# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1969_S212 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 212 SYNODICAL ADMINISTRATION Future Plans It is hoped that the Department of Research and Statistics may continue to provide valuable services to various boards and commissions of the Synod as well as to congregations and individuals who submit special requests to the department. Beyond this, however, there are many areas where additional research is des- perately needed. This needed research has been seri- ously limited by the inability of the Synod to secure needed staff in this area. A particularly pressing concern is the necessity for continual study of the growth trend of the Synod. Re- lating to this is the need for valid projections on the membership, income, expenditures, and_ professional staff needs in the Synod in the future. This information is invaluable for sound decision-making and adequate long-range planning. A second area requiring immediate attention is the problem of coordinating and centralizing much of the research presently scattered throughout the Synod. This was specifically recommended by the Synodical Survey Commission in order to eliminate duplication of research efforts and to enhance the viability and validity of research conducted in the Synod. A third area in which much can be done in the future is the providing of consultant services in the field of statistical analysis and research methodology to various boards and commissions of the Synod engaged in research projects. Finally, it is intended that the Department of Re- search and Statistics will continue to provide services to the membership of the Synod. The underlying con- cern of all projects and activities of the department is to provide information and services that will be of value and help to the congregations, pastors, teachers, and members of the Synod. DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS Pau R. Picarp, Acting Director of Research (4-07) To Return to Triennial Synodical Conventions WuereEas, An experiment with biennial conventions of the Synod has already demonstrated that this ar- rangement does not allow sufficient time to fully carry out the directives of one convention before plans must be put in motion to prepare for the next; and Wuereas, The biennial convention pattern does not effect the hoped-for economies; and WHEREAS, It is the growing opinion of the church’s leadership both on the District and on the synodical level that we are better served through the previous ar- rangement; therefore be it Resolved, That we petition the honorable Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod at Denver to return to the triennial convention pattern. MIcHIGAN DISTRICT Epwin H. Roeurs, Secretary (4-08) To Charge for Filing or Printing Overtures Wuereas, It seems that the number of overtures to synodical conventions continues to increase; and WuereEas, The money spent on publishing the Con- VENTION WoRKBOOK ($45,722 was spent on publishing the New York ConvENTION WoRKBOOK) could better be used in the outgoing mission of the church; and Wuereas, In the interest of conserving convention time and energy, concise and meaningful overtures must be submitted; therefore be it Resolved, That a suggested filing fee of $10 or sug- gested per-line charge of 50¢ be considered as manda- tory for each overture submitted to a synodical con- vention. Pastors oF CIRcuIT 4 NorTHERN ILLINOIS DISTRICT B. W. Brucu Paut GERTH ROBERT WENDELIN RicuarpD GOTSCH Bruce HartTunc RicHARD MAASSEL JOHN NICKERSON Jutius Kocw MELVIN MEYER EUGENE REDDEL JAMES F, Bacu, Secretary (4-09) To Elect Committee on Review of Convention Resolutions God has given us His Holy Scriptures for our guid- ance. (2 Tim. 3:16 f.; Luke 16: 29; 24: 25 ff.; 1 Cor. 14:37) If our present convention should fail to follow Scrip- ture in resolutions pertaining to doctrine or practice, this would lead to great spiritual damage to the Synod, and it would also bring down the wrath of God upon us. (Jer. 8:9; 23:16; Is. 8:20; Luke 24:25; Gal. 1:8 f.) Because of the gravity of the decisions facing the Synod at the convention in Denver and because of the urgent need of extreme caution, lest unscriptural reso- lutions be adopted by the convention, the undersigned herewith respectfully submits a resolution pertaining to election of a special committee to serve at this con- vention as a Committee on Review of Convention Reso- lutions. The resolution follows. — Wuereas, God would have us Christians humbly abide by His Holy Scriptures (Is. 8:20; Luke 16:29: 24: 25 ff.; 1 Cor. 14:37; 2 Tim. 3:16 f.; 1 Peter 4:11); and Wuereas, Failure to follow Scripture will involve us in sin and folly (Jer. 8:9; 23:16; Is. 8:20; Luke 24:25), bringing down God’s wrath upon us (Gal. 1:8f.); and Wuereas, God would not only have us sincerely and penitently express our sorrow for having tolerated un- scriptural doctrine and practice in our midst but would also have us be firmly determined henceforth to be