LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1986, Page 125

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WITNESS AND OUTREACH 125

Resolved, That the Synod commend those districts that
are encouraging Jewish evangelism and assisting their
congregations (especially the Atlantic, Ontario, New Jer-
sey, and Southern California Districts) and encourage
other districts to take similar action; and be it further

Resolved, That the congregations of the Synod try var-
ious methods of reaching Jewish people in their parish
areas, including the Messianic Bible study group or con-
gregation; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Board for Mission Services include
in its planning a staff position that will deal with the con-
cerns of reaching Jewish people with the Gospel both in
North America and other parts of the world.

Action: Adopted (14).

(In session 12 an amendment had been introduced to the effect
that a new resolve be added, stating, “Resolved, That five con-
gregations in North America be staffed with messianic pastors or
church professionals to do this important cross-cultural ministry
(one in the Atlantic District, one in Ontario District, one in New
Jersey District, one in Northern Illinois District, and one in South-
ern California District.” This amendment was declined when dis-
cussion was resumed in session 14.)

To Support Great Commission
Convocations

RESOLUTION 1-14A
Overture 1-50 (CW, p. 36)

Wuereas, By the blessing of God, the second Great
Commission Convocation of The Lutheran Church—Mis-
souri Synod, held in St. Louis Oct. 25-28, 1984, was at-
tended by 8,000 people from every district and every
college and seminary of the Synod, with 15,000 present for
the Saturday night “Victory Celebration” rally; and

WuEREAS, The responses to the convocation on the eval-
uation forms and in personal letters affirm that the con-
vocation was a great blessing to individuals and to
congregations; and

Wuereas, Many participants responded to the encour-
agement given, used the handouts, and witnessed to
hundreds of people in the downtown area during the con-
vocation and the outreach, with the parishes in the St.
Louis area providing opportunity for personal experience
in doing evangelism; and

Wuereas, Carrying out the Great Commission always
includes the proclamation of the Gospel; and

Wuereas, All evaluations overwhelmingly request an-
other similar convocation; and

Wuereas, Some districts have conducted Great Com-
mission Convocations during 1985 and others are con-
ducting them in 1986, and the circuits are encouraged to
conduct convocations during 1987; and

Wuereas, There continues to be a need to sustain the
priority of the Great Commission in its full dimension of
being disciples of Jesus Christ and making disciples for
Him; and

Wuereas, The Board of Directors has decided to have
another convocation in 1988, and the planning for it has
begun; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod commend those districts that
have conducted district convocations and encourage other
districts to hold similar events; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod encourage the circuits to con-
duct circuit convocations in 1987 that give a high priority
to the Great Commission; and be it further

Resolved, That the planning committees at all levels
consider providing specific opportunities for personal wit-
ness and outreach to the communities in connection with
the convocations; and be it finally

Resolved, That this convention thank God for the bless-
ings that continue to come to the church through Great
Commission Convocations and pray for the Holy Spirit’s
guidance and blessing for all those involved in planning
and conducting them.

Action: None.

To Encourage the Publication
of Spanish Materials

RESOLUTION 1-15
Report 1-02 (CW, p. 15)

Wuereas, A growing number of The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod congregations in North America
carry out ministry among Spanish-speaking people; and

WHEREAS, Spanish-speaking people are often frustrated
because of a linguistic barrier that prevents them from
interacting with their English-speaking brothers and sis-
ters of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod; and

Wuereas, There are so few Lutheran Church—Mis-
souri Synod materials presently available in Spanish, such
as news publications and synodical proceedings; therefore
be it

Resolved, That all boards and commissions of the Synod
be encouraged to consider the production of their materials
in the Spanish language; and be it further

Resolved, That a summary of the official Proceedings of
the 1986 synodical convention also be published in Span-
ish.

Action: Adopted as amended (15).

(Delegates first agreed to delete the final resolve but later
voted to include it and to insert the words “a summary of.”)

To Congratulate Partner Churches
RESOLUTION 1-16
Report 1-02 (CW, pp.18—23)

Wuereas, In years past the Lord enabled our Synod to
walk through doors He opened and bring His Gospel to
peoples of many countries and nations; and

Wuereas, The Holy Spirit richly blessed the “going” so
that believers were gathered into congregations and con-

gregations united in a church body in partnership with
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod; and