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Welcome!

Welcome to the Grand Canyon Synod Council. Your leadership in this synod is a valuable contribution to the leadership of the whole church. The policies and decisions you will make during your term can impact God's work through all expressions of our church – the churchwide organization, the synod and the congregations.

The Grand Canyon Synod is one of the 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (the ELCA). It is important to understand how the synod is part of the church structure.

On this page you’ll find resources and information about :

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

What is the Church of Jesus Christ?

The Church is a people created by God in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, called and sent to bear witness to God’s creative, redeeming, and sanctifying activity in the world. This is clearly stated in the governing document for the ELCA, Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America at 4.02.

The Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is available on the ELCA website at elca.org/constitution.

What is the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America?

The Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America states at 5.01 that the ELCA shall be one church. This church recognizes that all power and authority in the Church belongs tothe Lord Jesus Christ, its head. The ELCA's constitution states that all actions of this church by congregations, synods, and the churchwide organization shall be carried out under his rule and authority.

When we use the name, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we refer to the whole church, including its three expressions: congregations, synods, and the churchwide organization. The name, Evangelical Lutheran Church inAmerica, is also the name of the corporation of the churchwide organization. The Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America makes this clear at Bylaw 1.01.01.

What are the chief purposes of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America?

The primary purposes of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are expressed in the constitutions of congregations, synods, and the churchwide organization as follows:

  • To proclaim God’s saving Gospel;

  • To carry out Christ’s Great Commission;

  • To serve in response to God’s love to meet human needs;

  • To worship God;

  • To nurture members in the Word of God; and

  • To manifest the unity given to the people of God.

This church seeks to participate in God’s mission in the world through the practice of these purposes, which are more formally stated in section 4.02 of churchwide constitution, section S6.02. in the Constitution for Synods and section *C4.02. in the Model Constitution for Congregations.

What are the operational values of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America?

The primary principles of organization are found in ELCA constitutional provision 5.01. They can be briefly stated as:

  • Commitment to the Confession of Faith and Statement of Purpose

  • Interdependence

  • Servant leadership

  • Effective stewardship of resources

  • Inclusive representation in assemblies, council, boards, and committees

  • Ongoing review of functions; and

  • Nurturing of unity

The Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA

What is a Synod?

Our English word synod comes from two Greek words syn and hodos that literally mean “a way together.” In and through synods, the churchwide organization, congregations and other ministries walk together. Synods are an expression of this church, just as are congregations and the churchwide organization. Your synod office coordinates the work of congregations within its region. Your synod office plans for the ELCA’s mission (which is one dimension of God’s larger mission) in its area. Your synod is one of the ELCA’s sixty-five synods. Synods are grouped into nine regions. Each region serves as a point of connection between synods and the churchwide organization.

The Grand Canyon Synod is part of Region 2.

The ELCA’s 65 synods vary greatly in size, geography, membership, staffing and program. The smallest synod has 30 congregations – the largest nearly 300. In the St. Paul Area Synod, most congregations are within a half-hour drive of the synod office. By contrast, the Rocky Mountain Synod includes 20% of the contiguous continental U.S. landmass, requiring frequent staff travel by air. From Alaska to the Caribbean, from the tip of Southern California to Maine, the 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America carry out their mission of Making Christ Known!

The Grand Canyon Synod consists of 85 congregations spread throughout Arizona, areas of Nevada, and St. George, Utah. You will find a Directory of Synod Congregations in Exhibit D in the Appendix. The map attached in the Appendix as Exhibit E shows the approximate location of the congregations of the Grand Canyon Synod.

You may also find helpful the Directory of Rostered Leaders included in the Appendix as Exhibit E, and the Directory of Deans, Exhibit F.

