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LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2016, Page 323

Scan: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

INTERNATIONAL WITNESS
authority and right to call and send missionaries according to scriptural practice (Acts 13:1–3) and two primary objectives of the Synod
which are (1) to strengthen, and not to hinder or restrict through the
adoption of a bylaw, rule, or regulation, congregations in giving bold
witness by word and deed and extend that Gospel witness into all
the world and (2) to provide protection for congregations and church
workers in the performance of their official duties and the maintenance of their rights as the members of the Synod, entrusted with
making disciples of all nations through their evangelizing and edifying ministries to the ends of the earth; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod in Convention amend the final paragraph of Bylaw 3.8.3 to read as follows:
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
Upon recommendation of the Office of International Mission, the board
Congregations shall serve as the only sending agency through which
workers and funds are sent to the foreign mission areas of the Synod, including for the calling, appointing, assigning, withdrawing, and releasing of missionaries (ministers of religion—ordained and ministers of
religion—commissioned) and other workers for the ministries in foreign
areas nationally and internationally, and the Office of International Mission serves as the national sending agency through which workers and
funds are sent to foreign mission areas on behalf of the Synod.

and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention recognize, affirm, and
protect the authority and right of LCMS congregations to serve as the
Synod’s primary agency for the calling and sending of pastors and
missionaries locally and globally; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention recognize and affirm the
rights of districts, RSOs, and LCMS mission agencies to call workers on behalf of the congregations they represent and serve; and be
it further
Resolved, That the Board for National Mission and the Board for
International Mission fulfill the purpose of the Synod as defined in
Bylaw 1.1.1, as they “work in support of and on behalf of congregations to assist them in carrying out their ministries as they seek to
serve our Lord Jesus Christ, the members of His body, and the world
which stands in need of the Word and the impact of His redeeming
love” (emphasis added); and be it finally
Resolved, That congregations communicate and coordinate with
their circuits, districts, and the Board for International Missions when
making missionary calls so that everything be done decently and in
good order.
Board of Directors
New Jersey District
2-11

To Reaffirm Congregational Autonomy
in the Support of International Missions
Whereas, Article VII of the LCMS Constitution clearly states
that Synod is only advisory relative to the self-governance of member congregations; and
Whereas, The LCMS has directed its congregations and auxiliary
organizations to process their financial support of international missions through the Synod’s national offices; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod in its 2016 convention reaffirm the congregational prerogative of its member congregations to determine
how they will support the Synod’s or other international missions.
Redeemer
Mercer Island, WA

323

2-12

To Affirm Congregational Autonomy
in Supporting International Missions
Whereas, The LCMS has directed congregations and auxiliary
organizations to process all financial support for international missions through the LCMS headquarters; and
Whereas, Article VII of the LCMS Constitution clearly states that
Synod is only an advisory body relative to the individual congregation’s right of self-government; and
Whereas, Individual members and congregations of Synod
relinquish none of their authority and autonomy in agreeing to walk
together with other congregations of Synod to accomplish the work of
the church which congregations cannot accomplish individually; and
Whereas, Individual congregations and members alone have the
authority to determine whether any resolutions, directives, etc. of
the Synod are in accordance with the Word of God or appear to be
inexpedient as far as the condition of a congregation is concerned;
therefore be it
Resolved, That this 2016 LCMS convention affirm the constitutional prerogative of individual LCMS member congregations
EITHER to accept the advice of this directive of Synod and process their contributions through the LCMS Board for International
Missions, if the congregation deems this method to be expedient;
OR to exercise its autonomy and contribute directly to international
mission projects.
Zion
Portland, OR
2-13

To Require Cause for Withdrawal
or Release of Career Missionaries
Whereas, It is a solemn duty of our Synod to support our ordained
and commissioned ministers who serve as career missionaries; and
Whereas, The Board for International Mission currently holds
the right to call, appoint, assign, withdraw, and release missionaries,
including ministers of religion—ordained or commissioned, upon recommendation of the Office of International Mission (Bylaw 3.8.3);
and
Whereas, The Synod’s bylaws do not currently mandate that the
Office of International Mission must show cause before recommending the withdrawal or release of ministers of religion who serve as
missionaries; and
Whereas, The current situation can discourage ministers of religion from being willing to become career missionaries; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Minnesota South District Pastoral Conference
memorialize the Synod:
1. That the Synod in convention mandate that the Office of International
Mission show cause for its recommendation to withdraw or release
ordained or commissioned career missionaries.
2. That the Synod in convention prohibit the Board for International
Mission from terminating the employment of ordained or commissioned career missionaries for no cause; and
3. That the Commission on Constitutional Matters present to the next
convention of the Synod recommendations for how ordained and
commissioned career missionaries may have the right to appeal the
cause given for the termination of their employment as missionaries.

Minnesota South District Pastoral Conference; Eastern
Region Pastors Conference, English District
2016 Convention Workbook