LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1983, Page 136

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136

facilitate the synodwide ministerial health program;
and

WHEREAS, The Scriptures admonish us out of love
from and for the Lord of the church to “strengthen the
weak hands and confirm the feeble knees”; therefore be
it

Resolved, That the Synod remind its full-time pro-
fessional church workers that their bodies are temples
of the Holy Spirit, that an emphasis on personal health
practices, lifestyles, and wholesome mental health
habits contribute extensively to the extension of the
kingdom of God among us, and be it further

Resolved, That we encourage congregations, es-
pecially boards of elders and personnel committees, to
increase concern for their workers: e.g., time schedules,
family responsibilities, emotional and spiritual needs,
professional growth, and remuneration, so that workers
and congregations may grow together in service to their
Lord and to each other; and be it further

Resolved, That we instruct the Board of Directors to
initiate a study on the question of ministerial health
with the intent of establishing procedures and programs
that reduce professional workers’ health problems; and
be it further

Resolved, That the synodical Commission on Minis-
terial Health be directed to continue its commendable
leadership, being provided under considerable diffi-
culty, in the development of regional and local resources
and that their and our continued responsiveness to
these vital needs be encouraged; and be it finally

Resolved, That in meeting the needs of its full-time
professional church workers, the Synod utilize its
reservoir of resources found in Social Ministry Services,
particularly its chaplains who are qualified by training
in clinical pastoral education.

Action: Adopted (5).

(An amendment to the effect “that before the end of 1983 the
Board of Directors, together with the Council of Presidents,
provide effective written guidelines to help boards of elders”
failed. Also voted down was a motion to refer to the committee
with instructions to provide a directive to engage a full-time
staff person.)

To Emphasize Our Commitment
to Campus Ministry
RESOLUTION 1-04
Report 1-01 (CW, p. 3)

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
has historically made a strong commitment to ministry
on college campuses; and

WHEREAS, An important part of our North American
mission program is the reaching out with the Gospel to
the 12,000,000 students currently enrolled in the colleges
and universities of our nation; and

WHEREAS, The campuses of our land are a true

mission field since many students arenot Christian and .

RESOLUTIONS

since there are more than 325,000 international students
enrolled in colleges and universities (most from coun-
tries to which no church can send missionaries); and
WHEREAS, The very mission of our church is to
proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ as the Son of
God and the only Savior of the world; therefore be it

Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod and its professional workers pledge themselves
to a campus ministry which speaks clearly in accord-
ance with our Scriptural and Confessional principles;
and be it further

Resolved, That we encourage our campus pastors; -
contact pastors, Lutheran faculty and students, and all :
who minister to college students to be bold witnesses :
that “God was in Christ, reconciling the world to«
Himself’; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod encourage congregationg
located near college campuses to develop special out:
reach programs to students; and be it further

Resolved, That home congregations of students be:
asked to (1) notify the LCMS congregations near.th
campus where the students are enrolled and (2) notify
the students of the presence of LCMS congregationg
near the campus where the students are enrolled so that.
a contact can be made; and be it finally :

Resolved, That we continue to pray for the Lord’s.
blessing and guidance on this vital ministry.

Action: Adopted as amended (5).

(The amendment added point 2 to the fourth resolve.
Session 12 the revised wording of that resolve was approved!
common consent.)

To Encourage More Congregational:
Participation in Personalized
Missionary Support Program

RESOLUTION 1-05
Report 1-01 (CW, p. 13)

WHEREAS, Our Lord has commanded His peop

make disciples of all nations; and ;

WHEREAS, The Synod maintains and suppo

sionaries throughout the world in order to share.
love in Christ with people; and

WHEREAS, The missionary in his field of wo

extension of the congregation; and

WHEREAS, Direct involvement by the mem)

local congregations increases their awaren
joys and sorrows, problems and needs of the.
program in general, and the individual m1ss10!
particular; therefore be it ,
Resolved, That congregations be encourag'
tinue to participate in the Personalized
Support program.

Action: Adopted (7).