Each synod in assembly elects a bishop and other officers. As the synod’s pastor, the bishop oversees the ministry of other pastors and congregations. Together with the bishop’s assistant(s) and paid or volunteer staff, the bishop provides support for congregations to carry out their own ministries. Support includes assistance in calling pastors and other staff; resources and support in times of difficulty and congregational conflict; and joining in the celebrations of congregations. Bishops also oversee the administration of the synod, supervising the work of other officers and staff. In addition, they serve as bishops of the whole ELCA, coming together regularly in gatherings of the Conference of Bishops.

How are synods structured?

Each ELCA synod has a Synod Constitution that specifies the governance and operation of that synod. From Chapter 6 of the 2019 ELCA’s model Constitution for Synods come these common requirements for all ELCA synods. You can read these requirements in the Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions of the Grand Canyon Synod, which is attached in the Appendix as Exhibit C.

Synod Assembly

The “Synod Assembly” is the highest legislative authority of the synod. The powers of the Synod Assembly are limited only by the provisions in the Articles of Incorporation, the constitution and bylaws, the assembly’s own resolutions, and the constitutions and bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Constitutionally the rostered and lay leaders from across the synod are to assemble at least triennially. However, almost all synods meet on an annual basis. You can read the relevant sections in the Constitution. Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions of the Grand Canyon Synod, +S7.01 – S7.33. See Appendix, Exhibit C.

Officers of the Synod

The officers of the synod include a bishop, vice president, secretary, and a treasurer. The roles and responsibilities of each office are specified in the synod’s constitution. You can read the descriptions of these officers of the Grand Canyon Synod in the Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions of the Grand Canyon Synod, Chapter 8. See Appendix, Exhibit C.

What is the synod council?

Per Chapter 10 in the ELCA’s model Constitution for Synods, the Synod Council consists of the four officers of the synod, 10 to 24 other members, one young adult and at least one youth. They shall be elected by the Synod Assembly. Elected Synod Council members shall be vot-ing members of a congregation of the synod, with the exception of rostered ministers of the synod who may reside outside the territory of the synod.

In keeping with Section 5.01.f of the Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Grand Canyon Synod strives to ensure that at least 60 percent of the members of the synod assemblies, councils, committees, boards, and other organizational units shall be laypersons; that at least 45 percent of the lay members of the synod assemblies, councils, committees, boards, or other organizational units shall be women and at least 45 percent shall be men, and that, where possible, the representation of ministers of Word and Sacrament shall include both women and men. In addition, the synod aspires to reach a minimum goal that 10 percent of the membership of synod assemblies, councils, committees, boards, or other organizational units be persons of color and/or persons whose primary language is other than English. The Grand Canyon Synod also requires that the Synod Council shall in-clude one representative from each conference, nominated by that conference, one-third of whom shall be nominated annually

The Synod Council serves as the board of directors of a synod and as its interim legislative authority between meetings of the Synod Assembly. It makes decisions not in conflict with actions taken by the Synod Assembly or not precluded by provisions of your synod’s constitution and bylaws or the constitution and bylaws of the ELCA.

Acting as the board of directors for the synod the Synod Council legally bears substantial responsibility to the public for the actions of the synod.

Expectations of a synod council

The expectations and responsibilities of the Synod Council constitutionally are outlined in the synod's constitution. The expectations for serving on the Synod Council of the Grand Canyon Synod are found in Chapter 10 of the Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions of the Grand Canyon Synod, attached as Exhibit C.

Roles of a synod council

Governance is the work of the Synod Council – setting direction for the synod. Administration is the work of the bishop, the assistants to the bishop, support staff, committees and divisions – day-to-day management of the work, focused on achieving the direction set by the council. A central function of the synod’s bishop is to not only serve as the spiritual leader of the synod, but to function as the executive director of the synod and to assist in the guidance of the Synod Council. The bishop does not need approval from the Synod Council for management decisions that flow from established policies and programs. However, the bishop is expected to report significant management decisions to the council.

