the valleys of everyday life to re-energize us and

turn us back to HIm. The devotion ended with prayer and the singing of the hymn, “When

Morning Gilds the Skies” LSB 807

3. OPENING COMMENTS

Chairman Zelt advised that we will be spending most of our time with two main topics. The

morning will be used to finalize the District Outcomes and Metrics that will be used to set the

course for the District’s ministry for the remainder of this triennium. Much of the afternoon will

be spent hearing and reacting to President Lange’s plans and progress regarding District staffing.

4. AGENDA

The Chair reviewed the Meeting’s Agenda, which was then approved by Board consensus.

BUSINESS

COMMITTEE REPORTS

5. OUTCOMES & METRICS

Background - At the September meeting of the Board, preliminary work began to create the

Outcomes and Metrics that would guide the work of the District during the 2018-2020 Triennium.

At that time a rough draft was produced which the Board approved conceptually as the working

Outcomes. A motion was then made to appoint a Task Force to “clarify and prioritize these

Outcomes and Metrics.”

The Task Force, which was chaired by Regional Vice President Aaron Smith included First Vice

President Zelt, Lay Director Laurie Hertzberg and, Secretary Standley. President Lange was also

asked to provide input.

Aaron, Laurie, John and, President Lange met at the District office. Chairman Zelt was not able to

attend due to illness. The Outcome and Metrics offered by the Task Force were developed by a

process of re-wording, combining and, prioritizing the original work. The goal was to retain the

original concept while presenting a more workable document.

At this morning’s meeting Chairman Zelt presented the proposed Outcomes and Metrics line by

line to allow for discussion. While there were numerous adjustments considered by the Board,

much of the work of the Task Force was retained. However, the discussion, which took most of

the morning session, was considered by the members of the Board to be extremely important as a

way of confirming that the final document reflects the policies that were originally intended.

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The result of the morning’s work is shown below. The original work by the Task Force with

Strike-through and Italics, indicating the changes that were made, can be found in the addendum

to these minutes.

1. THE CNH DISTRICT CONSISTS OF WELL-EQUIPPED, HEALTHY,

MISSIONALLY COMMITTED LEADERS.

A. There is a district-wide culture that facilitates the overall wellness and equipping

of leaders

Metric 1: Ongoing training for different methods of raising disciples and developing leaders.

Metric 2: The promotion of church worker health.

Metric 3: The development of a culture of continuing education and healthy practices for our

church workers, beginning with congregational leaders in the call process.

Metric 4: A pathway of missionary leaders is developed regardless of size of congregation.

Metric 5: Cultural and generational issues are addressed.

B. Identify and utilize leaders across the district to assist others in mission for both

congregations and schools.

Metric 1: Train, hold accountable and define the role of VPs, LDs, and CVs.

Metric 2: Personal contact is used to recruit and train leaders.

Metric 3: The development of congregational leaders with a target of ministry ownership and high

accountability.

Metric 4: Leaders are encouraged and assisted in identifying unserved and underserved

communities.

Metric 5: Resources throughout the District are positioned to the greatest extent possible to

accomplish this outcome.

2. CONGREGATIONS HAVE A POSITIVE MISSION DIRECTION.

A. Congregations have hope with a vision for the future.

Metric 1: Congregations will understand transitional opportunities and move proactively.

Metric 2: Significant, regular effort is made on behalf of congregations to identify church workers

who have demonstrated mission attitude and behavior.

Metric 3: Congregations put a high value on these traits as they search for new staff.

Metric 4: A plan is in place for helping legacy congregations and utilizing inactive sites.

B. Cooperative ministries between congregations is fostered and enabled

Metric 1: Opportunities to develop trusting relationships between churche.

Metric 2: Congregations join together to minister unserved and underserved communities.

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3. BASIC CONGREGATIONAL AND SUPPORT SERVICES ARE

PROVIDED IN AN EFFICIENT AND COST- EFFECTIVE WAY.

Metric 1: A clearinghouse is established to connect resources throughout the district to

congregational needs.

Metric 2: A high percentage of the shared financial resources entrusted to the Board of Directors

are used “in the field”

A motion was made and seconded to accept the final proposed Outcomes and Metrics for

the 2018-2020 Triennium. The motion was unanimously approved.

6. FINANCIAL REPORT

District Treasurer Louise Rickey reviewed the financial report for 2018 that was prepared by the

District Finance office.

Dec YTD-Actual Budget Actual vs. Budget

Revenue $ 331,128

$ 1,975,735

$ 1,964,819

$ 10,916

Expenses $ 175,610 $ 1,989,950 $ 2,159,671 $ (169,721)

Inc/(Loss) $ 155,518

$ (14,215)

$ (194,852)

$ 180,637

The following are some of the highlights as shown in the report.

Total net loss for the year was $14,215 versus budgeted loss of $194,852. Revenue was

$10,916 higher than expectation while expenses were $169,721 below forecast.

Congregation remittance for the year was $85,424 higher than budget. Fifty (50) congregations

did not participate in congregation remittance (vs. fifty-four in 2017).

Received three trusts in the amount of $4,476, $1,735 and $16,488 respectively. $10,000 was

credited to Board Designated Funds and the remaining balance of $16,210.54 was recorded

under other income.

Program Income included $16,943 from LCEF annual distributions and $13,204 from CEF

grants.

