LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1983, Page 73

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teachers, and congregations in presenting a strong
confessional witness to one another and to the
- world?
_ Are our theological positions adequately known
and understood by people? If not, how could our
.. publications provide greater assistance?

. How can weencourage greater study of major issues
like justification, ministry, and abortion?
6. What should be our response to theological ques-
tions arising from current developments in world
Lutheranism?

|. Encourage widespread study of justification, Com-
munion practices, and guidelines on inter-Christian
-relationships.

‘9, Develop a statement of synodical appreciation for
. Dr. Martin Luther’s contributions to the church;
encourage congregations to celebrate the 500th
anniversary of his birth.

. Develop stronger efforts to oppose abortion and to
encourage our pastors, congregations, boards, and
agencies to increase their involvement and educa-
tional efforts.

. Support our LCMS proposal to form a new inter-
Lutheran association to replace the Lutheran
_ Council as soon as possible prior to 1988.

"5. Call for a theological study on questions pertaining
to the end-times.

. Encourage participation in free Lutheran theologi-
cal conferences.

. Give strong support to an intensive study on the role
of women in the church; resist efforts to reverse our
position on woman suffrage.

. Encourage greater liaison between the Board for
Social Ministry Services and the Committee on
Social Concerns; support expanded budget and
staff for social-ethical concerns when additional
funds become available.

. Call for a study on peace in this nuclear age, as well
as a rationale to guide the church’s speaking on
social-political issues.

IV. Administration and Program
Implementation

Related Planning Assumptions from ECC Report (page
169)

7. Openings of new ministries will be on a national

priority basis around North America for the Synod
to continue to serve its present membership.

10. The Synod will have to rethink its philosophy of
higher education and do some restructuring of its
higher education system.

14. The accumulated operating debt will be repaid.

15. The debt on the new building will be repaid.

16. Strong Districts are good for the Synod.

17. Changes will take place in sharing resources.

18. District and synodical structures will need to be

priority basis. Funds will have to be distributed ona.

10.

11.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT 73

changed to make maximum use of available
resources.

Questions for Consideration and Reflection

. Many good things are happening in the areas of

Administration, Treasurer’s Office, Internal Audit-
ing, Personnel, Stewardship, Foundation, and Con-
cordia Plans. How can we help our people know
more about them?

. Isthe Synod pleased with the planning assumptions

and goals (Workbook, p. 169)? (Committee IV has
primary responsibility for reviewing the ECC
report, but all committees are also studying perti-
nent assumptions.)

Please consider the reports of officers, boards, and
departments and determine agreement with the
general direction they are taking.

In 1979 Res. 12-06, the Synod resolved “to commit
itself to developing new methods for joint planning
of the work of the Synod and its Districts, so that
new work can begin on a priority basis; that present
programs which may not meet the needs of the
Synod can be revised or terminated; that duplica-
tion between the Synod and its Districts can be
minimized; and that resources can be shared in such
a way so that cutbacks of needed programs will not
be required and the challenges of the 80s can be met.
...”’ If this is still valid, should any of the options in
the ECC report, Board of Directors Supplemental
Report, or other proposals for planning and budget-
ing together be adopted by the convention? Should
some short-term actions be taken and some pro-
cesses be approved for long-term solutions?

. Is the planning process outlined in the ECC report

acceptable? If not, what changes are desirable?

. Is the Planning Council proposed in the ECC and

Commission on Structure reports a viable approach?
Should the relationships between national and
District conventions, boards of directors, officers
and staffs, with respect to program planning and
budgeting, be reviewed?

Are the seven related planning units in the ECC
report still valid?

How best can we eliminate the synodical deficit—
and the negative impact it is having on the desire of
our church body to move forward?

. Should the convention change the Bylaws to state

that conventions cannot mandate expenditures
without, at the sametime, providing such fundsina
manner other than borrowing?

Should an extensive stewardship program be
requested of all Districts? If so, how best can
congregations be encouraged to participate?

In the last 10 years, receipts by congregations
increased 95 percent, receipts by Districts, 65 per-
cent, and receipts by national Synod, 4.2 percent.
How can we alter this trend? Would it be desirable
for Districts and congregations to enter into agree-
ments on the percent of increased congregational
receipts from new stewardship programs that will