# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1998_S142 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 142 CONGREGATIONAL SERVICES 2-54 To Revise Bylaw 3.803 WHEREAS, The 1995 convention of the Synod in its extensive Bylaw revisions did not retain the historical and widely respected statement, “Assist congregations in arranging and carrying out a comprehensive and effective program of Christian education, es- pecially counseling that the most effective agencies available to the church for equipping children and youth for ministry are the full- time Lutheran elementary and secondary schools, so that the Gospel of Jesus Christ may become even more effective in the life of the individual Christian and of the congregation’’; and WHEREAS, Many congregations of the Synod continue to vali- date this through increased interest in opening and supporting Lutheran elementary and secondary schools; therefore be it Resolved, That Bylaw 3.803 be revised by restoring the follow- ing as function 8: “8. Assistance to congregations in arranging and carrying out a comprehensive and effective program of Christian educa- tion, especially counseling that the most effective education agencies available to the church for equipping children and youth for ministry are the full-time Lutheran elementary and secondary schools, so that the Gospel of Jesus Christ may be- come even more effective in the life of the individual Christian and of the congregation.” Teachers Conference, Northwest District; Lutheran Teachers Conference, Nebraska District; Education Conference, Minnesota South District; Board for Congregational Services; Fall Education Conference, Ohio District; Zion, Mayer, MN; Board of Directors, Minnesota South District 2-55 To Recognize Home Schooling as Honorable Option WuereEaS, God has commanded parents to be the primary teacher and nurturer in impressing His truths to their children when they sit at home, when they walk along the road, when they lie down, and when they get up (Duet. 6:7); and WHEREAS, The home-schooling movement, which is a parental right, includes families within The Lutheran Church—Missoun Synod; therefore be it Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod ac- knowledge home schooling as an honorable option in the educa- tion of children and continue to offer support to home-schooling parents through encouragement, networking, and curriculum infor- mation in their choice of education. St. Martin Birch Run, MI 2-56 To Declare Year 2001 Year of the Child WHEREAS, Nearly 50 percent of baptized children in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod do not reenter congregational life in childhood; and WuerEAS, Children in our congregations and communities face increasing, critical issues that place them at risk spiritually, which is manifested emotionally, physically, socially, and academically; and WHEREAS, Our relationship with children is established by Christ; and WHEREAS, The community of the Gospel is an inclusive bap- tismal community—‘Christ died for all”—and discipleship is max- imized in a community in which the gifts of all are celebrated and utilized; and WHEREAS, A passion for reaching others with the Gospel has no “special group” restrictions and is extended specifically also to children; and WHEREAS, It is the responsibility of the faith community to min- ister to children and to support their families as primary faith nur- turers; therefore be it Resolved, That the congregations of Synod, the District and na- tional offices, colleges and seminaries, and others collectively and collaboratively focus on the critical needs of children, address the importance of faithful ministry with children, and provide the train- ing, resources, and support needed to affect children’s lives with the love of Jesus so that all children may know and experience His grace; and be it further Resolved, That congregations of the Synod intentionally act to make ministry with children a priority; and be it further Resolved, That congregations of The Lutheran Church—Mis- souri Synod intentionally include children from their birth in con- gregational celebrations and congregational life; and be it finally Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in con- vention dedicate the year 2001 as “The Year of the Child,” making ministry with children a priority. Board for Congregational Services 2-57 To Strengthen Family Ministry WHEREAS, Our nation continues to experience a breakdown of family life and an erosion of those family values that are based on the Scriptures; and WHEREAS, The families of our Synod need the affirmation, sup- port, and encouragement of congregations who are building a com- prehensive ministry to all people in all families; and WuereaS, Our Synod has made some important steps forward in promoting family ministry, for which we thank God, such as 1. the inclusion of more marriage and family-life courses and con- cerns at our colleges, universities, and seminaries; 2. the creation and staffing of a Department of Family Ministry in the Board for Congregational Services; 3. the new partnership of the Lutheran Family Association (in its ministry to individuals and family-friendly congregations) with Congregational Services (in its ministry to the Districts and all congregations) that shows great promise; 4. the emergence of more congregations that develop activities and provide staffs for family ministry; 5. the variety and number of resources available from Concordia Publishing House are increasing among us; therefore be it Resolved, That the congregations of the Synod seek to build a comprehensive ministry to people in families that 1. serves as an advocate for children in a day when many have be- come children at risk physically, emotionally, and spiritually; 2. recognizes the many types of families and people at different stages of the life cycle in the family; 3. teaches and models biblical teaching and values; 4. sees the congregation as a caring and supportive community that helps families place and keep Christ as the center of the home; 5. models family-friendly policies for its own workers; 6. ministers to spiritually mixed families (where one or more mem- bers are inactive, unchurched, other-churched, or non-Christian); 7. offers its help to the families of the community; and be it further Resolved, That Synod’s District and national offices, colleges and seminaries, Lutheran Family Association, and others provide the training, resources, and support needed by the congregations of the Synod. Board for Congregational Services