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LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2004, Page 156

Scan: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

DISTRICT AND CONGREGATIONAL SERVICES 157

2-44

To Recommend Parish Service
for Synod Executives and Administrators

WHEREAS, There are more that 800 vacant congregations in The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod; and

WHEREAS, “Mission board cuts 28 overseas positions,” the lead
story in the January 2004 Reporter, says that some missionaries are
being called home because of a lack of funds; and

WHEREAS, While the LCMS is decreasing in size, more pastors
are leaving the pastoral ministry to serve in some administrative or
executive position; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kurt Marquart, a professor at Concordia Semi-
nary, Fort Wayne, has been suggesting that The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod clergymen, including The Lutheran Church—Mis-
souri Synod President, serving in some administrative position also
serve as a pastor or assistant pastor; and

WHEREAS, Much of the money that was formerly sent to the
LCMS for mission work is now used to pay for costly District
buildings and administration; therefore be it

Resolved, That the 2004 convention of The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod recommend that almost all Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod clergymen who are serving in some administrative
or executive position also serve as a pastor or an assistant pastor of
a congregation as Dr. C. F. W. Walther did, even though he was a
seminary professor, Synod President, and an editor.

Trinity
New Haven, MO

2-45

To Encourage Pastors to Consider Serving
in Parish Ministry
WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is experi-
encing an increasing shortage of pastors serving in the parish; and
WHEREAS, Some pastors are serving in positions that do not nec-
essarily need to be served by an ordained pastor; and
WHEREAS, A great number of these pastors would be a tremen-
dous blessing to a parish congregation; therefore be it
Resolved, That congregations be reminded that they may call
pastors serving in District, Synod, and other nonparish positions,
and be it further
Resolved, That pastors serving in these positions continue to
consider serving the Lord in the parish ministry.
Immanuel
Merrill, WI

2-46

To Decline Overture to Reduce
Impediments to Service in Congregations

WHEREAS, The overture as stated calls upon the District to do
something beyond its capability; therefore be it

Resolved, That this overture be respectfully declined; and be it
further

Resolved, That the Missouri District petition the Synod to in-
struct the Commission on Structure, Board for Higher Education,
and the Council of Presidents to make recommendations that will
reduce impediments to service in congregations by our clergymen
whose main assignment is in administration, education, etc.

Missouri District

2-47

To Encourage Regional Youth Gatherings
on Synod Campuses

WHEREAS, The Board for District and Congregational Services—
Youth Ministry has organized many successful and spiritually up-
lifting Synod youth gatherings; and

WHEREAS, The cost of these gatherings has increased signifi-
cantly in recent years, putting a heavy burden on the youth who
attend, their families, and their congregations; and

Whereas, Regional youth gatherings located at our Synod’s
universities and serninaries would be less costly in terms of trans-
portation and use of facilities and would also serve as tools for stu-
dent recruitment; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Board for District and Congregational Ser-
vices—Youth Ministry be commended for the excellent work that
its members do in organizing these gatherings; and be it further

Resolved, That in the future the Board for District and Congre-
gational Services—Youth Ministry be encouraged to organize re-
gional youth gatherings on our Synod campuses.

Trinity
Creston, IA

2-48

To Commend Lutherans For Life

WHEREAS, More than a million unborn children are killed every
year through abortion; therefore be it

Resolved, That the 2004 convention of The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod commend Lutherans For Life for its defense of life
and opposition to abortion.

Trinity
New Haven, MO

2-49

To Encourage Congregations
to Support Lutherans For Life

WHEREAS, The theme of the 2003 national Lutherans For Life
convention, “Just Imagine, What This Child Might Be,” reminded
participants that this nation experiences an incalculable loss
through abortion; and

WHEREAS, Dr. James Lamb, executive director of Lutherans For
Life, in his 2002 address said, “It is time to speak because we have
something wonderful to say! It is time to speak because it is our
responsibility as Christians to do so! It is time to speak and it is ir-
responsible not to. Our silence whispers the very words of Satan. It
is time to speak so that we can put our words into action and help
those dealing with these issues”; and

WHEREAS, 3,250 children die every day through abortion in the
United States of America; and

WHEREAS, Stem cell research, cloning, and physician-assisted
suicide also impact the people of God everyday as these practices
become more accepted by the culture; therefore be it

Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, in con-
vention, encourage its congregations to speak about life in their
congregations through sermons, Bible studies, catechetical instruc-
tion, and so forth; and be it further

Resolved, That LCMS congregations be encouraged to speak
about life to their communities through personal witness of both
individuals and the congregation; and be it finally

Resolved, That the congregations of the LCMS be encouraged
to speak about life by supporting Lutherans For Life with their
prayers, energy, and contributions.

Our Redeemer
Columbia Falls, MT