The synod vice president ballot had three nominees:Â Blair Schrader, Kristy Henriksen, and Ferman Woodberry. On the first ballot Ferman Woodberry was elected with 65% of the votes. About 400 voting members were present.
Before members voted, Bishop Jon Anderson asked the nominees to share a bit about themselves. The video below captures Ferman speaking about how he has always been a service-oriented person. He also shares his experience of joining a Lutheran church and how that ties into his vision for the Southwestern Minnesota Synod. This short video is a great introduction of Ferman.
Vice presidents are the highest elected volunteer lay leaders in every ELCA synod. The position comes with great responsibility and investment of heart and mind and time. We are excited for Ferman’s leadership.
Click here to view and download video.Â
Ferman Woodberry’s biographical data from the synod assembly –
Name: Ferman Woodberry
Congregation, City: Salem Lutheran, Jackson
Occupation: Light industrial worker
Education: B.A. in Art from Gustavus Adolphus College
The ministry of every congregation has an impact on the mission of our synod. With this in mind, into what kind of ministry would you like to see your congregation focus its energy in the next 3 years?
- I believe that community outreach is very important; we tend to focus on our immediate needs sometimes forgetting that we have been called to go out into the world as God’s hands and feet.
- Continuing education for all age groups, after confirmation most of us do not continue to build up our faith. Study and meditation of the Word strengthen us within and equips us to journey out.
What gifts do you have to contribute to this type of ministry?
I have been a Stephen’s minister, a member of this synod’s anti-racism team, served on congregation councils, currently serve on Synod Council, the Engaging Leaders Board, and I am the VP of SWMN LMM. I am guided by my faith in God, my loving nature, and discerning mind. I have taken several leaps of faith in my lifetime and this would be a huge one for me; however, I believe that with God’s help and the prayers of others that I can perform said duties.
List your 3 most significant leadership positions.
- Husband/Father: I try to be a servant leader in my home.
- Director of Security, MSU Moorhead: Learned to how to handle change.
- Synod Council: Opportunity to have a voice in the working of our synod.
