The Northwestern Ohio Synod (click to view trifold) is one of 65 synods of the ELCA, and one of six synods that comprise region six. Our neighboring synods in region six include Northeastern Ohio, Northwest Lower Michigan, Southeast Michigan, Indiana/Kentucky and Southern Ohio.
What is a synod?
A "synod" is a shared journey. It actually comes from two Greek words which give us the words "synonymous" and "odyssey." Together, as a synod we are on a synonymous odyssey. It means that we are journeying together: strengthening, challenging, and supporting one another as God leads us in living his mission with each other and with the world.
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 her/his assistant(s), the bishop provides support to congregations. This includes assistance in calling pastors and other staff; 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.
Mission and Values
As the Northwestern Ohio Synod, in order to be mission-centered, with mission-centered congregations, all activities should reflect making Christ known in our lives together, making Christ known in our communities, and making Christ known in the world.
This has remained the core value of the Office of the Bishop and the Northwestern Ohio Synod – that all we do be centered in God's mission in Christ. All that has been accomplished has been accomplished to that end.
Through God's continued grace, we have seen many of the congregations of this synod wrestle with what it means to be centers for mission under the purpose statement: As one synod, we are 184 outposts for mission where God is at work making Christ known in the congregations, in the communities and in the world (2000). Through this wrestling, the congregations have realized the power of the Holy Spirit in their midst as laity and clergy see the vision of what can be accomplished through the congregational community of faith.
But one cannot remain centered in the accomplishments of the past. While the Office of the Bishop has endeavored to be responsive to the needs of the membership of the Northwestern Ohio Synod – both clergy and lay – we realize that needs change; and, as ministry must adapt to these changes, there will be further and more defined requests, situations and opportunities – and we, as members of the Northwestern Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – must respond accordingly.
Therefore, the staff and the synod council, using the resources of David Daubert from the ELCA Division for Outreach, have reviewed where the synod has been, what has been accomplished in and through us, where the synod wishes to be in the future, how we might reach that future, as well as how to engage the talents and gifts of our congregational members and leaders in those endeavors.
As we look to live and address faithfully God's continued mission in, with, and through the Northwestern Ohio Synod, we present the following purpose statement and guiding principles that will guide the ministry of the Office of the Bishop and the Northwestern Ohio.
This document will not reflect radical changes in the work or direction of the Office of the Bishop, but will reflect the future and anticipated ministry needs of congregations and leadership. In doing so, the Office will review the continual congregational and pastoral feedback received.
This document also embodies and reflects the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's mission statement of Marked with the cross of Christ forever, we are claimed gathered and sent for the sake of the world.
Constitution
Below you will find the links to the NWOS Constitution and subsequent amendments in PDF format:
Northwestern Ohio Synod ELCA Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions
MEMORANDUM Subject: Official notification of constitutional changes
Northwestern Ohio 2010 Synod Assembly Number of Congregational Voting Members
- Number of Congregations: 182
- Number of Baptized Members: 89,922
- Average number of TOTAL Northwestern Ohio members worshipping per regular worship service: 29,903
- Number of Rostered Clergy: 299
- Number of Rostered Lay: 13
- Regular synod communications: Partners in Mission (for congregations and lay members); and CONNECTIONS (for rostered and congregational leaders)
- Companion Synods: Dodoma Diocese, Tanzania & Slovak ELC in Serbia and Montenegro
- The Rev. Marcus Lohrmann serves the Northwest Ohio Synod as its Bishop. Our Synod Staff serves along side the Bishop from our offices in Findlay, Ohio.
- The Synod Council serves as the board of directors and as the interim legislative authority between meeting of the Synod Assembly. It may make decisions between meetings of the Synod Assembly.
- Total number of ELCA congregations: 10,396
- Total membership of the of the ELCA: 4.63 million
About the Northwestern Ohio Synod
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
