# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1981_S344 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) sector gives me a practical insight into the fiscal operations and needs of Synod’s schools. I fully support all of Synod’s doc- trinal confessions, and wholeheartedly believe that the entire Bible is verbally inspired, without any reservations what- soever. 2. Itis gratifying that Synod’s direction, once again, is being focused on missions. There is renewed synodical determination to heal past internal wounds combined with a healthy sense of overall direction. God will greatly bless Synod’s endeavors as we pursue His great command in all-out love, meekness, and desire. 3. Synod’s effectiveness will be greatly enhanced when local congregations are made more aware of Synod’s needs, con- cerns, operations, and goals. The average member, if made more knowledgeable, would realize how closely Synod’s goals and doctrinal stance follow God’s written Word and hence would be more responsive with his time, talents, and financial support. While Synod has legions of great supporters, to many laymen, Synod is un- justly thought of as an abstract overlay of church bureaucracy. E. R. Brann 1. Interest in Concordia College for more than 25 years, involvement in Concordia College scholarship program for more than a quarter century, concern with the develop- ment and success of the four-year program now offered by Concordia College, lifelong interest in higher education. 2. Expansion of Synod’s outreach is a unique opportunity which deserves the whole- hearted support of all laymen, clergy, and teachers. 3. We should strengthen our commitment and move forward united. Ralph A. Meyer 1. With the help of God I can be of service in the capacity of Board of Control, Milwaukee. I am a 32-year-old college graduate with an agricultural economics degree, farming background, and research and sales ex per- ience. Also, I have a teenage daughter who will be preparing for and in college during this term of office. 2. Our strong stand on preaching and teach- ing the whole Bible as it is written is most important to me. We need the Word of God taught faithfully in our churches, schools, colleges, and seminaries. We need to use, teach, and confess the entire doctrine of the Word of God. 3. “Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost” (Matt. 28:19) is the direction in which Synod should continue in and further expand. Here at home and worldwide there are so many to reach with the Word of God. Our colleges are a very important avenue for the future of our church and salvation through- out the world. We all need to work together with the help of the Holy Spirit to reach all people with the Word of God and spread the news of salvation through Christ. Rodney L. Schroeder 1. Nineteen years of experience as a high school teacher of mathematics, 12 years of supervisory experience as a mathematics department chairman, 4 years experience serving on the District Board of Directors, and finally 3 years of service as a village trustee in my community should give mea qualified range of experiences to help serve Concordia, Milwaukee, in its mission. 2. The greatest joy that I have is the knowl- edge that the colleges and seminaries of the Synod have, by God’s grace, returned to their task of teaching the truths of God’s inerrant Word. The growth of enrollments NOMINATIONS at almost all levels of the synodical educa- tional system is indeed testimony that the struggle of the ’70s has paid off. 3. The Synod must accept as its first priority to spread the Gospel to the far ends of the earth. This means we must recruit many more pastors, teachers, and lay workers to carry out the Great Commission. We must stress evangelism in the local congrega- tions to minister to those in our communi- ties. We must practice good stewardship, to provide the resources necessary to fulfill the goals just described. BOARD OF CONTROL PORTLAND 1 pastor, 2 laypersons to be elected. PASTORS Wilbur H. Becker, 63, Paradise, CA: Our Savior (CNH); pastor. D. Sec. 8; Recruitment 3; Cslr. 4; Yth. 8. C. Pastor 40. Martin E. Lundi, 46, Portland, OR: Trinity (NOW); pastor/Dir. of Parish Services NOW Dist. D. Retreat leader 5; Miss. Bd. 6; Yth. 2; Dir. of Parish Services 3. C. Pastor 16. Spcl. award, Fort Wayne “‘Servus Ecclesiae Christi”; B.A., B.Th., M.Div. degrees. LAYPERSONS Kenneth Lien, 54, Portland, OR: Pilgrim (NOW); Sr. Vice-Pres., Savings & Loan. S. Bd. of Control, Portland 8. D. Conv. Com. 1. C. Pres.; Elder; Treas.; Trustee. B.A. degree— Business. Ernest E. Nelson, 36, Crescent, OR: Faith, Lapine (NOW); forester. C. Elder 6; Chm. 1. B.S. degree—Forest Management. George W. Rummel, 60, Hamilton, MT: Grace (MT), insurance & loan agt. S. Nom. Com. 2; Bd. of Control, Portland 4. D. Bd. Dir. 2; Church Ext. Chm. 9. C. Elder 10; SS Supt. 2; Pres. 2; Sec. 4, Treas. 