# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_2013_S119
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

Whereas, Seven (7) of these eleven districts recommended
“Witness, Mercy, Life Together” as the mission and ministry
emphasis for the 2013–2016 triennium; and
Whereas, During the 2010–2013 triennium, the Office of the
President, CMO, Office of National Mission, and Office of International Mission have developed the following six (6) priorities to
engage the Synod in this threefold emphasis:
• Plant, sustain, and revitalize Lutheran churches
• Support and expand theological education
• Perform human care in close proximity to Word and
Sacrament ministries
• Collaborate with the Synod’s members and partners to
enhance mission effectiveness
• Promote and nurture the spiritual, emotional, and
physical well-being of pastors and professional church
workers
• Enhance early childhood, elementary and secondary
education, and youth ministry
Therefore be it
Resolved, That the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS)
in convention adopt the threefold emphasis of “Witness, Mercy, Life
Together” inclusive of the six priorities stated above for the 2013–
2016 triennium; and be it further
Resolved, That the congregations of the LCMS be encouraged to
submit mission and ministry emphases to be adopted by their circuit forums, received by their district conventions, and forwarded
to the 2016 Synod convention.
Action: Adopted (7)
(Res. 3-06A was adopted as presented, without discussion [Yes:
981; No: 25].)

To Further Promote Mission Awareness,
Support, Collaboration, and Coordination
for Rural and Small Town, Urban and Inner
City, and Suburban Ministry
RESOLUTION 3-07A
Report 1-7-CMO (CW, p.17); Overtures 3-04–07
(CW, pp. 150–151)
Whereas, God “desires all people to be saved and to come to
the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4 ESV); and

received into grace for Christ’s sake” (Augsburg Confession, Art.
V, Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, p. 33); and
Whereas, God’s people are called upon to bear witness to the
Gospel, show mercy, and live together by faith in Christ in rural
and small town, urban and inner city, and suburban areas; and
Whereas, The United States has diverse rural and small town,
urban and inner city, and suburban areas where the Gospel needs
to be proclaimed, demonstrated, and lived; and
Whereas, The Office of National Mission is already collaborating and coordinating with district leadership to enable and equip
workers and congregations for the task of Gospel mission in these
areas with a variety of resources; and
Whereas, In recent decades these areas have undergone significant demographic, immigration, ethnic, cultural, socio-economic,
and moral changes coinciding with the de-Christianization of society; therefore be it
Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS)
in convention affirm the mission and ministry of congregations in
rural and small town, urban and inner city, and suburban areas;
and be it further
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention affirm the efforts of the
Office of National Mission in these areas; and be it further
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention task the Office of
National Mission to increase significantly the development and
coordination of awareness, support, and collaboration specific to
these areas; and be it further
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention direct the Office of
National Mission to engage and cooperate with districts and their
staff to collaborate with workers and congregations in these areas;
and be it further
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention direct the Board for
National Mission to develop policies that support the work of the
Office of National Mission in these areas; and be it further
Resolved, That a report be received from the Office of National
Mission at the 2016 LCMS convention that includes the resources
developed, their distribution, and coordination; and be it finally
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention continue to respect the
equal dignity, gifts, and authority of all member congregations,
regardless of demographics or size.
Action: Adopted (7)
(After discussion, Res. 3-07A was adopted as presented [Yes:
981; No: 15].)

Whereas, The Gospel “is the power of God for salvation” (Rom.
1:16 ESV) in every place and every time and every culture; and
Whereas, “Through the Word and Sacraments, as through
instruments, the Holy Spirit is given [John 20:22]. He works faith,
when and where it pleases God [John 3:8], in those who hear the
Good News that God justifies those who believe that they are

R e s olu t i on s

2 0 1 3 C o n v e n t io n P r o c e e d i n g s

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