# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1989_S138 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 138 RESOLUTIONS pastors and teachers; the participation of congregations in the work of the church-at-large and in missions; the need and opportunities for continuing education; the Christian training of the children; the adequate indoc- trination of adult catechumens; and the maintenance of family devotions. e. He shall work through the Circuit Forum to provide resources, opportunities, and assistance, so God’s people can grow in their faith in their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. f. He shall ordinarily serve as chairman of the Circuit Forum. The Forum may elect another member to serve in that capacity. He shall serve as chairman of the Cir- cuit gathering and convocations. g. He may serve as a mediator to effect reconciliation of disputes within the Circuit not under synodical ad- Jjudication as outlined in Section VII of the Bylaws. h. He shall seek to strengthen the spirit of cooperation among pastors, teachers, and congregations. i. He shall be conversant with and supportive of synod-wide and District resolutions and programs and shall be responsible for communicating them to the con- ®ations of the Circuit. J. He may appoint from member congregations of the Circuit, by and with the approval of the District Presi- dent, pastors, teachers, or laypersons to assist him in fulfilling his responsibilities. k. Official visits shall be arranged in advance by the Circuit Counselor with the respective pastor and con- ®ation, except under extraordinary circumstances. If he deems it necessary, the Circuit Counselor may upon his own initiative through the proper channels arrange for a special meeting of the congregation. 6-48 5.15 Official Visits a, The Circuit Counselor shall visit each congrega- tion once in three years and otherwise as he deems it necessary. . Fhe-purpese-of official-visits-shaltbe The Circuit Counselor shall seek to bring about to the greatest pos- sible degree the achievement of the Synod’s objectives as expressed in Article III of its Constitution. c. The congregation of a Circuit Counselor shall be visited by the District President or by one of the District Vice-Presidents or by another Circuit Counselor des- ignated by the District President. 6-45 5.17 Relation to District President a. Each Circuit Counselor, by virtue of his office, shall assist the District President within the Circuit, Therefore the District President shall meet with the Circuit Counselors of the District at least once a year for the purpose of discussing the work of the Circuit Counselor. b. The Circuit Counselor shall regularly report on his activities to the District President. 5.19 Relation to Non-member Congregations The jurisdiction of Circuit Counselors shall include nonmember congregations whose pastors are members of the Synod, but for the purpose of official visits in such a congregation the consent of the congregation shall first be secured. 5.21 Relation to Pastors a. The Circuit Counselor shall conduct his official visits in an evangelical manner and not resort to legal- istic measures. b. He shall come to the pastor as a brotherly adviser, reminding him of the glory of the ministry and of its great responsibilities. c. He shail ascertain whether the pastor is faithful in preaching the Law and the Gospel in their purity, properly dividing and applying them, whether he pri- vately ministers of the needs of the individuals, exer- cises church discipline in an evangelical manner, and properly supervises all Christian education and training in his parish. d. He shall in a brotherly manner discuss the spir- itual life, home life, and studies of the pastor with him, also his library and professional studies and profes- sional growth. 5.25 Expenses The Circuit Counselor is authorized to draw on the District treasury for his expenses. Action: Adopted (14). (A motion to refer the resolution to the Council of Presidents requesting them to discuss it with their Circuit Counselors and bring a resolution on the matter to the next convention was defeated.) To Publish List of Items Considered by Commission on Constitutional Matters RESOLUTION 5-14 Overtures 5-20A-21 (CW, p. 229) Wuereas, Decisions of the Commission on Constitu- tional Matters (CCM) are available on request; and Wuereas, Decisions printed in full are often too lengthy for the space available in our official publications; and Wuereas, Excerpts from opinions which have been pub- lished are not always helpful and have at times resulted in unfortunate misunderstandings; therefore be it Resolved, That the CCM provide a published list of mat- ters which it has considered so that parties with legitimate interests and concerns may secure further information and the rights of individuals may be protected. Action: Adopted (15). To Request Commission on Appeals to Review Rules of Procedure RESOLUTION 5-15 Overtures 5-31A-C (CW, p. 232) Wuereas, District Commissions on Adjudication have expressed a concern in understanding, interpreting, and utilizing the Rules of Procedure; and Wuereas, District Commissions on Adjudication have also expressed additional concern that they be involved in any revision of the Rules of Procedure; and WuHEREAS, Bylaw 8.51 now establishes full authority to the Commission on Appeals in an established procedure to amend the Rules of Procedure; therefore be it Resolved, That the Commission on Appeals be in- structed to review its Rules of Procedure with input from each District Commission on Adjudication; and be it further Resolved, That the Commission on Appeals implement the changes it feels necessary in accordance with Bylaw 8.51. Action: Included as part of Res. A.