# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2016_S331
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

LIFE TOGETHER
Whereas, When Jesus welcomed little children, and the disciples mistakenly thought Jesus had more important things to do, Jesus
said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them,
for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matt. 19:14);
therefore be it
Resolved, That the SELC District, in the next three years, make
a special emphasis on youth and family ministry, sharing the Gospel
of Christ with the next generation and working to strengthen families in their faith; and be it further
Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod make
children and families a priority and focus during the next triennium.
SELC District
4-07

To Engage Communities with the Gospel
by Serving Needs of People
Whereas, The LCMS has invited congregations to submit ideas
for mission and ministry to be emphasized in the next triennium; and
Whereas, The encouragement has been given that this should be
a grassroots effort—from congregations to the circuit to the district
and then to the Synod; and
Whereas, Congregations in Nebraska have seen the importance
of building relationships and serving the people in their communities
so the Gospel of Jesus Christ can be shared; and
Whereas, The congregations of the Falls City Circuit at their
circuit convocation have approved this suggestion for a mission and
ministry emphasis; therefore be it
Resolved, That, according to Synod Bylaw 4.2.1 (d), the Nebraska
District in convention submit to the 2016 LCMS convention a proposed mission and ministry emphasis of engaging communities by
building relationships through serving the needs of people so the
Gospel of Jesus Christ can be shared; and be it further
Resolved, That Nebraska District congregations engaging in this
mission be encouraged to share their ministry ideas with other congregations in their circuits and the Nebraska District.
Nebraska District
4-08

To Commend to Synod Priorities for National
Mission and Ministry Emphases
Whereas, Bylaw 4.2.1 (d) directs that the “district convention
shall, through delegate vote, forward to the national convention a list
of two or three triennial mission and ministry emphases for consideration by the national convention”; and
Whereas, The delegates to the 2015 Southeastern District
Convention have selected the top three mission and ministry priorities
from among those previously identified by circuit and congregational
representatives in preconvention meetings throughout the district;
therefore be it
Resolved, That the Board of Directors of the Southeastern District
hereby forward the following three mission and ministry priorities to
the Synod on behalf of the district in convention for consideration in
developing national priorities for mission and ministry:
1. Connecting the unchurched with Jesus (Witness)
2. Lay missionary leadership development (Life Together)
3. Renewal/revitalization of existing ministries (Life Together)

Board of Directors
Southeastern District

331

4-09

To Suggest Synod Priorities for Triennial
Planning Process
Whereas, LCMS Bylaw 5.3.1 (b) states: “Among the functions
which the circuit forum may perform are the following: … (5) To
serve as a setting to review and evaluate programs, plans, and longrange directions of the district and the Synod and thus participate
in the triennial process of suggesting, developing, and attaining the
Synod’s priorities and goals”; and
Whereas, Bylaw 5.3.4 states: “The circuit forum may also participate in the triennial process of suggesting, developing, and attaining
the Synod’s priorities and goals”; and
Whereas, The Minnesota North District received overtures from
many circuits suggesting many possible priorities; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Minnesota North District meeting in convention memorialize the Synod, asking it to consider the following as
priorities:
• Visitation throughout the Synod, including individual congregation
members, ordained and commissioned ministers, other church workers, congregations, schools, circuits, districts, and the officers and
agencies of Synod, using “Witness, Mercy, Life Together” as a unifying theme
• Ongoing support, care, and well-being of all church workers of the
Synod
• Lutheran education at every level—pre-K, elementary, high school,
university, and seminary
• Lutheran presence and policy in the public square and accompanying
defense of proper religious freedoms
• Lutheran mission, particularly in context of the challenges posed by
contemporary postmodern culture
• Establishment and communication of a distinctive worldwide Lutheran
identity in view of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation
• Retention of our young people in worship, the life of the church, etc.
• Outreach to immigrant populations, particularly Hispanics and Muslims
from various countries
• Continued support of Lutheran church bodies around the world
• Continued use of technology, social media, etc., particularly in outreach
to young people
• Unity in doctrine and practice
• Encouragement of congregations in rural and small-town ministry to see
and make use of opportunities for outreach within their communities
• Increased financial support of our seminaries
• Encouragement to congregations to call chaplains and missionaries on
candidate status

Minnesota North District
4-10

To Designate Mission and Ministry Emphases
for Consideration by 2016 Convention
Whereas, Bylaw 4.2.1 (d) states: “The district convention shall,
through delegate vote, forward to the national convention a list of two
or three triennial mission and ministry emphases for consideration by
the national convention”; and
Whereas, With regard to mission emphasis, the people in our
congregations have the best news that could possibly be shared—
that Jesus Christ is our Savior; and
Whereas, Our people may feel timid about sharing Christ through
everyday contacts; and
2016 Convention Workbook