The Fourth Plenary Session is complete.
Senator Stan Adelstein gave an address.
Rev. Jonathan Vehar presented on the Evangelical Outreach Committee Announcement.
Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla returned to lead the next phase of the Bishop Election process.
Of the 7 nominees, 5 will be addressing the Assembly. Two have withdrawn, but their names are still on the ballot because they did not make their decisions to not continue in time to be removed from the ballot. Each nominee had 5 minutes to talk.
The nominees who spoke, in order.:
- Randy Koeller 5
- Jeff Otterman 10
- Andrea Degroot-Nesdahl 79
- David Zellmer 306
- Jeff Eisele 74
Credentials Committee reported that 531 voting members (155 clergy, 376 lay voting members) were present.
The ballots were cast. Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla delivered the report that 476 votes were cast with 0 illegal votes. 315 votes were needed for an election.
Tallied votes:
- Randy Koeller: 5 votes
- Jeff Otterman: 10 votes
- Andrea Degroot-Nesdahl: 79 votes
- David Zellmer: 306 votes
- Jeff Eisele: 74 votes
There was no Third Ballot election.
Bishop Zellmer introduced Brad Joern, Portico Representative, to present. As an ELCA ministry, Portico offers health, flexible spending, retirement, disability, and survivor plans to help rostered leaders and lay employees strengthen their well-being. There will be four plans offered this year, instead of just one, as in the past.
The Bishop nominees have been narrowed to Zellmer, Degroot-Nesdahl and Eisele. The Fourth Ballot requires a Question & Answer section. Each nominee was presented with the same six questions, which were taken from questions that were submitted by voting members. Nominees had two minutes to answer each question.
Order of Q & A:
- Bishop David Zellmer
- Pastor Jeff Eisele
- Pastor Andrea Degroot-Nesdahl
The six questions that were asked and answered by each nominee:
- What do you see as the principal challenge for this synod’s bishop in the next 6 years?
- What is your vision for the ministry, mission and growth of this synod for the next six years?
- What is your principle priority for this synod, and what will you do to address it?
- What gifts will you bring to the office of Bishop of this synod?
- Tell a story about how God’s Word has shaped your life.
- If you could change one thing in the administration or organization of this synod, what would it be?
Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla present the Fourth Ballot. 60 percent of the vote is necessary for an election. The Credentials Committee reported that 531 present voting members (155 clergy, 376 lay voting members).
The ballots were cast. Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla delivered the report that 473 votes were cast with 0 illegal votes. 284 votes were necessary for an election.
Tallied votes:
Pastor Jeff Eisele: 74 votes
Pastor Andrea Degroot-Nesdahl: 77
Bishop David Zellmer: 322 votes.
Bishop David Zellmer was re-elected.
Bishop Zellmer addressed the attendees and then closed the Fourth Plenary Session for lunch.