The total expense for Mission Agency was $663,452 which was funded by $512,568 out of the

congregation remittance and $150,884 donation from individual donors, congregation

designated funds and LCMS affiliated organizations. No Board Designated Property Funds

were released in 2018.

Louise reported that the total of donations received for the Fire Disaster Fund was $321,186. Of that

total, $92,327 has been distributed so far. President Lange noted in his Administrative report that the

“Wildfire Disaster Relief Awards Committee is in process and will be accepting applications and

overseeing grant requests in the near future.”

The Treasurer also noted that as of December 31, 2018, the Board Designated Fund balance was

$2,201,291.

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7. TRANSITIONAL / STAFFING TASK FORCE

President Lange noted that there are three separate groups working toward staffing and transition.

These include; Transition and General Staffing, Education Executive Support and, Legacy

Congregations Support. These committees are tasked with looking at what District needs have

been, present and past, as well as what they may be in the future.

In regards to staffing, the committees are looking at potential candidates for both full and part-

time positions. In some cases it may be that specific tasks can be shared with other West Coast

Districts. A team approach to staffing rather than, “One staff position for each task” is being

considered as a cost effective possibility. As such, candidates with skills that would adapt to this

kind of environment would be desirable.

President Lange stated that the next step in the process is to evaluate the data that has been

collected. Looking at present staffing, and takin future retirement plans into consideration, the

President noted that it may be possible to reduce staff from a once high of 10+ positions to 8.

For more detailed information on Transition and Staffing please refer to the Administrative report

that is included in the Addendum to these minutes.

8. MISSION AGENCY

Regional Vice-President and Chair of the Mission Agency, Rev. Aaron Smith, reported that

Agency finances are good. He noted that this is due in part to the Mission Agency providing 25%

of President Lange’s compensation rather than the full amount for an Executive Director.

Aaron announced that the Mission Conference will soon start. At meeting time there were 140

registered to attend, however the final number is expected to be 175-185. So far this year 3

Mission Grants have been awarded.

9. MANAGEMENT REPORT

President Lange directed the Board to turn to the Staffing Time Line on page four of his report,

ADJUSTED TIMELINE FOR STAFFING AS OF 03/06/19

Staffing task forces have completed their evaluative work and made recommendations as

of February 21 (complete handout of findings available of this work at BOD mtg. as

desired for full disclosure)

March 7 - Sub-committee work for Staffing Scenarios and candidates

March 19 through August 19: Call/ hire appropriate staff. Re-orient our present staff

responsibilities and job Descriptions. (First new staff in place by May.)

A question was raised concerning how the called positions will be handled given that the BOD is

responsible for issuing District calls considering that the Board only meets once a quarter.

It was noted by the Chair that this becomes somewhat difficult when working under Policy Based

Governance where the President is tasked with managing staff.

The following sections of the District Bylaws and District Board Policy Manual were referred to

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District Bylaw 3.A.3.i

(The Board of Directors shall)…

“Be the authority to create and abolish Called positions and act as the Calling body on behalf of

the District. The administrative details, including preparation of Call documents, may be

delegated to the District President.”

The Board Policy Manual section 2.5.1.

“In the case where the District President recommends and the Board agrees there is a vacancy in

the office of another called worker, and where the annual ministry financial plan allows, the

Board of Directors shall appoint a Call Committee. The Committee shall consist of one Regional

Vice President, one Regional Director, two individuals in the district with experience, and the

District President. In following the guidelines established in the Constitution and Bylaws for

calling such personnel, the Call Committee shall not fail to:

• Establish a set of criteria for the position, with special attention to the

leadership needs under Aligned Governance and Operations,

• Interview the President of the District to determine his insights regarding

the need for the position being filled,

• Establish an effective interview and evaluation process which includes

telephone and, as needed, personal interviews,

• Provide a list of recommended, qualified candidates to the Board of

Directors,

• Establish and facilitate the interview process for the list of candidates

approved by the Board,

• Ensure candidates approved by the Board engage in a personal interview

with the District President, and

• Present to the Board of Directors a summary of the interviews of each

candidate.

After a great deal of discussion, it was agreed by consensus of the BOD that, should it be

necessary, the members of the Board could gather by way of a phone or video conference to

discuss and vote to issue the Call. It was noted that if agreement could not be reached by such

means, a special meeting could be called as provided in our Bylaws. (Article 3.A.1)

10. DISSOLUTION OF PROPERTIES

President Lange reported that the task of clearing people from the Martinez property is in process

and will be completed in the near future. This was one of the conditions that the BOD required to

be met before the District would take responsibility for the property.

Rev. Lange also mentioned that District staff is in the process of working with the leadership of

Trinity Lutheran Church in Oakland.

11. PROCESS OF ELECTING A REGIONAL VP

There were some questions regarding the process of the election of the Northern Region

Vice President during the 2018 District Convention. Rev. Aaron Smith and Secretary

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Standley were asked to look into the matter and offer a report of findings concerning the

question at a previous meeting of the Board. The Task Force of two found that our Bylaws

do not currently address the process of electing the Regional Vice Presidents. The process

used in the Northern Region was one found in a prior version of the Bylaws. Their report

has been forwarded to the District Committee on Constitutional Matters for review. The

report is included in the Addendum to these minutes.

BOARD ACTIONS

12. BANK SUB-ACCOUNT

Rev. Mitch Gowen reported that as Treasurer of the Fall Pastoral Conference he is finding it

difficult to open a dedicated bank account for the committee. In consultation with the District

Financial office, it seems that the proper way to handle this is to open a sub-account under the

District’s main account. Doing this would allow oversight of the committee’s account by the

District Finance Office.

