# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1973_S21 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) MISSIONS 21 be in mission. It has been learned, though, that there are certain limits to the practicality of theological education by extension and that there still is a need for some type of resident seminary. Plans and Hopes for the Future In rejoicing in God’s blessings which He has showered upon us we in Venezuela await God’s future for us with a degree of apprehension as we see storm clouds of radical economic and political change descending upon us and all of Latin America. Nevertheless, to an even greater degree we live in hope know- ing that God will bless His Word made flesh in the world as He is lived and proclaimed. Douglas R. Groll, President. Conference of Lutheran Churches in Venezuela 15. Council of Lutheran Churches in Central America and Panama (Concap) Major Developments In Central America and Panama the key word for the last two years has been one that many of our brothers and sisters may not recognize, even though it is perfectly good English — indigenization. At the beginning of the period there were eight Central American pastors and eight expatriate missionaries who exercised much of the leadership. Now, 2 years later, the pic- ture is entirely different: 13 national pastors work harmoniously with five expatriate missionaries. The expatriates serve to meet specialized needs in the church, while increasingly the nationals are assuming the decision-making leadership responsibilities. The results of this shift in leadership are quick to make themselves felt. Sometimes it is in areas that seem relatively unimportant to the ‘“‘Gringo” missionary, as for instance in the instruments used to accompany congregational singing, or the choice of hymns. Sometimes it is in difficult areas like deter- mining the responsibility of the church in societies where there are repressive, cruel regimes; or seeing just what the churches can and should do in the face of staggering social problems. All of this, of course, viewed in the light of the church's task to pro- claim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed. Plans and Hopes for the Future Such inner dialog of the churches, as they become truly a part of the countries where they are, leads inevitably to another conclusion that points out our future task for us—the need to make our church lay-centered. We must activate all the people of our churches for carrying out the church’s demanding role. In order to help us redefine our methods to make our churches more lay-centered, we are embarking on a curriculum development program, together with other Lutheran churches of our area. We will involve as many of our people as possible in dialog with others, in order to make them aware of what the church really is and what their role can and should be in it. Our churches are becoming Central American and the Central Americans are becoming our churches. We are being equipped by our Lord to proclaim His name by the power and with the gifts of the Spirit. As this happens, we are experi- encing a growing unity among ourselves which we take to be a work of that Spirit who is leading us into an understanding of our work that fits with our place and time. We are seeing here and there spurts of church growth, as well as more slowly acquired results of the kind that come only with patience and persever- ance. You might say that we are digging in, spreading out and growing up! Kenneth Mahler, President. CONCAP 16. Lutheran Synod of Mexico Major Developments Missouri Synod Christians are, of course, not the only Lu- therans sharing the Gospel in Mexico today. There are about 10 Lutheran entities in our nation, using four different languages. The first Protestant services permitted in Mexico by the 1867 constitution were described as “‘German Lutheran.” But since the 1940s the Missouri Synod has been concerned pri- marily with establishing a Spanish-speaking national ministry. Because of past restrictions, progress has been slow. But God has now blessed us with a dozen Mexican pastors plus additional lay workers, serving a membership of 1,500. The 55 Lutheran ministers from the various Synods are in- vited to regular study retreats. Our church has also participated in Augsburg Seminary in Mexico City. This is an inter-Lutheran school for students from Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. The present enrollment is 13 students. Prof. Ray Rosales of Augsburg Seminary also coordinates the extension program that teaches 150 Lutheran students in six centers throughout Latin America. During the last biennium, some of our congregations initiated a lay-training program called: ‘‘Plan Seventy.” For a 9-month period, the laymen completed Scriptural, historical, and practi- cal studies that equipped them to witness, to teach, and even to lead a worship service. This program has now spread to various Lutheran groups in a number of countries. Plans and Hopes for the Future Our Synod has opened two new areas for evangelism in northern Mexico: Chihuahua and Culiacan. In each area, satel- lite missions will probably develop from the central congrega- tion. In several areas of northern Mexico, the government has donated land to our Synod because it recognizes the good work God’s people are doing. Hopefully multipurpose edifices, though humble, will soon be erected there. We are grateful to our Savior for the help received from the Missouri Synod. We are raising three special offerings in ob- servance of the 125th anniversary. We appreciate also the as- sistance of the Texas District, the Colorado District, the Lu- theran Baja California Mission, and other organizations and individuals. Especially do we raise our hearts in adoration be- cause you have supported us with your charitable understand- ing, your Christian love, and your fervent prayers. Tomas Guzman, President, Synod of Mexico APPENDIX B North American District Mission Reports In December 1972, each of the Synod’s 38 North American Districts was asked to do a two-page summary report on its District mission program this past biennium. Districts were asked to report on: 1. major developments in Christ's mission in their area the past 2 years 2. chief problem(s) struggled with in relation to Christ's mission (the major one mentioned, of course: shortage of funds) 3. major joys and satisfactions for which to give thanks to God 4. major mission plans being projected and worked on 5. ways in which the synodical Board for Missions has as- sisted or could assist in the fulfillment of Christ's mission in their area. Due to space limitations in the CONVENTION WORKBOOK, a limited sampling of District responses (principally showing what mission plans the Districts are working on or looking forward to} is included in this appendix. The complete District reports, however. will be given to the convention floor committee on missions. What's in the ‘mission hopper’ for North America? The following replies indicate that Districts have been working on or are planning toward many and varied, old and new, mission thrusts: A. B.C.: exploration of new ministries in 11 areas... “inner strengthening for forward movement.” Atlantic: greater involvement of parishes and their representa- tives in the planning process of mission . . . “renewed stress on evangelism ... stewardship . . . more significant inter- Lutheran planning and work.” Cal. and Nev.: expansion of mission in central cities . . . recruit- ment and training program for indigenous full-time workers in minority and special culture communities. .. . “develop- ment of a ‘process’ for change. renewal and planning... .~ Central Ill.: *.. . at least one new mission this year”... . three permanent facilities for mission congregations . . . divide a town-gown ministry . . . additional vicar in ministry to deaf. Colorado: sharpening goals for special ministries . . . mission expansion (possibly up to 10 new ministries in next 3 years), with local involvement in decision making . . . “exploration of opportunities for inter-Lutheran cooperation” —in regard