# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1969_S81
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

RESOLUTIONS 81

Wuereas, We realize that form follows function and
that best results in planning and developing occur when
we are in ministry with people rather than to people;
and

Wuereas, The lack of careful consultation, plan-
ning, and coordination on the part of congregations, cir-
cuits, Districts, or boards and commissions of Districts
can lead to the ignoring or slighting of certain segments
of the society or community and to the unnecessary
duplication of efforts; and

Wuereas, We have at times deprived ourselves of the
contributions which minority groups or subcultural
groups, both at home and abroad, might have made to
the mission of the church by our failure to recognize
that they have something to say to us; therefore be it

Resolved, That we urge all concerned, especially
when initiating new ministries or expanding, relocating,
or amalgamating existing ministries, to consult carefully
with all parties that might be concerned or involved in
the matter, to listen sympathetically to what people on
the scene have to say, to respond to the needs of those
involved, and then to develop comprehensive long-range
plans in keeping with the goals agreed upon by the
parties involved; and be it further

Resolved, That we wholeheartedly affirm our sup-
port of those congregations which work in areas of most
rapid change, that we enthusiastically encourage them
to exercise their God-given freedom to experiment with
and develop styles of ministry appropriate to their areas,
and that we urge them to work closely in consultation
with their District boards.

Action: Adopted as amended (16).

(Amendment: Addition of the second resolved.)

(Res. 1-16A on seconding was withdrawn by the
floor committee since the matter was being considered
by another committee.)

To Develop Lay Leadership in
Work Among Deaf

RESOLUTION 1-16B

Overtures 1-12, 1-13, 1-14 (CW, pp. 52—53); 1-34U (URO,
p. 3); 1-XX (TB, pp. 37—-39)

Wuereas, There is a need for the deaf laymen to
have a voice in the administration of work among the
deaf; and

Wuereas, Effective administration of the work among
the deaf depends on the involvement and leadership of
the deaf; and

Wuereas, There is a need for Lutheran deaf to exert
a greater influence on the deaf society; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod and District boards seek
the counsel and active participation of the deaf in the
administration of the mission; and be it further

Resolved, That the Board for Missions provide for
the development and involvement of deaf leadership in
Christ’s mission; and be it finally

Resolved, That the synodical Board for Missions en-
able the development of lay leadership through the for-
mation of an International Lutheran Deaf Association.

Action: Referred to Board for Missions for Action
(16).

To Recruit and Train Deaf Workers
RESOLUTION 1-17

Overtures 1-12, 1-13, 1-14 (CW, pp. 52—53); 1-34U (URO,
p.3); 1-XX (TB, pp. 37—39)

Wuereas, The requirements of public institutions and
agencies for the deaf make it increasingly necessary for
workers among the deaf to have specialized training;
and

Wuereas, It has been increasingly difficult to recruit
men for service in the deaf mission without providing
adequate training programs; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Board for Missions develop ade-
quate policies for recruitment, preservice, and in-service
training of workers among the deaf, including provisions

.for sabbatical leaves to obtain formal training.

Action: Referred to Board for Missions for action

(16).
To Determine Administration of Work
Among Deaf
RESOLUTION 1-18

Overtures 1-12, 1-13, 1-14 (CW, pp. 52—53); 1-34U (URO,
p. 3); 1-XX (TB, pp. 37—39)

Wuereas, The 1967 convention of The Lutheran
Church — Missouri Synod gave the assignment to the
ad hoc committee of the Board for Missions to continue
the study of the administration of deaf missions; and

Wuereas, The ad hoc committee has completed a
careful and detailed study of this matter; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Board for Missions administer the
work among the deaf in North America as a part of its
North American mission program; and be it further

Resolved, That congregations, Districts, and workers
in the deaf field be encouraged to give consideration to
the implementation of the above resolve; and be it
further

Resolved, That the Board for Missions set general
policy for the administration of deaf mission, including
such areas as the administration of a field, field expan-
sion beyond District geographic boundaries, capital pro-
graming, providing full-time workers, striving to achieve
necessary uniformity, guaranteeing resources to the
Districts for work among the deaf; and be it further

Resolved, That all the Districts of the Synod make
the seventeen concerns in the ad hoc committee’s report
(CW, pp. 39—40) the basis for policy formation in the
administration of the ministry to the deaf; and be it
further

Resolved, That the Board for Missions sponsor the
Ephphatha Conference for workers among the deaf and