LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1986, Page 61

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REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT 61

the case of persons serving at our colleges and seminaries,
we have forwarded individual complaints to the presidents
of those institutions, who are charged by the Synod with
the doctrinal supervision of faculty members and students.
In addition, my office regularly monitors all dockets, agen-
das, reports, and publications of all synodical boards, com-
missions, districts, and institutions. When problems or
concerns seem to be more general, meetings of the Council
of Presidents and other gatherings provide opportunities
for positive counsel and encouragement.

According to reports from Vice-President Sauer, who is
primarily responsible for monitoring complaints and ir-
regularities in this area, district presidents are in fact fol-
lowing through with pastoral admonition and
encouragement in all reported cases of difficulty. This is
not to say that we have no problems, for we surely do. But
the President and Vice-Presidents, in support of the dis-
trict presidents who have the primary responsibility, are
indeed actively involved in this important area of respon-
sibility, and it is our conviction that the overwhelming
majority of pastors, teachers, and congregations of the
Synod are indeed faithful in honoring and upholding the
doctrinal position and the policies of the Synod. We praise
God for that and pray that it will continue.

Doctrinal Review. In keeping with the responsibility as-
signed to the President’s office for the doctrinal supervision
of all official periodicals, journals, and other materials is-
sued by our official synodical entities, I have appointed
approximately 200 capable persons to review such mate-
rials. A major portion of that program is administered
through the office of the president of Concordia Publishing
House, and other dimensions of it are administered di-
rectly by my office. In cases of disagreement or concern,
the Commission on Doctrinal Review is asked to deal with
the matter. Considering the enormous amount of material
that is read and reviewed through this process, we have
had very few complaints or criticisms of any kind during
the past triennium. Because of the change in the admin-
istration of Concordia Publishing House in 1985, I asked
the Commission on Doctrinal Review to review the pro-
cedures and administration of these programs and to sug-
gest any necessary adjustments. This review has now been
completed, and with very positive results.

Communication. A considerable amount of time is spent
in both written and oral communication to the members
of the Synod, and sometimes beyond it. Throughout the
triennium I have provided a monthly article for the Lu-
theran Witness, intended primarily for the laity of Synod,
on topics ranging from pastoral comments appropriate to
the church year to encouragement for various synodical
programs, as well as critiques of major current issues in
the Synod and beyond it. In addition, I have authored oc-
casional articles for the Lutheran Layman. In February
1985, I began sharing an occasional Letter to Pastors with
the clergy of the Synod. Two such letters were sent in 1985,
and four or more are contemplated for 1986. Since Novem-
ber of 1985, the office of the President has also been pro-
viding a “Leadership Information Packet,” consisting of a
letter, staff reports, and other materials, to approximately
350 officers, staff persons, and board members of the Synod
and its districts. It is planned to send this packet on a bi-

monthly basis and to include circuit counselors among its
recipients at a very early date. In addition to such written
materials, I have addressed a number of special confer-
ences and meetings, most of which have been reported in
our regular publications. Special videotaped messages
have also been used for a number of reports to groups or
congregations when it was impossible for me to be present
personally. This medium of communication has been well-
received and offers a great deal of potential for bringing
the work of the Synod closer to our people.

Circuit Counselors. The suggestions of 1983 Resolution
4-08A for communicating through circuit forums were dis-
cussed in meetings of the Council of Presidents and incor-
porated in various circuit gatherings in the Synod. The
possibility of a synodwide circuit counselors’ conference
has also been explored, but cost factors have proved to be
prohibitive. Written communications have been improved
through the “Leadership Information Packet” sent on a bi-
monthly basis, and personal attendance at several district
circuit counselors’ meetings has been especially helpful.
Continued attention must be given to supporting and ex-
panding the important leadership of our 629 counselors.

Visits and Meetings. Convinced that personal commu-
nication is preferable to written and videotaped messages,
I have endeavored to attend and participate in a number
of meetings and events throughout the triennium. I was
the synodical representative at 18 of our 38 district con-