A motion was made to allow the Fall Pastoral Conference committee to open a bank

account or sub- account in connection with the CNH District’s Bank account. The

account will be opened in the name of the Sierra-Nevada Pastoral Conference. The

names of the signatories for the account will be: Denise Lo (CNH Director of Finance)

– Rev. Mitchell Gowen (Committee Treasurer) and, Rev. Ronald Youngdale (Committee

Chairperson)

The motion was seconded and approved.

12. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

The Consent Agenda that includes the minutes of the December Board meeting, changes within

the district and, future meeting dates, was approved by unanimous vote of the Board.

13. BOARD SELF EVALUATION

The Chair asked if there were any comments concerning today’s meeting. Several members noted

that they were pleased with the work that was accomplished, and felt that it was a very productive

meeting. Others noted that the comradery they have experienced in the Board’s gatherings is

greatly appreciated.

14. CLOSING

Chairman Zelt closed the Meeting at 2:10 pm

Nevada Regional Director Curt Drumm offered the closing prayer.

Respectfully Submitted

Rev. John M. Standley

CNH Dist. Secretary

ADDENDUM March 9, 2019 Meeting

California – Nevada – Hawaii District Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod

CONTENTS

• Future Meeting Dates

• Changes in the District

• President’s Administrative Report

• 2018-2021 Outcomes and Metrics

• Outcomes and Metrics – With Changes

• Regional VP Election Review

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FUTURE MEETING DATES

=

Mar. 14, 2020 March 13, 2021 March 12, 2022

June 8, 2019 June 13, 2020 June 12, 2021

Sept 13-14, 2019 Sept. 11-12, 2020 Sept. 10-11, 2021

Dec. 7, 2019 Dec. 5, 2020 Dec. 4, 2021

CHANGES WITHIN THE DISTRICT

CALLS ACCEPTED:

REV. WAYNE RIDDERING, associate pastor, Peace, Arroyo Grande, CA, to Redeemer, Atascadero,

CA, as pastor.

REV. TIMOTHY SCHEPMAN, candidate status, to Mt. Zion/Rollingwood, Richmond/San Pablo, CA,

as pastor.

JONATHAN HEINEMANN, St. Paul, Tracy to St. Peter Arlington Heights IL as Principal

CALLS EXTENDED:

REV. MARK HANSON, Concordia, Oak Harbor, WA, to Waikoloa Lutheran Church, Waikoloa, HI, as

pastor.

REV. MATTHEW HILPERT, St. Mark, Kaneohe, HI, by Galilee, Pasadena, MD, as pastor.

REV. JOEL KROGEN, Zion, Waldenburg, AR, by Zion, Terra Bella, CA, as pastor.

CALLS DECLINED:

REV. DAVID FICKEN, Our Savior, NASHVILLE, TX, to St. Matthew, Rocklin, CA, as associate

pastor.

REV. MITCH GOWEN, Our Savior, Aiea, HI, to Beautiful Savior, Boise, ID, as pastor.

REV. BRENT KUHLMAN, Trinity, Murdock, NE, to Zion, Terra Bella, CA, as pastor.

REV. RANDY LOUX, Military Chaplain, Board for Mission Services, St. Louis, MO, to Waikoloa

Lutheran Church, Waikoloa, HI, as pastor.

CHANGES IN STATUS:

REV. DANIEL KISTLER, Our Savior’s, Pacifica, CA, to pastor emeritus.

REV. DANIEL KISTLER, pastor emeritus, to Pacific Southwest District as pastor emeritus.

REV. KELLY SMITH, SR., candidate status, to Rocky Mountain District, as candidate.

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REV. PETE WOODWARD, Faith, Pleasant Hill, CA, to pastor emeritus.

DEBRA STANHOPE, St. John’s, Napa, CA, to teacher emeritus.

PLACEMENTS:

OTIS BYRD, SMP Colloquy certification, to Shepherd of the Hills, San Francisco, CA, as Associate

Specific Ministry Pastor.

DANIEL JUNKIN, SMP Colloquy certification, to Saint James, Newman, CA, as Specific Ministry

Pastor.

HERMAN SEALEY, SMP Colloquy certification, to St. Andrews, Antioch, CA, as Assistant Specific

Ministry Pastor.

ROERT SHOCKLEY, SMP Colloquy certification, to St. Luke, Portola, CA, as Specific Ministry

Pastor.

RICHARD TOMS, SMP Colloquy certification, to Trinity, Georgetown, CA, as Specific Ministry

Pastor.

JENNIE LOVIE, Concordia, Irvine (colloquy) St. John's, Napa as a Teacher

DECEASED:

REV. FREDERICK W.J. BEHRMANN, pastor emeritus.

