Collection › LCMS Convention Workbook (St. Louis, Missouri) › 2023 · 68th Convention, Milwaukee › Page 373
LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2023, Page 373

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

STRUCTURE AND ADMINISTRATION
Resolved, That the 2022 Atlantic District in convention
memorialize the 2023 Synod convention to create a restructuring
task force to report results and make recommendations to the 2026
Synod convention; and be it further
Resolved, That this task force be constituted by the Council of
Presidents and include one lay person, one commissioned minister,
and one ordained minister from each region of the Synod; and be it
further
Resolved, That the following question be addressed: What are
the short term (10 years) and long term (20–30 years) projections
for Synod in the areas of:
• baptized membership;
• average in person weekly attendance;
• average digital weekly engagements;
• ordained workers;
• rostered workers;
• Lutheran school enrollment;
• funding for national Synod and districts; and
• the viability and adaptability of recognized service
organization (RSO) partners and Synod entities (Concordia
Plan Services, Concordia Publishing House) to transfer; and
be it further
Resolved, That protocols be researched for orderly
implementation in the event of a shut-down of Synod so that
mission may continue with vigor. Special emphasis should be given
to address transfer of congregations and assets that honors the local
intention, and the study of the following questions:
• What is the process for Synod to consider this plan for
adoption properly?
• What is a realistic timeline to enact the transition, if adopted?
• What are methods to help congregations, schools, ministries,
RSOs, entities of Synod to celebrate restructuring as a
healthy part of the life cycle that perpetuates ministry?
and be it finally
Resolved, That this matter be undertaken only with prayerful
reliance on the Holy Spirit and in a spirit of humility to God’s
goodness to work in and through Synod, even if that means a
restructuring for the sake of mission and ministry.
Atlantic District
Ov. 9-06

To Recommend Moving
to Four-Year Convention Cycle
WHEREAS, Both decreases in the size of many Synod
congregations and the uncertain economic climate of our times have
placed an increased financial burden on many of those who are
assessed a portion of the cost of the Synod convention; and
WHEREAS, We are all charged to be good stewards of our time
and treasure; and
WHEREAS, The urgency of matters coming before a district or
Synod convention does not demand a three-year cycle; and
WHEREAS, Significant savings of time and money would be
made possible by moving to a four-year cycle; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod adopt a four-year convention cycle;
and be it further

373

Resolved, That the President of the Synod, district presidents,
and circuit visitors, and their respective staff utilize the extra year
to accomplish visitation and the implementation of both district and
Synod resolutions in a more reasonable and equitable fashion; and
be it further
Resolved, That this become effective upon completion of the
2023 Synod convention and shall affect every Synod and district
convention thereafter; and be it further
Resolved, That bylaw provisions shall be determined for
adoption at the 2023 Synod convention for immediate
implementation of election cycles, terms of office, staggering of
terms, and any other necessary issues that arise prior to the 2027
Synod convention; and be it finally
Resolved, That the Commission on Handbook shall make
changes necessary for a four-year convention cycle.
Board of Directors, English District;
Board of Directors, Kansas District
Ov. 9-07

To Adopt Four-Year Convention Cycle
WHEREAS, The decreases in the size of many Synod
congregations and the uncertain economic climate of our times have
placed an increased financial burden on many of those who are
assessed a portion of the cost of the Synod convention; and
WHEREAS, The direct cost of the 2019 Synod convention was
over $4 million; and
WHEREAS, We currently have a three-year convention cycle
resulting in four conventions in 12 years totaling an estimated direct
cost of $16.8 million; and
WHEREAS, As one of 35 districts, the expenses of the 2022
Nebraska District convention was $122,841, and the expenses of the
last four district conventions was $502,511; and
WHEREAS, The overall cost to host a district or national
convention has continued to increase over the years, with this cost
borne by offerings and convention assessments received from
congregations, many of which are struggling financially, impacting
district and national budgets; and
WHEREAS, The amount of time and resources of Synod and
district staff dedicated for convention preparation is astronomical
and could be redirected to other opportunities for the work of the
Church; and
WHEREAS, We are all charged to be good stewards of our time
and treasure; and
WHEREAS, The one-year extension due to COVID-19 has shown
us that there is no meaningful disadvantage to four years between
conventions; and
WHEREAS, Moving to a four-year convention cycle may give the
Synod and districts new opportunities to focus on the Church’s
common mission and confession, particularly on contemporary
issues faced by the Church through theological conferences;
therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod adopt a four-year convention cycle;
and be it further
Resolved, That the four-year cycle would be as follows:

2023 Convention Workbook