LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1983, Page 68

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68 PARISH, YOUTH, AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES

WHEREAS, The Scriptures tell us of the many times that our
Lord taught outdoors (Matt. 5:1-20; Luke 5:1-11, etc.), retreated
outdoors to be alone with His Father (Matt. 14:23; Luke 6:12,
etc.), and used His creation to illustrate His teachings through-
out His ministry here on this earth; and

WHEREAS, Many Districts and auxiliary: affiliated organi-
zations within our Synod have established and/or are support-
ing Lutheran camps as outdoors ministry centers for Christian
education and wholesome fellowship that foster growth in
faith and knowledge of our Lord; and

WHEREAS, Lutherans of all ages all over the United States
and Canada are attending programs that are offered by our
Lutheran camps and outdoors ministry centers in ever-increas-
ing numbers, finding such programs to be especially enriching
and rewarding to their own personal faith in Christ and in
their fellowship together as a body of believers; and

WHEREAS, Outdoors ministries sponsored by our church are
happening in state parks, national parks, and other such
campground areas where an increasing number of people are
to be found vacationing in the out-of-doors—people who are
open and receptive to special outdoors ministry programs; and

WHEREAS, The basic purpose of all outdoors ministry pro-
grams is to supplement and reinforce the efforts of the other
educational agencies of the church; and

WHEREAS, Lutheran camps and outdoors ministry centers
are being staffed professionally, offering unique and special
programs of high interest, and in many cases are operating
year around to meet the special ministry needs of our church;
therefore be it

Resolved, That the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
support and affirm outdoors ministries affiliated with the
church as vital and important ministries whose purpose is to
foster growth in faith in our Lord Jesus Christ; and be it further

Resolved, That the 1983 synodical convention encourage
individuals, congregations and groups to avail themselves of
the unique opportunities for Christian growth available
through the varied programs of our Lutheran camps and
retreat centers; and be it further

Resolved, That we wholeheartedly support outdoors minis-
try programs throughout the Synod with our prayers, partici-
pation, and assistance; and be it finally

Resolved, That camps be encouraged to develop special
“‘vear of youth ministry” plans for youth and adults.

The Board for Youth Ministry is also submitting the
following overtures:

To Change the Name of the Board for Youth Services; To
Revise the Wording of the Functions of the Board for Youth
Services; and To Define More Precisely Membership of the
Board for Youth Services.

Board for Youth Services
Jack Baumgarn, Chairman
Rich Bimler, Executive Secretary

2-03

Report of Board
for Communication Services

The Board for Communication Services was brought into
existence by action of the 1981 convention. The primary efforts
of the board since that time have been devoted to a plan for the
reordering of synodical communications.

Organization

A communications conference was held in the fall of 1981
bringing together District Edition editors, District public
relations directors, synodical college and seminary communi-
cations personnel, auxillary editors, and public relations
directors in order to share in the planning for the new
department.

After this conference the board continued the process of
selecting a director for the new department. In January 1982

Rev. Paul Devantier accepted appointment to the position: he
assumed his new responsibilities on March 1, 1982.

A communications survey carried out in succeeding months
verified the needs noted by the communicators at the 1981
conference. The questionnaire findings were supplemented by
numerous personal conversations and meetings with commun-
icators throughout the Synod by the director and by members
of the board and staff.

The conference and survey were influential in shaping the
structure that is now in place. The new department structure
has three areas of responsibility: news and information
services, program interpretation, and training and District
services.

The new structure requires some minor changes in the
wording of two Bylaws. Overtures to effect those changes
follow the end of this report. We hope that these overtures will
be readily adopted by the delegates to the convention.

Activities

The department assisted the President with his report to the
1982 District conventions through the production of a half-
hour 16mm color film that featured Dr. Bohlmann interviewing
the five program board executives. --

Interest in the film early in the schedule prompted its
distribution to District offices where a high level of use by
congregations continues. The companion brochure “Lift High
the Cross” also received the highest interest of recent biennial

reports. Over 200,000 copies have been requested to date. a

Complimentary response greeted the board decision to
introduce four-color covers on the Lutheran Witness. Combined
with an improved editorial design of the inside pages, the new
style has brought renewed interest among the members.
Letters indicate that there has been an increased readership of
the devotional and informational articles.

The decision by several Districts to drop out of the Lutheran
Witness District Edition plan and to produce editions using
other distribution methods continues to be a concern of the :
board. The board has also pondered the decline in news of the
church-at-large that this produces and the pending demise of
several such District editions due to financial pressures. Board -
members are hopeful that the recent introduction of computer-
telephone filing of news copy and the every-member congrega-
tional subscription plan of the Witness will continue to be the
most efficient and economical method of helping the church to
keep abreast of the developments in the LCMS as we walk
together in mission. —_

Consultation on communications procedure, standards,
and theory remains a major department activity. As a unit
existing to support the effective communications of other units,
the staff consults with program executives to determine the
audience and content of a particular message and with
businesses specializing in communicative production in order
to convey to departments knowledge of innovations, expertise,
and price ranges that are availablein the business community.

Audiovisuals produced for various needs have included
several multimedia packages. Supporting materials were
prepared for the Texas District, an audiotape for the Southern
District, and audio- and videotapes were produced for the
Nebraska District. An audio insert for a sermon was prepared
for use in the 26 Districts engaged in a special effort coordi-
nated by the Stewardship and Financial Support Department.
Anda multimedia presentation has been produced for showing
to visitors touring the new International Center. _

Telling the world about the Savior through media has
become increasingly difficult as the information industry
experiences a quick change in the methods of handling infor-
mation and as the proliferation of channels has lessened the .
impact of any one distribution system. .

Interest by congregations in using cable television and
radio and in the simultaneous combined use of media to
increase visibility has been met through three District work-
shops and numerous mail and telephone consultations. The
thrust of these inquiries has focused on defining the congrega-
tion’s image of itself and then advertising its strengths
through a combination of paid advertising and free publicity _
channels. __

Video interest by congregations continues steady, but