REV. ROBERT VISSER, pastor emeritus

PASTORAL VACANCIES:

Holy Cross, ATWATER, CA

Bethany, BAKERSFIELD, CA

Bethlehem, BERKELEY, CA

Our Savior/First, CHESTER/GREENVILLE, CA

St. John, CLEARLAKE, CA

Shepherd of the Sierra, COARSEGOLD, CA

Holy Cross, CONCORD, CA

Our Saviour, DELANO, CA

Grace, EL CERRITO, CA

Faith, FAIR OAKS, CA

Prince of Peace, FREMONT, CA (Associate Pastor)

Grace, GRIDLEY, CA

St. James, NEWMAN, CA

Our Savior’s, PACIFICA, CA

Faith, PLEASANT HILL, CA

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St, Matthew, ROCKLIN, CA, (Associate Pastor)

Mt. Zion/Rollingwood, RICHMOND/SAN PABLO, CA

Town & Country, SACRAMENTO, CA

Canaan, SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Calvary, SAN LORENZO, CA

Mt. Olive, SEBASTOPOL, CA

St. Andrew, STOCKTON, CA (Associate Pastor)

Peace, TAFT, CA

Zion, TERRA BELLA, CA

Faith, UKIAH, CA

Bethany, VACAVILLE, CA

Saints John and Luke, VALLEY HOME, CA

Waikoloa, WAIKOLOA, HI

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Board of Directors

Administration Report

March 09, 2019

Dear People of God on the CNH Board,

Be Still and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in

the earth! Psalm 46:10

A quick message from my daily reading 2 days ago, (I just finished Leviticus too ;-), reading it in a new

light this year, but more on that at another time). In our District, as in so many places in the United

States today, the nations have come and continue to come to us. Not only via internet and news, but also

face to face and shoulder to shoulder. These messages strike me as we walk through our ongoing

missionary (missional) reality.

1. We are just “some” of the nations. (no more and no less valued by our great creator God)

2. Our identity is in Him (Be still and know this, that HE is our God.

3. He will be exalted within the nations and over all the earth. (We need not fear!)

On a personal note, Kristi and I are working hard to create space for some relational health between the

two of us so that we can be an example for our greater District regarding what it means to lead and be in

His Mission from a point of “Rest.” Please pray for us as we continue to pursue that path. We have

several “away” times (albeit brief) to anticipate and to maximize our time together refreshing our spirits

and also at times visiting our far flung children. (No grand-babies yet, but Kristi is hoping!)

It has been a challenging march. After my 3rd gathering with other District Presidents, I am finding my

feet as a part of the whole. I am also quite serious about pursuing staff and hiring beginning late this

month. You will receive a verbal update from me on our Staffing Scenarios workshop I am doing with a

sub-committee on March 7th. This workshop assists me in making this pursuit my priority after the 2019

Missions Conference is completed. If you would like a copy of the complete report of both of our

Staffing task forces, they will be available to you at the Saturday BOD meeting.

Our support staff is continuing to reorganize under the leadership of Denise Lo. Charlotte Elliot has

retired as of 12/31/18. Shelly Alba now sits at the receptionist position but is functioning as our

administrative assistant for Education. Glenna Sanlis will move to a cubicle outside Rita Konda’s office

and continue to serve as the Mission’s administrative assistant as well as training for the President’s

assistant. A new hire for our support staff will directly follow the bringing on of our new executive staff

leaders. We continue to be in transition but are taking steps deliberately and with a strategic end in

mind. I am blessed to have the supportive environment I do in which to work.

Anticipating our time together,

Michael Lange

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1. Our work together as national synod, the following stand out:

a. Submit 2019 Convention Overtures was closed on March 2.

b. Nominations for Synodical President, 1st Vice President and Regional Vice Presidents will be

announced soon. They were closed Feb. 24

c. Electing our Synod President – Please distribute

Our Synod will hold its 67th National Convention this July 20-25 in Tampa, Florida. An important

purpose of the convention is the election of our Synod officers, including the Synod President. The

2010 LCMS Convention amended our bylaws to provide opportunity for every congregation in our

Synod to participate in the election of the Synod President. Each congregation is eligible to cast a lay

vote and a pastoral vote for the president on a designated day prior to the opening of the convention.

That is a wonderful opportunity for which we give thanks.

In order to participate in the presidential election each congregation needs to register its lay and

pastoral voters with the Office of the Secretary of Synod. We have recently learned that a number

of our CNH congregations are not aware of the registration requirement.

Voter Registrations

For the 2019 election, presidential election voter registrations began on Oct. 25, 2018 with an official

mailing from the Synod Secretary’s office. Deadline for registering is March 24, 2019.

Synod Bylaws 3.12.2.3–4 were amended at the 2016 Synod Convention to change how the official list

of pastoral and lay voters is formed. Previously, it was composed of the lay and pastoral delegates that

attended their respective District Convention. Now, it is assembled by direct communication of the

Office of the Secretary with congregations or multi-congregation parishes. Each congregation has the

opportunity to designate a lay voter and a pastoral voter.

If your congregation did not receive an official voter registration form, or it has somehow become lost

or misplaced, the Synod Secretary, Rev. Dr. John Sias, will be more than willing to send you a new

form. He can be reached by email at [email protected], and substitute materials will be

dispatched by email. Or you can contact his office directly by phone: 314-996-1417. His

administrative assistant, Pam Weeke, is very helpful.

Presidential Election Voter Information

When it is nearly time for the voters to cast their votes for the LCMS President, a special postcard will

be sent to all voters via U.S. mail on or about June 7, 2019, to alert them to an envelope that will be sent

from Election-America on or about June 10, 2019, via U.S. mail.

d. Election Process

Four weeks prior (June 22) to the national convention, the Secretary of the Synod shall provide, via a

secure and verifiable method, opportunity for two voting delegates from each congregation as

determined according to Bylaw 3.12.2.3 to vote for one of the candidates for President.

mailto:[email protected]

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I encourage all of our congregations to register to vote and to participate in the election of our

Synod President. Please keep our election of our Synod President as well as our other leaders in

your corporate and personal prayers-that the Lord of the Harvest raise up Godly men and women

who will lead us in the way of the Lord and in His mission to seek and to save the lost.

