# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1983_S68 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 68 PARISH, YOUTH, AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES WHEREAS, The Scriptures tell us of the many times that our Lord taught outdoors (Matt. 5:1-20; Luke 5:1-11, etc.), retreated outdoors to be alone with His Father (Matt. 14:23; Luke 6:12, etc.), and used His creation to illustrate His teachings through- out His ministry here on this earth; and WHEREAS, Many Districts and auxiliary: affiliated organi- zations within our Synod have established and/or are support- ing Lutheran camps as outdoors ministry centers for Christian education and wholesome fellowship that foster growth in faith and knowledge of our Lord; and WHEREAS, Lutherans of all ages all over the United States and Canada are attending programs that are offered by our Lutheran camps and outdoors ministry centers in ever-increas- ing numbers, finding such programs to be especially enriching and rewarding to their own personal faith in Christ and in their fellowship together as a body of believers; and WHEREAS, Outdoors ministries sponsored by our church are happening in state parks, national parks, and other such campground areas where an increasing number of people are to be found vacationing in the out-of-doors—people who are open and receptive to special outdoors ministry programs; and WHEREAS, The basic purpose of all outdoors ministry pro- grams is to supplement and reinforce the efforts of the other educational agencies of the church; and WHEREAS, Lutheran camps and outdoors ministry centers are being staffed professionally, offering unique and special programs of high interest, and in many cases are operating year around to meet the special ministry needs of our church; therefore be it Resolved, That the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod support and affirm outdoors ministries affiliated with the church as vital and important ministries whose purpose is to foster growth in faith in our Lord Jesus Christ; and be it further Resolved, That the 1983 synodical convention encourage individuals, congregations and groups to avail themselves of the unique opportunities for Christian growth available through the varied programs of our Lutheran camps and retreat centers; and be it further Resolved, That we wholeheartedly support outdoors minis- try programs throughout the Synod with our prayers, partici- pation, and assistance; and be it finally Resolved, That camps be encouraged to develop special “‘vear of youth ministry” plans for youth and adults. The Board for Youth Ministry is also submitting the following overtures: To Change the Name of the Board for Youth Services; To Revise the Wording of the Functions of the Board for Youth Services; and To Define More Precisely Membership of the Board for Youth Services. Board for Youth Services Jack Baumgarn, Chairman Rich Bimler, Executive Secretary 2-03 Report of Board for Communication Services The Board for Communication Services was brought into existence by action of the 1981 convention. The primary efforts of the board since that time have been devoted to a plan for the reordering of synodical communications. Organization A communications conference was held in the fall of 1981 bringing together District Edition editors, District public relations directors, synodical college and seminary communi- cations personnel, auxillary editors, and public relations directors in order to share in the planning for the new department. After this conference the board continued the process of selecting a director for the new department. In January 1982 Rev. Paul Devantier accepted appointment to the position: he assumed his new responsibilities on March 1, 1982. A communications survey carried out in succeeding months verified the needs noted by the communicators at the 1981 conference. The questionnaire findings were supplemented by numerous personal conversations and meetings with commun- icators throughout the Synod by the director and by members of the board and staff. The conference and survey were influential in shaping the structure that is now in place. The new department structure has three areas of responsibility: news and information services, program interpretation, and training and District services. The new structure requires some minor changes in the wording of two Bylaws. Overtures to effect those changes follow the end of this report. We hope that these overtures will be readily adopted by the delegates to the convention. Activities The department assisted the President with his report to the 1982 District conventions through the production of a half- hour 16mm color film that featured Dr. Bohlmann interviewing the five program board executives. -- Interest in the film early in the schedule prompted its distribution to District offices where a high level of use by congregations continues. The companion brochure “Lift High the Cross” also received the highest interest of recent biennial reports. Over 200,000 copies have been requested to date. a Complimentary response greeted the board decision to introduce four-color covers on the Lutheran Witness. Combined with an improved editorial design of the inside pages, the new style has brought renewed interest among the members. Letters indicate that there has been an increased readership of the devotional and informational articles. The decision by several Districts to drop out of the Lutheran Witness District Edition plan and to produce editions using other distribution methods continues to be a concern of the : board. The board has also pondered the decline in news of the church-at-large that this produces and the pending demise of several such District editions due to financial pressures. Board - members are hopeful that the recent introduction of computer- telephone filing of news copy and the every-member congrega- tional subscription plan of the Witness will continue to be the most efficient and economical method of helping the church to keep abreast of the developments in the LCMS as we walk together in mission. —_ Consultation on communications procedure, standards, and theory remains a major department activity. As a unit existing to support the effective communications of other units, the staff consults with program executives to determine the audience and content of a particular message and with businesses specializing in communicative production in order to convey to departments knowledge of innovations, expertise, and price ranges that are availablein the business community. Audiovisuals produced for various needs have included several multimedia packages. Supporting materials were prepared for the Texas District, an audiotape for the Southern District, and audio- and videotapes were produced for the Nebraska District. An audio insert for a sermon was prepared for use in the 26 Districts engaged in a special effort coordi- nated by the Stewardship and Financial Support Department. Anda multimedia presentation has been produced for showing to visitors touring the new International Center. _ Telling the world about the Savior through media has become increasingly difficult as the information industry experiences a quick change in the methods of handling infor- mation and as the proliferation of channels has lessened the . impact of any one distribution system. . Interest by congregations in using cable television and radio and in the simultaneous combined use of media to increase visibility has been met through three District work- shops and numerous mail and telephone consultations. The thrust of these inquiries has focused on defining the congrega- tion’s image of itself and then advertising its strengths through a combination of paid advertising and free publicity _ channels. __ Video interest by congregations continues steady, but