# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1959_S299
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

FINANCES 299

ings for Synod alone from 1957 to 1958; and an increase of some
nine million dollars in the past three years for District and Synod);

2. That the Synod assembled at San Francisco in 1959 reaffirm
the Venture of Faith resolution of 1956 by calling upon our more
than 5,000 congregations, every one of our pastors and teachers,
and all our members to unite wholeheartedly in the Venture of
Faith program;

3. That all our Districts, circuits, and congregations be urged,
through their responsible officers and leaders, to do all in their
power under God’s blessings to carry out a thorough and effective
stewardship program and to make full use of the materials, helps,
and services provided by our Stewardship Department;

4, That in particular all congregations be asked to execute
effectively a well-planned Every-Member Visit for the purpose
of obtaining monetary pledges;

5. That as a supplementary effort we urge all congregations,
particularly those who may have difficulty in reaching the desired
goal, to gather a special Mission Expansion Offering at least once
a year, preferably on Pentecost Sunday;

6. That those congregations which are lagging at this point in
the current year be urged to seek and accept help immediately
from responsible District officials so that the 1959 commitment of
their respective District may be met in full, and to make those
of their members who fail to give their support their special
concern;

7. That it be impressed upon all members and congregations
that shortages in budget income, if not met by more liberal gifts,
will necessitate special offerings, curtailment of the Lord’s work,
or borrowing;

8. That if despite our very best efforts serious deficits should
result from the fact that the necessary funds are not supplied
by our people through the regular channels of the Venture of
Faith, the Board of Directors be authorized, in consultation with
the Fiscal Conference (1960 or 1961), to ask our members for
a special offering;

9. a) That we renew the borrowing authority of the Board
of Directors; and

b) That the Board of Directors be authorized to borrow dur-
ing the next triennium if and when necessary to meet the cash
needs for approved capital-investment items.

Action: After an amendment to strike the provision that
Synod’s Board of Directors be limited to borrowing $5,000,000 had
been adopted, the entire resolution was adopted.