2. Our work together as district, the following stand out:

What follows is an update from our last meeting (in red) to emphasize the latest information

i. Task Force for Transition: Staffing (General)

Brainstorming actual candidates (clergy, lay, women, age groups, etc.)

Evaluation of present staff responsibilities

What are the needs now? What will they be 5 years from now?

Is it possible to pool resources for staffing between our West Coast Districts?

Chair: Brian Underwood, Vice Chair: Rod Thompson; Jesse Yow, Joan Hilse, Rev. Michael Schmid,

Rev. Ron Youngdale, Jennifer Schults, Dave Hemker, Rev. Paul Schult, Mitch Gowen

This task force has completed their work. The complete report contains staffing recommendations from

the perspective of CNH BOD Outcomes, other District’s Staffing plans, Budgetary opportunities, and

Present Effective processes. Copies of their report are available at the 03/09 meeting as well as verbal

report of the 03/07/19 sub-committee meeting.

ii.) Task Force for Education Executive Support

Chair: Evan Anwyl, Cynthia Spiva, Janis King, Jenny Cid, Rev. Dr. Tom Zelt, Lonnie Karges, Joel

Wahlers, David Gaudi, Amy Melo

Review of former services

Review of desired services in the future

Prioritization of required and desired services from District

Potential Solutions for staffing

Potential Candidates

This task force has completed its work and its chair, Evan Anwyl has completed a report. Copies of this

report are available at the 03/09 meeting as well as verbal report of the 03/07 sub-committee meeting

iii. Legacy Task Force –

This task force has not met since our last board meeting

(plan for stewardship of properties, resources, etc. that may be given to the District) –

knowledgeable and responsible lay business leaders, appointed clergy, Board

representation?

This task force led by Rev. Jon Coyne has met once and will make recommendations to myself

including a recommendation on how a longer lasting task force or committee might be appointed and

managed by the District BOD. There specific topics include but are not limited to the following

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Build confidence in our District organization as a responsible and strategic steward of

resources for the sake of God’s Mission.

Consider the use of a District Holding Company for property and assets

Preserve strategic footholds around our District.

Have the opportunity to consider “re-purposing” property and locations.

Relieve District staff and leaders from direct Property Management decisions.

When appropriate, handle the sale and/or necessary improvements.

Facilitate evaluation of our present CNH District Office property and make

recommendations regarding potential minimization of overhead costs

b. Ted Hartman and Joel Koerschen continue to serve me in consulting roles in the area of

Congregational Services and Education until these positions can be filled effectively by other means.

While Ted has and will continue to serve at least until new staff is employed, Joel’s participation

continues to be minimal although he has been very active on a CTT case. Most of the needed tasks of an

Education Executive continue to be accomplished by our District Schools lead staff interacting with one

another, assistance from the Pacific Southwest District, or myself and support staff.

c. Adjusted timeline for Staffing as of 03/06/19

Staffing task forces have completed their evaluative work and made

recommendations as of February 21 (complete handout of findings available of

this work at BOD mtg. as desired for full disclosure)

March 7 - Sub-committee work for Staffing Scenarios and candidates

March 19 through August 19: Call/ hire appropriate staff. Re-orient our present

staff responsibilities and job Descriptions. (First new staff in place by May.)

Upcoming Events

Incubating New Starts (Santa Rosa) Fall 2019

CNH Missions Conference March 16, 2019

CNH Educators In Service March 29

Delegate Orientation (CNH District) May 2019 (TBA)

Synodical Youth Gathering July 11-15th Minneapolis, MN

Synodical Convention July 20-25th Tampa, FL

3. BOD Strategic Outcomes and Administrative activities in red. Where possible, I have placed my

activities this quarter under the area that applies to the outcomes. I have also listed other activities at

the end of my report.

OUR MISSION is to challenge and assist congregations in their proclamation of the Gospel and

ministry to all people.

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OUTCOMES

1. The CNH District consists of well-equipped, healthy, missionally-committed leaders.

A. There is a district-wide culture that facilitates the overall wellness and equipping of leaders

Metric 1: Ongoing training for different methods of raising up disciples.

Metric 2: The promotion of Church Worker health.

Metric 3: The development of a culture of continuing education for our professional

workers.

Metric 4: Resources will be provided to meet this outcome.

Metric 5: There will be involvement with congregational leaders in the call process to

build in healthy practices and a plan for continuing education.

Metric 6: A pipeline of leadership is developed.

Metric 7: The development of locally raised up leaders serving smaller churches.

Metric 8: Training for addressing cultural and generational issues. (e.g., LGBTQ issues)

Metric 9: Teaching how to develop within churches and between each other

accountability.

Visited Trinity San Jose to recognize and celebrate their partnership with Valley

Christian Schools to engage youth and families together in their neighborhood, (those not

enrolled.) - #7

Engagement of speakers, publicity, and physical arrangements for CNH “Healthy for

Mission, Mission Conference given necessary time and attention: (est. 180 attend) (#2,4,

& 1b. #5)

Evaluation of SOYL program and leadership – Coyne, Putnam (#1,2,4,6,7,8,9)

SMP Colloquy Committee Interviews held for 3 candidates – Jan. 18 (#5,6,7)

Efforts to engage 2 other long term deacons in SMP colloquy interviews (#5,6,7)

Engagement with Lutheran Indian Ministries regarding present Worker support

partnership (discontinuing funding) #1,6,7)

B. Greater involvement of leaders across the district assisting others in mission.

Metric 1: The development and training of leadership

a. Called workers with a target of “how to raise up and train leaders”

b. Congregational leaders with a target of ministry ownership

Metric 2: Define the role, train, and hold accountable of VPs, LDs, and CVs.

