BRTFSSG

"BRTFSSG" is an acronymn which expands to "Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and Governance".

It is an official LCMS task force. Click here for the official LCMS portal containing more info about this task force.

Rev. Matthew Harrison wrote a very highly regarded, considered response to the BRTFSSG, entitled It's Time.

The BRTF is presenting their proposal to the various districts, with the intention of receiving feedback from all across synod and develop their actual changes to the structure at the 2010 National Convention. Given the presentation at North Dakota, there is not a lot of information given before asking for feedback. This report was given during hour 1, then members were asked to comment, then an hour-long QA session was held. It would be useful for ALL district convention attendees to review this presentation before going in, and reading all you can about this proposal, before going to your convention.

A lay group calling themselves "Interested Laymen" have brought the BRTF survey to the web, found at BlueRibbonSurvey.com. They have included resources, including a comparision of changes from Southern Illinois to Minnesota North Conventions.

Several groups have submitted resolutions to their district conventions that attempt to slow down the process. Many realize what sweeping changes this may bring, and want to provide for adequate time for consideration of such changes. If you can get recognized and get time at the mic, present this motion (or one like it) to your convention!

• MNN has passed a resolution (anyone have a copy of it?)
• Rocky Mountain Overture to slow down the BRTFSSG process
• NID is preparing an overture

Several people have written about the BRTFSSG, including the following:

• Rev Noland
• Pastor Rossow
• Consensus Lutheran
• Issues, Etc: here or here
• Pr. Charles Henrickson
• Pastor Hering

• Lutheran Catechetical Society presentation by Rev. Dr. Ken Schurb

Lighthearted... Many consider BRTFSSG and its expansion, Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and Governance, to be a long and funny and strange name. Consider drinking a can of PBR (TODO: insert picture of 6 pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon here) while reading this humor piece, entitled President Kieschnick Unveils New Task Force to Coordinate Other Task Forces by the excellent Theological Organ.

TODO: more info about what this is and what it's all about and the issues involved and a summary of whether and why it is a distraction from the real issues, etc. Keep the official info and the best responses (Harrison's paper) at the top of this page.

TODO: more responses: The Wilken Plan!?

TODO: more info from other 'unofficial' perspectives.

TODO: links to other 'unofficial' resources about BRTFSSG. Aggregate some good blogs, articles, etc?