Assistants to the bishop serve as the primary managers or directors of the synod office. Nominations of candidates for a synod’s assistant to the bishop positions are usually made by the bishop and a search committee of the synod. The bishop serves as the staff leader. The bishop works in partnership with the assistants to the bishop to design and execute strategies and to implement the policies and program directions of the council. The synod staff supports the bishop and the bishop's assistants through carrying out administrative assignments, supporting the programs of the synod, preparing and following budgets, allocating resources, implementing programs and continually evaluating their work.

In addition, you can see how the Grand Canyon Synod is organized by referring to the Organizational Chart which is attached in the Appendix as Exhibit H.

A role description for members of a Synod Council would include:

  • Attend all meetings of the council.

  • Consider the well-being of the synod as a whole when dealing with specific issues and ministries.

  • Leave the management and administration of the synod to the bishop, staff and appropriate committees.

  • Treat all matters relating to council deliberations as confidential, until such time as the information is determined a matter of public record.

  • Be a united body by supporting all decisions of the council after deliberation and as positions have been agreed to.

  • Treat members of council and staff as siblings in Christ and as part of the synod.

Synod Councils that are most effective and faithful in supporting the mission of their synod also have adopted some or all of the following as their contributions to the leadership in their synods:

  • They provide much of the vision and direction of their synod.

  • They provide for strategic planning for the synod’s future.

  • They know and believe the mission or purpose of the synod.

  • They support their bishop and officers.

  • They establish, view and monitor the policies of their synod.

  • They monitor the fulfillment of the major goals of the synod, which conform to the mission and vision of the synod.

  • They serve as stewards of the resources their synod has been entrusted with by their constituents.

  • They advocate and assist with the development of financial resources for the synod and for the ELCA’s churchwide ministries.

  • They care for the spiritual health of the council.

Serving on Synod Council of the Grand Canyon Synod

What You Can Expect

Election to a Synod Council carries with it the respect and trust of the constituency of your synod. The value of your willingness to make a contribution to the life of your church is significant and appreciated. Your contribution involves your time, expertise, enthusiasm and energy. In addition, you bring an expression of your care for the life and ministry of this church that has value beyond the ordinary task of organizational governance. Your service on this board is an affirmation of your worth as one of God’s people and a sharing of the gifts God has given you. Your willingness to serve this church is an example of your involvement in the Body of Christ.

From your service as a council member, you will gain insight into the life of the ELCA’s expression across your synod. If nothing else, your tenure will be educational and informative. You will also be inspired by sharing devotions, worship and holding conversation with members of your synod’s staff, council, committees and other people of this church and ministries. You will experience the diversity of the church and see its opportunities, issues and challenges from a broader perspective. And you will certainly discuss and deliberate some of the more major issues facing this church. Finally, you will participate in the governance of your synod through review of the mission and vision that calls each person to serve. This is through insisting on and participating in the long-range planning process of your synod, reviewing goals and achievements of staff work and affirming the appropriateness and direction of the major programs and ministries throughout the synod.

The vice president of the synod will both guide and direct the members of the council to remain faithful to these roles and responsibilities. This will require the vice president to use their gifts of planning, leadership, and to be in partnership with the bishop.

Using Committees and Task Forces

The physical time a Synod Council has together is limited. It is controlled by the frequency and duration of your council meetings. A council meeting should not be primarily a “working” session. The administration and work to fulfill the mission of your synod should take place at the staff level and by designated committees and task forces established by the staff or by council. The work of both committees and task forces may be appropriate at both council and staff levels.

Committees and task forces differ in their role and duration. A committee is defined as a group of qualified people responsible for any ongoing work supporting the mission of your synod. Examples of typical committees are: a personnel committee, the executive committee, a finance committee, and a nominating committee. A task force is defined as a group of qualified people responsible for any short- term, clearly defined body of work. Task forces are chartered with a clearly defined scope of work and termination point of their work, and hence the life of the task force. Both committees and task forces should be vehicles utilized which match the work required with the appropriately skilled resources of people, time and other support and help to inhibit the tendency for boards to micromanage the affairs of the synod. You will find a listing of committees and task forces of the Grand Canyon Synod in the appendix as Exhibit I.

