LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2001, Page 43

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SYNODICAL REPORTS 43

¢ The Jubilee Network introduced the program “Front Porch Par-
enting” in 1998, with Dr. Mary Manz Simon offering Christian
parenting tips. It airs today on 22] stations.

¢ The plan to acquire additional broadcast facilities was dropped,
primarily because of cost.

¢ KFUO-FM and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod received
the 1999 Marconi Award, from the National Association of
Broadcasters, as the classical music radio station of the year in
the United States.

¢ The Educational Initiatives program founded by KFUO-FM cele-
brated its fifth anniversary in 1999. This program, designed to
reach minority and under-served youth, does classroom and live
concert performances to enhance the opportunities for classical
music. An estimated 7,000 children were served in these five
years.

¢ KFUO-FM sales reached an all-time high of $2.3 million in FY
1999-2000.

«Both KFUO-AM and FM created Web sites that use audio-
streaming technology. Content of both stations is now available
worldwide. Response from people listening around the world has
been received.

* KFUO-FM did a used musical instrument drive in 1998. The sta-
tion received 200 used instruments, refurbished them, and do-
nated them to needy children.

¢ KFUO received a Golden Angel Award for 75 years of Christian
broadcasting service and four Silver Angel Awards for outstand-
ing programs, awarded by Excellence in Media.

Plans and Challenges

¢ Enhance the radio stations and their ministries with continued ex-
ploration of the Internet, its possibilities and outreaches. In addi-
tion, examine the Internet as a means of audio program distribu-
tion.

¢ Remodel a section of the KFUO building, including the entrance,
lobby, and studio area. This would make the first major renova-
tion work since the 1950s.

¢ Position the radio stations to be a national leader in their respec-
tive formats, offering a showcase for The Lutheran Church—Mis-
souri Synod.

¢ Begin phasing in the necessary equipment for digital broadcast-
ing.

¢ Institute a community program, attached to the Educational Ini-
tiatives outreach, to lead disadvantaged youth into actual music
and performance enhancement through music lessons.

¢ Transfer the ownership and operation of KNGN, McCook, NE,
from The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod through KFUO to a
local Nebraska corporation.

LCMS Teleproductions

LCMS Video began providing professional video production to
the Synod in 1984. In 1998, LCMS Video and the LCMS Satellite
Service merged into one unit to become LCMS Teleproductions.

During the past triennium, LCMS Teleproductions has experi-
enced many changes. In January 2000, budget restriction led to the
decision to close the LCMS Satellite Service. Meanwhile, LCMS
Teleproductions expanded its services to include work for individ-
ual LCMS congregations, even as it continues to serve the various
boards, departments, and entities of the Synod.

Accomplishments

¢ Maintained a state-of-the-art video-production facility, upgrading
equipment as necessary to stay on the cutting edge of technology.

¢ Served the Synod President’s office through production of video
greetings for congregations and gatherings that are celebrating
special events. Also produced the President’s annual Epiphany
video.

¢ Began production of customized professional videos for congre-
gations in fall 2000. This effort includes a preproduced video ti-
tled “Living, Loving and Learning” that gives an overview of the
LCMS and what it believes. Congregations can customize the
video to assist in their own evangelism and instruction programs.

¢ Took part in production of more than 150 videos during the tri-
ennium. At least 28 videos highlighted the missionaries and mis-
sion fields of the LCMS. The Board for Mission Services was the
most extensive user of the production service during the trien-
nium.

¢ Assisted in production of a one-hour special for the NBC televi-
sion network titled “Just in Time for Christmas.” The show fea-
tures Grandpa Jim, a character created by Rev. James Likens, and
includes original Christmas music.

Plans and Challenges

¢ Develop and implement a new organizational] and operational
plan that will allow the department to continue to offer profes-
sional video production to the Synod, its Districts, and congrega-
tions in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.

¢ Remain on the cutting edge of knowledge and use of video and
broadcast technologies.

¢ Seek working relationships with other entities of the Synod that
are active in producing videos to help establish an era of collabo-
ration and cooperation that serves the people of the LCMS.

* Assist the BCS in developing a more positive public image of The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

The challenges of the future for the Board for Communication
Services include exploring and utilizing new technologies and
building better working relationships with the various entities of
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. In meeting these chal-
lenges, the board seeks to better serve our Synod as it communi-
cates the Good News of forgiveness that is ours in Jesus Christ.

Charles Winterstein, Chairman
J. Thomas Lapacka, Executive Director

R3-01
Commission on Theology and Church Relations

The Commission on Theology and Church Relations has two
functions: to “assist the President at his request in discharging his
constitutional responsibilities” and to “provide guidance to the
Synod in matters of theology and church relations” (Bylaw 3.925).

CTCR membership consists of sixteen voting and four advisory
members. The voting membership consists of two parish pastors,
one parish teacher, and two laypersons elected by the synodical
convention; two pastors (one of whom is a District President) and
two laypersons elected by the Council of Presidents; four seminary
professors, two appointed or elected by each seminary faculty; and
three additional members appointed by the President of the Synod,
in consultation with the Vice Presidents (one of these appointees
is a nonseminary synodical professor). The advisory members are
the President and First Vice President of the Synod and the presi-
dents of the two seminaries (see membership list in “Directory—
Officers and Boards of the Synod” in the front of the Workbook).

The officers of the Commission during the past triennium were
Dr. Gerald Kieschnick, chairman; Dr. Scott Murray, vice chairman;
Rev. George Dolak, secretary. In August 2000 Pastor Dolak retired
from the active pastoral ministry. At its September 2000 meeting
the CTCR elected Pastor Harold Senkbeil to fill the position of sec-
retary. The CTCR is served by three staff persons: Dr. Samuel H.
Nafzger, Executive Director; Dr. Jerald C. Joersz, Associate Exec-
utive Director; Rev. Joel D. Lehenbauer, Assistant Executive Di-
rector.

At its 1998 convention the Synod adopted Res. 3-09 “To Ad-
dress Commission on Theology and Church Relations Workload

2001 Convention Workbook