2025 Synod Assembly Recap

D.E.M. Report

The Rev. Tera Kossow, Director for Evangelical Mission, and her good friend, Kermit the Frog, greeted the assembly, and had us all singing “Rainbow Connection.” Pastor Tera shared a message reminding us that With God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit we walk together as worshipping communities, as the Western North Dakota Synod, and as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Pastor Tera shared with us the “Fresh Expressions Journey” focusing on Listening, Loving People, Building Community, Exploring Discipleship, Church Taking Shape, and Doing it Again. All of these are underpinned by prayer and continuing connection to the wider Church.

Candidacy, Leadership & Call Report

Associate with the Bishop for Leadership, Candidacy, and Call shared the good news of lay leaders who have answered the call to serve congregations in the wake of pastor supply challenges. We give great thanks for the almost 50 Synod Authorized Ministers that call Western North Dakota home. It is with great joy that we welcome these leaders and look forward to new ways that ministry can and will happen. Pastor Brad shared ways that leadership is growing and changing constantly as Western North Dakota paves the way in the same process for other synods across the ELCA. 

ELCA Report

Rev. Hirsch is the Executive Director of Christian Community and Leadership for the ELCA. He shared the status of open pulpits, seminary education, and ways the church is being forced to think outside the box across the ELCA. He offered an overview of new and exciting opportunities on the horizon as we imagine what church is going to look like in the future. Rev. Hirsch then shared a video from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. Bishop Eaton’s message focused on the journey that the church is on reminding those in attendance that “we are on this journey accompanied by, led by God, and we will go into new places and into new forms. But always God is with us and the Gospel will be preached and lived and heard in the world.” 

Conference Caucuses

Caucuses are a time for voting members from geographic areas of the synod to meet one another and engage in conversation and prayer about the hopes and challenges of ministry in their local communities. Relationships are forged, joys and struggles are shared, and discussions about the future are holy. 

Assembly Workshops

A variety of workshops were offered Saturday afternoon. Participants had the opportunity to choose from: “Congregations Considering or Providing A Community Social Ministry” and “Basic Practices for Congregational Leaders” with Murray Sagsveen; “Christian Nationalism: What is it and How can we respond?” with Ross Keys from the ND Interfaith Alliance; “Revitalization Process: Hope for the Future” and “ Fresh Expression Worship Immersion: Messy Church” with Rev. Tera Kossow, DEM; “I’m Called to What?” and “Connecting Faith to Music” with Rev. Brad Dokken; “Stewardship: What’s worked for others? Will it work for us?” with Paul Marsh, GSB; “Suicide Stigma in Christian Tradition: It’s not Biblical” with Rev. Sylvia Bull; “Calling all SAMs: An overview of Synod Authorized Ministers from across the ELCA” with Rev. Phil Hirsch; “Hunger and Injustice” with Rev. Mark Nygard; and “Questions and Conversation” with Bishop Craig Schweitzer. 

Assembly Bible Studies

3 Bible studies were offered during the assembly, led by our esteemed guests, Rev. Dr. Eric Barretto and Rev. Phil Hirsch.  These studies expanded and enhanced our 2025 assembly theme, Rooted and Grounded in Love.