# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1986_S25
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION 25

Alive in Christ Report

Rev. Immanuel Janssen, synodical director of Alive in
Christ, presented a visual report on the program. As of
July 20, commitments in excess of $50 million had been
made for Alive in Christ.

Elections Committee

Chairman Barry reported results of the second ballot
for First Vice-President: Richard Hinz, 72; August Men-
nicke, 469; Wilbert Sohns, 440; George Wollenburg, 110;
Abstained, 1; ballots cast, 1,092; needed for election, 547.
The third ballot for First Vice-President was held with the
names Mennicke, Sohns, and Wollenburg on the ballot.

Higher Education

Dr. A. Stanfel, chairman of Committee 6, led the del-
egates in table-talks on higher education, with emphasis
on Res. 6-01A.

Dr. J. A. O. Preus

Chairman Ralph Bohlmann introduced Dr. J. A. O.
Preus, the immediate past president of The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod. In his address to the convention,
Dr. Preus shared his insights and concerns in three areas:
the presidency of the Synod, the Synod, and doctrine.

Elections Committee

Chairman Barry reported the results of ballot 3 for First
Vice-President: Mennicke, 559; Sohns, 423; Wollenburg,
59; total ballots, 1,041; needed for election, 522. Dr. August
A. Mennicke was declared elected as the First Vice-Presi-
dent of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, and Dr.
Bohlmann invited him to come to the convention platform
to be received by the delegates.

Instructions were given for the nomination ballot for
Vice-Presidents 2, 3, 4, and 5. Each voting delegate was
allowed to nominate up to four candidates.

Introduction

The chairman introduced Dr. Mark Steege in the au-
dience, who was celebrating the 55th anniversary of his
ordination to the holy ministry. Dr. Steege served as par-

liamentarian at a number of previous synodical conven-
tions.

Goals and Resources

The chairman introduced Edwin Lehman, chairman of
Floor Committee 4. The convention gave praise and thanks
to God for His grace and blessing bestowed upon the Synod
through Alive in Christ by rising and singing the first verse
of the Alive in Christ hymn, thereby approving Res. 4-25
(TB 241). The convention also approved Res. 4-26 (TB 242)
by a rising vote of thanks to show appreciation and thanks
to Dr. Immanuel Janssen for his faithful service as director
of Alive in Christ. Dr. Janssen introduced the five Alive in
Christ regional directors: Mr. Frank Belden, Rev. Elvin
Harms, Dr. Milton Rudnick, Rev. Hans Tornow, and Rev.
Norman Walter.

Greetings

The chairman introduced Mrs. Alberta Barnes, presi-
dent of the International Lutheran Women’s Missionary
League, who brought greetings from the 200,000 “Alive in
Christ” members of the ILWML. The written report of the
ILWML is found on pages 27-28 of the Convention Work-
book. Mr. Paul Wegele, president of the International Lu-
theran Laymen’s League, brought greetings from the
Board of Governors, staff located throughout the world,
and members of the Lutheran Laymen’s League, empha-
sizing the international character of the work of the league.
The report of the ILLL is found on pages 28-29 of the
Convention Workbook.

Leadership and Organization

Dr. O. Cloeter, chairman of Committee 5, gave a brief
introduction regarding organizational and structural
changes which the convention will be asked to enact when
considering Res. 5-02A. Dr. Cloeter introduced Mr. Phil
Draheim, legal counsel for The Lutheran Church—Mis-
souri Synod, who helped the delegates understand the
changes to be considered in the proposed amendment (Res.
5-02A) of the Bylaws of the Synod.

Devotions

Chaplain Mueller included a number of concerns from
delegates in prayers, and the afternoon session concluded
with devotions found on pages 14—15 of the Worship Guide.

Session 4
July 20, Evening

Devotions

The opening devotion was led by Chaplain Herbert
Mueller, using the Worship Guide, pages 15-16. The chap-
lain included several special prayer requests in the devo-
tion.
Announcement

At the request of several delegates, the chairman asked
that no one smoke in the convention hall.
Greetings—Lutheran Church Body Leaders

The convention received greetings from five leaders of