# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1981_S133
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

TASK FORCE 133

conventions because of present synodical regulations; and

WHEREAS, This really deprives the congregations of their
pastoral vote at any District convention or conference; there-
fore be it

Resolved, That such retired pastors serving as the only
pastor of a congregation of the Synod on a part-time basis be
granted voting status as a pastor-delegate for that congrega-
tion.

First Lutheran Church
Salida, Colo.

Bernice Wentzel, Secretary
Lorne C. Ruhl, Pastor

2-12A

To Grant Teachers Right to Vote

WHEREAS, The teachers of the Synod's congregations have
never in the history of the LCMS received the right to vote at
either District or synodical conventions; and

WHEREAS, The required role as advisory delegates to District
conventions has resulted in low interest, low attendance, and
minimal involvement; and

WHEREAS, The lack of this voting privilege contributes to a
belief and feeling that teaching is a less-important ministry
and that teachers are not ministers of the church; and

WHEREAS, Granting a vote to teachers would demonstrate a
caring church, build the self-esteem of our teaching ministers,
and result in greater use of their talents and abilities; and

WHEREAS, Decisions regarding reorganization made at the
1981 synodical convention will be concerned with matters of
voting structure; and

WHEREAS, The committee studying reorganization has
received suggestions of workable models regarding teacher
franchise; therefore be it

Resolved, That the LCMS grant the right to vote at District
and synodical conventions to teachers on the synodical roster
who are serving synodical congregations and that organiza-
tional structures be established that provide a fair and equit-
able opportunity for teachers to become active, involved repre-
sentatives of their congregation.

Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church
Parma, Ohio

Henry Genther, Chairman

Karl N. Lutz, Secretary

Identical] or similar:

2-12B to 2-12E

Our Savior, Aiea, Hawaii
St. John’s, Peru, Ind.
Trinity, Whittier, Calif.
Cross, Yorkville, Ill.

James Russow
Herman C. Wills
Louis J. Mackworth
Donald A. Thanepohn

2-13

To Refrain from the Use of ‘‘Professional
Workers” as an All-Encompassing Term
for the Ministry of the Church

WHEREAS, The Task Force II proposed restructure lumps the
ministerium of the church along with all other workers in the
church into a general category of “professional workers”; and

WHEREAS, This terminology obliterates the Biblical and
Confessional distinction of the one “office of the holy ministry”
created by God and other offices in the church; therefore be it

Resolved, That in any possible restructuring of the Synod,
the suggested classification of “professional workers” be elim-
inated and the Biblical and Confessional distinction and
definition of the “office of the holy ministry” be retained.

Faculty

Concordia Theological Seminary
Fort Wayne, Ind.

Norbert H. Mueller, Secretary

2-14A

To Change Tenure of Officers

WHEREAS, God has blessed The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod with numerous clergymen with significant administra-
tive and pastoral abilities; and

WHEREAS, The addition of new people to high elective offices
can bring revitalization to a church organization; and

WHEREAS, The principle of ‘limited tenure’ makes it
possible for members to seek new leadership without in any
sense appearing ungrateful for past leadership; and

WHEREAS, The Synod has found it advantageous to permit
limitation on the number of years any one person can serve as
president of one of the Synod's educational institutions (Bylaw
6.82a); and

WHEREAS, The Synod has applied the principle of “limited
tenure” to some elected synodical officers and to members of
boards and commissions; and

WHEREAS, Synodical officers (other than the President,
First Vice-President, and Secretary) and members of synodical
boards, including the Board of Directors, are limited to three
successive completed terms (Bylaw 2.07b); therefore be it

Resolved, That the synodical Bylaw 2.07a be amended to
read:

a. The President and the First Vice-President
may serve up to a total of three successive complete
terms and may be eligible for election after an
interval of two or more years. The office of the
Secretary shall be without limit as to reelection.

Messiah Lutheran Church
Citrus Heights, Calif.

Robert A. Behnke, President
Norman C. Nelson, Secretary

Identical or similar:

2-14B to 2-141

Bethlehem, Minnetonka, Minn. A. H. Malotky
(Except that service is limited to two successive terms)

Trinity, Spencerport, N.Y. Charles N. Goehring
Grace, Warminster, Pa. Philip H. Kraft
Trinity, Mission, Kans. Roland W. Boehnke
St. Mark’s, Wausau, Wis. James R. Wiebel
Shepherd of the Hills,— Ross Williams
Trinity, Wellsville, N.Y. D. K. Schroeder
Our Savior’s, Sparks, Nev. Roland Gruenwald

2-15

To Limit Tenure of Office of President,
First Vice-President, and Secretary

WHEREAS, The principle of representational] church govern-
ment is understood in the Synod’s congregational form of
government; and

WHEREAS, Many congregations and some Districts of the
Synod have found it beneficial to limit elected officials to two
consecutive terms in the same office; and

WHEREAS, The Lord of the church has blessed our church
with many gifted and dedicated clergymen; and

WHEREAS, The principle of ‘‘limited tenure” may encourage
and develop more people into leadership roles in which they
can utilize their God-given talents; and

WHEREAS, Some synodical officers and members of boards,
including the Board of Directors, are limited to successive
completed terms in office; therefore be it

Resolved, That synodical Bylaw 2.07 a be amended to read:
a. The President and First Vice-President shall be
ineligible for reelection to the same office after serving
three complete successive terms, and the Secretary of
the Synod shall be ineligible for reelection to the same
office after serving four completed successive terms.
And be it further