Division of Professional Church Worker Growth and Health

Report given to the North Dakota District Convention 2009
Submitted by: Rev. Carlyle Roth, Director

The members of this division who were elected at the 2006 Convention were Rev. Dennis O’Neill and Mrs. Janet Bauer. When Rev. Dennis O’Neill took a call to Minnesota, he was replaced by Rev. Bernie Worral. Those members who were appointed by the Division were Rev. Irv Bruenjes and Deaconess Rita Footh. The duties of this Division included: orientation seminars for new workers, interviewing potential seminary students and setting the recommended salary scales for professional Church workers. The Director has also been responsible for attending meetings in Burnsville, Minnesota regarding the promotion of Professional Church Worker Health and Welfare and reporting the results to the Pastors’ Conferences and Board of Directors.

It has been brought to my attention that within the next ten years nearly 50% of the pastors who are currently serving in The Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod will be retiring. At the present time we have a sufficient number of pastors, but this will change soon. We need to prepare for this sudden decline in pastors soon. I would urge that congregations offer scholarships to any of their young members who may consider seminary training in the near future. I would also urge congregations to set up an Endowment Fund, the proceeds of which may be used for scholarships for young men from North Dakota who wish to become pastors. I would also encourage congregations to make special efforts to welcome new pastors and help them become a part of the community. And, a little thanks and appreciation goes a long way in keeping a pastor. Finally, I encourage all members of all our congregations to keep their pastors in their personal prayers, asking God to give them strength and thanking God for their untiring proclamation of God’s Word.

It has been a joy to serve the Lord as members of the Division of Professional Church Worker Growth and Health throughout these past three years. We thank you for this opportunity that has been given us to serve in this capacity. And, we wish God’s richest blessings on the service of those who succeed us.