LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2001, Page 71

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REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT
a commission on an ongoing basis will enable the Synod to
fine-tune its Bylaws gradually rather than making sweeping changes. But it would be unrealistic to assume that neither this new commission, if the convention approves it, nor
any other overtures in 2004 will have proposals to make regarding restructuring.
I am of the opinion that it would not be good for the
Synod to adopt the recommendations concerning area VicePresidents. First, I question whether electing synodical
Vice-Presidents from areas, especially areas as large as
those proposed in this overture, will do the kind of good the
task force is hoping for. These men are Vice-Presidents of
the Synod as a whole, not representatives of specific regions. The national-level Praesidium differs greatly in its
function from any District Praesidium. Therefore, benefits
achieved by regionalization of Vice-Presidencies at the District level will not necessarily carry over to the national
level. I can envision that this Area Vice-Presidents proposal, if adopted, could prevent the Synod from securing the
best talent for its second through fifth Vice-Presidencies. It
might even have the effect of fragmenting the Synod into
four synods.
Likewise, I do not support the change proposed in how
we elect delegates to the national convention. I am opposed
to changing the current criteria for the composition of an
electoral Circuit, whatever it may be called.

71
Conclusion

Well, these are some of the thoughts I have had in connection with the issues you will be dealing with during the
course of the next 24 to 69 hours. The Convention Workbook
not only contains much material, but material that
may/could/will have an important effect on the future of,
and the future direction of, The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod.
There are times in life when each of us feels he or she is
somewhat insignificant when compared to other individuals. There are times when we feel that what we think or
say or do really makes little or no difference. And perhaps
more often than not, that is true. But this is not one of
those times. What you and your respective committees resolve upon as you go about and complete your recommendations to the other delegates to the convention in July may
have a very significant effect.
Therefore, I encourage you to be assured that the Lord
will guide you because He has promised that He would. But
at the same time, please take time in your respective committees to petition the Lord for that guidance, especially as
you wrestle with a difficult issue and then come to the time
of the plenary vote for decision.
May what we do here in the next hours be used by the
Lord to accomplish for and in and through this segment of
His church whatever it is that He wants to accomplish.

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