# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2004_S270 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 270 STRUCTURE, PLANNING, AND ADMINISTRATION 7-56 To Change Frequency and Funding of Conventions WHEREAS, The Synod and District conventions are important el- ements in the efficient operation of the LCMS; and WHEREAS, The expense of these conventions consistently in- creases; and WHEREAS, More of the Synod’s finances should be spent in ac- tual Gospel outreach, and not on the discussion and study of out- reach; and WHEREAS, More and more of the church’s work can be accom- plished through the Internet and creative conference calling and videoconferencing every day; and WHEREAS, Evangelism and outreach training and the sharing of effective outreach strategies always benefits the church locally and globally; therefore be it Resolved, That as soon as possible, the Synod and its Districts move to a four-year meeting schedule, eliminating the current three-year cycle and shortening the length of all conventions; and be it further Resolved, That the most advanced methods (electronic, confer- ence calling, videoconferencing, etc.) be used in conducting the church’s business between conventions; and be it further Resolved, That all appropriate bylaw changes be made (terms of elected officials, President and Board of Directors responsibili- ties, etc.) to reflect this new schedule; and be it further Resolved, That a “Great Commission Convocation”-style event for evangelism and outreach training and inspiration be held every fourth year as part of this cycle: Year |—Evangelism convocation; Year 2—Circuit forum; Year 3—District convention; Year 4— Synod convention; and be it finally Resolved, That foundation and corporate funding (e.g., Schwan, Thrivent) be vigorously pursued to finance these events and con- ventions. St. John Spokane, WA 7-57 To Revise Method of Selection of Convention Floor Committees WHEREAS, The Synod should desire and welcome participation from all geographical areas of the Synod and from a wide variety of ministries in the Synod in the deliberations and actions of the Synod in convention; and WHEREAS, The Synod has benefited from the participation of a more representative number of people on various committees (e.g., the expanded Committee for Convention Nominations); and WHEREAS, The Synod could benefit by allowing a more repre- sentative group of individuals to participate in the selection of na- tional Synod convention floor committees; and WHEREAS, The Presidents of the Districts of the Synod comprise such a representative group; and _ WHEREAS, The Presidents of the Districts of the Synod are aware of the qualifications and capabilities of the delegates from the various Districts; and WHEREAS, That awareness is of benefit in selecting the mem- bers of the various floor committees; therefore be it Resolved, That the Northwest District submit an overture to the 2004 convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod that requests the Synod to revise Bylaw 3.19 g to read as follows: PRESEMF/PROPOSED WORDING All reports and overtures accepted by the President in ac- cordance with the foregoing paragraphs shall be referred by him to convention committees appointed by him in the name of the convention. The membership of these committees shall be se- lected from a list of from-amene-the voting delegates (Bylaw 3.03), advisory delegates (Bylaw 3.09) and advisory representa- tives (Bylaw 3.13) submitted to the President by a committee appointed by the Council of Presidents. Committee chairpersons shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Council of Presidents from a list of nominees provided to the President by the Council of Presidents. Ordained ministers, commissioned ministers, and laypersons shall be represented on all floor committees. [The rest of the Bylaw continues as written in the current Handbook.] Current Synod Bylaw 3.19 g reads: All reports and overtures accepted by the President in ac- cordance with the foregoing paragraphs shall be referred by him to convention committees appointed by him in the name of the convention from among the voting delegates (Bylaw 3.03), ad- visory delegates (Bylaw 3.09), and advisory representatives (Bylaw 3.13). Ordained ministers, commissioned ministers, and laypersons shall be represented on all committees. The Presi- dent shall notify committee members of their appointment and of the time and place of their first meeting no later than 12 weeks before the start of the convention. The committee rosters shall be published in an official periodical at least 10 weeks be- fore the convention. After due consideration of the matters re- ferred to it, each committee is to report its findings and recom- mendations to the convention. If the President deems it advisable, he may convene any committees prior to the opening of the convention. The first issue of Today’s Business shall be issued containing tentative resolutions. This issue of Today's Business shall be sent to all registered delegates of the conven- tion and to each congregation of the Synod. Northwest District 7-58 To Find Fairer Method for Selecting Convention Committees Wuereas, A Synod or District President now is primarily re- sponsible for appointing those who serve on convention commit- tees; and WHEREAS, This method gives a President too much authority; therefore be it Resolved, That the 2004 convention of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod request the LCMS Board of Directors to find a fairer way of selecting committees that will also give laymen equal representation. Trinity New Haven, MO 7-59 To Charge Praesidium with Appointment of Floor Committees WHEREAS, Synod Bylaw 3.19 g charges the President of the Synod with the appointment of the floor committees for the Synod convention; and WHEREAS, These committees wield a great deal of authority with respect to which overtures come before the Synod convention; and Wuereas, The sole authority of the President to appoint the floor committees might present the appearance of partiality; and WuereAs, Establishing a more diverse authority for appointing the floor committees will better represent the interests of the Synod; therefore be it Resolved, That the first sentence of Bylaw 3.19 g be amended to read as follows: PRESENF/PROPOSED WORDING All reports and overtures accepted by the President in ac- cordance with the foregoing paragraphs shall be referred by him to convention committees appointed by him the Praesidium of the Synod in the name of the convention from among the voting