LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2019, Page 134

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4. LIFE TOGETHER
WHEREAS, LCMS deaconesses, with their training in both
theology and churchly assistance, make a significant
contribution in religious education, women’s ministry,
children’s ministry, visitation, mercy outreach, missionary
work, and—according to personal talents—music,
administration, prison ministry, and other charitable
endeavors; and
WHEREAS, The twenty-first century has proven to be a
time of social and legal upheaval in families, congregations,
communities, and colleges, and deaconesses increasingly
serve in pro-life and family ministry, campus ministry,
migrant and refugee ministry, housing ministry, and more;
and
WHEREAS, Deaconesses help to support a Lutheran
understanding of the relationship between Word and
Sacrament Ministry and lay vocations within a Christian
life of love; and
WHEREAS, Women undergo theological and practical
training in an earnest desire to serve their church as fulltime professionals, trained to share the Gospel of Jesus
Christ through works of mercy, spiritual care, and teaching
the Christian faith, without guarantee of paid placement;
therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod in convention thank God for a
century of deaconesses and diaconal training in this
country; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention pray for wisdom,
discernment, support, and our Lord’s leadership for all
deaconesses working in congregations, missionary fields,
educational and charitable institutions and programs; and
be it further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention join in prayer on
behalf of Lutheran deaconesses and those preparing to
serve as Lutheran deaconesses domestically and abroad
who work to embody our Lord’s care for body and soul; and
be it further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention encourage
congregations, recognized service organizations, and other
related organizations, including the Concordia University
System, in their pursuit of a stronger Lutheran identity, to
embrace LCMS deaconesses as they enact a clear
understanding of how auxiliary offices accompany the
Word and Sacrament ministry of the Office of Holy
Ministry; and be it finally
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention commend LCMS
deaconesses and diaconal service.
Action: Adopted (1)
After discussion by the assembly, the resolution was adopted [Yes:
912; No: 30]. The chairman offered a prayer of thanksgiving for
directors of Christian education and for deaconesses.

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

To Commend to Synod Priorities for
Mission and Ministry Emphasis
for the 2019–2022 Triennium
RESOLUTION 4-03A
Reports R1, R1.1, R1.2 (CW, 1–9, 10–16, 16–71); Overtures
4-01–07 (CW, 408–10)

WHEREAS, Our commitment together as The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) congregations and
workers is to walk together with the Word of God as our
only norm and guide for doctrine and practice; and
WHEREAS, Bylaw 4.2.1 (d) directs that the “district
convention shall, through delegate vote, forward to the
national convention a list of two or three triennial mission
and ministry emphases for consideration by the national
convention”; and
WHEREAS, The current triennial emphasis of “Witness,
Mercy, Life Together” has served the Synod well since 2013
and has blessed congregations with a richer understanding
of the nature and mission of the Church of Christ; and
WHEREAS, New studies have been helpful in dispelling
myths and in taking an honest look at demographic trends,
calling us to an enhanced vision for LCMS mission and
ministry; and
WHEREAS, The seven mission priorities previously
affirmed at the 2016 Synod convention will appropriately
continue to guide the ministry of the Synod through the
policymaking work of the Boards for National Mission
(BNM) and International Mission (BIM) in the coming
2019–2022 triennium:
• plant, sustain, and revitalize Lutheran churches;
• support and expand theological education;
• perform human care in close proximity to Word
and Sacrament ministries;
• collaborate with the Synod’s members and
partners to enhance mission effectiveness;
• promote and nurture the spiritual, emotional,
financial, and physical well-being of pastors and
professional church workers;
• enhance early childhood education, elementary
and secondary education, and youth ministry; and
• strengthen and support the Lutheran family in
living out God’s design;
and
WHEREAS, Dr. C. F. W. Walther asked to whom the
responsibility to preach the Gospel among all people of the
earth has been committed. He answered, “Here we see that
it is the people of the New Testament, or the Holy Christian
Church, that God has prepared or established, to show
forth His praise in all the world. That means that the church
Resolutions