Legal responsibilities of Synod Council members

In addition to the responsibilities and roles of serving on your Synod Council, as defined by the ELCA and your synod’s constitution and bylaws and local organization and traditions, there are also professional and public roles and responsibilities, which are commensurate when serving on the board of directors of a nonprofit corporation.

A Synod Council is the board of directors for the synod and bears substantial responsibility to the public for the actions of the synod. A question most new council members ask is, “Can I be sued?” The answer is yes, but whether the claim would be upheld by a court is another matter. This question approaches the problem of the Synod Council member and the law from the point of view of risk management.

A more important accountability question is “What is my responsibility?” If board members carry out their responsibility properly, the chance of a court upholding a claim is much re-duced.

Questions of accountability and liability necessary for a well-functioning Synod Council are:

  • What is the proper thing to do?

  • What are the consequences to be avoided?

This section will review a narrow topic: how the law affects the actions and responsibilities of those on Synod Councils. A large body of federal, state and local law also affects the actions and responsibilities of a synod. The issues that might be covered are too involved to cover in this short section. Local legal counsel should always be available for consultation. In addition, the ELCA attorney in the Office of the Secretary of the ELCA is always willing to aid synods.

Duties of council members

Care of resources.
The Synod Council is responsible for the assets of the synod. It must ensure that those assets are guarded from waste and deterioration and see to it that sufficient resources are available to carry out the programs of the synod.

Accountable to the public.
The Synod Council is responsible both to the synod and to the public for the resources and activities of the organization. It must account for the use of the resources in its care according to the charter of the organization and under the prevailing laws for nonprofit organizations.

Implications of legislation.
Legislation and case law suggests four things that synods should consider to comply with the spirit, if not the letter, of an evolving legal structure:

  • have a functioning audit committee;

  • have the bishop and treasurer publicly attest to the accuracy, completeness and fairness of the synod’s financial statements and to the adequacy of your internal accounting controls;

  • adopt and follow a code of ethics for the Synod Council and senior synod staff, including the bishop; and

  • consider very carefully all transactions between the synod and any “insider,” including executive compensation, fringe benefits and perks. Insiders include: organization officers, Synod Council members, management in decision-making positions, major donors, and members of the immediate families of any of these; controlled and affiliated organizations and trusts; and business-es in which any of the preceding are in significant positions of authority (owner or manager). A personnel policy should particularly specify the circumstances when two people of the same family may be employed by the synod.

Duties as Individuals

Synod Council members are not, individually, responsible for the actions of the Synod Council, but they are individually obliged to three things: The duty of care, the duty of loyalty and fidelity to purpose.

Duty of Care

The duty of care. Council members must exercise their duties:

  • in good faith;

  • with the care an ordinary prudent person would exercise under similar circumstances;

  • in a manner that the member reasonably believes to be in the best interest of the synod;

  • with the knowledge that they are not expected to be experts in all matters before the Synod Council;

  • by relying on the advice of experts, such as those in finance and law;

  • by relying on the facts and advice provided by the management of the synod that is more familiar with the operations (this does not permit council members to defer all judgment to management); and

  • by relying on reasonable recommendations of committees with particular expertise.

Further, the duty of care does not require that every Synod Council member guarantee the results of any action approved by the council. It is only necessary that the approval process used appropriate methods in reaching the decision. In practice, a Synod Council member can fulfill the duty of care with respect to council meetings by:

  • reading the materials in advance of each meeting;

  • fully discussing matters before the council; and

  • having dissenting votes recorded in the minutes of each meeting.

