# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2023_S363
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

FLOOR COMMITTEES: REPORT AND OVERTURE ASSIGNMENTS

8. Finance
REPORTS
R1, R1.2–R1.2.2, R1.2.4–R1.2.5, R1.3,
R5–R8, R15–R57
OVERTURES

363

purchasing equipment, and competently resolve the problems that
arise in producing broadcasts and content; and
WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) has
access to personnel with the technology and media familiarity that
is lacking in many congregations; therefore be it
Resolved, That the LCMS examine the feasibility of creating a
central “help desk” available to congregations to provide
information, advice, and assistance to churches struggling with
technology and “virtual” production challenges.
Southern District

Ov. 8-01

To Request Expanded Permissions
for 1986 Small Catechism Translation
WHEREAS, The Great Commission compels the Church to
proclaim God’s salvation to the nations and thoroughly catechize
the baptized; and
WHEREAS, We pledge ourselves to the Small Catechism along
with the rest of the Book of Concord as a faithful exposition of
God’s Word; and
WHEREAS, The Small Catechism is a wonderful tool for leading
people into the truth of Scripture; and
WHEREAS, The society around us is moving to digital platforms
for an increasing amount of communication; and
WHEREAS, The internet opens doors to share the faith with those
unable or hesitant to come into a church building; and
WHEREAS, Christians also (even our own members) are
increasingly seeking technological approaches to everyday tasks;
and be it further
Resolved, That the Oklahoma District give thanks to God for
Concordia Publishing House and the catechetical resources they
have provided to the church; and be it further
Resolved, That we commend these resources to our
congregations and their members for use in church, home, and
outreach; and be it finally
Resolved, That the Oklahoma District memorialize the Synod in
convention to direct Concordia Publishing House to allow the 1986
translation of the Enchiridion of the Small Catechism to be used by
congregations, church workers, and members in various media
including print and online platforms free of charge, with proper
attributions, in support of evangelistic and catechetical efforts.
Oklahoma District
Ov. 8-02

To Form Synodical Technology “Help Desk”
WHEREAS, The pandemic of 2020 has caused many of our
congregations to offer a myriad of different types of “virtual”
worship services via internet platforms to continue proclaiming the
Gospel of Jesus Christ; and
WHEREAS, Many Bible studies, devotionals, and fellowship
opportunities are also being offered by these “virtual” means to
teach Christ’s truth and mature believers in faith; and
WHEREAS, These “virtual” offerings now in place are likely to
continue in use into the foreseeable future; and
WHEREAS, Many of our congregations lack personnel with the
technological and social media expertise to make the best use of the
available technology and platforms, make informed decisions about

Ov. 8-03

To Establish a Commission to Study the Possibility
of Utilizing a Health Sharing Community Group
WHEREAS, Concordia Plan Services (CPS) only offers health
insurance for church staff and professional church workers
employed by Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS)
congregations, schools, districts and other approved Synod entities;
and
WHEREAS, The cost of providing CPS health care coverage
often
proves
cost
prohibitive
to
many
smaller
congregations/schools and/or restricts the viability and growth
of their respective ministries; and
WHEREAS, The Affordable Care Act requires the purchase of
health insurance that complies with government regulations but also
allows for health care cost sharing programs to provide such health
care coverage, often at a more reasonable cost; and
WHEREAS, Some health insurance providers pay for medical
procedures that violate Biblical teachings and values, such as
abortions or gender reassignment surgeries; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Montana District request the 2023 convention
to appoint a commission to study establishing a health care cost
sharing program open to all members of Synod, as well as all
individual members of LCMS congregations, with the objective of
reducing health care costs.
Montana District
Ov. 8-04

To Audit Concordia Plan Services
Retirement Funding
WHEREAS, The number of professional church workers in The
Lutheran—Church Missouri Synod has been declining, therefore
resulting in a smaller pool of resources which are a part of the
Concordia Plan Services (CPS) Retirement Plans; and
WHEREAS, Increased life expectancy and growing number of
retired workers increases the payout of monies to retirees; and
WHEREAS, Financial challenges in the economy have impacted
investment earnings; and
WHEREAS, Critical shortages could threaten the financial
stability of the independent CPS Retirement Plan; and
WHEREAS, Transparency is critical for trust and compliance;
therefore be it
Resolved, That the Atlantic District move the 2023 Synod
convention to create an audit committee to review the retirement
plans, including projections for funding and capacity of the funds
for the next 25 years, safeguards to protect funds and its solvency
2023 Convention Workbook