# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2019_S422
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

422

LIFE TOGETHER
Ov. 4-25

Ov. 4-23

To Provide Clergy for Word and Sacrament
Ministry by Designating Synod Positions
to Be Filled with Qualified Laity
WHEREAS, As of November 1, 2018 there were 412 pastoral
vacancies in the Synod; and
WHEREAS, It is well understood that the Synod pastoral
vacancies are increasing due to pastoral retirements and a shortage
of graduates from master of divinity programs; and
WHEREAS, Congregations of the Synod need and desire a
pastoral shepherd; and
WHEREAS, Acts 6:2 instructs that pastors should not neglect the
ministry of the Word of God; and
WHEREAS, The Synod has been blessed with talented and
qualified clergy and laity; and
WHEREAS, Only specific functions in the Synod, theologically or
by Synod policy, require staffing by Synod clergy; therefore be it
Resolved, That the precious gift of Synod clergy be prioritized
for the Word and Sacrament pastoral ministry, ideally in context of
the congregation; and be it further
Resolved, That Synod in convention direct the President of the
Synod, Board of Directors, and all Synod agencies to designate
positions that can be served by laity with the specific intention that
said positions be staffed with qualified laity.
Board of Directors
Iowa West District
Ov. 4-24

To Affirm and Celebrate 60 Years of DCE
Ministry in the Synod
WHEREAS, Our church body approved Resolution 4-26 at its
1959 convention, which established the office of Director of
Christian Education (DCE) in order to “provide additional
leadership for the educational program of the congregation”; and
WHEREAS, DCEs comprise the third largest category of rostered
workers in our Synod, with almost 1,000 certified DCEs serving in
congregations, schools, districts, universities, and other Synod
entities; and
WHEREAS, The Scriptures directs the church to teach God’s
Word; and
WHEREAS, Research indicates that effective educational
practices, like those promoted in the preparation of DCEs in our
Synod schools, are significantly correlated to the development of
characteristics of faith maturity; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod affirm the important work that has
been done for our Synod and the church by certified DCEs for the
past 60 years; and be it further
Resolved, That we continue to support and celebrate those
individuals who are preparing to serve as DCEs and those who are
currently serving as DCEs in our Synod.
Educators’ Conference
Kansas District

2019 Convention Workbook

To Adjust Benefits of the Concordia Retirement
Plan to Reflect an Annual Cost of Living Increase
WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) has
established a pension plan for Synod church workers; and
WHEREAS, Social Security and many other secular retirement
plans include annual cost of living adjustments; and
WHEREAS, Each year the rate of inflation results in less
purchasing power for LCMS Veterans of the Cross; therefore be it
Resolved, That the LCMS meeting in convention, vote to include
a yearly cost of living increase for beneficiaries of the Concordia
Retirement Plan; and be it further
Resolved, That the managers of the Concordia Plan Services
(CPS) be instructed to initiate the proper yearly adjustments
resulting in a cost of living raise for members receiving a CPS
pension.
Saint Paul’s
Marion, IA
Ov. 4-26

To Continue the Celebration of
the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation,
including Commemoration of Events
from 1519 through 1522
WHEREAS, 2020 is the 500th anniversary of the publication of
Martin Luther’s The Freedom of a Christian, To the Christian
Nobility of the German Nation, and On the Babylonian Captivity of
the Church, and the contents of these writings that extol the freedom
of Christians in the Gospel, the role of the priesthood of the baptized
in the church, and the correct understanding of Baptism, the Lord’s
Supper, and absolution are pertinent to Christians today; and
WHEREAS, 2021 is the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s
appearance before the imperial diet of Worms, where he boldly
confessed the truth of the Gospel before the emperor of the Holy
Roman Empire and the princes thereof, and Martin Luther’s
example to speak the truth of the Gospel to secular authorities can
serve to “strengthen our faith” (Augsburg Confession XXI); and
WHEREAS, 2022 is the 500th anniversary of the publication of
Martin Luther’s translation of the New Testament into German, and
the translation of the Bible into the vernacular and the wide
distribution of such translations made it possible for Christians to
read the Word of God in their language; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod and its members give thanks to God
that by “the Almighty’s special grace and mercy the teaching of the
chief articles of our Christian religion (which had been hideously
obscured by human teaching and regulation under the papacy) was
purified and elucidated anew on the basis of God’s Word by Dr.
Luther, of blessed and holy memory” (Formula of Concord, Solid
Declaration, Introduction 1 [Book of Concord, ed. Kolb/Wengert,
524]); and be it further
Resolved, That pastors and congregations are encouraged to
study the freedom of Christians in the Gospel, the role of the
priesthood of the baptized in the church, and Baptism, the Lord’s
Supper, and absolution, using the above-mentioned writings of
Martin Luther; and be it further