# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2019_S487
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

FLOOR COMMITTEE REPORTS AND OVERTURES ASSIGNMENTS

9. Structure and Administration
REPORTS
R1, R1.1, R1.2, R5, R6–6.2, R9, R11, R13,
R58, R61, R62, R64
OVERTURES
Ov. 9-01

To Recommend Moving
to a Four-Year Convention Cycle
WHEREAS, Both decreases in the size of many Synod
congregations and the uncertain economic climate of our times have
placed an increased financial burden on many of those who are
assessed a portion of the cost of the Synod convention; and
WHEREAS, We are all charged to be good stewards of our time
and treasure; and
WHEREAS, The urgency of matters coming before a district or
Synod convention does not demand a three-year cycle and large
economic savings are made possible by moving to a four-year cycle;
therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod transition to meeting in convention
once every four years; and be it further
Resolved, That the four-year convention cycle be scheduled to
begin in 2022.
Grace, Concord, NC; Board of Directors, Southeastern District
Ov. 9-02

To Recommend Moving
to a Four-Year Convention Cycle
WHEREAS, Both decreases in the size of many the Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod congregations and the uncertain
economic climate of our times have placed an increased financial
burden on many of those who are assessed a portion of the cost of
the Synod convention; and
WHEREAS, We are all charged to be good stewards of our time
and treasure; and
WHEREAS, The urgency of matters coming before a district or
Synod convention does not demand a three-year cycle; and
WHEREAS, Significant savings of time and money would be
made possible by moving to a four-year cycle; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod transition to meeting in convention
once every four years; and be it further
Resolved, That the four-year convention cycle be scheduled to
begin in 2022.
Board of Directors
Michigan District
Ov. 9-03

To Recommend Moving to a Four-Year
Convention Cycle of the Synod and Districts
WHEREAS, Both decreases in the size of many Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) congregations and the uncertain

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economic climate of our times have placed an increased financial
burden on many of those who are assessed a portion of the cost of
the LCMS convention; and
WHEREAS, We are all charged to be good stewards of our time
and treasure; and
WHEREAS, The urgency of matters coming before a district or
Synod convention does not demand a three-year cycle; and
WHEREAS, Large economic savings are made possible by moving
to a four-year cycle; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Circuit Forum of Circuit 15 of the
Southeastern District hereby petitions the Synod in convention to
approve a transition to meeting in convention once every four years
instead of three years; and be it further
Resolved, That all terms of officers of the Synod and districts be
moved from three to four year terms; and be it finally
Resolved, That the four-year convention cycle be scheduled to
begin in 2022.
Circuit 15
Southeastern District
Ov. 9-04

To Move to a Four-Year Convention Cycle
WHEREAS, Many congregations are facing significant financial
pressures that have led to pastors seeking secular employment, to
multi‐point parishes, and even to closure. These pressures also
necessitate greater grassroots dialogue and collaboration at the
circuit level. The costs associated with district and national
conventions are ultimately borne by congregations, for whom the
current three‐year cycle leads to a heavy burden. The rising costs of
such conventions should cause the Synod to consider how to
practice wise stewardship and facilitate conversations at the
grassroots level that could lead to greater collaboration and aid our
walking together; and
WHEREAS, Moving to a four‐year convention cycle would
demonstrate a sensitivity to the challenges facing congregations and
the commitment to practice wise stewardship so that less funds are
taken from the support of ministry and mission work; therefore be
it
Resolved, That the Synod adopt a four‐year convention cycle;
and be it further
Resolved, That the four‐year cycle would be as follows:
• year one: circuit forums meet for the purpose of discussions
of theology and collaborative efforts in ministry and mission
work;
• year two: district conventions;
• year three: circuit forums for the purpose of theology and
collaborative efforts in ministry and mission work;
• year four: national convention;
and be it further
Resolved, That the President of the Synod, district presidents,
and circuit visitors and their respective staffs utilize the extra year
to accomplish visitation in a more reasonable and equitable fashion;
and be it further
Resolved, That the Council of Presidents develop additional
resources to assist the circuit visitors in facilitating circuit forums
and the renewed emphasis on visitation; and be it further

2019 Convention Workbook