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LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2019, Page 96

Scan: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS

A. Revision of Synodical
Catechism Explanation
Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation
(2013 Res. 3-13A; 2016 Res. 5-12)
A basic, biblical, and orthodox tool for summarizing and
applying the truths of the Christian faith is of enormous value
to churches and individual Christians. Throughout its history,
the Missouri Synod has used Luther’s Small Catechism as such a
tool, usually in a form that includes additional explanatory materials, questions and answers, and biblical references. Toward
that end, the CTCR was diligently occupied over the past two
triennia in preparing the most recent edition of that tool, often
referred to in its various editions as “the Synod’s catechism.”
A revision of the Synod’s catechism’s additional explanatory material was proposed in 2013 because of challenges from
our rapidly changing culture. Work began in that triennium. In
concurrence with the Office of the President, the CTCR oversaw a drafting committee that worked throughout the 2013–
2016 triennium on a revision of the 1991 edition of the Synod’s
catechism. Members of the drafting committee were Professor
Charles Arand (Concordia Seminary), Pastor Wally Arp (Oviedo, FL), Dr. Jan Lohmeyer (Houston, TX), Professor Tom Egger (CTCR), Dr. Joel Lehenbauer (Chairman, Executive Director of the CTCR), Professor John Pless (Concordia Theological
Seminary), and Rev. Larry Vogel (Associate Executive Director,
CTCR).
A draft version was prepared and field-tested in 2016. After
collating and evaluating all responses to the field-test version
and consulting with the Office of the President, the drafting
committee prepared a completed version and presented it to the
CTCR in February 2017. After further emendations and revisions by the plenary commission, the CTCR adopted the final
draft at that same meeting. After this, for further consideration
to be given to its work, the CTCR submitted the final draft for
doctrinal review. Following approval by the reviewers, the work
was forwarded to CPH. The book has been in use since Reformation 2017 and has received widespread affirmation and approval. It is available for purchase from CPH in both physical
and electronic editions.

B. Completed Reports
1. Women and Military Service: A Lutheran
Perspective (2013 Res. 2-12A and 2016 Res. 5-11A)
2013 Resolution 2-12A asked the CTCR to “produce a
statement” that might be considered by the 2016 convention on
the matter of women serving in combat positions. The CTCR
began work on the assignment. At its February 2016 meeting,
it adopted an overture for the 2016 convention on the matter
which, based on the Commission’s work thus far, set forth key
principles and concerns. After minor revision, the overture was
adopted as Resolution 5-11A by the convention. 2016 Res.
5-11A also urged the CTCR’s continuing work on the matter.
The CTCR adopted the report, Women and Military Service,
in its November 2017 meeting. The report provides additional
theological background and support for them from Scripture,
the Confessions, and other orthodox sources as it addresses
such matters as the order of creation, conscience, and practical matters. It supports those women who choose the option of
2019 Convention Workbook

conscientious objection to service as a combatant and (should
the law change regarding the conscription of women) to military service as such. It defends the LCMS resolution’s opposition “to any legal action that forces the compulsory service of
women in the military, also called the conscription of women,
by mandatory participation in Selective Service registration, a
draft, or by any other mechanism.” It also defends the conscientious decisions of women who choose to serve in the military (in
any capacity) and urges all Christians “to act according to the
Word of God and their consciences in this matter while respecting the consciences of others.” It is included in the Appendix
and is available for download at http://www.lcms.org/ctcr.

2. Confession and Absolution (2013 Res. 4-13)
In 2007 (Res. 2-07A), the LCMS resolved to encourage use
of individual confession and absolution. The 2013 convention
echoed this encouragement, especially for pastors (Res. 4-13).
That resolution also asked the CTCR to “provide a document
that sets forth our church’s teaching on confession and absolution and offers positive guidance to pastors and congregations
in their exercise of the Office of the Keys.” The Commission
worked throughout the past two triennia on the report. It examines the biblical and theological foundation for Confession
and Absolution, answers objections to the practice, and provides ideas and suggestions to help in implementing it for both
pastors and the entire congregation. The CTCR adopted the
report Confession and Absolution at its April 2018 meeting. It is
included in the Appendix and is available for download at http://
www.lcms.org/ctcr.

3. The Royal Priesthood: Identity and Mission
(2007 Res. 1-03; 2016 Res. 5-13)
2007 Res. 1-03 directed the CTCR “to prepare a comprehensive study document which clearly presents the biblical
teaching of the royal priesthood and Luther’s teaching on vocation in light of the mission challenges of today.” The CTCR
completed its work on this assignment by adopting the report
The Royal Priesthood: Identity and Mission during its September 2018 meeting. The report provides both the biblical basis
of the royal priesthood and a historical overview of how the
teaching was first upheld and then neglected. The report then
shows the significance Luther gave to the doctrine before offering seven concluding statements on how this teaching may be
rightly understood. The report is included in the Appendix and
is available for download at http://www.lcms.org/ctcr.

4. “An Inexpressible Treasure”: The Theology
and Practice of Holy Baptism (2013 Res. 4-08A)
In 2013, the Synod adopted a resolution encouraging faithful and responsible baptismal practices, affirming the necessity
of retaining the words of our Lord from Matthew 28 in Baptism, and directing the CTCR to “provide a study of the theology on Holy Baptism that sets forth the scriptural and confessional teaching on this great sacrament of Christian rebirth and
offer positive guidance to pastors and congregations regarding
proper baptismal practices.” The Commission completed its
work in 2018, adopting the report “An Inexpressible Treasure”:
The Theology and Practice of Holy Baptism, at its November/
December 2018 meeting. The report is firmly grounded in the
historical narratives of the Gospels, draws forth the Epistles’