Metric 3: Shared resources from within the district helping each other.



communities.

Metric 6: Shared resources are positioned to the greatest extent possible to accomplish

this outcome.

Metric 7: Resources and training are provided that address preschool, elementary, and

high school needs.

Various communications and face to face with congregations for placement of seminary

6

graduates

o Our Savior Pacifica (no candidate requested)

o Holy Cross Concord (candidate requested)

o Faith Lutheran in Pleasant Hill (convertible vicar requested)

o St. Andrews in Stockton (associate pastor planned to be requested)

o First in Willows and Mt. Olive in Corning (convertible vicar requested for a call) (#4)

Vetting of candidates at seminary, @BPM, and by phone through Placement officers at

Concordia Seminary STL and Concordia Theological FW, (Nielsen/ Pulse) (8 potential

candidates vetted). (#4)

Met with Bethesda regional coordinators to plan for cooperation to raise up leaders for disability

ministries (#5)

Visited and participated in All District Vistation at 5 sites this quarter (#2)

2. Congregations will have a positive mission direction.


Metric 1: Steps taken to move proactively in a congregation during transition and

throughout its life cycle.

Metric 2: Congregations will understand life cycle & new birth

Metric 3 Significant, regular effort is made to identify pastors and leaders who have

demonstrated mission attitude, lifestyle and ministry and are suggested to

congregations as they search for new staff.

Metric 5: Congregations that put a high value on these traits as they search for new staff.

Metric 6: A plan in place for helping congregations close and for using “closed” sites.

Attended, participated, and presented at Annual IIM retreat at Three Rivers (#1,2)

Met with Bob Fickenscher and John Whaley finalizing the transition to new IIM leadership.

Engaged with five calling congregations and/or leaders to promote a suitable missionary leader for

their context. (#2-#6)

o Faith Lutheran in Pleasant Hill & Holy Cross in Concord, CA, St. Matthew Rocklin, CA &

Grace Gridley, CA, Our Savior’s Pacifica, CA

o Appointments with Bethany in Vacaville, CA and Town & Country in Sacramento are in

process.

Attended and participated in 4 on-line and one in person session for General staffing task force and

District Education task force debrief

Met with representatives of First Trinity, Oakland (closing plans) - #6

Monitored Christ, Martinez Transition of Property (closing plans) #6

3. Basic congregational and support services are provided in an efficient and cost-effective way.

Metric 1: A clearinghouse method established to connect resources to congregational

needs.

Metric 2: A high percentage of financial resources are used “in the field” BOD Ideas

7

Advancement: (since December 2018 BOD meeting) (#2 below and 1b. metric #6)

Two donor visits conducted during this quarter:

One meeting conducted on-site with Mission Advocates for coaching and training

One on-line meeting held

Two coaching sessions conducted with Mission Advocates personally.

Recruitment for candidates at BPM (two potential candidates engaged)

2018 EOY Budgeted Target ($224,200) Actual Raised ($137,679.00) Added Expense

($23,201)

2019 YTD (see January financials)

o Communicated grants and plans for support to all mission ministries for 2019

o Engaged in follow-up conversations as necessary (#2)

Other Activities of the President during this quarter of note

Attended Bishops and Presidents meeting in Sacramento (with ELCA visits; common

concerns conversation – Disaster Relief)

Engaged personally with two candidate status pastors to evaluate/encourage called or future

IIM work

Attended Saltwater President’s Gathering to evaluate and strategize common themes

o (topics) – LINC settings in cities, disaster relief, utilization of priesthood of all

believers in church planting and ministry support, continuing education for workers,

urban ministry opportunities and best practices, common overseas ministry interests,

and proactive and encouraging regular prayer among our leaders.

Disaster Relief on-site visit to review site needs and to give encouragement with LCMS

Disaster Relief personnel and CNH District Disaster Relief

Engaged in CTT consultation (4 plus sessions – oversight)

Attended circuit meetings (8, 9, 4&19)

Attended Visser Memorial

Participated in COP in Asheville, NC (included a donor visit)

Attended ALMA conference (partial)

Attended LSFM (Lutheran Society for Missiology) banquet and BOD meeting (St. Louis)

Visit SMP, EIIT, CHS program leads, provost and Seminary President (St. Louis) Conducted

exit interview for pastor Rocky Mountain District

Conducted Interview and follow up with complainant Dispute Resolution Process

o Assigned Informal trained reconciler

Met face to face with 13 professional workers to discuss present and future plans (call,

conflict, etc.)

Conducted staff bible studies and meetings as needed and able.

