# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1965_S83
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

MISSIONS 33

programs and literature which lead Christ’s people to
witness for Him; therefore be it

Resolved, That all organizations and agencies of our
church continue to develop and strengthen their witness
to Christ in the world through their study and service
programs.

Action: This resolution was adopted.

To Emphasize Need of Congregations
to Exercise Creative Leadership in Mission
RESOLUTION 1-06

Report 1-02, C, 1 (CW, p. 6)

Wuereas, In the complexity of an urbanized society,
no one common form of church and ministry, no uni-
form national or District program can be designed to
express and fulfill adequately the mission of the church
in every community; and

Wuereas, This indicates the need of creative leader-
ship in each local community in structuring and pro-
graming the church in mission; therefore be it

Resolved, That all congregations be bold and creative
in their leadership in identifying their particular oppor-
tunities for witness and ministry to the community; and
be it further

Resolved, That the Synod commend and encourage
such creative leadership.

Action: This resolution was adopted.

To Understand and Express Interdependence
in the Church’s Mission
RESOLUTION 1-07

Overture 1-16 (CW, p. 29)

The church in its mission is one. The highly inde-
pendent and self-centered attitudes and actions of some
congregations result in a dichotomy between rural and
urban congregations and between inner-city and other
urban or suburban congregations, thus hindering the
effectiveness of the church’s mission; therefore be it

Resolved, That the congregations of the Synod be
encouraged to engage in self-study and planning that
will bring about a greater understanding of their iden-
tification with the mission of the church as it is being
carried out by sister congregations in their area; and
be it further

Resolved, That congregations give expression to the
oneness of the church’s mission by various actions of
cooperation and partnership with their sister congrega-
tions toward the fulfillment of that mission.

Action: This resolution was adopted.

Missions in Town and Country
RESOLUTION 1-08
Report 1-02, C, 2 (CW, p.7)
Whereas, Many of our town and country congrega-
tions are suffering from loss of membership due to the

decreasing need for farm labor in some areas, and others
are experiencing a greater mission potential due to the
influx of “nonfarm” families; and

Wuereas, This change has resulted in many town
and country churches finding themselves in situations
with which they are unable to cope since this is a new
experience for them; and

Wuereas, This changing situation has affected the
youth programs in many of these churches; therefore
be it

Resolved, That Districts be encouraged to establish
“a service of self-study” with a trained corps of direc-
tors to assist town and country congregations in dis-~
covery and fulfillment of mission, with special atten-
tion to an effective evangelism program; and be it
further

Resolved, That Districts explore the “larger parish
concept” with “team ministry” with particular concern
for the involvement of laymen; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Board for Young People’s Work
be directed to develop an effective and workable pro-
gram for the youth in these areas.

Action: This resolution was adopted.

To Recognize 70 Years of Foreign Mission
Endeavor
RESOLUTION 1-09
Report 1-05 (CW, pp. 13—16)

Wuereas, In the year of our Lord 1965 we are priv-
ileged to mark the 70th anniversary of the landing of
our first missionary, the Reverend Theodor Naether, on
foreign soil; and

Wuereas, God the Holy Spirit has worked mightily
through our foreign mission endeavor; therefore be it

Resolved, That we express our profound gratitude,
adding our voices to the chorus which sings the praise
of our gracious God, and plead in humble repentance
for His continued guidance and blessing.

Action: This resolution was adopted.

To Support Lutheran Free Churches

of Europe
RESOLUTION 1-10
Report 1-06 (CW, pp. 16—18)

Wuereas, The witnessing voice of those churches in
Europe in fellowship with The Lutheran Church — Mis-
souri Synod is still needed and can exert a definite
leavening Christian influence in this part of the world;
and

Wuereas, The Board for European Affairs of our
Synod is determined to strengthen the Lutheran Free
Churches of Europe and to inspire them to even greater
efforts so that they may the better carry out their God-
given responsibilities; therefore be it