# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1983_S144
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

144 RESOLUTIONS

the youth before and during the gathering; and be it
further

Resolved, That all levels of the church be encouraged
to support the ministry of future synodical and regional
youth gatherings; and be it finally

Resolved, That parishes and Circuits utilize the
experiences of gathering participants through sharing
and caring and build upon the experiences as a resource
with the postgathering materials to carry the glory of
God through the mission of the church.

Action: Adopted (2). .

To Promote Youth
and Young Adult Evangelism

RESOLUTION 2-04

Report 2-02 (CW, p. 67); Overtures 2-35—2-36
(CW, pp. 84—85)

WHEREAS, The Great Commission of our Lord, “make
disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19), was given to all
baptized believers, regardless of age; and

WHEREAS, All baptized believers, regardless of age,
are the church of today and the church of tomorrow; and

WHEREAS, Many of our youth and young adults can
and do effectively witness to those with whom they
come in contact at home, school, work, or recreation
activities; therefore be it

Resolved, That this convention commend those
youth and young adults who are witnessing their faith
and who are engaged in evangelism activities; and be it
further

Resolved, That the Board for Evangelism Services,
in cooperation with the Board for Youth Services, be
encouraged to develop materials for programs that
provide training in evangelism for youth and young
adults; and be it further

Resolved, That congregations be encouraged to pro-
vide opportunities for youth and young adults to witness
and/or be involved in the organized programs of the
parish; and be it further

Resolved, That because 1983—84 is the Synod’s
youth ministry emphasis, the 1984 Great Commission
Convocation program committee be encouraged to pro-
mote youth evangelism through its speakers, displays,
and presentations; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Board for Evangelism Services
and the Board for Youth Services be alert for new
methods and means to assist the youth and young

adults of the church to be witnesses of our Lord Jesus
Christ.

Action: Adopted (2).

(The convention declined two amendments to the second
resolve to involve the Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ and
their materials.)

To Encourage Peer Ministry Program
RESOLUTION 2-05
Report 2-02 (CW, pp. 66—67)

WHEREAS, Young people experience their share of
life’s traumas, uncertainties, struggles, and temptations
as they mature emotionally, physically, spiritually; and

WHEREAS, Young people often have a deep need to
talk with someone who cares during such difficult
times; and

WHEREAS, Young people can be very helpful to their
peers during times of crisis and desire to be trained in”
significant helping skills; and

WHEREAS, The Board for Youth Services has de- °
veloped the Peer Ministry Program which is designed to _
help young people be more alert and caring Christian
helpers in their various worlds; and

WHEREAS, Twenty-three Districts of the Synod have
already had an individual trained in the Peer Ministry
Program; therefore be it ’

Resolved, That each District of the Synod be en:
couraged to identify an individual to be trained in the
Peer Ministry Program; and be it further

Resolved, That each District of the Synod be e
couraged to expand its endeavors to provide opportuni-
ties for its youth to be trained in these very valuable:
helping skills; and be it finally 7

Resolved, That each District be encouraged to hav
as its goal that by 1993 75% of its congregations hav
developed a Peer Ministry Facilitator Team (1 adult/
youth) trained to help its youth gain these skills.

Action: Adopted (6).

To Support Outdoors Ministry
Within the Synod

RESOLUTION 2-06A

Report 2-02 (CW, pp. 67—68); Overtures 2-34A

WHEREAS, Many Districts and auxiliary affiliated
organizations within our Synod have establishet
and/or are supporting Lutheran camps as outdoo!
ministry centers for Christian education and wholeso
fellowship that foster growth in faith and knowledge.
our Lord; and . .

WHEREAS, Many of our members of all ages -ar
attending the various programs offered by the
Lutheran camps and outdoors ministry centers wl
much favorable response and request for the contin
ation and expansion; and

WHEREAS, Outdoors ministry in state/national par.
and other campgrounds offers a unique evangelis
opportunity among the increasing number of peoP
found vacationing out-of-doors, people who are oP