Attended the BPM conference in Phoenix

8

Attended CUI Board of Regents Meeting (Irvine, CA)

Conducted installation of Richard Schuller (Our Savior’s Caruthers, CA)

Conducted Ordination for Bob Shockley, (St. Luke’s Portola, CA)

Conducted Installation for Matt Behrens, (Calvary, San Lorenzo, CA)

4. Business office

a. The Wildfire Disaster Relief Awards Committee is in process and will be accepting applications

and overseeing grant requests in the near future

b. We have acknowledged all wildfire Disaster Relief Gifts by letter for 2018 and as new ones

arrive in 2019. We are in the process of following up on a more extensive plan to report to the

District as a whole. (Constant Contact, In Touch, and specific letters to donors who requested.)

c. We have 3 properties and congregations in various stages of dissolution and closure. They are:

a. Trinity Wasco, CA – presently rented and well- supervised

b. Christ Lutheran, Martinez CA – completing eviction process with support from

District legal Counsel

c. First Trinity, Oakland – dissolution process begun at March 2nd meeting

d. Review of Operating Manual and Update by Sept. BOD meeting (1st draft)

objective is to have a District Operating Manual that includes a District Staff Employee manual

that might be used as a resource for the CA congregations (payroll regulations, etc.) – possibly

expanding to specifics for Nevada and Hawaii as a 2nd edition

In 2018 we included

o Vacation sick leave

o Over the water moving policy

o Executive Salary policy

These will be included as an addendum to our present Operating Manual until the new

edition is published

5. Action Items – none requested

6. Compliance Issues

The president is not aware of any policies with which he is not in compliance.

CHANGES WITHIN THE DISTRICT

CALLS ACCEPTED:

REV. WAYNE RIDDERING, associate pastor, Peace, Arroyo Grande, CA, to Redeemer, Atascadero,

CA, as pastor.

REV. TIMOTHY SCHEPMAN, candidate status, to Mt. Zion/Rollingwood, Richmond/San Pablo, CA,

as pastor.

JONATHAN HEINEMANN, St. Paul, Tracy to St. Peter Arlington Heights IL as Principal

CALLS EXTENDED:

REV. MARK HANSON, Concordia, Oak Harbor, WA, to Waikoloa Lutheran Church, Waikoloa, HI, as

pastor.

REV. MATTHEW HILPERT, St. Mark, Kaneohe, HI, by Galilee, Pasadena, MD, as pastor.

9

REV. JOEL KROGEN, Zion, Waldenburg, AR, by Zion, Terra Bella, CA, as pastor.

CALLS DECLINED:

REV. DAVID FICKEN, Our Savior, NASHVILLE, TX, to St. Matthew, Rocklin, CA, as associate

pastor.

REV. MITCH GOWEN, Our Savior, Aiea, HI, to Beautiful Savior, Boise, ID, as pastor.

REV. BRENT KUHLMAN, Trinity, Murdock, NE, to Zion, Terra Bella, CA, as pastor.

REV. RANDY LOUX, Military Chaplain, Board for Mission Services, St. Louis, MO, to Waikoloa

Lutheran Church, Waikoloa, HI, as pastor.

CHANGES IN STATUS:

REV. DANIEL KISTLER, Our Savior’s, Pacifica, CA, to pastor emeritus.

REV. DANIEL KISTLER, pastor emeritus, to Pacific Southwest District as pastor emeritus.

REV. KELLY SMITH, SR., candidate status, to Rocky Mountain District, as candidate.

REV. PETE WOODWARD, Faith, Pleasant Hill, CA, to pastor emeritus.

DEBRA STANHOPE, St. John’s, Napa, CA, to teacher emeritus.

PLACEMENTS:

OTIS BYRD, SMP Colloquy certification, to Shepherd of the Hills, San Francisco, CA, as Associate

Specific Ministry Pastor.

DANIEL JUNKIN, SMP Colloquy certification, to Saint James, Newman, CA, as Specific Ministry

Pastor.

HERMAN SEALEY, SMP Colloquy certification, to St. Andrews, Antioch, CA, as Assistant Specific

Ministry Pastor.

ROERT SHOCKLEY, SMP Colloquy certification, to St. Luke, Portola, CA, as Specific Ministry

Pastor.

RICHARD TOMS, SMP Colloquy certification, to Trinity, Georgetown, CA, as Specific Ministry

Pastor.

JENNIE LOVIE, Concordia, Irvine (colloquy) St. John's, Napa as a Teacher

DECEASED:

REV. FREDERICK W.J. BEHRMANN, pastor emeritus.

REV. ROBERT VISSER, pastor emeritus

PASTORAL VACANCIES:

Holy Cross, ATWATER, CA

Bethany, BAKERSFIELD, CA

Bethlehem, BERKELEY, CA

Our Savior/First, CHESTER/GREENVILLE, CA

St. John, CLEARLAKE, CA

Shepherd of the Sierra, COARSEGOLD, CA

Holy Cross, CONCORD, CA

Our Saviour, DELANO, CA

Grace, EL CERRITO, CA

Faith, FAIR OAKS, CA

10

Prince of Peace, FREMONT, CA (Associate Pastor)

Grace, GRIDLEY, CA

St. James, NEWMAN, CA

Our Savior’s, PACIFICA, CA

Faith, PLEASANT HILL, CA

St, Matthew, ROCKLIN, CA, (Associate Pastor)

Mt. Zion/Rollingwood, RICHMOND/SAN PABLO, CA

Town & Country, SACRAMENTO, CA

Canaan, SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Calvary, SAN LORENZO, CA

Mt. Olive, SEBASTOPOL, CA

St. Andrew, STOCKTON, CA (Associate Pastor)

Peace, TAFT, CA

Zion, TERRA BELLA, CA

Faith, UKIAH, CA

Bethany, VACAVILLE, CA

Saints John and Luke, VALLEY HOME, CA

Waikoloa, WAIKOLOA, HI

1

CNH DISTRICT OUTCOMES AND METRICS

FOR THE 2018-2021 TRIENNIUM

THE CNH DISTRICT CONSISTS OF WELL-EQUIPPED, HEALTHY,

MISSIONALLY-COMMITTED LEADERS.


of leaders






Metric 5: Cultural and generational issues are addressed.





