# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2016_S477
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

PREACHING AND CHURCH WORKER CONTINUING EDUCATION
Whereas, American Heritage Girls and Trail Life USA were
organized, respectively, in 1995 and 2013 as distinctively Christian
scouting organizations for girls and boys; and
Whereas, The LCMS in May 2014 signed an MoU with American
Heritage Girls, which stipulates that “there is no American Heritage
Girls authority which supersedes the authority of the local pastor and
the congregation in any phase of the program affecting the spiritual
welfare of those who participate”; and
Whereas, The LCMS has been negotiating a similar MoU with
Trail Life USA; and
Whereas, Members of the LCMS do not wish to voluntarily
expose our youth to the societal dangers and immoral behavior of
the homosexual lifestyle and the abortion industry; and
Whereas, Many congregations of the LCMS desire to continue
providing scout-like organizations for both boys and girls; therefore
be it
Resolved, That the 2016 LCMS convention discourage families
and strongly discourage congregations from being involved in BSA
and GSUSA; and be it further
Resolved, That the 2016 LCMS convention encourage the Synod’s
member congregations and families to pursue affiliations with alternative scout-like organizations (if sole authority for the spiritual welfare
of member youth is delegated to the local congregation and pastors).
Circuit 5
South Wisconsin District
16-04

To Celebrate Ministry of Rev. Dr. Terry K. Dittmer
Whereas, The Master commends, “Well done, good and faithful servant” to those who have sought to use His gracious gifts; and
Whereas, Rev. Dr. Terry K. Dittmer was brought to the waters
of Holy Baptism on September 5, 1948, and ordained into the Office
of the Holy Ministry on June 23, 1974 ; and
Whereas, The Rev. Dittmer has faithfully and capably served the
Lord and LCMS Youth Ministry for 37 years, with the past 15 years
of service as Director of Youth Ministry for the LCMS, and will retire
from ministry following the 2016 National Youth Gathering; and
Whereas, The Rev. Dittmer has strengthened the faith of many
and brought into the fellowship of our Lord an unknown number
through his Christ-centered commitment to the young people of the
LCMS; therefore be it
Resolved, That the 2016 LCMS convention join in thanks and
praise to God for Rev. Dittmer and his years of faithful service and
outstanding work for the LCMS; and be it further
Resolved, That the LCMS extend its sincere appreciation to Rev.
Dittmer and pray God’s richest blessings on him as the Lord guides
his walk of faith in his retirement.
Board for National Mission
St. Louis, MO

477

17. Preaching and Church Worker
Continuing Education
REPORTS
R1, R1.1, R1.2, R64
OVERTURES
17-01

To Encourage Continuing Pastoral Education
Whereas, The parish pastor is the shepherd of the flock entrusted
with the spiritual welfare of God’s people; and
Whereas, The cultural climate continues to move more distant
from the Word of God; and
Whereas, Pastors are lifelong learners; and
Whereas, The faith of all Christians must be strengthened by continuing study of the Word; and
Whereas, The pastor requires continuing care and strengthening
of body, mind, and soul; and
Whereas, The Synod is blessed by the ministry of such entities
as Grace Place, Pastoral Leadership Institute, Doxology, Shepherd’s
Canyon, and many others; therefore be it
Resolved, That pastors be encouraged by congregation and district
to be engaged in continuing education; and be it further
Resolved, That congregations be encouraged to remove obstacles
and provide resources of time and finance for their pastors’ continuing education; and be it finally
Resolved, That the Synod, with the assistance of our seminaries
and universities, develop a program to provide pastors with continuing education.
South Wisconsin District

18. Worker Wellness
REPORTS
R1, R1.1, R1.2, R13
OVERTURES
18-01

To Encourage Development of Retirement
Assistance Program for Parish Pastors
Whereas, An increasing percentage of LCMS pastors are over
55 years old; and
Whereas, An increasing percentage of South Wisconsin District
pastors are over 55 years old; and
Whereas, The transition into retirement for a pastor and his wife
can be challenging; and
Whereas, The PALS (Post-Seminary Applied Learning and
Support) program provides assistance to pastors and wives entering
pastoral ministry; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod explore the creation of a program to
assist pastors and their wives as they transition into retirement.
South Wisconsin District

2016 Convention Workbook