Regional Synod of Mid America

In the Regions of Heartland and Mid-America, we are discerning how God might be leading us to REIMAGINE HOW MINISTRY IS TO BE DONE. As we develop a Middle Assembly(s), we are NOT simply combining and renaming our former classes and/or regional synods. Our approach is to design a ministry structure that focuses on the MISSION/VISION/VALUES of forming disciples. This structure provides leaders and ministries with a new freedom and responsibility to be faithful in participating in God’s reign in their context. At the same time, it keeps them rooted in relationships with others and provides them with the support, resources, and accountability needed to be faithful and fruitful as they live into the unique vision God gives them.

THE STARFISH MODEL

This proposal is envisioned using a STARFISH model (a flatter more nimble organization), as opposed to a traditional hierarchical structure. The Middle Assembly model will have two major components: multiple MISSIONAL NETWORKS connected by a single CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE HUB. The Networks are the heart and soul of this model, in the same way that our Classes have been the heart and soul of our denomination. The Hub exists to serve and connect the Networks.

MISSIONAL NETWORKS

Missional Networks will be comprised of churches, ministries, and/or leaders, who have partnered together to pursue God’s reign. The goal of each Network is to improve our ability to make disciples by building relationships, sharing resources, encouraging, supporting in prayer, learning, and holding each other accountable.

The Networks will be self-organized groups that share common needs, a common focus for mission, or other goals. In other words, a Network can be formed based on location, mission, ministry focus, church size, programs, learning topics, etc. Each network will be led by a facilitator who will organize regular meetings and provide coaching for participants.

Each Missional Network would have the freedom and responsibility to:

  • Determine its focus: Define how its members will pursue growth in emotional health and missional fruitfulness.

  • Invite participants: Gather congregations, ministries, and/or other ministers that best align with current needs and priorities.

  • Identify needs: Assess the specific needs of its members.

  • Develop strategies: Create and implement strategies to address those needs.

  • Support: Offer encouragement, guidance, and resources with others in the network.

  • Collaborate: Work together to achieve shared goals.

  • Innovate: Develop and implement new approaches to mission and ministry.

  • Allocate resources: Manage and distribute resources within the network.

Each Missional Network will also participate in the life of the Middle Assembly by participating in gathered meetings and committees (judicial, student care, etc.), sharing resources, communicating best practices, and partnering in common projects. Every congregation, ministry, specialized minister, and retired minister (who wishes to remain active) within the Middle Assembly will be expected to be a part of a Missional Network and will choose the Network in which they participate.

CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE HUB

The Central Administrative Hub serves the Missional Networks by connecting and coordinating the Networks and providing essential support so they can focus on discipleship and mission. Its functions would include:

  • Support: providing support, coaching, and administrative assistance to Missional Networks.

  • Empowerment

  • Mission

  • Communication: Clarifying the mission, vision, and values across the Middle Assembly by creating, inviting, and sharing stories from the various Missional Networks, as well as facilitating communication with the Reformed Church in America.

  • Training and Ordinations

  • Judicial Work

  • Strategic Planning

  • Resource Allocation

  • Data Management

  • Business Meetings and Annual Gatherings

  • Accountability

The Central Administrative Hub is made up of two components: a Council and Staff.

The Hub Council oversees the entire Middle Assembly and delegates the work of the Central Administrative Hub to the Staff. The Council includes key Missional Network facilitators and other leaders, and its members serve limited terms. (Note: In the beginning, the Council will include one representative from each historical Classis. This makeup will shift over time as the Missional Networks become more established.) The Hub Staff conducts the business of the Middle Assembly throughout the year. They support the Missional Networks, carrying out the functions listed above. The Staff may be paid or volunteer, part time or full time. In addition, the Central Administrative Hub will gather all the Missional Networks twice a year as a governing assembly. One meeting will focus on business and will take place digitally. The second meeting will be an in-person gathering of the Middle Assembly over the course of two days. This annual in-person gathering will also include business. Still, the focus will be on leadership and ministry development, including prayer, worship, equipping, connection, visioning, and in-person connections of Missional Networks.

Note: While the Synod Assembly of Mid-America voted to adopt this model and pursue a future with one Middle Assembly within RSMA, two Classes continue to discern their participation in this Middle Assembly or the formation of two other Middle Assemblies before December 30, 2026. Additionally, RSMA voted to continue conversations and discernment with Synod of the Heartland, but is not committing to a merged future.