# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2004_S244
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

244 HIGHER EDUCATION

Wuereas, In 1961, Alabama Lutheran Academy and College,
Selma, in its 40th year of service, became the lone black Lutheran
institution of higher education; and

Wrereas, In 1985, Alabama Lutheran Academy and College
was renamed Concordia College, Selma, to bring it in line with the
other “Concordias” of the LCMS; and

WHEREAS, Concordia College, Selma, is the only black
Lutheran institution of higher education, and is inextricably bound
by history and tradition with its predecessors; and

Wuereas, Concordia College, Selma, has been dubbed by Dr.
Richard Dickinson, “The Miracle On Green Street,” in his most re-
cent book of the same name, signifying its survival over 80 years;
and today it is the fastest growing and most successful school of
higher education in the whole LCMS, with an enrollment of over
800; and

WHEREAS, Concordia College, Selma, is in a position to be a
feeder school for black ministry into the next century; therefore be
it

Resolved, That there be a special celebration of The Centennial
of Black Higher Education within the LCMS in conjunction with
the 2003 Black Ministry Family Convocation; and be it further

Resolved, That this celebration reflect, as much as possible, the
histories of Luther College, New Orleans, La.; Immanuel Lutheran
College, Greensboro, N.C.; and Concordia College, Selma, Ala.;
and be it finally

Resolved, That the Board for Black Ministry Services and Con-
cordia College, Selma, work together to plan and coordinate this
celebration.

Black Ministry Convocation

5-65

To Reconsider RSO Status
for Pastoral Leadership Institute

Wuereas, Our Lord Jesus instructed His disciples to be “as
shrewd as snakes” (Matt. 10:16) as He sent them out into the world;
and

WHEREAS, The apostle Paul stressed continued growth when he
wrote to Timothy, “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old
wives tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. Be diligent in these
matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see

your progress” (1 Tim. 4:7, 15) and “I remind you to fan into
flames the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my
hands” (2 Tim. 1:6); and

WHEREAS, The Pastoral Leadership Institute has as its purpose
“to operate an in-service continuing education program for pastors
who desire to develop leadership skills helpful in pastoring large
and/or growing churches in The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod”; and

Whereas, Congregations are facing ever-changing demands as
they attempt to reach out within a complex society with the change-
less message of Jesus as Savior and Lord; and

WHEREAS, Pastors are keenly aware of the need to provide ef-
fective spiritual and administrative leadership within the congrega-
tion they are called to; and

WHEREAS, The witness of a number of pastors in the Northern
Illinois District who have/are presently participating in the Pastoral
Leadership Institute attest to the faithful and successful work this
institute has done and continues to do; therefore be it

Resolved, That the congregations and pastors be encouraged to
regularly offer prayers of thanksgiving and support for ongoing
ministry training of the Pastoral Leadership Institute; and be it fur-
ther

Resolved, That congregations and pastors in the Northern IIli-
nois District be encouraged to explore and, where feasible, partici-
pate in the complete Pastoral Leadership Institute program; and be
it further

Resolved, That we encourage our District to continue to sponsor
pastors to participate in this continuing education program; and be
it further

Resolved, That we encourage qualified pastors and their con-
gregations to avail themselves of the opportunity for professional
growth through the Pastoral Leadership Institute; and be it further

Resolved, That the personal leadership development and con-
gregational ministry that grow in effectiveness resulting from par-
ticipation in the Pastoral Leadership Institute program be shared
and affirmed within our District; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Northern Illinois District petition the LCMS
Board for Higher Education to reconsider granting Recognized Ser-
vice Organization (RSO) status for the Pastoral Leadership Insti-
tute.

Northern Illinois District; Trinity, Roselle, IL; Circuit 6,
Northern Illinois District