Firstly, it is important to mention that I have no issue whatsoever about the quality of the officers of Synod, this year or in the past.
The selection process has become a popularity contest ... in the best sense of the word. Officers are selected on the first day of synod, and if you don't know many of the pastors and elders who will be coming to the meeting of synod, it becomes a tough process. Only those who are known, or those who have a long history of attending synod meetings, are chosen.
What has struck me over the years is that, during the course of the week-long debate and discussion, the 'cream' does rise to the top. Delegates are exposed to articulate and wise presentations by elders and pastors, some of whom may very well do an excellent job as a clerk or chair of synod.
I would like, as one of the final acts of synod, that next year's officers are selected from among this year's delegates. It is a way to acknowledge giftedness among the delegates, especially among the elder delegates. But it also provides next year's synod with four officers who have a bit of an historical context of decisions that were made last year. The officers of synod will have served as delegates — perhaps even officers — in the previous year.
Since the officers are selected almost a year in advance, it gives them the opportunity to become more thoroughly familiar with the Agenda of Synod.
