LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2016, Page 146

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146

II. FAQ RE THE BOARD FOR INTERNATIONAL MISSION

A. Yes. Such relationships can be very beneficial to congregations eager to support the mission of the Gospel. By working together
with the BIM and the OIM, many problems and pitfalls are avoided.
When congregations have “gone it alone,” there have been numerous
instances where large financial projects failed, confusion and even
great consternation were created with partner churches, and excessive
time and corrective efforts were required of the Synod’s international staff to assist or rectify such situations. Congregations have,
for instance, supported nonpartner churches or even non-Lutheran
churches overseas to the detriment of the Synod’s international partners in the same area. Many pitfalls may be avoided when congregations are in good communication and intentional coordination with
the BIM and the OIM. Given the current trends of globalization in
technology, communications, and travel, as well as the burgeoning
number of immigrants in the United States, the Synod’s national office recognizes that the number of contacts in foreign mission areas
by individuals and congregations of the Synod has greatly increased,
and these contacts bring many salutary opportunities for spreading
the Gospel and strengthening the Church.
Q. How does CCM Opinion 14-2724 regarding Bylaw 3.8.3
affect mission societies created by Missouri Synod members and
congregation members?
A. The CCM Opinion 14-2724 has limited effect on mission societies. Mission societies associated with the Synod provide great
support and encouragement for international education and mission
and are encouraged. Mission societies may raise funds and send
funds overseas according to the laws of the United States and those
of the recipient countries. Individuals and congregations may send
funds to mission societies. Districts may not send funds to mission
societies, however, unless those funds are sent through BIM for coordination with the OIM. Even prior to CCM Opinion 14-2724, a
mission society was not able to call a rostered worker of the Synod,
since a mission society is not an entity recognized by the Synod as
a calling agency.
Q. May Recognized Service Organizations (RSOs) and auxiliaries send workers and funds internationally?
A. Yes. RSOs and auxiliaries (e.g., Lutheran Hour Ministries)
are able to call and send workers internationally. They are also able
to send funds internationally. RSOs and auxiliaries are encouraged
to honor the Synod’s international mission policies and to work cooperatively with the BIM and the OIM. This cooperation and information sharing occurs regularly for the benefit of the mission of the
Gospel. RSOs and auxiliaries, while operating independent of the
Synod, also respect the protocol documents that may exist between
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and her partner churches
(Bylaw 6.1.3 [g] and 6.2.1 [d]).
Q. How does CCM Opinion 14-2724 regarding Bylaw 3.8.3
affect congregational and district short-term mission trips?
A. The CCM opinion does not address short-term mission trips.
The opinion primarily addresses the sending of permanent or longterm international workers. Congregations may send members and
workers on short-term trips overseas. Congregations and districts
are encouraged to work with the OIM and to follow best practices
for short-term trips. Such trips are encouraged. It is, however, very
helpful for congregations to make themselves aware of agreements
that have been signed by the Synod with international partners in the
area of the overseas short-term trips. The Synod’s international staff
also often have tremendous experience with overseas individuals and

2016 Convention Workbook

can provide helpful information and point out issues that congregations will want to be aware of in planning such trips. Congregations
can also share vital information with the Synod staff as a result of
their international work.
Q. What is a “foreign mission area” of the Synod?
A. A “foreign mission area” of the Synod is determined by where
the BIM calls and sends workers overseas and where the OIM sends
funds to support that work. Consideration also must be given to those
areas where the President, as the chief ecumenical officer of the
Synod, has signed or authorized the adoption of protocol agreements,
working agreements, and other ecumenical agreements describing the
relationship between the LCMS and another church body. The BIM
will publish regularly through the OIM the foreign mission areas of
the Synod. Visit https://www.lcms.org/resources/worldmap to see
the LCMS Our Work in the World map.
Q. Is it possible for a district or congregation to issue a call to
a church worker to serve in a foreign mission area of the Synod
in cooperation with the BIM?
A. Yes. The BIM, in response to the desire of districts and the
CCM opinion, has now adopted operative polices regarding Bylaw
3.8.3, which could allow consideration of either a dual call or a seconded call, should such a call be recommended to the BIM by the
OIM. Supervision and financial responsibility for such a call would
remain with the district or congregation. In a sincere desire to avoid
quenching the work of the Holy Spirit while remaining respectful
of and maintaining integrity in regard to their solemn duties defined
by bylaws agreed to by the congregations of the Synod, the BIM and
the OIM will seek to be supportive and flexible when working with
districts and congregations in this new endeavor.
Q. Why is it important for congregations and districts to work
with the BIM and the OIM?
A. There are many reasons that it is good for congregations and
districts to work with the BIM and the OIM. Some have been mentioned above. An important consideration in our life together is good
order, maintained in love and charity. Coordination between congregations and districts with the mission board and office can prevent
confusion among partners. Congregations and districts that work
with the OIM can receive assistance in areas of accountability and
project management. In the past, congregations and districts have
become involved in long-term, expensive projects that exceeded their
original capacities or desires. Large amounts of money have been
lost. Individuals sent have run into great difficulty, and extensive
time, money, and effort have been expended by the Synod’s overseas
staff to attempt to remedy situations. Coordination with the Synod
can help districts and congregations plan goals and an exit strategy.
Another important consideration is that our Synod, congregations, and districts acknowledge the reality of life in a fallen, sinful
world where significant threats exist—risks that are best assessed and
managed by OIM staff and workers well-coordinated and familiar
with the field in which they labor. Mission and mercy work can be
targeted by enemies of the Gospel. The Synod has a vital interest
in assisting districts and congregation with the goal of providing
necessary safeguards for all workers entering a mission field where
they may encounter dangerous situations for the sake of the Gospel.
The Synod encourages overseas work and contacts by districts
and congregations. For the sake of the Gospel, the Synod is seeking
to expand and improve the mechanisms for such activity, that “all
things should be done decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40).