# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_2004_S39
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION

Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne
Ordained Ministers
Ballots
James Baneck
Jack Baumgarn
C. Luther Brunette
John H. Kieschnick

(1)
75
495
51
547

(2)

(3)

(4)

585
603

John H. Kieschnick was declared elected as an ordained
minister member of the Board of Regents of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne.
Laypersons
William Crofford
Miriam Hoelter
C. Arthur Kaul
Ron Matthias
Clifford Meints
Ronald Schumaker

495
578
81
503
573
111

Miriam Hoelter and Clifford Meints were declared
elected as layperson members of the Board of Regents of
Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne.
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
Ordained Ministers
Philip Esala
John Kieschnick
Timothy Klinkenberg
John G. Nordling
Walter Tietjen
Thomas Zehnder

56
23
22
507
420
161

625
580

John G. Nordling was declared elected as an ordained
minister member of the Board of Regents of Concordia
Seminary, St. Louis.
Laypersons
Ralph Cavalieri
David Domsch
Gloria Edwards
Tom Hurley
John Ludwig
Gerhand Mundinger
James Ralls
Stephen Saunders
John Schrage
John Wittenmyer

84
21
86
20
69
95
587
458
414
548

end debate carried [Y: 1,036; N: 108] and the resolution was
adopted as presented [Y: 921; N: 230].
The chair read an opinion provided by the Commission
on Constitutional Matters regarding the proposed resolution affecting the presidential elections. Based upon the
opinion, the chair ruled that the resolution was not in
order.
Devotion
The chaplain led the assembly in a closing devotion that
included a responsive reading of Psalm 130, prayers, and
the singing of the hymn: “Hark, the Voice of Jesus Crying.”

534
633
600
618

39

Session 10
July 15, 2004
Opening Devotion
A vocal quartet from Concordia University, Austin,
Texas, provided the “call to gather” music for the opening
devotion and convention session. The convention chaplain
introduced the devotion leader, Dr. Thomas Cedel, Concordia’s president. Under the theme, “Chosen to Bear Fruit,”
Dr. Cedel read John 15:5−16 as the basis for his message,
which paints, he said, “a memorable picture” especially for
the biologist that he is. Even as connection to the vine is
essential for branches biologically, so also our relationship
with Christ is essential spiritually. By use of the means of
grace we receive the “flow of the sap” so to speak, which in
turn bears the fruit in our lives. This is what the Concordia
University System is also all about, preparing students to
bear fruit by developing the knowledge and skills that will
be helpful later in their Christian lives.
After additional music, Dr. Cedel led the convention in a
prayer and closed with words of benediction.
The Secretary asked for opportunity to make an important correction in the minutes for the previous day’s session (correction included in the corrections provided later
in the session when the minutes were considered and accepted).
Committee 7: Structure, Planning, and Administration

718
510
530
635

James Ralls and John Wittenmyer were elected as
layperson members of the Board of Regents of Concordia
Seminary, St. Louis.
Floor Committee 9 reported that all elections were completed and was thanked for its work.
Committee 7: Structure, Planning, and Administration
Res. 7-04A, “To Adopt Handbook Revision” (TB, pp. 281−
286), was introduced by the committee, invoking Rule 6 for
the discussion of this resolution. The committee requested
that Dr. Walter Rosin, who served as chairman of the Pro
Tem Commission on Structure, address the convention. As
the final phase of discussion began under Rule 6, a motion
was made to cease debate on the resolution. The motion to

Res. 7-21, “To Amend Constitution Regarding Officer
and Board Responsibilities” (TB, p. 287), was introduced as
changed by the committee, deleting the first two whereas
paragraphs. Prior to debate, a motion to cease debate carried [Y: 746; N: 356] and the resolution was adopted [Y:
780; N: 322].
Res. 7-14, “To Amend the Procedure for Filling Vacancies” (TB, p. 128), was introduced as changed by the committee, adding to proposed wording at the end of bylaw
paragraph 3.63 b: “The Synod’s Director of Human Resources shall be consulted in developing the candidate list.”
After debate, the question was called [Y: 784; N: 332] and
the resolution was adopted [Y: 633; N: 498].
Res. 7-22, “To Study Way of Improving Synodical Elections” (TB, p. 408), was introduced by the committee. An
immediate motion to end debate failed [Y: 713; N: 425].
During discussion that followed, a motion introduced from
the floor as a substitute resolution was ruled out of order
by the chair. After debate was ended [Y: 781; N: 351], the
resolution was adopted [Y: 692; N: 453].
2004 Convention Proceedings