# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2013_S155
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

LIFE TOGETHER
Whereas, The district has published and promoted these
outcomes through weekly bulletin inserts, the Web site, pastors conferences, Winkels, a printed Bible study, etc.; therefore be it
Resolved, That the North Dakota District adopt these three outcomes, filtered through Witness, Mercy, Life Together, as the vision
and focus of mission and ministry for this new triennium, to be forwarded to the Synod as suggestions for synodwide triennial emphasis
(Bylaw 4.2.1 [d]); and be it further
Resolved, The Witness, Mercy, Life Together goals for the faithful pastors, bold witnesses, and empowered stewards outcomes be
embraced by the North Dakota District.
North Dakota District
3-21

To Advocate New and Heightened Emphasis
on Church Planting
Whereas, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, in grateful
response to God’s grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through
Word and Sacraments, strives vigorously to make known the love
of Christ by word and deed within our churches, communities, and
world; and
Whereas, The LCMS global mission focus has been on Gospel
proclamation for the purposes of outreach, church planting, leadership
training, strategic mission development and global multiplication—
multiplying the number of believers sharing their faith; and
Whereas, The LCMS has encouraged all LCMS congregations
to become “mission outposts,” where the unchurched are lovingly
connected to Jesus; and
Whereas, The LCMS recognizes North America as the third largest mission field on the globe; therefore be it
Resolved, That the CNH District in convention (2012) memorialize the 2013 LCMS convention to continue to encourage and
challenge all LCMS congregations to go about the work of proclaiming the Gospel increasingly, intentionally, vigorously, and prayerfully,
making disciples of all the nations and being witnesses of Christ in our
churches, schools, communities, and the world through the Synod’s
mission endeavors, and do so equally vigorously in both the national
and international realms; and be it further
Resolved, that the CNH District in convention (2012) urge the
President of the LCMS to advocate a new and heightened focus on
church planting; and be it finally
Resolved, That the President of the LCMS work vigorously to
see to it that pastors, church workers, laymen, and laywomen of the
Synod be provided opportunities to be educated, trained, equipped,
and encouraged for rural, urban, intercultural, and all types of mission work, in the United States, North America, and to the nations
of the world.
California-Nevada-Hawaii District
3-22

To Establish Triennial Mission and Ministry
Emphasis for Synod
Whereas, The 2010 convention of The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod adopted a process whereby a triennial emphasis is
established by suggestions forwarded through the adoption of overtures at the congregation level, then by circuit forums, then by district
conventions, and finally by the Synod convention; and

155

Whereas, National tragedies reinforce the need for the LCMS to
be active in proclaiming the Gospel in the public square; and
Whereas, Congregations are asked in Bylaw 4.2.1 to submit mission and ministry emphases for consideration; and
Whereas, The occurrence of a national tragedy and its aftermath
do not always allow sufficient time for a congregation to submit a relevant overture through a circuit forum and a district convention, and
yet there is need for the LCMS to respond promptly and properly; and
Whereas, It is our aspiration that the mission and ministry of the
LCMS uphold our responsibility and freedom to be active in the proclamation of the Gospel in the public square; therefore be it
Resolved, That Proclaiming the Gospel in the Public Square be
adopted as a mission and ministry emphasis for the Synod’s 2013–
2016 triennium.
Circuit 38, Texas District; Trinity, Roselle, Il
3-23

To Recommend Mission and Ministry Emphases
to Synod
Whereas, The Synod has encouraged congregations to recommend mission and ministry emphases to the Synod for each triennium;
therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod focus on the following mission and
ministry emphases for its next triennium: campus ministry; family
life ministry; immigrant ministry; renewed focus on activities and
resources that support and enhance congregational worship; renewed
encouragement to congregations to serve needs in their immediate
neighborhoods.
Pacific Hills
Omaha, NE
3-24

To Facilitate Placement of Returning Missionaries
and Military Chaplains
Whereas, Ordained missionaries and military chaplains have
very diverse experience and skills in preaching the Gospel to various peoples; and
Whereas, Ordained field missionaries and military chaplains
serve in a temporary position which eventually comes to a conclusion and are available and desire pastoral calls; and
Whereas, It is poor stewardship that these gifts from God are not
being fully utilized because a pastoral call has not been received in
a timely manner; and
Whereas, Smooth transitions upon return from missionary service may encourage more pastors to seek to expand their ministry
experience by making themselves receptive to missionary service;
therefore be it
Resolved, That the Montana District in convention memorialize
the LCMS to direct district presidents to make full and timely use of
the list of returning ordained missionaries and military chaplains, as
provided by the Office of International Mission, when supplying candidate lists to calling congregations.
Montana District

2013 Convention Workbook