Serve the Synod: Leadership Opportunities for 2026-2027
The Southwest California Synod is seeking faithful, thoughtful leaders to serve in a variety of roles across our shared ministry.
This is an opportunity to use your gifts, experience, and voice to help shape the future of our synod. Whether you have experience in leadership, finance, pastoral care, or simply a heart for service—there is a place for you.
Why This Matters
Our synod’s work depends on people who are willing to come forward and serve. These roles help guide decision-making, strengthen our ministries, and ensure we are living out our shared mission with integrity, care, and vision. We are especially committed to lifting up diverse voices and encouraging participation from across our full community.
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking individuals who:
Care deeply about the mission of the church
Bring diverse perspectives and experiences
Are willing to collaborate and lead with integrity
You don’t need to have done this before - you just have to be willing to respond to your curiosity or listen for that tug from the Holy Spirit.
Open Positions
Synod Council Member-at-Large
Term: 3 years
Time Commitment: ~6–10 hours/month
Seats this cycle: Two to four.
Serve as part of the Synod Council, helping guide decisions and direction between assemblies.
Responsibilities:
Attend at least three council meetings per year
Participate on at least one synod team
Contribute to governance, policy, and leadership decisions
Who might be a great fit:
Strong leadership or governance experience
Background in finance, policy, or community leadership
Passion for equity, inclusion, and congregational life
Synod Council Youth Member
Term: 2 years
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomore or junior
A unique opportunity for youth to participate in synod leadership with support and mentorship.
Who might be a great fit:
Interested in leadership, justice, and faith in action
Open to collaboration and learning
Excited to represent youth voices in the synod
Vice President (Lay Leader)
Time Commitment: ~10–15 hours/month
A key leadership role supporting the work of the synod.
Responsibilities:
Chair Synod Council meetings
Represent the synod in official settings
Provide leadership and collaboration across teams
Who might be a great fit:
Experienced lay leader
Strong facilitator and consensus builder
Comfortable leading meetings and guiding discussion
Take the Next Step
If you feel called to serve—or know someone who would be a great fit—we encourage you to take the next step.
Committee Opportunities
Committee on Discipline (SWCA Constitution S17.11–S17.16)
Term: 6 years
Time Commitment: As needed
Composition and term:
• Composed of twelve (12) members elected by the Synod Assembly.
• One-half of the members shall be laypersons and one-half shall be rostered ministers.
• Members serve six-year terms and are not eligible for consecutive reelection.
• The committee elects its own chair from among its members.
• A quorum consists of a majority of the members of the committee.
Supports disciplinary processes with care, fairness, and confidentiality.
Ideal experience:
Conflict resolution, law, ethics, or restorative practices
Consultation Committee (SWCA Constitution S17.01–S17.04)
Term: 6 years
Time Commitment: As needed
Composition and term:
• Composed of not fewer than six (6) and not more than twelve (12) members elected
by the Synod Assembly.
• At least one-half of the members shall be laypersons and at least one-half shall be
rostered ministers.
• Members serve six-year terms and are not eligible for consecutive reelection.
• The committee elects its own chair from among its members.
• A quorum consists of a majority of the members of the committee.
Ideal experience:
Mediation, pastoral care, organizational systems
Strong listening and relationship-building skills
Endowment Committee (SWCA Constitution S15.43)
Time Commitment: Quarterly meetings
Oversees financial stewardship of endowment funds and ensures alignment with mission and values.
Composition and term:
Composed of the Bishop (or the Bishop’s designee), the Synod Treasurer, and
six (6) members elected by the Synod Assembly.The six elected members serve three-year terms on a rotating basis and are
eligible for one reelection.Total membership is eight (8) persons: two ex officio (Bishop and Treasurer) and
six elected members.The Chair of the Endowment Committee is elected by the committee from among
its elected members.A quorum consists of five (5) members, present in person or participating
remotely. Recused members count toward quorum.
Ideal experience:
Finance, investments, or philanthropy
Interest in mission-driven financial stewardship
Audit, Budget & Finance Committees
Time Commitment: Monthly or quarterly
Supports the financial health and accountability of the synod.
Ideal experience:
Accounting, auditing, nonprofit finance, or budgeting
Take the Next Step
If you feel called to serve—or know someone who would be a great fit—we encourage you to take the next step.