# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1983_S176
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

176 ADMINISTRATION AND PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

tion to each synodical convention, beginning in 1986: and beit
further

Resolved. That the proposed operating budget cover the
period until the next synodical convention, and that it establish
priorities concerning which of the various programs within
each area will be funded and which will not if the income is less
than that required to meet the entire budget; and be it further

Resolved, That the delegates to the convention approve the
operating budget, with whatever changes or alterations they
may deem appropriate, either in the amounts allocated or in
the priorities assigned, with the understanding that no funds
will be expended which would exceed the amount actually
received in income from Districts, congregations. or other
sources; and be it further

Resolved, That the Board of Directors be expressly author-
ized and directed to monitor the cash flow within the entire
synodical organization to insure that high-priority items are
funded, and that funds are not spent for lower-priority items if
the funds are not available for them; and be it further

Resolved, That through the various means available to
them—i.e., the Reporter, the Lutheran Witness, etc.—the Board
of Directors will keep congregations advised concerning the
status of the Synod’s financial situation, and, in the event that
shortages are projected, specify which programs are in danger
of not being funded unless additional funds are received in
income: and be it finally

Resolved, That in keeping with the spirit of this resolution
the Board of Directors be encouraged to explore all appropriate
means of reducing or eliminating the current indebtedness,
and also to take appropriate measures to assure that additional
indebtedness is not incurred prior to the 1986 convention.

Redeemer Lutheran Church
Nashville, Tenn.
Norman Witthauer, President

Identical or similar:
4-33B and 4-33C
Trinity, Hanceville, Ala.
Good Shepherd, Duncan, Okla.

Steve Sanderson
Paul Heilman

4-34

To Deal with Present
Synodical Indebtedness

WHEREAS, The LCMS is presently in debt by approximately
$15 million and is paying interest on this debt each year of
approximately $2 million: and

WHEREAS, This debt was incurred by the Synod by actions of
recent conventions in order to carry out the mission and
ministry of the church; and

WHEREAS, This situation has contributed to a feeling of
frustration among many of our people in the face of blessings
God bestowed on our Forward in Rememberance endeavor:
and

WHEREAS, The thrust of Forward in Rememberance was
specifically designed for alleviating the financial problems
attendant with vigorously pursuing the church’s mission and
ministry; and

WHEREAS, The original distribution plan for Forward in
Remembrance funds was most specifically designed to distri-
bute.the first $65 million; therefore be it

Resolved. That the Synod in convention release the receipts
from Forward in Remembrance funds in excess of $65 million
to be applied to the current synodical indebtedness; and be it
further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention avoid all spending
beyond its means both now and in the future.

First English Lutheran Church
Spencer, Iowa

William H. Griggs, President
Sharon L. McKeener. Secretary

4-35

To Deal Wisely
in Reducing Synodical Debt

Resolved, That the Board of Directors of the Synod not
compromise foreign and or domestic missions or higher
education programs for the sake of debt reduction.

English District
Paul E. Bacon, Secretary

4-36

To Use “‘Forwardin Remembrance” Interest
to Reduce Synod’s Debt

WHEREAS, God has moved the hearts of our Christians of
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to oversubscribe the
“Forward in Remembrance” goals by some $35 million; and

WHEREAS, The interest on these ““Forwardin Remembrance”
moneys has far exceeded expectations so that all costs of the
program were covered by the interest income and additional
interest funds remain; and

WHEREAS, This interest income has not been designated for
any specific ministries; and

WHEREAS, These unanticipated funds should be used in a
way pleasing to those who have so generously supported
“Forward in Remembrance’: therefore be it

Resolved, That the Michigan District in convention at Ann
Arbor (June 20—23, 1982) officially recommend to the 1983
synodical convention that this additional interest income be
utilized to assist in reducing the synodical debt.

Michigan District
Eldor F. Bickel, Secretary

4-37
To Reconsider Restrictions on FIR Funds

WHEREAS, We are committed to the Great Commission of our
Lord Jesus Christ. which involves the total work and ministry of the
church: and

WHEREAS, The preamble of the Forward in Remembrance
statement of Mission and Ministry expressed the same concerns for
the total mission of the church; and

WHEREAS, The allocation of Forward in Remembrance funds
has been restricted specifically to new world missions and not to the
furtherance of existing world mission opportunities; and

WHEREAS, These restrictions have put us in the position of
having candidates available who could be put in our current and
existing world mission fields, but who cannot be funded by Forward
in Remembrance nor by the restricted budget of our Synod; therefore
be it

Resolved, That Synod reconsider the restrictions placed upon the
allocation of Forward in Remembrance funds, especially as they
pertain to the assignment of personnel to world areas; and be it
finally

Resolved, That guidelines be prepared for the allocation of these
mission funds to properly reflect our opportunities and needs thrust
upon us by the doors God has opened.

Board of Directors

Iowa District West

E. W. Nun, Chairman
Albert H. Buelow, Secretary

4-38
To Maintain the Integrity
of Forward in Remembrance

WHEREAS, Our Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod drive to
raise funds for special projects in the church, called ‘“Forward
in Remembrance.” was a great success; and