# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1944_S770
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

186

PROPOSED SYNODICAL HANDBOOK

295. Purpose of Circuit Meetings

The purpose of such circuit meetings shall be to
strengthen the spirit of unity, fellowship, and co-
operation among the several congregations. The reso-
lutions of Synod and of the respective District shat}
be brought to the attention of the congregations, that
all may co-operate in carrying them out; the spiritual
side of church work, including all phases of parish
education, shall receive special emphasis; information
as to the condition and needs of the treasuries of Synod
and District shall be given; reports from the various
Congregations as to methods used and contributions
made for synodical purposes shall be received, and all
congregations shall be encouraged to grow in the grace
of Christian stewardship.

S. H. 43 ff,

297, Joint Meetings of Circuits
Joint meetings of two or more circuits may be held
where this is desirable. .

S. H, 43 ff,
PARISHES

299. Reasons for Maintaining Parish Lines

The membership of a congregation constitutes its
parish. Territorial parish lines are not established by
divine right. Nevertheless the following reasons may
be cited for establishing such lines:

a. God is not the author of confusion, and therefore
He wants all things to be done decently and in order,
1 Cor, 14:40; 1 Pet, 4:15.

b. Schisms and sects in a congregation should be
avoided, and church members should not be given

is 3 a tendency, which Paul condemns, 1 Cor,
212; 3:3-7.

c. The private cure of souls, an essential dut: of
every pastor, is rendered more difficult where there
are no parish lines, and in many cases is impossible —
nor can church discipline. be well exercised. A mem-
ber who on account of distance no longer regularly
attends church services shall be advised to affiliate

d. The example of the Apostolic Church favors the
Separation of congregations by parish lines; for in the
days of the Apostles, bishops were appointed for every
city, Titus1:5. The example of the Apostles, it is true,
is not equal to an express command which must be
obeyed by Christians of all times and under al] cir-
cumstances; yet the custom of apostolic times speaks
in favor of the reasons given above, and therefore it
is proper that we-should not without good reason fail
to follow such example.

S. H. 45.2

301. Reasons for Dividing Congregations
Congregations which have grown so large that their
Members cannot be Properly ministered to or which
have spread over so much territory as to prevent
members living at a distance from using the means of