LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2019, Page 117

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1. NATIONAL WITNESS

To Study Shared Ministry
among Small Congregations
RESOLUTION 1-03
Overtures 1-03–05 (CW, 386–87)

WHEREAS, Shifts in demographics and living patterns in
both rural and urban areas threaten the existence of many
congregations; and
WHEREAS, Distance, declining population density, and
other factors heighten difficulties in conducting ministry in
rural and small town situations; and
WHEREAS, Urban and inner-city congregations face
significant challenges due to changing demographics and
declining membership; and
WHEREAS, Due to these converging factors of economics
and demographics, many more congregations will be
exploring some form of partnership arrangement to meet
Word and Sacrament needs into the future; and
WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
currently has over 500 dual- and multi-congregation
parish arrangements being served by sole pastors (which
constitutes over 15 percent of our congregations); and
WHEREAS, More than 60 percent of reporting
congregations of the Synod have an average weekly
worship attendance fewer than 100; and
WHEREAS, Declining seminary enrollments have also
made it difficult for smaller congregations to receive
pastors through the Synod’s placement process; and
WHEREAS, Dual- and multi-congregation parish
arrangements permit many smaller congregations to
benefit from having a trained and ordained pastor; and
WHEREAS, There is a great need for resources to assist
congregations and districts in developing shared ministry
partnerships; and
WHEREAS, Congregational collaboration in ministry and
service provides support for the pastoral office (Augsburg
Confession V, XIV and Romans 10); therefore be it
Resolved, That Synod in convention give thanks to God for
the congregations currently engaged in shared ministry,
such as multi-point parishes and the pastors who serve
them; and be it further
Resolved, That the congregations, circuits, and districts of
the Synod be encouraged to explore greater opportunities
for collaboration for the care of members and the mission
to proclaim the Gospel to those who have not yet been
brought to faith in our communities; and be it further
Resolved, That Synod in convention direct the Office of
National Mission (ONM), in collaboration with the Council
of Presidents (COP), to study the critical issues that
threaten the sustainability of small congregations; and be it
finally
Resolutions

Resolved, That ONM, in collaboration with the COP,
prepare a report to the 2022 convention that includes
recommendations to assist small congregations in
developing strategies related to shared ministry.
Action: Adopted (1)
After discussion by the assembly, the resolution was adopted [Yes:
908; No: 69].

To Support the Continuing Legacy
of Dr. Rosa J. Young and Commend
All Those Who Are Working to Preserve It
RESOLUTION 1-04
Overtures 1-11–13 (CW, 389–91)

WHEREAS, The closing of Concordia College Alabama (CC
Alabama), a ministry idea of Dr. Rosa J. Young, has left a
deep chasm in the hearts of members and congregations of
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS); and
WHEREAS, The LCMS produced the movie, The First Rosa,
based upon Dr. Rosa J. Young’s book, Light in the Dark Belt—
The Story of Rosa Young that made more people aware of her
pioneering work in black ministry and her significant
contribution in Lutheran education and the cause of the
Gospel; and
WHEREAS, The 2019 sale of the property of CC Alabama,
which included the housed location of the Rosa J. Young
Museum for more than 10 years, forced the move of the
museum to a temporary storage location until an adequate
permanent location of the museum can be established; and
WHEREAS, The Rosa J. Young (RJY) Memorial Committee
has a plan to include the relocation, management, and
direction of the Rosa J. Young Museum, and many others
are working diligently to secure her legacy; therefore be it
Resolved, That Synod in convention give thanks to God for
all of those who worked and continue to work to preserve
the legacy of Dr. Rosa J. Young, including the RJY Memorial
Committee, Black Clergy Caucus, the Rosebud Memorial
Committee, the Southern District, including its Black
Ministry Task Force, and the National Alumni & Friends of
Concordia College Alabama; and be it further
Resolved, That the Office of National Mission’s Black
Ministry work to advocate for the legacy of Dr. Rosa J.
Young; and be it finally
Resolved, That Synod in convention give thanks to God for
the mission zeal of Dr. Rosa J. Young and her pioneering and
educational work in black ministry, and encourage the
congregations of Synod to follow her example in seeking to
reach all people with the Gospel of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Action: Adopted (1)
After discussion by the assembly, the resolution was adopted [Yes:
946; No: 24].

PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2019 (67TH) LCMS CONVENTION | 117