LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1983, Page 36

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36 MISSIONS, EVANGELISM, AND SOCIAL MINISTRY

1-31

To Facilitate Ministerial/Teacher Health
and Prevent Burnout

WHEREAS. Pastors and teachers, with their families and
congregations, are subject to stresses and strains because of
the demanding nature of their commitments from the pressures
of the Old Adam, an ailing society, and a hurting world: and

WHEREAS, It has been estimated that such strains result in
the consideration of one out of eight Protestant ministers
resigning from the ministry. an increase in clergy divorce,
individual family conflicts and problems. pastor and congre-
gational alienation, and the like: and

WHEREAS, The District Ministerial Health Commission has
consulted with the District president on an alarming number of
such situations; and

WHEREAS. Our Synod and District havea sizable investment
and concern in the good stewardship of the talents entrusted to
itin the lives and training of its workers; and

WHEREAS. The Scriptures admonish us out of love from and
to the Lord of the church to "strengthen the weak hands and
confirm the feeble knees’; and

WHEREAS, There is a lack of administrative staff to facilli-
tate the Svnodwide ministerial health program. especially at
its national resource in St Louis, thereby placing the Missouri
District. among others, under greater pressure; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Eastern District memorialize The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in convention to give the
synodical Commission on Ministerial Health adequate admini-
strative staff to facilitate its program on a more professional
and complete basis than is presently possible, and to request
funds for such a position from foundation, fraternal fund, and
budget resources: and be it further

Resolved, That the Eastern District memorialize the Synod
to direct the synodical commission in cooperation with District
Commissions on Ministerial Health to develop regional
and local resources which are able to utilize Concordia Health
Plan coverage as the Eastern District is attempting to do; and
be it further

Resolved. That the Eastern District memorialize the Svnod
to direct the duly constituted calling bodies of the Synod to give
more specific attention to the screening and assistance of
individual personality and family problems which may cause
potential conflict in the worker's relationship with the congre-
gation before such calls or assignments are given; and be it
finally

Resolved, That congregations be encouraged to have
specific concern for their workers’ time schedules, family
responsibilities, professional growth, and remuneration so
that workers and congregations may grow together in service
to their Lord and to each other.

Eastern District
Robert L. Rickus, Secretary

To Express Concern and Support
for the Health and Healing Ministry
of the Church

WHEREAS, Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Servant of all, who healed
the sick in body and mind, has commissioned His people to follow in
His way; and

WHEREAS, I] health and brokenness not only persist, but are
taking on many new and grievous forms in our complex world; and

WHEREAS, The needs of the suffering. both near and far,
represent a strong call to Christ’s servants to share His touch and
witness of love; and

WHEREAS, It is essential that the whole church be involved in the
task of dealing with sickness and creating wholeness; and

WHEREAS, The mission of the church has been singularly blessed
through active involvement in medical programs; therefore be it

Resolved:

1. That we call the members of the Synod to a new awareness
and fresh commitment to the health and healing ministry of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2. That we ask the Commission on Health and Healing to
engage in renewed efforts to stimulate such awareness in appro-
priate ways, keeping before the church the needs of the sick and
suffering, both at home and overseas.

3. 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.

4. That we ask the Board for Parish Services to encourage the
preparation and distribution of Bible study materials on the health
and healing ministry of Christ and His church.

5. That we request the Board for Mission Services to consider
how it may expand its health and healing ministries at home and
overseas.

6. 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 profes-
sionals—and encourage them to continue their endeavors to the
glory of God and the well-being of His people.

Commission on Health and Healing
Howard Mueller, Acting Chairman
Florence Montz, R.N., Staff Administrator

1-33

To Encourage Awareness of National
and International Health Goals

WHEREAS, the United States and Canada have established
national health goals and are calling upon all their citizens to
become aware of these goals and to assist in their attainment; and

WHEREAS, The World Health Organization of the United Nations
has established the objective of a healthy world community by the
year 2000; and

WHEREAS, Under the blessing of God, the giver of every good and
perfect gift, great advances have been made in health by the
elimination of some diseases such as smallpox and by steady
progress toward the elimination of others such as measles, leprosy,
and malana; and

WHEREAS, It has been established that all five leading causes of
premature death in North America—accidents, cancer, heart
disease, homicide, suicide—could be significantly reduced by
individual lifestyle decisions and by the local parish becoming a
caring and supportive community to an even greater extent;
therefore be it

Resolved:

1. That we ask the Commission on Health and Healing to keep
the church informed regarding national health goals through the
Cross and Caduceus.

2. That we cooperate in every way possible in the achievement
of these goals.

3. That we lend special efforts toward the elimination of
unnecessary causes of premature death.

4. That we commend national and international health agen-
cies, their leaders and staffs, for their determined efforts to improve
the health of society and ask the blessing of God our Healer on their
continued service.

5. That we encourage congregations to promote healthy life
styles for their members and conduct programs and activities of
health and healing.

Commission on Health and Healing
Howard Mueller, Acting Chairman
Florence Montz, R.N., Staff Administrator