# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_2023_S230
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

12. SCHOOLS, FAMILY, YOUNG ADULTS, AND YOUTH
Resolved, That congregations and schools be encouraged to
regularly conduct salary and benefit reviews using the CPS
salary tool and/or district salary guidelines toward the creation
of a plan to increase, over time, salaries and benefits; and be it
further
Resolved, That congregations and schools be encouraged to
assist teachers with student debt repayment as a regular
employee benefit; and be it further
Resolved, That congregations prayerfully consider
contributing to church work student scholarship funds at their
respective districts and our Concordia Universities with the
goal of reducing tuition costs and student debt; and be it further
Resolved, That congregations and schools be encouraged to
promote the various resources already available such as
MinistryFocus and other debt retirement options to assist with
student indebtedness; and be it finally
Resolved, That all Synod congregations be encouraged to
contribute towards an annual special designated offering in
support of commissioned minister—teacher debt reduction to
be taken during National Lutheran Schools Week administered
by MinistryFocus in consultation with LCMS Mission
Advancement and LCMS Communications, until the next
convention.
Action: Adopted (5)

Upon immediate closure of debate, as suggested by the chair, the
resolution was adopted by voice vote.

To Commend and Give Thanks
for Lutheran Schools

WHEREAS, In the 2022–23 academic year 1,794 students
were baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of
the Holy Spirit; and
WHEREAS, The last several years have seen substantial
growth in various models of Lutheran schools, including
classical Lutheran schools, micro-schools, homeschools, and
other emerging school models; and
WHEREAS, LCMS School Ministry has established the
Genesis Project, which assists congregations in determining
the feasibility of a new school plant; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod in convention commend all early
childhood teachers, day school teachers, high school teachers,
administrators, and all those who serve in our Lutheran
schools, especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and
give thanks to God for their faithful service; and be it further
Resolved, That all congregations of the LCMS be
encouraged in their continued operation and support of our
Lutheran schools; and be it further
Resolved, That congregations, circuits, and districts, be
encouraged to consult with LCMS School Ministry to explore
expansion, new school plants, and other opportunities for
various Lutheran school models in their respective
communities; and be it further
Resolved, That all parents who are members of LCMS
congregations be encouraged, where available, to enroll their
children in our Lutheran schools; and be it further
Resolved, That the pastors and congregations of our Synod
view their schools as the front line of the mission field; and be
it further

Report R1.2.1 (CW, 14)

Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to God
for the growth of Lutheran schools, including classical
Lutheran schools, micro-schools, homeschools, and all other
emerging school models that provide instruction in Lutheran
doctrine and godly knowledge; and be it finally

WHEREAS, The Triune God commands that children be
taught His Word by their parents and by the Church, (Deut.
4:9–10; 6:5–9; Psalm 78; Matt. 19:13–15; 28:16–20; Eph. 6:4; 1
Tim. 4:10–11); and

Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to God
for His blessing and work in the schools of our Synod by rising
and singing “Lord, Help Us Ever to Retain” (Lutheran Service
Book, 865).

RESOLUTION 12-04A

WHEREAS, Congregations of The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod (LCMS) have established early childhood
centers, day schools, and high schools to teach the Word of
God, and to assist fathers and mothers in their calling to
instruct their children in the same Word and all godly
knowledge; and
WHEREAS, During the 2022–23 school year 1,677 early
childhood centers, 816 day schools, and 103 high schools were
operated by the congregations and recognized service
organizations of the Synod; and
WHEREAS, In the 2022–23 academic year these early
childhood centers, day schools, and high schools, through their
over 21,000 staff members, taught the Word of God to over
180,000 students; and

230 | PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2023 (68TH) LCMS CONVENTION

1. Lord, help us ever to retain
The Catechism’s doctrine plain
As Luther taught the Word of truth
In simple style to tender youth.
2. Help us Your holy Law to learn,
To mourn our sin and from it turn
In faith to You and to Your Son
And Holy Spirit, Three in One.
3. Hear us, dear Father, when we pray
For needed help from day to day
That as Your children we may live,
Whom You baptized and so received.
4. Lord, when we fall or go astray,
Absolve and lift us up, we pray;

Resolutions