Opportunities to Serve Christ in the Synod of Alaska-Northwest

Synod Commissioner
Each of the seven member presbyteries elect elders and Ministers of Word and Sacrament to serve four-year terms. Commissioners attend one annual meeting a year where a number of governance issues are addressed. A Synod Commissioner needs to be connected with the mission priorities of each presbytery and readily able and gifted to interpret each presbyteries mission priorities as if an “apostle.”
A new term of service begins at the end of a June Assembly meeting.

Synod Assembly Program Committee – or Committee on Local Arrangements

Synod Council Member
Synod Commissioners, one from each presbytery, shall be nominated by the Synod Nominating Committee to serve three year terms on the Council. The Council implements the various policies of the Synod and discerns new mission directions. The Moderator of Presbyterian Women of the Synod shall serve with vote and voice. One Executive Presbyter shall serve for a two-year terms as an ex-officio member with voice and vote. Each Synod Council member is a Trustee of the Synod.

Vice-Moderator of the Synod
The Synod Nominating Committee nominates a Synod Council member to serve as Vice-Moderator. This person supports the Moderator and fills in when asked. The Vice-Moderator may become the Moderator.

Moderator of the Synod
The Synod Nominating Committee nominates a Synod Council member to serve as Moderator. This person Moderators both the Synod Council and the Assembly meetings. The Moderator is welcome to sit in as an ex-officio member on each and every committee and task force in the Synod. The Moderator will be requested to represent the Synod at various Presbytery and ecumenical functions.

Personnel Committee – Synod Council
The Chairperson will be a member of Synod Council. Other gifted members from across the Synod may be co-opted to serve on this 3-5 member committee that oversees the staff employed by the Synod.

Finance Committee – Synod Council
The Chairperson will be a member of Synod Council. Other gifted members from across the Synod may be co-opted to serve on this 3-5 member committee that oversees the finances, budget and investments of the Synod.

Nominating Committee – Synod
The Synod Council, in consultation with the Synod Committee on Representation, shall nominate persons to be elected by the Synod to the Synod Nominating Committee. The Synod Council shall nominate a member of the Synod Nominating Committee to be elected by the Synod to serve as the Chair. The term shall be three years. The Committee shall be composed of one person from each of the seven presbyteries. These will be people who understand the mission of the Synod, the process of prayer and discernment, and the gifts of the people across their presbytery.

Committee on Representation – Synod
The Synod Nominating Committee shall nominate and the Synod elect persons to serve. The main function shall be to advise the Synod Nominating Committee and all boards and agencies in implementing the principles of participating and inclusiveness to ensure fair and effective representation in decision making in the church.

Permanent Judicial Commission – Synod
People with a proven capacity to understand and implement the Book of Discipline shall be called to serve six year terms on this Commission. Annual training is provided. The Clerk of the Synod provides support.


Board of Directors – Mission Development Certificate Program
Gifted people from across the Synod with special gifts and aptitude towards investments, loans and an understanding of the theology of stewardship will be called by the Governance Committee of the Board of Directors to serve three year terms. The Board meets twice a year. Committee service is required. Committees usually meet by phone.

Self-Development of People Committee
Seven members, one from each presbytery are invited to serve three year terms. Members are sought on the basis of their vocational expertise and understanding of self-development of disadvantaged communities. Non-Presbyterians may serve. Annual funds will be granted based on the generosity of congregational giving to the ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING offering. A member needs to be willing to watch for groups of people who are ready to develop a business plan to be implemented by them to address empowerment issues for them. The ability to develop ongoing relationships is required.

Peacemaking Committee
One person from each presbytery with a passion for the peace of Christ will serve a three year term. Oversight of the grants from the Peacemaking Offering and an annual Helen Hamilton Award are granted. 

Native American Consulting Committee
One Native American from each Presbytery will serve for a three year term. This person needs to have a heart for new initiatives that empower Christian leadership by and for Native Americans.

Covenant Partner Liaisons
Several Synod covenant partners require impassioned people to serve on behalf of all of us.