# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1872_S69
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

— 69 —

Home Mission [*Innere Miſſion*].

This subject had been handed over by the Rev. President [*Präſes*] to a committee for report, which was composed of the following members of the Conference: President Sieker, Pastor Adelberg, Dr. Sihler, Pastor Wolbrecht, President Herbst and Pastor Koren. The report which this committee submitted came up for discussion in the eighth session, Monday, July 15, in the afternoon. It reads:

"The committee appointed to report on the carrying on of home mission by the Synodical Conference [*Synodal⸗Conferenz*] permits itself to report the following to a Rev. Assembly:

Since one side of this work that has fallen to the Lutheran Church, namely the care for the population becoming English, has already been fully discussed, it has turned its attention chiefly to setting up points of view concerning the German and Scandinavian part of this work, so that, if God gives grace, this matter, so exceedingly important for our Church, may also be recognized in its significance, and gives such in the following propositions:

1.

The task of the Lutheran Church of this country consists surely also in this, to preserve for the Church of the pure Word, through the service of the Church, the newly arriving and the scattered fellow believers, who are exposed in so dangerous a manner to seduction by heterodox communions, as indeed the constitution of the Synodical Conference also lists this as an object of this body's activity.

2.

Concerning the great importance and indispensable necessity of this seeking and gathering activity in this country, a firm, lasting conviction should be awakened among our preachers and congregations by more frequent pointing to the evident fact of the great losses which our Church has suffered through neglect of this duty of love, and by earnest reminder of the divine command: "Preach the Gospel to every creature."

3.

Since no other means for the rescue of immortal souls are given to the Church than Word and sacrament, the end to be attained can chiefly also be reached only through the oral preaching and the personal effort of those to whom these treasures are entrusted.

4.

For this work only such pastors and candidates should be encouraged who are especially gifted for it and have fervent zeal of love