Thurs pm

We are wrapping things up here this afternoon - I hope we are done on time. Our Judicial Committee report took a significant amount of time this morning, but it is complete, and I am glad it is done. Dr. Gamble's interview a couple of days ago went wonderfully, as did the optional sample lecture on postmodernism yesterday afternoon (or so I hear), which I did not attend - I have enjoyed well over 150 hours of lectures from Dr. Gamble over the last 8 years. The election results of this morning were announced and we are thankful that Dr. Gamble was elected to serve at the seminary. Of note, Dean Smith who has served for 20 years on the Home Mission Board will not be returning - there has been great advance in the denomination through the years of his service - and he was thanked by the Synod for the years of service. Tonight we go to the dinner to recognize the years of service rendered at the seminary by Drs. Spear and Robson.

This year there haven't been so many theological and doctrinal issues up for discussion, and therefore there have been more discussions, formal and informal, about ministry priorities for the denomination. That is a huge discussion and there have been no major changes as a result, but the Home Misssion Board has proposed a new initiative urging that a renewed priority be given to evangelism and church planting. It includes a goal called the "2020 Vision" - the Synod just adopded it even as I write. The motion approved reads: : "To work toward our goal of establishing healthy, growing, multiplying congregations that the Synod make evangelism and church planting renewed priority as expressed in the 2020 Vision." More will come in our reports back to the congrations. That's all for this Synod from the back row. Thank God for all he has done.