# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_2016_S195
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

RESOLUTIONS
11

Structure and Administration
To Hold National and District
Conventions Every Four Years
RESOLUTION 11-01
Overtures 11-43, 11-46–47 (CW, pp. 402, 404)
Whereas, We live in a hurried culture, and there is a need for
deeper study, conversation, and reflection on important matters
on a local level that we rarely have time for; and
Whereas, Moving to a four-year convention cycle would provide the opportunity for theological and missional grassroots
convocations between conventions by congregations, circuits,
and/or districts better to engage congregations and church leaders on a local level, providing more time for theological reflection
and study; and
Whereas, The overall cost to host a district or national convention has continued to increase over the years, largely borne by
individual congregations, many of which are struggling financially,
and impacting district and national budgets; and

election cycles, terms of office, staggering terms, and any other necessary issues that arise prior to the 2019 convention; and be it finally
Resolved, That Constitution Art. VIII A 1 be amended as follows:
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
Article VIII Synodical Meetings
A. Time and Legality of Meetings
1. The Synod convenes every three four years for its regular
meeting.
2. For a legal convention …
Action: Declined (3)
(After extensive discussion, during which a motion to end
debate failed and debate continued, a second motion to end debate
was carried and Res. 11-01 was not adopted [Yes: 470; No: 597].)

Whereas, Moving to a four-year convention cycle would provide more time to implement convention actions; and
Whereas, Moving to a four-year convention cycle may provide
opportunity for substantial financial relief to congregation, district,
and national budgets; therefore be it
Resolved, That a four-year convention cycle be adopted for the
national and district levels; and be it further
Resolved, That the four-year schedule would be as follows: year
one—circuits may hold convocations and/or local forums; year
two—districts may hold or encourage regional theological and missional convocations; year three—district conventions; and year
four—the national convention; and be it further
Resolved, That the President of the Synod, district presidents,
and circuit visitors and their respective staffs utilize the extra year
to accomplish visitation in a more reasonable and equitable fashion; and be it further
Resolved, That this become effective upon completion of the 2019
convention and shall effect every Synod and district convention
thereafter; and be it further
Resolved, That bylaw provisions shall be determined for adoption at the 2019 convention for immediate implementation of
Committee 11 Chairman Terry Cripe
“11. Structure and Administration”

U P O N T H I S R O C K • Resolutions

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