LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1983, Page 33

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MISSIONS. EVANGELISM, AND SOCIAL MINISTRY 33

both seminaries, and the Board for Mission services to formu-

late this new set of mission statements; and be it finally
Resolved, That the new mission affirmations be presented

to the 1986 convention of the Synod.

Faith Lutheran Church
Godfrey, Ill.
M. C. Neuhaus, President
Betty Brown, Secretary

1-20A

To Support Work in Haiti

WHEREAS, The Rev. Doris-Jean Louis of Pétion-Ville, Haiti,
has successfully completed the M. Div. program at Concordia
Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, and has been certified by
this seminary for the Lutheran ministry; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Louis has been called by two Lutheran
congregations to minister to his own native Haiti; and

WHEREAS, Rey. Louis has been in contact with representa-
tives of only the LCMS and not with any other church bodies:
and

WHEREAS, Rev. Louis has initiated a pastoral and educa-
tional ministry that is confessionally Lutheran in theology
and practice; and

WHEREAS, God has obviously blessed the ministry of Rev.
Louis in continually growing numbers through the ministry of
Word and Sacrament, evangelism, and parochial education:
and

WHEREAS, The ministry of Rev. Louis among the poor and
uneducated people of Haiti is both a needed work of the church
and is in need of spiritual. moral, and material support:
therefore be it

Resolved, That the LCMS in convention recognize the
ministry of Rev. Doris-Jean Louis in the country of Haiti as
worthy of receiving spiritual, moral, and material support from
individuals and organizations of the LCMS.

Resurrection Lutheran Church
St. Catharines, Ont.

A. Misener, President

TD. Putzman, Pastor

Identical or similar:

1-20B to 1-20F
Board of Directors, Ontario District

St. Matthew’s, Smithville, Ont.
Grace, Niagara Falls, N.Y.

Sauveur Vivant, Gatineau, Quebec
First, Windsor, Ont.

Harold Patzer
John Stancih
Daviel D. Otto
David Elseroad
Frank Johnson

1-21
To Encourage Pastors’ Witness Workshops

WHEREAS, The pastor is the called witness to witnesses: and

WHEREAS, The pastor must want to grow and be willing to
pay the price in total commitment to Christ, to the body of
Christ (the church), and to the Great Commission of our Lord:
and

WHEREAS, The pastor can grow in evangelistic attitudes and
techniques through attendance at a pastorally oriented Wit-
ness Workshop; and

WHEREAS, A pastor could be an equipper of the saints of his
congregation following the completion of a Pastors’ Witness
Workshop; therefore be it

Resolved, That each District arrange for one or more
Witness Workshops for pastors only; and be it further

Resolved, That the Board for Evangelism Services provide
resource material and recommend leaders for such workshops:
and be it finally

Resolved, That all pastors not only pray for the Holy Spirit’s
blessings on these gatherings, but also participate joyfully and
enthusiastically so as to “infect” others of their brethren.

Board for Evangelism Services
Oswald A. Waech, Chairman
Erwin J. Kolb, Executive Secretary

1-22
To Establish a Church Growth Department

WHEREAS, There has been a renewed emphasis on the Great
Commission of our Lord as witnessed by 32 District convo-
cations and a second synodical Great Commission Convo-
cation planned for Oct. 25—28, 1984: and

WHEREAS, Christianity is a “finding” religion with deep
concern for the unreached (John 1:43 ff.); and

WHEREAS, The LCMS desires to grow spiritually as well as
numerically through the faith ful use of the means of grace; and

WHEREAS, Church growth has as its goal the “making of
disciples” (not decisions) for Christ and His church: and

WHEREAS, Church growth principles seek to help the local
congregation accomplish its essential purpose of reaching the
unreached with the Word so that the Holy Spirit might
incorporate them into the fellowship of believers; and

WHEREAS, Our present evangelism staff of two people is
doing an excellent job, but has all the work it can possibly
handle: therefore be it

Resolved, That this synodical convention grant permission
for the establishment of a Church Growth Department under
the Board for Evangelism Services: and be it further

Resolved, That the BES consider church growth promotion
a vital addition to its functions; and be it further

Resolved, That this convention authorize the addition of a

church growth evangelism staff member who would also
consider membership conservation and referral important
aspects of his portfolio: and be it finally

Resolved, That we rededicate ourselves to the task the Lord
of the harvest has given us to do in Matt. 28:18-20 to make our
church a glowing. going. growing body under God.

Board for Evangelism Services
Oswald A. Waech. Chairman
Erwin J. Kolb, Executive Secretary

1-23
To Encourage Lutheran Open House Missions

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Open House and its predecessor,
the PTR (Preaching-Teaching-Reaching Mission), imparted
inestimable blessings to LCMS congregations in the past: and

WHEREAS, The crest of adult accessions in the LCMS at the
heights of LOH PTR activity must be regarded as more than
mere coincidence; and

WHEREAS, Statistics show positive returns in accessions,
reclamations, transfers, Sunday school enrollees, candidates
for Baptism. etc., in recently conducted LOH activities: and

WHEREAS, LOH activities still offer prime opportunity for
inviting relatives, friends. and acquaintances to worship
and or other events: and

WHEREAS, Within today’s diverse society there are many
specific needs, and LOH activities can be tailored to serve such
needs and celebrate that diversity: therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod encourage the continuation of the
LOH concept at all levels: and be it further

Resolved. That the Districts be encouraged to sponsor LOH
activities on the District. regional, Circuit, or congregational
level under proper direction: and be it further

Resolved. That congregations be encouraged to participate

—ae

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