Synod Council members must also remember that, as members of the board of directors, their statements, even in casual conversation, may be interpreted as authoritative for the synod. They must be circumspect and thoughtful communicating information, so they do not inadvertently imply that council decisions, particularly controversial ones, were flawed. When struggling with any difficult decision, there is never an obvious and universally agreed no-lose choice. Once the decision is made, after due investigation and deliberation, it is in the best interest of the synod to accept and implement that decision and avoid secondary debate on the rumor circuit.

Duty of Loyalty

The second duty is the duty of loyalty. A Synod Council member must evaluate all proposed actions of the council by considering only the best interest of the synod. Another way of saying this is to avoid all conflicts of interest when participating in any considerations of the Synod Council.

A transaction that could involve a conflict of interest is not forbidden, provided that:

  • there is full disclosure of the nature of the conflict by the affected council member(s);

  • those council members with a potential conflict do not participate in the consideration of the transaction (often it is best for those affected to leave the meeting as the question is considered); and

  • the council determines that it is in the best interest of the synod. Legal advice is often appropriate before this conclusion is reached.

It is important that every synod have a written conflict of interest policy. Many nonprofit boards have every board member sign a statement upon election, certifying that they have received a copy of the policy, understand it and will abide by it.

Fidelity to Purpose

The third duty is fidelity to purpose. A Synod Council member must act in a way that will advocate and ensure that the actions of the Synod Council are in furtherance of the purpose for which the synod exists. The statement of purpose for a synod is in Section S6 of the synod’s constitution.

To fulfill this duty, a Synod Council member should:

  • become familiar with the purposes of the synod;

  • consider whether each proposed action is designed to meet the purposes of the synod; and

  • periodically review the activities of the synod to make sure they still conform to the objectives and purposes of the synod.

To support the obligation for members to attend to fidelity of purpose, the Synod Council minutes should provide enough information so that absent members would be able to recognize important decisions that may require their additional review. This review is important because, in legal terms, absence from a meeting or pleading ignorance does not relieve a council member of responsibility for actions of the council.

Synod Council members must see to it that, in addition to ethical and moral obligation to the public and synodical members, the synod’s activities are faithful to its purpose. The federal law that charters nonprofits also requires that the synod act only within the purpose stated in its charter. Other activities, even though they may be appropriate for other nonprofits, can potentially cause the loss of tax-exempt status for the synod if they are not consistent with the synod’s charter.

Claims that may be made

Other parties may make claims against the synod or its officers or members of Synod Council in a court of law. Such action cannot be prevented. Claims that might be lodged against executives or members of the Synod Council include:

  • a person who claims damage by the synod and also claims that one or more officials of the synod failed to discharge their duties (this is often called a third-party claim and is usually based on an assertion of negligence);

  • a person may believe the synod’s interests were damaged because of the act or omission to act by an executive or board member and claim damage on behalf of the organization (this is called a derivative action); and

  • claims based on specific statues that may impose liability for an organization’s actions upon individuals representing that organization.

Federal law in the Volunteer Protection Act of 1977 provided some protection from third-party claims made against volunteers. The act provides that volunteers are not liable for harm caused by their act or omission if:

  • the volunteer was acting within the scope of the volunteer’s responsibilities;

  • the volunteer was appropriately licensed, certified or authorized for the activity where appropriate or required;

  • the harm was not caused by willful or criminal misconduct or other flagrant behavior; and

  • the harm was not caused by operation of a motor vehicle for which the state requires a license.

The act has other terms, conditions and qualifications that should be explained by an attorney when there is need.

Liability protection

Sections S16.02 and 16.03 of your synod’s constitution provide typical indemnification for past or present Synod Council members, officers, employees and committee members. You can find this language in Sections S16.02 and 16.03 of the Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions of the Grand Canyon Synod, attached to the Appendix as Exhibit C. The synod would be expected to provide legal counsel for any covered individual and reimbursement of any judgment against the person. These sections also cover volunteers who, at the request of the synod, serve in other organizations. “Other organizations” might include ELCA regions or local Lutheran Social Service organizations.

