LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1969, Page 48

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48 PRESIDENT’S REPORT

sources available for our District Presidents as they
seek to minister to workers and congregations under
these trying conditions. More needs to be done, espe-
cially in a preventive way. More needs to be done by
all of us. In essence we ought to be able to do more
than any other human institution if we are prepared to
conduct ourselves as Christian brethren. Our bonds as
brothers will help us know how to deal with both weak-
ness and false witness, with insecurity and covetousness,
with integrity and dishonor alike.

Some months ago, with the cooperation of the presi-
dents of our two seminaries, I convened a meeting with
representatives of our seminary faculties. I asked that
these faculties undertake a thorough study to determine
what differences, if any, really exist between our theo-
logical professors. Further, I asked that they determine
how significant such differences might be. They have
readily agreed, and they have undertaken these studies
and discussions.

In 1967 the Synod in convention established a new
procedure for the doctrinal review of published ma-
terials. This procedure is now in operation. My office
has solicited from appropriate boards, commissions, and
agencies a listing of the numbers and competences of
reviewers required for their operations. I have now
appointed thirty-four reviewers, and they are now serv-
ing in this capacity. Upon the nomination of the proper
divisions, a board of doctrinal reviewers has been ap-
pointed, made up of eleven persons. This board is at
work drawing up guidelines for the reviewers and is
establishing procedures by which review panels can be-
gin to function when necessary. I have asked that these
reviewers stand ready to submit whatever recommenda-
tions may be necessary for the refinement of the review
procedure.

Meanwhile I urge everyone to read carefully before
jumping to conclusions, to correspond directly with au-
thors and editors before rushing into print. In a special
tract, published at the directive of the 1967 convention,
my office has described in greater detail the nature and
purpose of Christian discipline in our Synod. It is my
earnest hope that this small document can be of help
to all of us as we seek to carry out our responsibilities to
one another and to the doctrine and life of the church.

The Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod outline
the duties of the President’s office in the management of
synodical affairs. They include, besides the supervision
of the doctrine and life of The Lutheran Church — Mis-
souri Synod, such diverse assignments as making nu-
merous important appointments and seeing to it that the
resolutions of the Synod are carried out. During the last
term of office we have created new and refined earlier
devices for communicating and for implementing the
work of the Synod. Immediately after each convention
long lists of resolutions are prepared and discussed with
leaders responsible for carrying out the will of the
church in various fields. As a result, I believe our mem-
bership is better informed and perhaps participates more
promptly and more widely than in the past.

The Synod’s administration has attempted to provide

better planning and coordination. This is desirable, and
it is necessary. It is also becoming increasingly complex
and difficult. Our congregations and agencies, individ-
ually and in cooperation with other churches and often
community organizations, are frequently responding in
their own setting and on their own initiative. Similarly
our Districts are often involved in new and significant
work. All of this means that the Synod is often con-
fronted with an accomplished fact. Decisions have been
made, men and money have been precommitted. As a
national institution we are often compelled to work
around other commitments and other arrangements.
Last but not least, we have expected executives to de-
velop overall planning for the Synod when they are al-
ready overloaded with planning and carrying out their
own large national program. I propose that we now
provide full-time staff for this important planning
function.

In a similar way I propose that we undertake re-
visions in the executive administration of the Synod.
Few men face larger demands than do the District
Presidents as they function on behalf of the Synod within
their Districts and also on behalf of their Districts. The
Synod has attempted to fill at least some of this gap
by the election of five Vice-Presidents, one of whom
serves in a full-time capacity. These men have served
in the church nobly. It is essential, however, that we
review our present operations and the circumstances
under which we function. The aim of this review is to
assure that our work is managed as efficiently as pos-
sible. In my judgment the changes that are visualized
would require no additional outlay of funds. Further,
these changes ought to be ready for adoption in 1971 and
go into effect in 1973; for example: the structure and
function of the Commission on Theology and Church
Relations; the structure and function of the Commission
on Mission and Ministry in the Church; the structure
and function of the office of the President relative to the
work of the Vice-Presidents; the structure and function
of other executive offices.

No report on church administration is possible, it
seems, without a reference to financial matters. I make
no apologies for including such references in this re-
port. First, I review this aspect of Christian steward-
ship as one of the most joyous experiences in life.
Here we personally can demonstrate our trust and love.
Second, the funds we are talking about are related
very intimately with God’s own great work here on
earth.

Since the last convention we have initiated some
exploratory ventures for securing additional funds
from those to whom God has entrusted greater ma-
terial blessings. With the direct support of a small
group, my office has been involved directly in this effort.
The Synod should know and should give thanks to God
that this effort has already produced more than two
million dollars in cash and pledges. This effort, to-
gether with other factors, makes it apparent that our
church should develop a diversified stewardship pro-
gram and reorganize some of its money management