LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1983, Page 67

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PARISH, YOUTH, AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES 67

people to be trained in these very valuable helping skills; and
be it finally

Resolved, That each District be encouraged to have as its
goal that 75% of its congregations develop a Peer-Ministry-
Facilitator Team (1 adult/1 youth), trained to help its youth
gain these skills.

Youth Involved in Circuit Forums

WHEREAS, The Synod has resolved to establish Circuit
Forums within its three-year convention cycle; and

WHEREAS, The Circuit provides a good avenue for develop-
ment of fellowship and communication among our congrega-
tions and their youth groups; and

WHEREAS, There is precedence in the history of LCMS youth
ministry for the development of local Circuit or zone youth
ministry events and programs; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod encourage its congregations to
work for the development of LYF Circuit youth programs for
the purpose of spiritual growth, fellowship, communication,
and common endeavor in mission on a local level; and be it
further

Resolved, That special effort be made to involve youth in
LCMS Circuit Forums and all Circuit activities, along with all
members of congregations.

LYF Mission Projects

WHEREAS, It is the mission of the church to proclaim the
Gospel of Christ to all persons; and

WHEREAS, All Christians should be involved in this procla-
mation, young and old alike; and

WHEREAS, In accordance with its organizational guidelines,
Lutheran Youth Fellowship (LYF) has undertaken the promo-
tion of our church’s mission and support for specific mission
projects through the Ambitious Mission (1981—82) and
Mission: M.A.S.H. (1982—83); therefore be it

Resolved, That continued efforts be exerted in the promotion
of mission education among the Synod’s youth; and be it
further

Resolved, That congregations encourage their young people
in their support for local mission projects and for synodically
sponsored LYF mission projects.

Synodical Youth Gathering

WHEREAS, Youth gatherings serve to strengthen the faith of
those who attend; and

WHEREAS, Spiritual growth and personal witness should be
part of the daily life of a Christian; and

WHEREAS, The “spiritual high” of people returning from
gatherings is often untapped as a resource for the church,
either in the congregation orthe community at large: therefore
be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention support the 1983
youth gathering with prayer; and be it further

Resolved, That all levels of the church be encouraged to
support the ministry of future synodical and regional vouth
gatherings; and be it further

Resolved, That parishes build upon the experiences of
gathering participants through sharing and Bible study with
post-gathering materials; and be it finally

Resolved, That parishes utilize these experiences to the
glory of God through the mission of the church.

Support of LYF

WHEREAS, God has abundantly blessed the growth, develop-
ment, and implementation of Lutheran Youth Fellowship, the
synodical youth organization of the LCMS since 1979, with the
affiliation of youth groups in 65% of LCMS congregations; and

WHEREAS, LYF has proven itself to be a valuable resource
for youth ministry, particularly in the development of youth
group organizations; and

WHEREAS, LYF provides a sense of belonging to a larger
group and a positive identity for youth within the Synod;
therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod thank God for His blessings upon
the development of LYF; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod express its continued support for
and commitment to growth of the synodical youth organiza-
tion; and be it finally

Resolved, That congregations of the LCMS be encouraged
to affiliate their youth groups with Lutheran Youth Fellowship
and to implement the LYF program within the entire youth
ministry program in their parish program.

Parish Involvement of Youth

WHEREAS, Through confirmation, confirmands are given
the full rights and privileges of the congregation; and

WHEREAS, In many congregations voting rights are not
acquired until the young person reaches the legal age; and

WHEREAS, It is important that young people are involved in
the total ministry of their parish; and

WHEREAS, Young people are effective in the mission and
ministry of the church; and

WHEREAS, Young people can effectively serve on congrega-
tional boards and committees; therefore be it

Resolved, That each congregation encourage its young
people to be active in the life of the congregation; and be it
further

Resolved, That each congregation be encouraged to invite
young people to participate in advisory or voting capacities of
the congregational boards and committees; and be it finally

Resolved, That congregations be sensitive to and supportive
of young people as they assume roles and responsibilities on
congregational boards and committees.

Youth Evangelism

WHEREAS, The Great Commmission of our Lord, ‘‘to make
disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19), was given to all believers,
including the youth; and

WHEREAS, Our youth area part of that witnessing church of
today and certainly of the church of tomorrow; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod through the Board for Evangel-
ism Services and the Board for Youth Services establish and
promote a youth evangelism training program; and be it
further

Resolved. That each District and its congregations pray for
and use various youth evangelism programs; and be it finally

Resolved, That because 1983—84 is Synod’s youth ministry
emphasis, the 1984 Great Commission Convocation Program
Committee be encouraged to promote youth evangelism
through its speakers, displays, and other programs.

To Support Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ

WHEREAS, The Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ program
has been accepted as a service organization of Synod; and

WHEREAS, The Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ program is
headquartered at our St. John’s College, in Winfield, Kans.:
and

WHEREAS, The OAFC leadership is made up of LCMS
members; and

WHEREAS, The OAFC program has trained hundreds of our
LCMS youth in evangelism throughout our nation: and

WHEREAS, There is a great need for youth evangelism
training so that youth can share Christ with their peers and
others more effectively; and

WHEREAS, This program offers an ongoing training for our
youth; therefore be it

Resolved, That Districts and congregations be encouraged
to promote and to make use of the organized OAFC program for
the training of young people.

To Support Outdoors Ministry Within
The Lutheran Church Missouri—Synod

WHEREAS, The Scriptures urge the church to grow in the
grace and knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ, which growth
is not complete until it reaches the full stature of Christ; and