LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2004, Page 126

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126

RESOLUTIONS

created all species “according to their kinds”; and be it finally
Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod,
in convention, remind its pastors and teachers to increase
emphasis to the doctrine of God as the Creator and Author
of Life in their preaching and teaching.
Action: Adopted (10)
(As Res. 2-08, “To Encourage Preaching and Teaching Creation”
(TB, p. 51), was introduced by the committee during session 9, the
above resolution was read from the floor, to which the assembly
agreed to give consideration as a substitute resolution [Yes: 633; No:
522]. The resolution was printed and distributed to the assembly
prior to further discussion during session 10. An amendment to replace the word condone in the second resolve with the word tolerate
was adopted, and an amendment to replace the word of with the
word by in the same second resolve was agreed to by common consent. In the meanwhile, a motion to refer the entire matter to the
CTCR failed. After debate was ended, the substitute resolution as
amended was adopted [Yes: 787; No: 206].)

To Commit to Strengthening Lutheran
Doctrinal Education
RESOLUTION 2-09
Overture 2-26 (CW, p. 152)
WHEREAS, The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the written Word of God and the only rule and
norm of faith and practice (Art. II of the LCMS Constitution); and
WHEREAS, The Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church, as a true and unadulterated statement and exposition of the Word of God, to wit: the three Ecumenical
Creeds (the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed), the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, the
Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the Smalcald Articles,
the Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope, the
Large and Small Catechisms of Martin Luther, and the
Formula of Concord, are a proper exposition of the Word of
God; therefore be it
Resolved, That all rostered members of the LCMS
strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the
Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions so as to better instruct others in the faith; and be it further
Resolved, That all congregations and schools of The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod provide a continuous
educational program in the doctrines of God’s Word as explained in the Lutheran Confessions; and be it finally
Resolved, That all Districts and Circuits be encouraged
to include in their pastoral gatherings a section on educat-

2004 Convention Proceedings

ing in the use of the Confessions and teaching in the congregations.
Action: Adopted (9)
(After the resolution was introduced by the committee, a suggestion that the words, the Treatise on the Power and Primacy of
the Pope, be added to the second whereas was received without
objection from the committee or the assembly. An amendment to
add a final resolve, Resolved, That all Districts and Circuits be
encouraged to include in their pastoral gatherings a section on educating in the use of the Confessions and teaching in the congregations, was adopted. After debate ended, the amended resolution was adopted [Yes: 1,005; No: 147].)

To Support Parish Pastoral Ministry
RESOLUTION 2-10
Overture 2-41-46 (CW, pp. 156–157)
WHEREAS, God answers our prayers and calls laborers
into His harvest field (Matt. 9:38); and
WHEREAS, The joyful privilege for pastors to serve congregations in parish ministry will be an ongoing need for
our church body as faithful pastors retire in the near future
(50 percent of current Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
pastors will reach retirement age within 10 years); therefore be it
Resolved, That we thank God for recent decreases in the
number of parish pastoral vacancies experienced in The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod; and be it further
Resolved, That congregations regularly ask the Lord of
the Harvest to send forth workers to be parish pastors; and
be it further
Resolved, That we challenge pastors to share the joy of
the ministry in order to encourage men to aspire to pastoral
ministry; and be it further
Resolved, That as a church body we seek new congregational mission and ministry opportunities that require pastoral service; and be it further
Resolved, That ordained pastors now serving in administrative positions (e.g., District and Synod executives, faculty members, etc.) be encouraged to remain active in congregational ministry and to consider future service to our
Lord in full-time parish ministry as He makes those opportunities available; and be it finally
Resolved, That congregations be reminded that they
may call pastors serving in District, Synod, and other nonparish positions.
Action: Adopted (9)
(After the resolution was introduced and discussed, it was
adopted as presented by the committee [Yes: 1,064; No: 62].)