Metric 3: The development of congregational leaders with a target of ministry ownership and

high accountability.


communities.

Metric 5: Resources throughout the District are positioned to the greatest extent possible to

accomplish this outcome.



Metric 1: Congregations will understand transitional opportunities and move proactively

Metric 2: Significant, regular effort is made on behalf of congregations to identify church

workers who have demonstrated mission attitude and behavior.




Metric 1: Opportunities to develop trusting relationships between churches


2



Metric 1: A clearinghouse is established to connect resources throughout the district to

congregational needs.



of 2

ORIGINAL TASK FORCE DOCUMENT WITH STRIKE-

THROUGH AND ITALICS

(Indicating changes made by the Board)

1. THE CNH DISTRICT CONSISTS OF WELL-EQUIPPED, HEALTHY,

MISSIONALLY-COMMITTED LEADERS.


of leaders






Metric 5: Cultural and generational issues are addressed (e.g., LGBTQ).





Metric 3: The development of congregational leaders with a target of ministry ownership and

high accountability.


communities.

Metric 5: Shared Resources of throughout the District are positioned to the greatest extent

possible to accomplish this outcome.



Metric 1: Congregations will understand life cycle & new birth to understand transitional

opportunities and move proactively during times of transition.

Metric 2: Significant, regular effort is made on behalf of congregations to identify pastors and

leaders church workers who have demonstrated mission attitude and behavior lifestyle and

ministry and are suggested to congregations as they search for new staff.



of 2


Metric 1: Opportunities to develop trusting relationships between churches




Metric 1: A clearinghouse-type system is established to connect resources throughout the district

to congregational needs.



Task Force Review

Election of the Regional Vice Presidents

CNH District / LC-MS Sept. 4, 2018

Background Material

From CNH Bylaws Revised April 2012

VI.F. Order of Elections

2. Election of the First Vice President

a. A slate of candidates for the office of First Vice President shall be formulated at the Convention.

b. Each voting delegate shall be entitled to nominate one Minister of Religion – Ordained from the

roster of the District for the office of First Vice President by writing the name on a blank ballot

provided by the Teller Committee. The Teller Committee will tabulate the ballots and formulate a

slate of candidates, after ascertaining that the requirements of Article VI.D. have been met. Any

nominee receiving 10% or more of the nominating ballots cast will be included on the slate. The slate

of candidates published by the Teller Committee will include a brief biographical sketch of each

candidate.

c. The Teller Committee shall conduct the election of the First Vice President.

d. Each voting delegate shall be entitled to vote for one of the candidates for the First Vice President,

whose names appear on the slate published by the Teller Committee.

e. The candidate receiving a majority of the votes cast shall be declared First Vice President.

f. If additional balloting is necessary, the candidate receiving the smallest number of votes shall be

eliminated on each subsequent ballot until one candidate receives a majority of the votes cast. In the

event of ties for the smallest number, all those tied shall be eliminated.

VI.F. Order of Elections

3. Election of the Regional Vice Presidents, Director-Commissioned Minister, and Regional Directors

a. The Regions shall caucus to nominate their Regional Vice Presidents and the Regional Director.

(The Regional Vice President and the Regional Director may not be from the same Circuit, except in

Hawaii.) Each Region will submit to the Convention one nomination for Regional Vice President and

one nomination for Regional Director.

b. In the Regional caucus, the Teller Committee will facilitate the nomination of the Regional Vice

President according to the process used for nomination of First Vice President.

Task Force Findings and Recommendations

The procedure that was used in selecting the Regional Vice President in the Northern

District at the 2018 Caucus seems to have been taken from and earlier revision of the

CNH Bylaws as shown above. The Task Force has not heard that this process was used in

the other Regions.

At the 2015 Convention, A resolution was approved to change the process for the

election of the 1st V.P. to follow the procedures for the election of the District President.

Unfortunately, the section of the Bylaws that deals with the election of the Regional Vice

Presidents was not changed to take into consideration the new process for electing the 1st

V.P. In effect, the current bylaws are ambiguous concerning the election of the Regional

Vice Presidents.

In the past, the standard process has been to open nominations on the floor of the Caucus.

All of those nominated who agreed to serve would comprise the slate. If no one received

a majority on the first ballot, the nominee with the lowest number of votes would be

dropped from the slate and voting would continue until a candidate received a majority of

the votes.

It is the recommendation of the Task Force that these findings be passed on to the District

Committee on Constitutional Matters for study and ultimately, the development of a resolution

addressing the election of the Regional Vice Presidents, to be presented as a first order of

business for the 2021 District Convention.

The Task Force also recommends that the traditional procedure for the election of the Regional

Vice President as previously mentioned be considered, with the addition of allowing time for

each nominee to have an opportunity to offer a brief introductory statement.

We also suggest that consideration be given to moving the meetings of the Regional gatherings

to a time other than immediately following the recess of the first day of Business. With the

current schedule, there is a tendency for delegates to want to hurry the process in order to rest

and prepare for the evening banquet.

Respectfully Submitted,

Rev. Aaron R. Smith

Rev. John M. Standley

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