LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1977, Page 39

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MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION 39

District numbers over 180,000 members. In his remarks
President Gedrat spoke of the growth and the activity
of the church in Brazil and the tremendous oppor-
tunities which are there before it. During the last year
59 new mission stations were opened. However, the
number of workers is small, and the average number of
stations per pastor at this time is six. In addition to
support received from the Synod it was reported that
the stewardship level of Brazilian members is also
increasing rapidly, with many of the mission stations
becoming self-supporting within 3 years. The work
which was begun in Brazil in 1900 has obviously been
blessed by God.

Following this report the delegates were addressed
by Rev. Marcus Zill, Stewardship Counselor of the
Synod. In his remarks he pointed out that our fight is
against our real enemy, Satan. We have the resources to
meet the financial needs of the Synod, and the efforts of
the Stewardship Department are in agreement with the
theme of the convention since we are to grow in the
grace of giving also. Rev. Zill referred to a number of
items which are being prepared by the Department of
Stewardship for distribution to congregations which
should aid in raising the stewardship level of in-
dividuals and congregations. Discussion was then
begun on the resolution. After declining to change the
first resolve (line 36, TB 175) to substitute the words
“Circuit conferences using the pastoral and the lay
delegates of this convention” for the words “Circuit
Counselor conferences,” the convention adopted the
resolution as presented. Discussion of Res. 13-14A (TB
249) was begun, calling for the establishment of a
required course in stewardship at the seminaries. Time,
however, expired before action could be completed on
this resolution.

Theology and Church Relations

Chairman Happel of the Floor Committee on
Theology and Church Relations reintroduced Res. 3-07
(TB 57), calling for adoption of the recommendations of
the special Committee on Doctrinal Statements. Action
on this resolution had not been completed in a previous
session. The convention declined an amendment which
called for placing the words “within 6 months” after
the word “if” in line 58 and eliminating the words
“which respond within 6 months” in line 59 by a vote of
536 to 449. They also declined to place the words “ora
congregation” after the word “conference” in line 41
(TB 58). An additional amendment calling for inclusion
of the words “and which in no way restrict” on line 22
(TB 58) after the words “in harmony with” was also
declined. The delegates, however, adopted an amend-
ment substituting the words “two-thirds majority” for
the words “simple majority” in line 58 (TB 58). After
agreeing to cease debate the delegates then adopted the
resolution as amended. Following adoption of the
resolution a delegate raised a question of the legality of
“uphold publicly,” which was noted by the Secretary.

Closing Devotion

Chaplain Paul Streufert led the delegates in prayer
at the close of the session and asked them to join in the

singing of the hymn “Abide with Me,” speaking the
benediction while the hymn was hummed by the
delegates.

Session 10

July 20, Morning
Opening

The opening devotion of the Wednesday morning
session of the convention was led by Chaplain Paul
Streufert and was based on a reading from Deut. 6:4,
first in the French language by an attorney from
Oshawa, Ont., and then in English by the chaplain.
The theme of his brief remarks was: “Take Care of Your
Foundation.” This was related particularly to the
educational matters which were to be discussed by the
convention during the day.

Convention Progress

President Preus reminded the convention delegates
of the tremendous amount of business which still
needed to be transacted and asked chairmen of the floor
committees to identify those resolutions which must be
acted on before the close of the convention.

Higher Education

Chairman August Mennicke of the Floor Committee
on Higher Education reintroducted Res. 6-07A (TB 287),
which called for the further development of Christ
College Irvine. Discussion resumed on a pending
amendment calling for the addition of the words “from
its supporters and its foundation” after the word
“$500,000” in line 31 (TB 287) and the words “that the
viability and future development of Christ College
Irvine including” be added between the words “resolv-
ed” and “approval” in line 34 (7B 287). An amendment
to the amendment asked for the addition of the words
“and from borrowed funds” after the word “foundation”
in the amendment. After agreeing to call the question on
the amendment to the amendment, the amendment, and
the resolution, delegates declined both the amendment
to the amendment and the amendment but adopted the
resolution as presented by the floor committee. Discus-
sion was then begun on Res. 6-06A (TB 286) which wasa
response to overtures requesting a change to 4-year
status by junior colleges. The convention declined to
consider a substitute resolution presented by the Board
for Higher Education, as well as to delete lines 40—41
(TB 286). A motion for recommital was also declined.
Since the resolution dealt with two major concepts, that
of a planning committee of the Board for Higher
Education to deal with a systemwide model of higher
education and that of a change of Concordia College,
Portland, from 2-year status to 4-year status, delegates
agreed to divide the question. After discussing each of
the matters separately the delegates voted on them
individually, adopting both, and thereby adopting the
entire Res. 6-06A (TB 286) as presented.

Ethnic Concerns
Chairman Bryant Clancy of the Floor Committee on