The Minneapolis Area Synod is governed by an annual Synod Assembly. According to our constitution, ministers on the roster and lay voting members from each congregation elect a Synod Council and Bishop to provide oversight and leadership between Synod Assemblies. Day-to-day work is carried out by the synod staff and various synod committees, including the deans of each conference.
Synod Council
The Synod Council serves as the synod’s board of directors and interim legislative authority. The Synod Council consists of the Bishop, three elected officers, two youth members, and 9-11 members elected at-large. The Bishop serves as the chief executive officer and the Synod Vice President serves as chair of the Synod Council. The Synod Council meets 5 times per year.
- Felecia Boone
- Rev. Nancy Carlson
- Cheryl Chatman
- Ross Eichelberger
- Alejandra Fernandes
- Rev. Erik Haaland
- Osa Hanneman
- Rev. Eric Hoffer
- Rev. Bruce Kuenzel
- Barret Lane
- Tim Nelson
- Rev. SiriAnna Strommen
- Bishop Ann Svennungsen
- Rev. Jacqueline Thone
- Karina Vincent
- Marie Wiegert
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee is made up of the three synod council officers, two at-large members, and the bishop of the synod. The committee meets monthly, in addition to Synod Council meetings.
Bishop Ann M. Svennungsen
Ms. Felecia Boone, Vice President
Mr. Ross Eichelberger, Treasurer
Rev. Erik Haaland, Secretary
Rev. Bruce Kuenzel
Rev. Eric Hoffer
Deans
Conference Deans stay in regular contact with rostered ministers within the conference; they also meet with the synod bishop bi-monthly. Deans are elected by the Conference Assembly for a three-year term.
Constitutions
Each expression of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is governed by a unique constitution: Churchwide, Synod, and Congregation. These documents reflect the theology and polity of the church as it organizes itself to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, share the sacraments, reach out to the neighbor with good news and share the love of God in the world.