# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1969_S164 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 164 RESOLUTIONS grams which operate in and direct themselves toward the action areas outlined under the proposed LCUSA Open End Appeal and the requested $30 million offer- ing for relief and inner-city missions; and Wuereas, There are many unanswered questions concerning the administration, allocation of funds, and selection of possible recipients, regarding the proposed LCUSA Open End Appeal; therefore be it Resolved, That we recognize that opportunities for rich and total ministries in our nation’s larger metro- politan inner cities and in many areas throughout the world are ripe and limitless; and be it further Resolved, That we caution ourselves against the sin of “living in purple and fine linen” while passing by the beggar and the poor on the street; and be it further Resolved, That each and every member of The Lu- theran Church — Missouri Synod reassess and prayer- fully consider his own personal blessings from God and in reflection of the love of Christ reevaluate per- sonal and corporate stewardship plans and goals and gifts; and be it further Resolved, That participation in the $30 million offer- ing and the proposed LCUSA Open End Appeal be re- spectfully declined at this time, but that we request the Board of Directors in consultation with the Stew- ardship Department to continue study and investigation of the proposed LCUSA Open End Appeal and to come with an appropriate recommendation to the next con- vention of the Synod; and be it further Resolved, That congregations be encouraged to con- tinue supporting prayerfully and financially our present programs of social ministry and World Relief; and be it finally Resolved, That the Board of Directors plan the de- velopment of an annual united appeal which will pro- vide funds for the Board of World Relief, inner-city research and ministry, and similar social ministries within our church. Action: Adopted (10). (A motion to recommit failed. An effort to amend the fourth resolved to empower the Board of Directors to com-_ mit the Synod to participate in the LCUSA Open End Appeal instead of making recommendations to the next con- vention failed by a standing vote of 273 to 426.) To Return to Basic Principles of Venture of Faith RESOLUTION 12-24 (replacing 12-05) Overture 12-08 (CW, p. 476) Wueneas, Special Synodwide appeals have been nec- essary in 1967 and 1968 and will be necessary again in 1969 to supplement synodical budget income so that the church’s corporate mission might not be critically hin- dered; and Wuereas, Such special appeals for synodical budget income develop poor stewardship attitudes and prac- tices among our congregations and become increasingly unproductive in providing the necessary funds; there- fore be it Resolved, That we engage in a more zealous sharing of the edifying Word together with its stewardship and mission implications on every level of congregational and synodical life; and be it further Resolved, That each congregation reevaluate the per- cent ratio used in dividing its offerings between the home budget and the worldwide mission program, after which each congregation is urged to strive for a more favorable ratio in favor of the worldwide mission through District and the Synod by increasing its giving by at least 2% per year; and be it finally Resolved, That the Stewardship Department of the Synod provide District Presidents and leaders with guidance, materials, and helps necessary to lead the congregations of the Synod into a God-pleasing involve- ment in mission on every level. Action: Adopted (10). 13. NOMINATIONS The report of the Board for Convention Nominations (see Workbook, pp. 482—486) was presented and adopted with several changes listed in the minutes. Other names were placed in nomination from the floor. See Minutes, Sessions 1 and 7, for details. 14. ELECTIONS The complete results of the elections held during the convention are appended to the Minutes. 15. REGISTRATION, CREDENTIALS, AND EXCUSES Committee 15 is happy to report that a total of 993 voting delegates (500 pastors and 493 laymen) were present at this historic convention in Denver, Colo. There were also 558 advisory delegates, thus making a total convention membership of 1,551. In addition to these, there were 61 youth repre- sentatives and 896 registered visitors plus a large num- ber of unregistered visitors. Three pastoral voting delegates and 10 lay voting delegates were absent. We're very sorry these men were unable to share this enriching experience with us. Our committee wishes to pay special public tribute to Dr. Herbert Mueller, the Synod’s Secretary, for his kindness and technical assistance; also to the Rev. James Groerich and his staff for their many long hours of hard work, for their devotion to their Lord, their help- fulness to our committee, and their graciousness to all of you. Action: Adopted (16). (For complete registration listings and tabulations, see first pages of the PRocEEDINGS.)