LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1983, Page 71

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT 71

should be done nationally and what through
Districts?

"Are we serious about being in ministry to minori-
ties? If so, how best can we plan together for such
ministries and fund them? Are we willing to make
greater use of evangelists and special colloquy
programs? What should be the roles of national and
District programs?

Do we give adequate emphasis to social ministry?
Are we giving sufficient support to institutional
chaplaincy programs? What should be the national

‘and District responsibilities for such programs?

'- Should we encourage greater use of volunteers in
District and national programs of mission and

‘ministry? If so, please consider the “Laborers for

‘Christ’? program (1-18), an expanded volunteer

health program (1-34), and the various programs in

the report of the Board for Social Ministry Services.

. When should the Synod speak out on social issues?

The following introductory statement was usedina

question and answer brochure on the tuition tax

credit. Would this statement be an appropriate

~~ guide for addressing other social issues?

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod holds that
it is important for the Synod as a visible, external
organization to study and keep itself informed regard-
ing current social and governmental issues “as they
affect the church and as the church may affect such
social issues” (Bylaw 2.593b4).

There are times when the Scriptures speak so
clearly and directly to a particular issue that it is
possible and may even be necessary for the church to
take a corporate stance on it. This is the case with
respect to such problems as abortion and euthanasia.
In some cases it may only be possible for the church to
speak to the morality of a given issue without coming
out in favor of or in opposition to legislation in this
area, e.g., homosexuality or divorce. In still other cases,
sensitive questions may arise for public debate con-
cerning which God’s Word provides even less specific
guidance. Even here, however, these issues may have
important implications for the church as an institution,
or may have a potential for depriving individuals of
religious rights or liberties. In these cases it may be
helpful for the Synod, while recognizing that Lutheran
Christians equally committed to following God’s will
as revealed in Holy Scripture may come to different
conclusions, to keep its members informed and offer
guidance to them as they determine their own positions.

The question of tuition tax credits is such an issue.
This is an important contemporary topic of debate. The
way this question is resolved has far-reaching implica-
tions for the individual members of the Synod and for
its congregations and schools. What follows is a cate-
chism of questions and answers which has been
prepared by the Board for Parish Services at the
request of the President of the Synod. Its purpose is not

to suggest an official stance of the Synod on this
question but rather to provide reliable information
about this proposal and make available the most
important arguments which knowledgeable people
have offered in favor of and in opposition to legislation
pending in this area.

‘9. Is the Synod doing enough to help full-time church

~ workers with mental health problems? The Synod’s

*) Ministerial health program to date has focused on

remedial programs. Should preventative and re-
- directive programs also be developed? If so, what

10.

are the priorities compared to other programs of
mission and ministry?

Are inter-Lutheran developments affecting our
mission, evangelism, and social ministry programs?

Specific Suggestions and Recommendations

1.
2.

3.

10.

Strengthen partner church ties through ILC.
Commend NAME (North American Mission Execu-
tives) for coordination of mission planning.

Give increased organizational visibility to North
American missions; encourage closer organiza-
tional liaison with Board for Evangelism Services.

. Stress importance of campus ministries; urge

respect for the Synod’s fellowship principle.

. Encourage evangelism programs, but do not man-

date new staff positions.

. Support refugee resettlement efforts.
. Encourage congregational social ministry pro-

grams and greater emphasis on social ministry in
the national budget.

. Encourage stronger District and national programs

in minority ministries.

. Expand efforts to increase ministries of and to the

aging.
Expand ministerial health programs (e.g., 1-30).

II. Parish, Youth, and Communication Services

Related Pianning Assumptions from ECC Report (page
169)

1.

4.

5.

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will con-
tinue to be a confessional church.

The Synod will be a church which will take the
changeless Word and apply it toa changing society.
The composition of age groups in North America is
changing from a pyramid with a high percentage of
young people at the base to a block with even
distribution throughout. This will affect church
programs and priorities.

Questions for Consideration and Reflection

1.

Many good things are happening in Parish Services,
Youth, and Communications. What can be done to
help our people know more about them?

Is the Synod pleased with Parish Services, Youth,
and Communications planning assumptions and
goals for the next 10 years contained in the ECC
report?

. Please consider the report of each board and com-

mission and determine agreement with the direction
it is taking.

. AreSunday school, Bible class, and other curricular

materials meeting the needs of our people?

. With 49.1% of students in our elementary and

secondary schools being non-Lutheran, including
8.7% unchurched, how can schools be more effective
as a mission arm of the Synod? How can inner-city
schools receive greater support?

. Will the rapid development of secondary schools