# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1950_S1124
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

552 CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS
Filling Positions Not Requiring Specialized Training
(Memorial 540)

The following resolution was duly adopted by the voters of
Luther Memorial Church of Richmond Heights, Mo., on April 2
1950, for transmittal to Synod as a resolution to be adopted. by
Synod at the triennial convention in Milwaukee:

Wuereas, There has been a growing shortage of qualified and
trained personnel in the ministerial and teaching professions, re.
sulting in the inability of Synod to supply men for the many
urgent calls received; and

Wuereas, Despite this acknowledged shortage, it appears that
there has been a continuous practice of calling men so trained to
occupy administrative and other positions in Synod and activities

. elated thereto, which positions do not require either ministerial
or teaching training and which could be as well filled by lay
personnel; therefore be it

Resolved, That hereafter Synod and all Districts, boards,
agencies, etc., related ‘thereto, in filling positions not directly re-
quiring ministerial or teaching training, refrain from calling per-
sons with such training, unless, after diligent efforts, it be deter-

mined that no other qualified personnel is available; and be it
further

Resolved, That the foregoing resolution be brought to the at-

tention of all boards, agencies, institutions, etc., within the scope
of Synod, but not directly administered or controlled by it.

James A. BarTLeTT, Secretary
S. W. Buurmann, Chairman
A.zerT A, BEHNKE, Pastor

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ACTION
Upon recommendation of Committee 4, Synod resolved:

Resolution 6

Wuereas, There is no standing rule that administrative posi-
tions in Synod must be occupied by men with professional training
for the ministry or teaching, allowing those who call to ‘select
qualified laymen who may be induced to accept such posi-
tions; and :

Waereas, The Boards and agencies calling men to such posi-
tions are best qualified to set the requirements and to determine
the skills and training they seek for the posts in question; and

Wuereas, The Church so far has had very few lay people avail-
able who were sufficiently conversant with our corporate church
life to serve acceptably as administrators; be it therefore-

akin Leh as, So tte  e Yt et

‘ers: