LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1986, Page 21

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MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION

Opening Service

The opening service for the 56th regular convention of
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod was held on July
18, 1986, in the Convention Center, Indianapolis, Ind.,
with Dr. Ralph Bohlmann, President of The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod, serving as the preacher and Rev.
Walter C. Maas, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, In-
dianapolis, serving as presiding minister.

Basing his sermon on a text from Gal. 2:20, the theme
of President Bohlmann’s sermon was “Alive in Christ.” He
pointed out what an uplifting experience the opening ser-
vice was for all, representing over 6,000 congregations of
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in North America,
as well as partner churches throughout the world.

To be “Alive in Christ” is to realize that at one time we
were dead in trespasses and sins. Contrary to what many
in our society say, life is anything but cheap, not only in
the flesh, but even more so in the spirit. Holy Scripture
tells us that the wages of sin is death—a cold, final, eternal
death faced by all mankind. The acts of our sinful nature
are at enmity against God. We were dead in trespasses
and sins, but now are “Alive in Christ.”

To be crucified with Christ means that the old I no
longer dominates. The text says we live by faith in the Son
of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us. The beauty
and power of these words is overwhelming. God so loved
the world that He sent His only Son to be our Savior. The
wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.
Receiving the Lord’s Supper, we are again reminded that
we can be of good cheer, because our sins have been for-
given.

By faith, the new I is “Alive in Christ.” In a powerful
and eternal way, Christ now lives in me. The old Adam
has been surpressed as Christ Himself lives within me.
Through faith in the Son of God, I am “Alive in Christ.”
All this is a gift of God, not of man’s works. It is pure grace
and mercy from our God. This gift is available not only to
me, but to the whole world. Because the Son of God loved
you and me and gave Himself for us, we are now free to
serve one another in love. We are God’s workmanship, free
from the curse of the Law. Therefore we seek to be lively

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Christians for the Lord, because we are “Alive in Christ.”

We were dead in trespasses and sins, but have been
made “Alive in Christ.” He came that we might have life
and have it more abundantly.

Session 1
July 19, Morning

Opening Devotion

The opening devotion for the first session of the con-
vention was led by Dr. Herbert Mueller, convention chap-
lain, following an order of worship found on pages 7—8 of
the convention Worship Guide.

Registration and Credentials

Dr. Al Barry, president of the Iowa District East and
Chairman of the Committee on Credentials, Registration,
and Elections, gave a report on the number of voting del-
egates registered to this point of the convention. As of 8:00
a.m., July 19, there were 460 voting pastors and 431 voting
laypersons registered. The total number of voting dele-
gates present was 891. This was a quorum.

Convention Gavel

Dr. August Suelflow, director of the Concordia Histor-
ical Institute, presented a historical gavel to Dr. Bohlmann
for use in the opening and closing of the convention. This
historic gavel has been used since 1911, and President
Bohlmann is the fifth synodical president to use this gavel.
It was first used by President Pfotenhauer and had been
prepared in 1910 by a layman from a piece of wood taken
from a beam of the log cabin in Perry County which served
as the first seminary.

Call to Order

After receiving the gavel, President Bohlmann used it
in declaring the convention open in the name of the Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit.

Welcome

Dr. Elwood Zimmermann, president of the Indiana Dis-
trict, welcomed the delegates, wishing them a warm Hoo-
sier welcome. He thanked the 500 volunteers who had
helped to make the convention possible. He said our task
remains to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because we
are eager to serve Him. He prayed God’s blessings on the
convention.

A response to the welcome was given by Mr. George
Mohr, vice-chairman of the Board of Directors of The Lu-
theran Church—Missouri Synod. He asked Dr. Zimmer-
mann to thank all who have done so much to make this
convention in Indianapolis comfortable, so that we can ef-
ficiently go about the Lord’s business.

Greetings and Introductions

President Bohlmann indicated that the presidents of
eight partner churches of The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod from throughout the world were in attendance. Op-