As North Carolina Synod Bishop Timothy Smith opened his final report, he reminded us about God’s calling in our lives and ministries. Using a quote from the Heidelberg Disputation, “A theology of glory calls good evil and evil good. A theology of the cross calls the thing what it actually is,” Smith informed the assembly that it is important to look at something and name it for what it is, including the struggles within our synod and churchwide ministries.

Beginning with the challenges that face both the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the North Carolina Synod, Bishop Smith highlighted proposed changes and recommendations that will take place at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, including the Commission for Renewed Lutheran Church recommendations and the elections of both a new Presiding Bishop and Secretary.

Smith also addressed the challenges that Western North Carolina continues to face in the wake of Hurricane Helene (September 2024). Humbled by the support and generosity of this synod, he addressed the stark reality that many people and communities are still not okay. As the North Carolina Synod, we will continue to address this reality through collaboration with churchwide partners, ELCA Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR), and LDR Carolinas.

Moving on to the trends in declining membership at both ELCA churchwide and congregational levels, Smith addressed the fact that this church does and will continue to look different as we move forward. Reminding us that God is always doing a new thing despite the decline in Mission Support, the lack of congregational financial resources and membership, and the lack of rostered minister candidates, Smith also shared that the ways that we do ministry together will change both congregationally and synodically.

While calling it what it is, Bishop Smith reminded us that “everything we need is here.” Taught to our smaller congregations during this year’s Scrappy Congregations retreat, we are also reminded that we might not have everything we want. God knows the way out of the grave and will bring new life despite our laments.

Highlighting the collaboration between others, Bishop Tim commented on the strength of ministry when we do it together. Collaborating and partnering with LDR, Lutheran Services of the Carolinas (LSC), and Global Refuge helps us to offer support in many ways. Ecumenical partnerships and yoking enable us to work more efficiently, adapt, and remain flexible.

And yes, much new life and joy have emerged in our synod. In true Sound of Music’s Von Trapp family fashion, Smith then decreed, through song, the things that bring him joy within this synod and ELCA churchwide ministries.

A few of those favorite things are: healthy, vital congregations, prophetic voice, collaboration, camp ministries, Lutheran Youth Organization, companion synods, synodical core values, Mission Funds, mission starts, Women of the ELCA & Lutheran Men in Mission, ecumenical partnerships, campus ministry, Lenoir-Rhyne University and Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, grant funding from Casey/Peeler, Bible studies, assemblies and convocations, synod staff, rostered ministers, lay leaders, and members. Also, he named his wife Wendy, his children and grandchildren, and his own personal spiritual disciplines.

While this list is not exhaustive, it’s indicative that Bishop Tim has joyfully cared for the North Carolina Synod, congregations, and people within it over the last ten years. Smith finished with “while, like every job, this one is hard, there really is so much good.” A standing ovation took place, giving thanks for Bishop Tim’s ministry and for the many things shared with us through his song.

Thanks be to God for the good that happens in the North Carolina Synod! And, thanks be to God for the ministry of Bishop Timothy Smith during these past ten years!

Watch Bishop Tim’s full report.

Hear Bishop Tim’s version of “My Favorite Things.”