LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1977, Page 119

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RESOLUTIONS 119

Resolved, That we urge each congregation to
develop an effective organization for outreach which
includes:

—annual goals for winning the unchurched

—a resource file of evangelism materials

—a responsibility file

—a method of training pastors and lay people to

make evangelism visits

—observance of an annual evangelism festival

—follow-up referrals from Lutheran Television and

the Lutheran Hour

—a method to focus prayers of its members on

specific unchurched people

—encouragement to pastoral leadership

Action: Adopted as amended (5).

(The final resolve was amended to add the final point and
to insert “pastors and” in the fourth point. The convention
declined to strike the first resolve.)

To Decrease ‘“‘Back-Door Losses”
RESOLUTION 2-13
Report 2-02, Exh. 7, Rec. 3 (CW, p. 26)

WHEREAS, Out of love for our Lord and deep concern
for our fellow members it becomes a matter of high
priority for Christian congregations, through the
means of grace, to cultivate a faithful relationship with
our Lord and a sense of community with His people;
therefore be it

Resolved, That we encourage congregations to
approach delinquent members in an_ evangelical
manner, seeking to “restore them” according to the
words of our Lord in Matt. 18 and Gal. 6:1-2; and be it
further

Resolved, That we urge congregations to give
special attention to receiving new members and
following up on those who have moved away, with such
practical activities as:

—ceremonies to receive new members, receptions,

sponsors, and personal visits

—formal farewell ceremonies for those leaving the

parish

—assistance in finding a new church home

—follow-up on those who move away, with

telephone calls, personal letters, visits, referrals,
and transfers;
and be it finally

Resolved, That we adopt a 2-year goal to decrease
the number of annual “back-door losses” from the
Synod from 50,000 to 35,000.

Action: Adopted (5).

To Support TV Ministry
RESOLUTION 2-14
Overtures 2-25A—B (CW, pp. 35—36)

WHEREAS, Television is an effective means of
reaching those who have not heard the Gospel; and

WHEREAS, The medium of television is growing both
in influence and in coverage throughout the world each
day; and

WHEREAS, Our church has used this magnificent gift
of God for over 25 years to bring the good news of
salvation in Jesus Christ to millions each week; and

WHEREAS, The opportunities for us to use this
medium wisely and effectively continue to grow each
day; and

WHEREAS, The International Lutheran Laymen’s
League accepted the Synod’s offer and assumed the
responsibility for the Lutheran Television Ministry in
1975; therefore be it

Resolved, That we praise and thank God for His
marvelous gift of television; and be it further

Resolved, That we commend the League for its
forward-looking and  Gospel-centered plans and
programs for the Lutheran Television Ministry; and be
it further

Resolved, That every member of the Synod support
this mission ministry through prayer and personal
gifts; and be it finally

Resolved, That we ask God’s continued blessings on
this mission and evangelism ministry.

Action: Adopted (6).

To Decline Overture 2-29
(Dr. Thomas Coates)

RESOLUTION 2-15A

Overture 2-29 (CW, p. 36)

WHEREAS, Dr. Thomas Coates has requested that no
action be taken on the overture; and

WHEREAS, The retirement and termination of
services of Dr. Coates was not for doctrinal reasons;
and

WHEREAS, Such action was in accord with the
synodical Board for Missions policy for missionary
retirement and termination; therefore be it

Resolved, That Overture 2-29 be respectfully de-
clined.

Action: Adopted (6).

To Acknowledge Concerns
of Minority Report
RESOLUTION 2-16
Report 2-01Mn (CW, pp. 19—20)

WHEREAS, The minority report by a member of the
Board for Missions expresses some concerns which can
affect our church’s mission program; and

WHEREAS, It is beneficial to the church to heed
criticism and be sensitive to other views; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Board for Missions consider these
concerns when evaluating its work and relationships.

Action: Adopted (6).