1; S.S. teacher. Edward H. Schwartz, 43, Powell Butte, OR: Trinity, Bend (NOW); fishery biologist. S. Bd. Control, Portland 4. D. Conv. Dele. 2. C. Elder 10; Treas. 2; Chm. 5. B.S. degree—Fish & Wildlife Mgmt. Wilbur H. Becker * 1. During the recent past I have become better acquainted with our Portland Concordia and have become aware of its significance as our only professional school in the north- west quarter of our nation. If we pray for harvest workers, our prayers must be accompanied by the effort needed to prepare workers for service. 2. I am grateful that the Lord of the church has enabled us to survive the troubled past and is giving us the opportunity to get on with the mission of the church, having strengthened us by a review of, and continu- ing commitment to, His Word. 3. Our Synod has no choice! It, together with all Christians, has the charge to acquaint all the world with God’s redeeming love in Jesus Christ. This requires that men and women be sent to the corners of the earth. But it also requires that men and women be prepared for their service. If our Synod is to be true to its charge, it must strengthen and enlarge its system of preparation. Martin E. Lundi 1. In my estimation, qualifications for any synodical Board of Control should focus on two major objectives: to understand the higher educational process; and to under- stand the theology and mission of the church. I believe my background as a former public school teacher, a former campus pastor at Arizona State, and asa missionary at large in my entire ministry, can offer qualified leadership. 2. My greatest joy is that we are beginning to put behind us the synodical upheavals of 343 the past decade, and are firmly establishing ourselves as a responsible, conservative church once again. My greatest disappoint- ment is that we have not always learned to do it evangelically. 3. In response to the Great Commission, the direction I believe our church should move is forward. ‘“‘To make disciples” is our mandate. A discipleis above all, a learner. I hope we have learned from our past and are able to see the significant priorities we should set for the future. To move forward, we must remain faithful to our Lord and His Word, faithful to our task, and faithful to each other. Kenneth Lien * 1. As a senior officer of a savings and loan association, I am aware of efficient business practices, economic trends, and financial principles. I have been directly and in- directly associated and interested in Con- cordia College’s development and pursuit of quality Christian education for many years. I feel my talents and dedicated interest in Concordia qualify me as a nominee. 2. In answer to the question as to greatest joy or disappointments, I prefer to take a posi- tive approach with an open mind; to form decisions with sound principles and facts, rather than emotional or “hearsay” input. I pray the direction of our Synod is to con- tinue to teach and spread the true Word of our Lord. 3. The “Great Commission,” as I understand it, is Christ’s command to go into all nations. This command is each individual’s responsibility to see that Christ’s Word is delivered to all nations. As a responsible churchman, I feel that each of us has the privilege and responsibility of spreading the ‘Good News” of our Lord. This respon- sibility includes the proper training of lay and professional workers of the church. Certainly as an elected representative of Synod, I would see that as one of my primary responsibilities. Ernest E. Nelson 1. All of us are responsible to be ever watchful to ensure God’s Word is taught in truth and purity. I wish to redeem this responsibility as layperson on the Board of Control, Port- land, if selected. 2. My greatest joy is the great strides Synod has made in bringing its official teaching closer to God’s Word as taught in Holy Scriptures. We are again getting “‘back-on- track” and have heeded Christ’s warning in Rev. 22:18,19. 3. Synod must educate our youth of today in light of God’s truth. They are our educators and spiritual leaders of tomorrow. Without the truth, Synod’s efforts to spread God’s Word in this country and throughout the world will be fruitless, wither, and die. We are on the road; let’s not lose control and crash before reaching our destination. George W. Rummel 1. Iam on the Board of Directors now in my third year. My experience in making loans and administration has been of benefit to the school also in helping swing the school hopefully to a more conservative doctrine. 2. My greatest joy in the direction Synod is moving is to see it move back into the conservative doctrinal church it used to be. Cleaning up the colleges and seminaries and also expanding the field of mission work. 3. More mission emphasis and more training of full-time workers. I would like to see more directors of Christian education people in congregations; also more “evangelism” full-time ‘‘people at District level.”