LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1986, Page 51

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MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION 51

the installation of the Synod’s newly elected officers has
tentatively been scheduled to take place on Sept. 28, 4:00
p.m., at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in St. Louis.

Chairman of Council of Presidents

President Bohlmann introduced Dr. August Mennicke,
newly elected First Vice-President of the Synod and pres-
ently chairman of the Council of Presidents, who addressed
the convention on behalf of the council. Dr. Mennicke said
the Council of Presidents requests everyone’s prayers as
they address some of the major issues facing the church
in the days ahead. It is the desire of the council that all
of the Synod be involved in addressing these serious issues
together, and that now is the time to address them. Dr.
Mennicke encouraged all to lay bare their hearts before
our heavenly Father. He pleaded that we learn how to trust
one another and build each other up, so the body of Christ
can grow in being the temple of God. Our enemy is Satan,
not brothers and sisters in the faith with whom we disa-
gree. This is a time for healing, and there is only one so-
lution, namely that we go together to the foot of the cross
of Jesus Christ, so that our God is glorified and we are
edified. Dr. Mennicke concluded by telling the convention
that there is a great day ahead for The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod, as we walk with God from victory to vic-

tory.
Acceptance Speech

President Ralph A. Bohlmann thanked the convention
for reelecting him to the high calling as President of The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod on the first ballot. He
interprets this as an indication of wide support in the
Synod. As he had promised in 1981, Dr. Bohlmann again
said he desired to serve the whole church lovingly, not to
direct it. He hoped to do so fairly, according to the rules
we as a church have agreed to in our walking together. It
is his desire to do so evangelically, faithfully, and lovingly.
It is possible for one to be kind and orthodox at the same
time, and Dr. Bohimann said he praises God for every sign
of progress we have enjoyed in our walking together.

Five years ago when addressing the 1981 convention of
the Synod, Dr. Bohlmann had used three key words. The
first is our “confession,” which is threatened from the out-
side and from within. We must be aware of the threat of

legalism from within, and the doctrine of the church must
be our guide as it affects our relationships with other Lu-
therans. The second key word is “solidarity,” which indi-
cates the unity and strength we have. The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod is made up of such beautiful peo-
ple, as was witnessed again during this convention. Mem-
bers of the Missouri Synod are disciplined, kind, and
forgiving, and that is needed organizationally also. Dr.
Bohlmann stressed the need for a unified, supportive
church, and said he is not at all committed to centraliza-
tion. The third area President Bohlmann stressed was
“mission.” We stand together to do something important.
God has blessed our people with the resources to do His
work of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

In looking ahead to the next three years, President
Bohlmann indicated a wish for greater involvement in the
listening process, as was begun with the table talks during
the convention. He expressed thankfulness for the fine peo-
ple elected by the convention to be fellow servants, and
said that it is his goal to spend more time in personal
contact with the people of the Synod during the next three
years. He also hoped to have more time to spend in the-
ological areas. Dr. Bohlmann concluded his acceptance
speech quoting from Ephesians 4, where Paul writes of the
bond of peace and unity of the Spirit. Paul admonishes us
to speak the truth in love, and President Bohlmann asked
everyone to help him do this. He asked that God bless us
to that end.

Leadership and Organization

Res. 5-20A (TB 270), deleting the Bylaws regarding the
Administrative Officer of the Board of Directors, was
adopted, after by common consent an additional resolve
was added as follows: “Resolved, That the principal staff
person of the Board of Directors continue to be a member
of the Council of Administrators.” Res. 5-15 (TB 153-154),
incorporating the Commission on Health and Healing into
Social Ministry, was adopted, as was Res. 5-19, page 155,
revising procedures for elected circuit counselors, after two
changes were made: The word “review” was changed to
“revise” in line 27, and in line 52 the words “one pastor”
were changed to “two pastors.” Res. 5-17 (TB 154), ap-
proving convention sites and amending Bylaw 2.29, Res.
5-14 (TB 153), transfering the Standing Committee on Hu-
man Care, and Res. 5-12 (TB 152), transfering Faith Lu-
theran Church, Maple, Wis., were approved.

Res. 5-13 (TB 153), calling for receiving congregations
into the Synod, was approved after the names of all con-
gregations received were read, as the convention rose and
welcomed them with applause. The Secretary of the Synod
will write each congregation a warm letter of welcome. Res.
5-13A (TB 225), calling for receiving congregations into the
Synod, was adopted as the convention rose and applauded.
The Secretary will write each of these congregations a
warm letter of welcome also. Res. 5-35, transfering Christ
Evangelical Lutheran Church, Aurora, Ont., Canada, to
the English District, was adopted.

The secretary of Committee 5 read a committee sug-
gestion that future conventions consider the possibility of
having a Bylaw floor committee. The chairman asked that