# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_2019_S137
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

4. LIFE TOGETHER
the Board of Directors of the Synod (see Bylaws 3.12.1 and
3.12.2.8)
2. The President of the Synod or his representative

Without objection, the chair put the resolution to an immediate
voice vote, by which the resolution was adopted.

Action: Adopted as amended (9)
It was suggested by an advisory representative to modify
proposed Bylaws 3.8.2.2 and 3.8.3.2, to replace “to the Synod’s
district conventions” with “in advance of the Synod’s district
conventions;” without objection, the chair accepted this as a
modification. It was moved, seconded, and carried to close debate
[Yes: 701; No: 18] and the resolution was adopted as modified by
a show of hands.

To Amend Bylaw Section 6.2
to Revitalize Synod’s
Recognized Service Organization Program

To Commend the Celebration
of the 175th Anniversary of
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
in 2022
RESOLUTION 4-05
Report R13 (CW, 104–6)

WHEREAS, April 26, 2022, will be the 175th anniversary of
the founding of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod;
and
WHEREAS, An anniversary is a celebration of God’s
blessing in the past, as well as a time of joyful anticipation
of what the Lord of the Church has in store for the
furthering of His Kingdom; and
WHEREAS, We, like those who have gone before us, will,
“Joy:fully Lutheran,” bring His message of salvation by
grace through faith in the merits of Jesus Christ our Savior
to all the world; and
WHEREAS, The harvest fields are evermore ripe for our
joyful outreach in our day and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Our Lord is always able to do far more
abundantly than all we can ask or imagine, according to the
power at work within us to His glory in the church
throughout all generations (Eph. 3:20–21); therefore be it
Resolved, That the President’s office coordinate with the
Council of Presidents and the Boards for National and
International Mission to designate a date for synodwide
celebration of this anniversary and how to facilitate this
joyous celebration beginning with the 2021 district
conventions, with special emphasis on the involvement of
the younger generations of our Synod; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention commend the
observance of the 175th anniversary to all our people, so
that according to our Lord’s power at work within us, we all
prayerfully seek new opportunities for the sake of the
future of our joyful ministry and mission through the
stewardship of His bountiful gifts—all to the glory of His
name.
Action: Adopted (9)
Resolutions

RESOLUTION 4-06A
Overture 4-08 (CW, 410–14)

Rationale
The 2016 convention, noting the Synod’s long history of
recognizing contributions made by service organizations,
as well as the changing needs of the Synod and of social
service organizations (especially with changes in
governmental regulation and oversight) and the concerns
raised over the years as to the continued health and
usefulness of the recognized service organization (RSO)
program, assembled and charged (Proceedings, 146–7) the
2016 Res. 4-03B Task Force:
• to review and report on the original purpose and
intent of the RSO program and its predecessors.
• to determine the needs of and benefits to the
Synod with respect to the RSO program.
• to identify the best model for the Synod to engage
with organizations that: (1) foster the mission and
ministry of the church and that (2) engage in
programs that are in harmony with the programs
of the Synod.
• to recommend changes to the RSO program,
and/or the elimination of the program, and/or
replacement of the current RSO program with a
new relationship model that provides benefit to
the Synod and the social service agency, and/or
develop and recommend other solutions.
• to recommend appropriate changes to the bylaws,
as needed.
• to ensure that all recommendations maintain the
important relationships with the organization
that are recognized by the Synod, foster the
mission and ministry of the church, engage in
program activity that is in harmony with programs
of the Synod, and respect and not act contrary to
the doctrine and practice of the Synod.
The task force, having met throughout the triennium and
consulted with various Synod and RSO constituents of the
existing program, has produced its report (included as R61
in the Convention Workbook) and, in accordance with Bylaw
3.1.6.2, this overture, which would enact the report’s
fundamental recommendations in the form of bylaw
changes and directives to responsible boards and offices to
develop implementing policies and procedures. Another
PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2019 (67TH) LCMS CONVENTION | 137