Collection › LCMS Convention Workbook (St. Louis, Missouri) › 2019 · 67th Convention, Tampa › Page 480
LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2019, Page 480

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

480

FINANCE

Resolved, That congregations of the LCMS be encouraged to
take a special thank-offering on the occasion of the installation
and/or ordination of a new pastor or the anniversary of their pastor’s
ordination to support the LCMS Joint Seminary Fund.
South Dakota District
Ov. 8-05

To Optimize the Stewardship of Gifts
to Our Seminaries
WHEREAS, For many decades, the Synod has managed the Joint
Seminary Fund, providing donors an opportunity to make a single
donation that financially supports both seminaries; and
WHEREAS, The Synod establishes both the formula for
distribution of those gifts to the seminaries and the amount to be
retained by the Synod for fund raising expenses; and
WHEREAS, Trends in Synod giving indicate that donors who
connect more directly with ministries are more trusting of and
financially generous with those ministries; and
WHEREAS, Direct involvement in the fundraising activity of the
Joint Seminary Fund by the two seminaries has been greatly
reduced; and
WHEREAS, This reduced involvement has had a direct impact on
the performance of the Joint Seminary Fund such that the financial
support to the two seminaries has been significantly diminished;
and
WHEREAS, The administrative leadership of both seminaries
have been successful in connecting directly with individuals who
desire to support those ministries; and
WHEREAS, The administrative leadership of both seminaries are
committed to working together to manage a joint seminary fundraising operation in a way that provides the same opportunities for
donors and that continues an equitable distribution model, yet
reduces costs through the use of existing fundraising expertise and
infrastructure of the seminaries; therefore be it
Resolved, That Concordia Theological Seminary and Concordia
Seminary be directed to create a joint fundraising team, which has
the responsibility for receiving gifts intended to benefit both
seminaries; and be it further
Resolved, That gifts be split between the two seminaries each
year in proportion to total residential Master of Divinity enrollment
for the most recent completed academic year; and be it further
Resolved, That the existing Joint Seminary Fund, administered
by the Synod, be transferred, in its entirety to this new fund; and be
it finally
Resolved, That any gifts or bequests received by The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod or The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod Foundation, any earnings from trusts, endowments, or other
similar receipts directed to the Joint Seminary Fund, or otherwise
designated or restricted for the use of the two seminaries, be
immediately distributed to the new joint fund, but in each case
remaining subject to any applicable restrictions on use imposed by
the donors thereof.
Board of Regents, Concordia Seminary;
Board of Regents, Concordia Theological Seminary

2019 Convention Workbook

Ov. 8-06

To Ensure Timely and Transparent Financial
Reporting in the Synod
WHEREAS, Biblical stewardship requires us to be accountable for
the gifts that God has entrusted to His people (Matt. 25:14f.; Luke
12:48; 1 Cor. 4:2); and
WHEREAS, The Synod has historically recognized its
responsibility of accountability and faithfulness in the handling of
the finances entrusted to it by its members, as is evidenced by Synod
Bylaws and Resolutions (Bylaws 1.5.1–1.5.4; 2010 Proceedings,
Res. 4-03, p. 120); and
WHEREAS, The members of the Synod expressed even further the
need for full transparency in all areas of financial disclosure of all
funding, including special appeals by adopting 2016 Res. 9-04A,
“To Improve Disclosures Related to Financial Gifts from God’s
Stewards for Special Appeals,” (2016 Proceedings, p. 189) which
stated in part:
Resolved, That the financial offices of corporate Synod continue
to recognize the desire of donors and members of the Synod to
improve processes of reporting and work to provide clear,
timely, and transparent accounting for all funding and special
appeals, so that the Body of Christ may experience the joy of
Gospel-centered mission and ministry beyond the local context
or community.
and
WHEREAS, There is a desire among the members of the FloridaGeorgia District for more transparency and regularity in reporting
of the financial position of the Synod especially in regard to special
appeals for disaster relief, which is of the utmost importance to the
members and constituencies of the Florida-Georgia District who
have a vested interest in the care of those impacted by disasters; and
WHEREAS, The people of God motivated by the Gospel will
respond through better, open, and honest communication about the
great things God is able to accomplish for His Kingdom when we
work together; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod in convention direct the Chief
Financial Officer to report quarterly in the Synod’s official
publications the financial position of the Synod in a format easily
understood by persons unfamiliar with financial terminology
according to generally accepted accounting principles; and be it
further
Resolved, That these quarterly reports include information about
the regular Synod budget as well as reporting on special appeals.
Florida-Georgia District
Ov. 8-07

To Ensure Timely and Transparent Financial
Reporting in the Synod
WHEREAS, A principle of biblical stewardship is to be
accountable with the resources with which one has been entrusted,
as expressed in the Parable of the Talents (Matt. 25:14f.); and
WHEREAS, Much is required of those to whom God has entrusted
his gifts. As Jesus said, “Everyone to whom much was given, of him
much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much,
they will demand the more” (Luke 12:48b); and
WHEREAS, The Scriptures teach that “it is required of stewards
that they be found faithful” (1 Cor. 4:2); and