LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1983, Page 35

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OSD d to questions which were
sorrearin the identification of the
rmat for reporting on this matter to
5 stated that the person of the observ-
g-depending upon the subject under
and that because of the nature of the next
gto the theological basis for the forma-
w Lutheran Church, Dr. Samuel Nafzger
server. He also pointed out that the
dents would continue to be informed as
received. During discussion of Res. 3-26A

led for nurturing relationships with
es, the delegates considered an amend-
he words “provided that Article II of the
t be compromised” after striking the
rds of the resolved. After agreeing to cease
1e amendment, it was declined and the
ae: dopted as presented. By adopting Res.
3) ve delegates encouraged the President of
convene free theological conferences for
in. Jorth America and throughout the world,
‘that guidelines be prepared for participation
e. conferences in consultation with the
nm on Theology and Church Relations. They
the President of the Synod to report to the
ntion on the results of these conferences.

“=

Shea.

ire 2.and Constitution

irman Wilbert Griesse of the Floor Committee on
e.and Constitution reintroduced Res. 5-04 (TB
hich called for a continuation of the current
iof'electing members to the Boards of Regents of
gAction on this matter had not been completed
vious session although discussion had been
on: the. issue. During the discussion, the floor
nittee changed the word “four” to ‘‘five” in line 24
109). After agreeing to cease debate on the matter,
‘delegates adopted Res. 5-04 (TB 109) as presented.
rman Griesse then indicated that Res. 5-05(7B 109)

ild be included in the work of Committee 4 when Res.
401A was considered. The delegates were encouraged to
ir: to.this resolution when Res. 4-01A was brought
‘ore the convention for discussion. After agreeing by
mon: consent to make the word “Vice-President”
in line 71 the delegates adopted Bylaws which
‘einstated the Commission on Worship, with the under-

‘Gesignate one of its members to serve as a liaison person
: the commission. They took this action by approv-
ing Res. 5-06 (TB 110). This action was taken after a
division of the house had been requested. Votes recorded
on the positive and negative side respectively were 438
and 392. Prior to introducing the resolution the floor
. }. Committee had changed the words “one pastor” to “two
’ pastors” in line 61 (TB 113).

w

Closing Devotion

Using a paraphrase of 2 Cor. 5:17-20 and asking the
delegates to respond to the reading of each verse with
the words “me too,” Dr. Erwin Kolb, executive secretary

ding that the Board for Parish Services would

MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION 35

of the Board for Evangelism Services, led the delegates
in a closing devotion. The devotion was concluded with
the singing of the hymn, “Go Make Disciples.”

Session 6

Tuesday, July 12, Morning
Opening Devotion and Essay

After calling the convention to order, President
Bohlmann announced to the delegates that we would be
following the procedure which had been begun in the
previous morning session. The topic before the conven-
tion in this opening devotion could be stated in these
words: “Dr. Luther helps us understand that we are
simultaneously saints and sinners.” Dr. Robert Sauer,
First Vice-President of the Synod, asked the delegates to
join in singing the first six stanzas of the hymn, “Here
Is the Tenfold Sure Command.” He then introduced Dr.
Karl Barth, president of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis,
who indicated that many of his remarks would be
related to the words of Martin Luther on the matter of a
Christian being simultaneously saint and sinner. In his
remarks he pointed out that it is quite obvious that the
Scriptures clearly indicate that sin originated in one
man. It did not begin this morning, it did not begin
yesterday, but originated with Adam. This original sin
remains with man all his life and is like a beard which
keeps growing back each day and must be shaved off.
Likewise, man is plagued by sin until the final shovel of
earth is pounded on his grave. In response to the
question: “How does a sinner become a saint?” the
answer is clearly that it is by grace, for Christ’s sake,
through faith. Consequently, a Christian is not a sinner
yesterday and a saint today, not sometimes a sinner
and sometimes a saint, but simultaneously sinner and
saint. He pointed out that we are always sinning in spite
of our best efforts but are always forgiven through
Christ our Lord. After the singing of the hymn, “In You
Is Gladness,” an exchange took place between the
delegates and the essayist, reflecting on the words of the
essay for purposes of clarification and edification.

Greetings

President Bohlmann indicated that greetings had
been received from Father Reinert, chancellor of St.
Louis University, and from Gene McNary, county
executive of St. Louis County. In response to a request
from a delegate he asked that when resolutions were
introduced they be introduced by book, page, and
resolution number. As of Monday noon, 30% of the
convention time had been consumed with slightly more
than 7% of the resolutions having been considered.
Announcements were made regarding the picnic and
tours of the International Center of The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod, which would take place in the
evening between 5:30 and 7:30. Several birthdays were
recognized with the delegates joining in wishing the
celebrants a happy birthday. Dr. Bohlmann also
announced that the time when booths and exhibits
would be available for visitation was identical to the