LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2004, Page 139

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MISSIONS 139

WHEREAS, We also have been given the responsibility of reach-
ing people in our various geographical contents with the Gospel of
Jesus Christ; therefore be it

Resolved, That we, as members of the LCMS, rededicate all that
we are and have for the furthering of God’s mission to the world;
and be it further

Resolved, That our congregations, schools, and Circuits be en-
couraged to explore new and creative ways to reach out with
Christ’s love in this new missionary age; and be it further

Resolved, That these same congregations, schools, and Circuits
be encouraged to work together in creative partnerships, with the
help and support of District staff, to develop realistic goals, strate-
gies, materials, and training opportunities so that the Gospel is pro-
claimed to people living in their communities; and be it further

Resolved, That our District leaders present the challenges for
funding these many outreach opportunities to our congregations,
schools, and Circuits; and be it finally

Resolved, That at the next LCMS convention we recognize
those ministries that have taken effective steps to share the Gospel
in their communities.

Board of Directors
Southeastern District

1-22

To Publicize Amount of Missions Budget
Designated for Field Missionaries

Whereas, Our Lord Jesus Christ has given His church the Great
Commission (Matt. 28:18-20); and

WHEREAS, The objectives of the Synod as outlined in its Con-
stitution (Art. III 2) state that the Synod will “extend that Gospel
witness into all the world”; and

WHEREAS, Missions has always been the uniting focus of our
Synod’s purpose. In 2002 the Mission Department was instructed
to reduce its budget. In 2003 the department has been asked to re-
duce its budget again; and

WHEREAS, This reduction in budget has contributed to mission-
aries being recalled from the mission field; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Texas District in convention affirm the Board
for Mission Services practice of distributing the greatest portion of its
budget to direct support of missionaries; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod Board of Directors, together with the
Board for Mission Services, identify and publicize annually in offi-
cial publications of the Synod the amount of financial support desig-
nated for world missions that will directly support field missionaries
and missions apart from administrative and overhead charges.

Texas District

1-23

To Encourage Short-Term Foreign
Missions Participation

WHEREAS, Our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ commanded
_ His followers to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18—20) and
to be His witnesses at home, close to home, and to the ends of the
earth; and
WHEREAS, Short-term mission trips to foreign countries have
benefited those making the trip and people in other countries; and
WHEREAS, Some congregations have sponsored short-term mis-
sion trips to other nations; therefore be it
Resolved, That the members of our congregations be encour-

aged to consider short-term mission trips to other nations; and be it
further

Resolved, That our congregations that have not sponsored short-
term mission trips be encouraged to talk and pray with congrega-
tions that have done so; and be it further

Resolved, That our congregations and their members be en-
couraged to work through mission agencies, partner churches, and
Recognized Service Organizations of The Lutheran Church—Mis-
souri Synod.

Northern Illinois District; Trinity, Roselle, IL; Circuit 6,
Northern Illinois District

1-24

To Commend LCMS Board for Mission Services
for Advisory Group for National Missions

WHEREAS, The LCMS Board for Mission Services has seen fit
to affirm the decision of Executive Director Bob Roegner’s cre-
ation of an Advisory Group for National Missions; and

WuerEAS, Forming such an Advisory Group creates an integral
connection with those on the national level most directly being
served by BFMS in North America (Districts, seminaries, univer-
sities, and auxiliaries); and

WHEREAS, Such an Advisory Group provides a platform for di-
alogue to communicate BFMS priorities, and to hear District, sem-
inary, and university concerns for mission work on the national
level; and

Wuereas, The Advisory Group makes it more possible for na-
tional resources to be placed where they are most needed, both ge-
ographically and for new ethnic opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Input received from the Advisory Group can be ben-
eficial to the Executive Director and the Associate Executive Di-
rector for National Missions of the BFMS and for the BFMS as
they make decisions for national missions; and

WHEREAS, Such an Advisory Group affirms and strengthens the
partnership between congregation, District, and national mission
work, helping each group to know what to pray for each other; and

WHEREAS, An Advisory Group for National Missions has al-
ready been a vehicle for initiating and resourcing regional, inter-
District mission efforts; and

WHEREAS, The Advisory Group can be an aid in national mis-
sion planning; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod thank the Executive Director of
LCMS World Mission and the Board for Mission Services for cre-
ating such a group; and be it further

Resolved, That the continued use of such an Advisory Group
for national and regional mission work be commended.

Board of Directors, New England District; Board of Directors,
Ohio District

1-25

To Encourage Responsible Contacts
with Other Christians

Whereas, Our Lord prayed that His disciples “may become
completely one, so that the world may know that You have sent
Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me” (John
17:23); and

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has long rec-
ognized that its pastors, congregations, and agencies may engage
in “cooperation in externals” with other Christians even when full
doctrinal agreement is lacking; and

WHEREAS, Such involvement and cooperation with other Chris-
tians can often be undertaken without any compromise of faith or
doctrine, while giving a positive Christian witness to our non-
Christian neighbors; therefore be it

Resolved, That the 2003 convention of the Missouri District en-
courage its pastors, congregations, and officials to take the initia-
tive in making responsible contacts with other Christian groups in
our communities to engage them in theological conversations; and
be it further