LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2019, Page 29

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everyone,” and regarding which he shared a number of
details.

the Florida-Georgia District by saying “Tampa” rather than
“Duluth.”

Harrison noted his rejoicing “to inform [the convention]
that the Synod owes no creditor any money, for the first time
in more than a century, as far as we can tell” and thanked the
Board of Directors for its calm and unified handling of very
challenging issues, “a grand blessing to the Synod.”

Convention Essay: “Joy:fully Lutheran: Rejoice, Pray, Give
Thanks”

The President also noted the first convention floor
committee on retention “and much more.” He expressed
love and thanks to the Council of Presidents, the “strongest
he’s ever seen it, theologically and collegially,” thanked God
for the Praesidium, especially Daniel Preus, who is not
standing for re-election, and for First Vice-President Herbert
Mueller, “the right man at just the right time,” and his wife,
Faith.
“Dear brothers and sisters, ‘This is the day that the Lord
has made, let us rejoice, and be glad in it!’”
[The entire text of Part 3 of the President’s Report is
printed elsewhere in these Convention Proceedings.]
Introduction to Recognition of 125 Years of LCMS International
Mission Efforts
The President introduced the first of a series of videos
celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Synod’s
international mission efforts, recalling the history of the
Synod’s mission and church-planting efforts with Native
Americans and then in India, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina,
China, Nigeria, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Africa, and
elsewhere, bringing the news that “God justifies the sinner”
to all who need to hear it.
Committee 2: International Witness
Kansas District President Peter Lange introduced the
work of his committee, thanking God for his grace and
blessing on the Synod’s mission efforts, spanning over a
century. He read Res. 2-01, “To Thank God for 125 Years of
International Mission through The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod” (TB, 1:54), and introduced it for the
committee. The resolution was adopted in a rising vote,
culminating with the singing of the Common Doxology and
recognition of those with present and past missionary
service.
Welcome and Greetings from Florida-Georgia District
Florida-Georgia District President Gregory Walton
welcomed delegates to Tampa, noting this to be the first
convention of the Synod to meet in his district. He noted the
previous morning’s servant event, which helped further the
missions of Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries and Amigos
en Cristo on behalf, respectively, of pregnant women and
their children and of migrants and immigrants needing
assistance to build a solid foundation for a better future. He
invoked the Lord’s blessings on the delegates gathered. In an
impromptu resolution, the delegates expressed their love for

Minutes

[The entire text of the essay by the Rev. Dr. Herbert C.
Mueller, Synod First Vice-President, is printed elsewhere in
these 2019 Convention Proceedings.]
Committee 1: National Witness
President Harrison, following an introductory video
highlighting LCMS National Mission and the new emphasis
on “Making Disciples for Life,” introduced Missouri District
President Lee Hagan, who introduced the work of his
committee.
Res. 1-02, “To Encourage the Planting of Churches” (TB,
1:48), was read and introduced by the committee. Without
discussion, the resolution was adopted by the assembly [Yes:
900; No: 6].
Res. 1-03, “To Study Shared Ministry among Small
Congregations” (TB, 1:49), was read and introduced by the
committee. After discussion by the assembly, the resolution
was adopted [Yes: 908; No: 69]. In response to a delegate’s
point of order, the chairman noted that the chaplain will
include “thanks to God for congregations engaged in shared
ministry…and the pastors who serve them” in the
subsequent prayer office.
Res. 1-04, “To Support the Continuing Legacy of Dr. Rosa
J. Young and Commend All Those Who Are Working to
Preserve It” (TB, 1:49–50), was read and introduced by the
committee. After discussion by the assembly, the resolution
was adopted [Yes: 946; No: 24].
Res. 1-08, “To Give Thanks to God for 100 Years of LCMS
Campus Ministry” (TB, 1:53), was read and introduced by the
committee. In discussion, an amendment was moved and
seconded to replace “LCMS U” in line 25 with “Concordia
Historical Institute.” After discussion, it was moved and
carried to close debate on the amendment [Yes: 868; No: 58];
the amendment failed [Yes: 273; No: 684]. The resolution
was adopted as originally introduced [Yes: 914; No: 52].
Committee 4: Life Together
The chair called for Northern Illinois District President
Allan Buss, who introduced his committee with words from
Ephesians 5, noting that our life together is “in the blood of
Christ,” that we are “with Him,” and that “we are in this
together.”
Res. 4-01, “To Affirm and Celebrate 60 Years of Director
of Christian Education Ministry in the Synod” (TB, 1:67), was
read and introduced by the committee. Without discussion,
the resolution was adopted [Yes: 887; No: 57].
Res. 4-02, “To Commend LCMS Deaconesses and
Diaconal Work” (TB, 1:67–68), was read and introduced by
the committee. After discussion by the assembly, the
PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2019 (67TH) LCMS CONVENTION | 29