# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1995_S144 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 144 RESOLUTIONS ‘To Encourage Congregations to Minister to Persons with Alzheimer’s and Their Caregivers RESOLUTION 6-08 Report R6-01 (CW, pp. 88-93) ' Rationale: The increasing frequency of Alzheimer’s disease in soci- ety is reflected also among the members of The Lutheran Church—Missouri ‘Synod and their immediate and ex- tended families. Consequently there is a need among us for deeper and more compassionate understanding for the spe- cial burdens which Alzheimer’s imposes on those who suffer from it as well as their families. Resolved, That the Board for Human Care Ministries provide direction and encouragement to the congregations of the LCMS to recognize and respond to the unique needs of'those who suffer from Alzheimer’s, as well as the needs and concerns of their families and caregivers. Action: Adopted (1). To Expand Housing Ministries RESOLUTION 6-09 Overture 6-37 (CW, p. 228) WHEREAS, Concern for the well-being of our neighbor is part of God’s command to His people; and WueEreas, Many in our communities live in substandard housing, others are in danger of losing their homes, and some are homeless; and WuereEas, The Board for Human Care Ministries contin- ues to encourage and support local housing projects which involve congregations in mission and ministry; therefore be it ‘ Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Districts, and congregations continue to J. raise awareness of church members to the short- and long-term plight of the homeless, low-income families, and older adults living on very limited incomes; 2. utilize church and other resources to provide tempo- rary and permanent housing; 3. involve congregations in mission and ministry activi- ties which reach out to unchurched residents of low-income housing to include them in the body of Christ; . 4. inform congregations of government legislation and regulations which will affect the supply of affordable hous- ing for those most in need, so that an appropriate response can be made; and 5. through the Board for Human Care Ministries iden- tify, support, and publicize strategies and programs which meet the housing needs of the poor and the homeless. Action: Adopted (11). - To Emphasize Importance of Prison Ministry RESOLUTION 6-10 Overtures 6-31-32 (CW, p. 226) WHEREAS, Tens of thousands of men and women behind prison walls are looking for hope, and their families are looking for strength and sustenance; and WHEREAS, Both victims and criminals need Jesus Christ as the ultimate Healer in whom they can be made eternally whole again; and Wuereas, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod pro- claims that the Gospel of Jesus Christ alone offers forgive- ness and the power to change (Rom. 1:16); therefore be it Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, through its Board for Human Care Ministries and other en- tities, deliberately and intentionally make its Law and Gospel ministry to inmates, victims, and their families a critical priority; and be it further Resolved, That we commit ourselves to support our cor- rectional workers, including our chaplains, clergy, and lay volunteers, with our prayers and financial support, as fea- sible; and be it finally Resolved, That each District be encouraged to sponsor conferences, seminars, and/or retreats for the purpose of training and equipping chaplains, clergy, and lay volun- teers in ministry with prisoners, ex-prisoners, families of prisoners, and victims of crime. Action: Adopted (11). To Revise Bylaws of Commission on Ministerial Growth and Support RESOLUTION 6-11 Overture 6-38 (CW, p. 228) Rationale: Changes in the organization of Congregational Services suggest a change in the composition of the commission; evolvement in the expansion of commission activities sug- gests changes in its functions. Those changes in functions include the recognition that there is not a “synodical defin- ition in measurable terms of effective ministry,” that well- being issues figure prominently in the commission’s. work, that the commission does not actually carry responsibility for remedial care (rather, Worker Benefit Plans does), that encouragements need to be placed at District and congre- gational levels regarding professional growth and well- being, and that funding mandates need to be broadened. Resolved, That Bylaw 3.913 be amended as follows: PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING 3.913 Membership The Commission on Ministerial Growth and Support shall consist of nine members, who shall be appointed by and responsible to the President of the Synod: three ordained ministers, two commissioned ministers, one layperson, one college representative, and one repre- sentative from each of the two seminaries. At least two of the above shall be parish pastors, one of the above a District President or executive, and one of the above shall have professional expertise in clinical psychology and/or pastoral counseling. The executive director of the Board for Higher Education (or his designee), the exec- utive director of the Beard-for-Paxish-Serviees Confer- ence of Congregational Services (or his designee), the President of the Synod (or his designee), the director of Human Resources of the Synod, and Director of Minis- terial Health/Health and Healing Ministries shall be advisory members.