# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1973_S180 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) I EEEEEEEEITTDSOSZSCSCS‘“‘")]’_~WCOW COC 180 SYNODICAL ADMINISTRATION The proposed realignment of the Montana-Wyoming Dis- tricts has been translated into a specific research design; and contact was made with the involved Districts regarding the initiation of this study. Due to the limitation of budget funds within the past biennium, however, the study was not implemented and will continue to be held in abeyance until such time as funds can be made available for the completion of this study. The synodical convention in Denver also resolved to refer a Comprehensive Project of Research in Christian Education (Resolution 7-04) to the Department of Research and Statistics. The department formed a special committee to assist in the task of translating this general resolution into a specific proposal for research in the area of Christian edu- cation. A complete outline of the basic objectives of this research program and the enumeration and identification of a series of specific research projects to be included in this program of research were formulated by this committee and presented to the Board of Directors of the Synod. The com- mittee also included with their report to the Board of Di- rectors a request for funding needed to implement this pro- gram of research. Synod’s Board of Directors has approved the committee’s recommendations and has authorized the implementation of the program of research: however, due to the limitation of funds the Board of Directors indicated that the program of reasearch would have to be delayed until such time that funds could be made available for it. Research and Statistical Projects Planned There are many areas where research is desperately needed in the church. This needed research has been seri- ously limited in the past by the inability of the Synod to secure adequate funds and the necessary staff to carry out this research, If the solution to these problems in financing and per- sonnel can be solved, an immediate concern of the depart- ment will be to undertake an extensive and intensive analy- sis of past and projected growth trends for the Synod. The department believes that this information is invaluable for sound decision-making and adequate long-range planning in the church. Another concern of the department for the next biennium will be an effort to coordinate and centralize much of the research presently scattered throughout the Synod. This is particularly desirable in order to eliminate duplication of research efforts and also to enhance the quality and value of research conducted in the Synod. Finally, it is our sincere desire that the Department of Research and Statistics will continue to provide valuable services to the membership of the Synod. The underlying concern of all projects and activities of the department is to provide information and services that will be of value to the congregations, pastors, teachers, and agencies of the Synod and will assist them in their task of ministry to the church. DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS Paul R. Picard, Director of Research 4-06 Report of Synodical Services Commission During the 1971—73 biennium, the Synodical Services Commission’s scope of responsibility was expanded, by reso- lution of the Board of Directors, to include service to synod- ical boards and commissions in the filling of Associate and Assistant Executive Secretary vacancies, in addition to those in the Executive Secretary category. The Commission attempted to fulfill this responsibility by soliciting nominees and profiles thereof, objectively and impartially screening the nominees based on qualifications set forth by the responsible appointing board or commission, and submitting three or more names considered by the Com- mission to be best qualified to fill the vacancy. During the last 2 years, since its last convention report, the Commission held nine meetings during which it screened approximately 400 nominees for the following sixteen (16) staff positions in Synod: Director of Public Relations Associate Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Schools Editor of Advance Magazine Executive Secretary of the Armed Forces Commission Secretary for Evangelism General Manager of Radio Station KFUO Associate Stewardship Counselor for Stewardship Education Associate Stewardship Counselor — Resource Development Executive Secretary for the Commission on Theology and Church Relations Executive Secretary — Board for Parish Education Associate Secretary of Schools — Board for Parish Education Secretary for World Relief Administrative Officer of the Board of Directors Assistant Secretary for Evangelism Assistant Director of Public Relations Executive Director — LCMS Foundation The majority of the above positions have been filled by the responsible appointing board, as of the date this report was due. Several positions were alternately filled through a part-time or interim arrangement, and several have been deferred and remain tabled. . The Commission deeply appreciates the services of Rev. John F. Gaertner. Director of Personnel, and his staff in re- questing nominations, obtaining the necessary evaluations, and then submitting, in profile form, all reports on nominees for the review of the Commission. This service has been of immeasurable value, not only in obtaining the information on nominees in a uniform manner, but also in maintaining a comprehensive file on all nom- inees, so that when a name appears for review a second and third time, past information can be as valuable as pres- ent findings. In this manner, your Commission has sought to fulfill its responsibility to the church by making the screening of nominees as objective as possible, maintaining the fullest confidence in the evaluation of candidates, and then submitting to the respective board or commission all information necessary for it to make the best possible choice of leadership for effective Kingdom work. The Commission is grateful for the counsel provided by Dr. Herbert A. Mueller, Chairman of the Division of Church Government, under which the activities of this Commission have been assigned by the synodical Board of Directors. The Commission expresses its heartfelt gratitude for the splendid cooperation from those consulted for profiles, and asks for the continued prayers of the church for its assigned task. SyNopicat SERVICES COMMISSION Rev. Victor M. Selle, Chairman Elmer W. Smitt, Secretary 4-07 Report Re Lutheran Church — Canada In 1958. representatives from the Alberta-British Colum- bia, Manitoba-Saskatchewan, Ontario, and English Districts in Canada voted to form a federation called Lutheran Church —Canada. While there have been several structural and constitutional revisions over the years, the objectives of LC-C remain the same (Art. III): 1. To promote the extension of the Kingdom of God and the work of Lutheran Church — Canada; 2. To speak unitedly and with authority a. in matters of public relations. b. in conferring with the Federal and/or Provincial governments, c. in dealing with other church bodies: 3. To work toward doctrinal unity with other church bodies; 4. To study the matter of the formation of an independent Lutheran Church — Canada to be affiliated with The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod. Throughout LC-C’s history, the fourth objective has re- ceived intensive study and discussion and has twice been tested by ballot. Encouraged by the Synod’s positive stance (Cleveland, Res. 6-36), a referendum on autonomy was placed before our congregations across Canada in 1964, When