The standard synodical insurance also provides errors and omissions coverage for officers, executives and members of the Synod Council.

Travel and Expenses

From time to time, synod council members may be asked to perform functions which may involve travel expenses. You may submit these expenses to the synod office for consideration. A copy of the Council Travel Reimbursement Request form is attached in the Appendix as Exhibit J.

Meeting Planning

The Synod Office has video conference-calling capability. Prior to scheduling in-state or out-of-state travel, evaluate whether a conference call might accomplish the purpose.

Officers and synod council members of the Grand Canyon Synod shall observe these guidelines in arranging for travel and filing for reimbursement for travel expenses and standard business-expense reimbursement. It is the hope of the Grand Canyon Synod that each person will be a good steward of the resources entrusted to us.

Air Travel

Any air travel incurred in your capacity of a member of the Synod council must be approved in advance of making arrangements for the travel. The synod will reimburse tickets only for the lowest 14-day advance purchase “coach” fare to and from a meeting, except when extraordinary circumstances require immediate booking. If a synod council member desires to add additional stops on a flight, for personal reasons, any additional costs will be their own responsibility.

Car Travel

MILEAGE: Mileage reimbursement will be made at the current U.S. government rate as determined annually by the Internal Revenue Service. Carpooling is encouraged whenever possible.

RENTAL: On trips longer than 200 miles each way, car rental may be considered if the cost would be less than mileage reimbursement for a personal vehicle. When renting a car, seek the compact size unless four or more persons are traveling together.

INSURANCE: The synod’s insurance covers rental cars when used for the business of the synod. Contract must specify Grand Canyon Synod along with driver’s name. Additional insurance should not be added.

PARKING: Appropriate parking fees will be reimbursed. For those using a personal vehicle, the synod is not responsible for fuel and maintenance. Traffic or parking violations will not be reimbursed.

This synod will reimburse for travel at the lesser amount of mileage or a rental car, plus gas. Car-pooling for group events is encouraged whenever possible.

Lodging

Bills for lodging will be reimbursed only when a detailed hotel bill is attached to the expense voucher. Reasonably priced hotel accommodations in the area, including discounted rates when available, should be selected.

A gratuity of at least $5 per day should be left in the room for the housekeeper.

Meals

The Synod will reimburse for meals required during travel. If a free continental breakfast is included with a hotel stay, the Synod will not cover the cost for a different breakfast. Lunch and dinner costs (when in session) are paid by the Synod. Gratuities for meals shall be about 20 percent. Meals will be reimbursed only with an itemized receipt. Meal reimbursement: rate is a maximum of $60.00 for daily food, plus tips, with receipt

If a meal included other individuals, record both (1) the name(s) of the individual(s) and (2) the purpose of the meal on the bill.

Travel Expenses as a Donation

If you choose to make your travel expenses a donation to the Synod, that donation may be recorded on a Synod travel voucher and taken to your tax advisor for crediting according to the U.S. tax code.

The following expenses will not be reimbursed by the Grand Canyon Synod:

  • Alcoholic beverages or tobacco products;

  • Entertainment expenses;

  • Capital equipment and upgrades over $2,500.00 (except with the permission of the Bishop);

  • Construction, renovation, and installation;

  • Controlled substances;

  • Items or services on terms contracts;

  • Maintenance agreements;

  • Personal items of loans;

  • Purchases involving trade-in of Synod property;

  • Rentals (other than short-term autos);

  • Telephones, related equipment, or services; and

  • Any other items deemed inconsistent with the values of the ministry.

Meetings of the Synod Council

The synod council meets approximately once every two months. Regular meetings are scheduled well in advance. A list of the projected dates for upcoming meetings is attached to the Appendix as Exhibit K. The dates may be subject to change.

On occasion the synod council meets in special sessions. The officers and executive committee strive to keep the number of special meetings to a minimum. However, situations arise from time to time which necessitate a special meeting of the synod council.