Collection › LCMS Convention Workbook (St. Louis, Missouri) › 2023 · 68th Convention, Milwaukee › Page 397
LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2023, Page 397

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

STRUCTURE AND ADMINISTRATION
Resolved, That after such processes any doctrinal resolution,
doctrinal statement, constitutional or bylaw revision, or any action
that relates directly or indirectly to the controverted matter should
be considered by the Synod in convention, provided that such
proposed action is in accordance with the process established by the
COP; and be it finally
Resolved, That the Texas District in convention memorialize the
Synod in convention with this resolution.
St. Matthew, Grand Rapids, MI; Texas District;
Board of Directors, Michigan District; Board of Directors,
Pacific Southwest District
Ov. 9-48

To Establish Mission Board Responsibilities
Regarding Mission Office Strategic Plan
and Annual Budget Proposal
WHEREAS, Bylaw 1.2.1 (n) defines the duties of a mission board
of the Synod; and
WHEREAS, Bylaw 1.2.1 (n) states that the mission boards of the
Synod are charged with developing and determining policies that
establish boundaries, parameters, and principals that guide the
respective mission offices in determining present and future
activities and programs; and
WHEREAS, Bylaw 1.2.1 (n) states “the mission board shall have
oversight of the implementation of these policies”; and
WHEREAS, Bylaws 3.8.2 (Board for National Mission [BNM])
and 3.8.3 (Board for International Mission [BIM]) do not specify
how each of the mission boards are to monitor and provide oversight
of the implementation of mission board established policies; and
WHEREAS, The BNM and the BIM have thoughtfully reviewed
the processes currently in place and recommend that, in order to
carry out their duties of monitoring and oversight effectively,
Bylaws 3.8.2 and 3.8.3 be amended to include a process for review
and endorsement of the strategic plan and review and input on
budget on an annual basis prior to the submission of the budget
proposal to the Synod Board of Directors; therefore be it
Resolved, That Bylaw 3.8.2 be amended as follows:
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
Board for National Mission
3.8.2
…
3.8.2.1
The Board for National Mission shall have oversight of the
implementation of policies adopted by the board and implemented
by the Office of National Mission for the coordination of and in
support of district ministries which support congregations and
schools. The board shall annually review and endorse the Office of
National Mission strategic plan and review and provide input on the
Office of National Mission annual budget proposal prior to its
submission for approval by the Board of Directors. The board shall
be under the ecclesiastical supervision of the President of the Synod
regarding doctrine and administration consistent with the President’s
responsibility under Constitution Art. XI B 1–4 (also Constitution
Art. XI B 7; Bylaws 3.3.1.1–3.3.1.3) between conventions of the
Synod and ultimately shall be responsible to the Synod in convention
(Constitution Art. XI A 1–2).
3.8.2.2
…

397

PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
Board for International Mission
3.8.3
…
3.8.3.1
The Board for International Mission shall have oversight
of the implementation of policies adopted by the board and
implemented by the Office of International Mission for the
coordination of and in support of ministries of the Synod in foreign
countries. The board shall annually review and endorse the Office of
International Mission strategic plan and review and provide input on
the Office of International Mission annual budget proposal prior to
its submission for approval by the Board of Directors. The board
shall be under the ecclesiastical supervision of the President of the
Synod regarding doctrine and administration consistent with the
President’s responsibility under Constitution Art. XI B 1–4
(Constitution Art. XI B 7; Bylaws 3.3.1.1–3.3.1.3) between
conventions of the Synod and ultimately shall be responsible to the
Synod in convention (Constitution Art. XI A 1–2).
3.8.3.2
…

Board for National Mission; Board for International Mission
Ov. 9-49

To Amend Bylaw 4.1.1.4 regarding
Transfer of Congregations between Districts
Rationale
Bylaw 4.1.1.4 concerns the transfer of a congregation between
districts. The bylaw mentions the “approval of the respective district
boards of directors,” but gives no guidance as to when or why
approval should be granted or withheld. This vagueness leaves open
the possibility of actual or perceived arbitrariness on the part of
district boards of directors.
Therefore be it
Resolved, That Bylaw 4.1.1.4 be amended as follows:
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
4.1.1.4
Transfer of congregations between districts is completed
upon approval of the respective district boards of directors at the
request of the congregation. The approval of the respective district
boards of directors shall be granted at the next regular meeting of
said boards unless the congregation was already in the Consultation
or Commencing an Action phase of expulsion as narrated in Bylaw
2.14.3 and Bylaw 2.14.4.

Circuits 3 and 4
Southern Illinois District

and be it further
Resolved, That Bylaw 3.8.3 be amended as follows:

2023 Convention Workbook