# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1981_S443
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

-6-

The action is interpreted by synodical leaders as a move to follow up on
the success of Forward in Remembrance.

By taking the action, the delegates expressed their hope that the new
organizational structure would eliminate the plethora of campaigns currently
being conducted by the Synod's colleges, seminaries and other agencies often
aimed at the same persons.

To strengthen outreach in predominantly Black neighborhoods, the delegates
encouraged District mission committees and the LCMS Commission on Black
Ministry to open at least one new mission station a year in such areas.

Following the enormous successes of last year's synodical youth gathering
amd Great Commission Convocation, the convention endorsed plans for a youth
gathering in 1983 and a convocation at a time to be determined later.

Among resolutions considered as a result of the work of Task Force II,
delegates approved a three-year convention cycle to begin with the 1983 St.
Louis convention. New terms were also set, with those of the President and
other top officers at three years, with unlimited tenure. Board amd
commission members are limited to two six-year terms or three three-year
terns. Each District will choose representatives to the Synod's committee for
convention nominations.

Delegates approved a measure to petition the Lutheran Council in the USA
Division of Theological Studies to study the implications of the historical
critical method of biblical interpretation.

Formal thanks came in a resolution thanking God for Dr. Preus' ministry,
as well as a similar resolution for First Vice President Weber.

New bylaws were approved for membership and election of Church Extension
boards. Other measures in the area.of "Administration" which the convention
approved deal with increased efforts to alleviate human need, to equalize
convention travel expenses and to initiate conversation and dialog with
Valparaiso University.

Argentine Lutherans in the Synod District there will have a greater hand
in selecting members of their seminary board, as well as in the election of
its president. Guidelines for new synodical-related corporations were also
adopted.

Delegates by action thanked God for His blessings on the LCMS higher
education system, extended college and seminary presidents' terms to the age
of 70 and revised other tenure and retirement provisions for the colleges and
seminaries, and called for a placement procedure for teacher candidates.
Bylaws for the deaconess program were also revised and new Bylaw wording was
okayed to strengthen colloquy programs.

More efforts to meet the needs of the mentally retarded were mandated.
The convention urged use of the 1943 translation of Luther's Small Catechism.
Lutheran Youth Fellowship and other youth programs at the parish were
supported, along with measures to involve youth in decision-making processes,
and to reaffirm the youth ministry emphasis of the 1983 convention. All were
called on to place emphasis on the Christian family. There was encouragement
for the Synod's Public Relations Board to produce television spot
announcements, and approval for clarification of the call procedures for
teachers and directors of Christian education.

Continued efforts toward alleviation of world hunger were stressed ina
resolution passed Tuesday, along with a resolution to convene a conference on
social need, and a renewed effort to fund a staff person for ministerial
health.

Under "Program Implementation" resolutions, delegates encouraged
stewardship consciousness throughout the church, thanked God formally for the
success Of Forward in Remembrance through singing the Doxology, approved
confidentiality of the fundraising campaign's list of contributors, encouraged
growth in the grace of giving, and called for a balanced synodical budget.

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