# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1986_S178
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

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178 RESOLUTIONS

Resolved, That there be no changes in the appointment
process; and be it further

Resolved, That Bylaw 2.803 b-e Tenure and Termina-
tion, be amended to read as follows:

b. Terminations require the same approvals as appoint-
ments. Termination of appointment shall be by written
notice and may be made by the appointing authorities at
any time for cause, that is for adherence to false doctrine,
conduct unbecoming a Christian, or neglect of office. In all
other cases, if the appointing authorities decide to termi-
nate an appointment, 90-day written notice shall be given
to the executive.

c. In the event that the appointing authorities cannot
concur in reaching a decision to terminate an appointment
after a reasonable effort has been made to do so, the ap-
pointing authorities shall certify in writing to the Board
of Directors such lack of concurrence. In the event that the
appointing authorities do not certify their lack of concur-
rence within six months from the date the board or com-
mission served resolved to terminate, at that time, the
question shall be automatically submitted to the Board of
Directors for review. The Board of Directors shall make a
recommendation to the appointing authorities within four
months of submission. At the meeting of the board or com-
mission served by the executive which next follows receipt
of the Board of Director's recommendation, the appointing
authorities shall review the recommendation. If an im-
passe still exists between the appointing authorities, the
board or commission served may vote to terminate the ap-
pointment, but a two-thirds majority of that board or com-

mission shall be required to effect the termination.

d. During the 90-day period referred to in paragraph b,
the Personnel Department shall assist the executive, if
requested, in efforts to find another opportunity for service
in the church. Full salary shall continue to be paid for
services rendered until the date of obtaining new employ-
ment or the expiration of the 90 days, whichever is earlier.
An additional month’s salary shall be paid as severance
pay on termination of full salary. However, in cases of
termination of appointment for cause, none of the foregoing
financial arrangements shall apply except for one month’s
severance pay. The month’s severance pay provision shall
also apply to other terminated executives not subject to
the appointment process. Severence pay for secretarial and
clerical personnel shall be under policies established by
the Board of Directors.

Action: Adopted as amended (14).

(The words “shall be by written notice and” were added in
Bylaw 2.803 b and the words “refusal to cooperate” as a reason
for termination were deleted by amendment. During discussion,
delegates declined to consider Overture 5-53 as a substitute mo-
tion.)

To Study the Office of Deacon
and Related Ministries

RESOLUTION 5-07
Overtures 5-85-5-86, 5-145 (CW, pp. 230, 242)

Wuereas, The Synod has been blessed through the con-
secrated services of deaconesses for long years; and

Wuereas, The New Testament provides the basis for
the historic, churchly model of an auxiliary office of deacon
(Acts 6:1-6; Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8-13; and

Wuereas, The Synod may well benefit from a male lay
diaconate in addition to the present deaconess program for
women; and

Wuereas, Consecrated lay workers are now serving the
Synod in such positions as deaconess, lay minister, parish
worker, parish assistant, director of evangelism, lay
teacher, and director of music; and

Wuereas, The Synod has established programs for the
training of such workers for church service; therefore be
it

Resolved, That a Diaconate Study Committee be ap-
pointed by the President of the Synod, with representation
from the Board for Professional Education Services, the
Council of Presidents, currently certified lay workers, and
others as deemed necessary; and be it further

Resolved, That the Diaconate Study Committee propose
the functions, responsibilities, training, and qualifications
for said office; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Diaconate Study Committee bring
its recommendations to the next convention of the Synod.

Action: None.

To Grant Franchise to Retired Pastors
Serving Congregations

RESOLUTION 5-08
Overture 5-112 (CW, p. 235)

Wuereas, Each congregation as a member of the Synod
is to be represented by a pastor and a layperson; and

Wuereas, Retired pastors serving as called ministers
to congregations (not vacancy) are presently not eligible to
vote at the synodical and district conventions; and

Wuereas, This may deprive such congregations of their
full voice at said conventions; therefore be it

Resolved, That a retired pastor serving as the only
called minister of a congregation be given the vote as pas-
toral delegate for the congregation at the synodical and
district conventions.

Action: None.

To Establish Office of Professional
Growth and Support

RESOLUTION 5-09
Overture 5-133 (CW, p. 239)

Wuereas, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has
encouraged its workers to take advantage of programs of
continuing education (St. Louis, 1981); and

Wuereas, A presidentially appointed Continuing Ed-
ucation Committee and the Commission on Structure have
recommended the formation of the Office of Professional
Growth and Support; therefore be it

Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
establish an Office of Professional Growth and Support;
and be it further