LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1983, Page 140

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140 : RESOLUTIONS

Resolved, That we ask the Commission on Health
and Healing to engage in renewed efforts to stimulate
such awareness in appropriate ways, keeping before the
church the needs of the sick and suffering, both at home
and overseas; and be it further

Resolved, That we ask each congregation of the
LCMS to reflect upon and evaluate how it may more
effectively express its nature as a healing community
through various means of service in the local areas; and
be it further

. Resolved, That we instruct the Board for Parish
Services to prepare and distribute Bible study materials
on the health and healing ministry of Christ and His
church; and be it further

Resolved, That we request the Board for Mission
Services to continue to consider how it may expand its
health and healing ministries overseas; and beit finally

Resolved, That we commend all the members of the
LCMS who are giving selflessly of their talents, time,
and efforts in health and healing ministries—including
pastors, lay people, and health professionals—and
encourage them to continue their endeavors to the glory
of God and the well-being of His people.

Action: Adopted as amended (9).

(The fourth resolve had originally encouraged the board to
prepare materials; this was amended to the present reading.)

To Encourage Christian Influence
on the Secular World

RESOLUTION 1-13
Overtures 1-41—1-42 (CW, pp. 38—39)

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
has taken positions on social injustice; and

WHEREAS, These positions are clearly established
and undergirded by Biblical and Confessional prin-
ciples; and

WHEREAS, We are blessed with a kind of government
in which we individually and corporately have the
opportunity to express our opinions on programs and
policies; and

WHEREAS, It is desirable for Christians to be involved
in civic affairs of the community and nation; therefore
be it

Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod affirm its conviction that Christians should take
an active part in social, economic, and political issues;
and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod encourage and assist its
members to become more informed on civil matters; and
be it finally

Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod affirm its confident belief that more Christians,
armed with the knowledge of the Law and the promise

of the Gospel, will surely, with the help of God, influenée
the secular world in beneficial ways. .

Action: Adopted (9).

To Recommend Certain Approaches _ .
and Resources in Evangelism

RESOLUTION 1-14 __
Overtures 1-23—1-25 (CW, pp. 33—34)

WHEREAS, Our congregations are always inn
new approaches and resources in the work’ of
gelism; and

WHEREAS, Lutheran Open House and its predecessor,
the PTR (Preaching-Teaching-Reaching Missi
parted inestimable blessings to LCMS congregation’
the past; and

WHEREAS, Our evangelism efforts include the pr.
assimilation of new members in the life and work 0
congregations; and ‘

WHEREAS, Some congregations and individu int
our Synod have expressed the desire for addifio: hal
Scripturally sound evangelism materials; and ::.

WHEREAS, The Board for Evangelism Services®
Concordia Publishing House have studied the need
evangelism books and have developed a series‘of:
books on evangelism, namely A Theology for Eu
lism, A History of Evangelism, and practical b
backdoor losses, mission motivation, church..g
and surveying the methods of evangelism; therefor
it

Resolved, That the Districts be encouraged té:
sor Lutheran Open House activities on the “Disthe
regional, Circuit, or congregational level; and p
further

Resolved, That the Board for Evangelism Si
assist Districts in conducting Lutheran Open
events by providing guidance, training, and mat
as necessary; and be it further #

Resolved, That we commit ourselves to the pril
that assimilation begins the moment a person
attends our services and that especially when aD
enrolls in the adult membership class, the congr
be encouraged to consider the following:

1. Each member of the class should be visi
home by the pastor and/or elder prior to re
into membership.

2. A sponsor “friend” should be designated,
member in the class.

3. Representatives of the Bible class should
before the class and urge participation
class. oe:

4. Members of the class should be given 4
gifts analysis to determine where th
serve with joy and distinction;

and be it finally

Resolved, That the resources developed by