LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1986, Page 154

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154 RESOLUTIONS

nually establish an increased percentage of income for our
common work; and be it further

Resolved, That districts be encouraged to conduct Every
Congregation Visits and assist congregations in carrying
out Every Member Visits; and be it further

Resolved, That when circumstances indicate a change
in district support of our common work at the national and
international levels that such circumstances be shared
with the Department of Stewardship and Financial Sup-
port for communication to the other districts and national
leaders at the Planning Council; and be it finally

Resolved, That greater efforts by leaders at all levels be
put forth to encourage God’s people, congregations, and
districts to practice joyfully the stewardship concept of
planned, proportionate (percentage) first-fruit giving so
that we may together expand and strengthen our efforts
so that all people may know of God’s mighty acts and the
glorious splendor of His kingdom (cf. Ps. 145:12).

Action: Adopted (8).

(A motion to substitute the word “dividing” for “giving” in the
second resolve was declined.)

To Encourage Faithful Efforts
of Department of Stewardship
and Financial Support

RESOLUTION 4-06

Report 4-04 (CW, pp. 146-53); Overture 4-32 (CW, p.
159)

Wuereas, The 1981 Convention of the Synod estab-
lished the Department of Stewardship and Financial Sup-
port to coordinate and encourage Biblically-based
stewardship and fund-raising efforts in the congregations
of the Synod; and

Wuereas, The department has been faithful and dili-
gent in pursuit of these goals, seeking the Lord’s guidance
and blessing in educating God’s people in Christian stew-
ardship based on His Word, and in motivating God’s people
to a more grateful response to His love, and serving God’s
people through districts, congregations, and affiliated or-
ganizations by providing quality stewardship resources,
and

Wuereas, The department under God’s grace has ac-
complished the following:

1. Intensive stewardship efforts in 16 districts of the
Synod involving 1624 congregations

2. Development of materials for Bible study and for
Every Congregation Visits and Every Member Visits, em-
phasizing Scriptural motivation for stewardship

3. Planned-giving efforts through the Wills Awareness
Program, Plant Love, Harvest Forever, and through per-
sonal visits resulting in $35 million in future expectancies
to the various ministries of the Synod in 1984 and $36.7
million in 1985

4. Expediting the Joint Seminary Development Pro-
gram and assisting The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod colleges in their development work

5. Plans to renew efforts in the special gifts approach,
giving the people of God endowed with special blessings
opportunity for special support of mission and ministry;
therefore be it

Resolved, That we encourage the department to con-
tinue faithful pursuit, under the guidance of the Spirit, of
the following goals:

1. Expand intensive stewardship emphases, such as His
Love—Our Response, with its emphasis on church atten-
dance, communion attendance, Bible study and the use of
God-given abilities so that by 1992, 75 percent of the con-
gregations of the Synod will be participating

2. Produce and broker a variety of Biblically-based stew-
ardship materials for use by the congregations of the Synod

3. Encourage districts to give high priority to Every
Congregation Visits, stressing two-way communication
and giving help to congregations in the planning of short-
and long-range goals, seeking to reach a goal of visiting
two-thirds of the congregations of the Synod annually by
1989

4. Seek to increase at least three-fold the 1985 total of
2800 personal contacts through a network of planned-giv-
ing counselors, volunteers, and retirees serving every dis-
trict

5. Increase efforts in encouraging congregations, as well
as seminaries, colleges, and high schools in the establish-
ment and expansion of endowment funds managed by The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Foundation

6. Challenge the Seminary Development Program to in-
crease financial support for the two U.S. seminaries by 10
percent annually for the next three years

7. Encourage the Special Gifts Ministry to increase the
resources available for expansion of Kingdom work in such
ministries as world missions, seeking the prayerful sup-
port of individuals and families in the congregations of the
Synod

8. Calling the people of God in the congregations of the
Synod to a life-style dedicated to the Great Commission
our Lord has given us

Action: Adopted as amended (8).

(The final whereas originally was stated as a commendation
of the department.)

To Commend Council on Stewardship
RESOLUTION 4-07
Appendix 5-05B (CW, p. 179-83)

Wuereas, The Council on Stewardship, established by
the Synod in convention in 1983, has served faithfully and
effectively this past triennium in giving guidance and ad-
vice in developing and approving programs and activities
in stewardship which are Biblically sound; and

Wuereas, The Council on Stewardship has given to the
Synod the benefit of counsel from parish-related persons
knowledgeable in theology and active in stewardship ed-
ucation; therefore be it

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