LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2004, Page 270

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270 STRUCTURE, PLANNING, AND ADMINISTRATION

7-56

To Change Frequency and Funding of Conventions

WHEREAS, The Synod and District conventions are important el-
ements in the efficient operation of the LCMS; and

WHEREAS, The expense of these conventions consistently in-
creases; and

WHEREAS, More of the Synod’s finances should be spent in ac-
tual Gospel outreach, and not on the discussion and study of out-
reach; and

WHEREAS, More and more of the church’s work can be accom-
plished through the Internet and creative conference calling and
videoconferencing every day; and

WHEREAS, Evangelism and outreach training and the sharing of
effective outreach strategies always benefits the church locally and
globally; therefore be it

Resolved, That as soon as possible, the Synod and its Districts
move to a four-year meeting schedule, eliminating the current
three-year cycle and shortening the length of all conventions; and
be it further

Resolved, That the most advanced methods (electronic, confer-
ence calling, videoconferencing, etc.) be used in conducting the
church’s business between conventions; and be it further

Resolved, That all appropriate bylaw changes be made (terms
of elected officials, President and Board of Directors responsibili-
ties, etc.) to reflect this new schedule; and be it further

Resolved, That a “Great Commission Convocation”-style event
for evangelism and outreach training and inspiration be held every
fourth year as part of this cycle: Year |—Evangelism convocation;
Year 2—Circuit forum; Year 3—District convention; Year 4—
Synod convention; and be it finally

Resolved, That foundation and corporate funding (e.g., Schwan,
Thrivent) be vigorously pursued to finance these events and con-
ventions.

St. John
Spokane, WA

7-57

To Revise Method of Selection
of Convention Floor Committees

WHEREAS, The Synod should desire and welcome participation
from all geographical areas of the Synod and from a wide variety of
ministries in the Synod in the deliberations and actions of the
Synod in convention; and

WHEREAS, The Synod has benefited from the participation of a
more representative number of people on various committees (e.g.,
the expanded Committee for Convention Nominations); and

WHEREAS, The Synod could benefit by allowing a more repre-
sentative group of individuals to participate in the selection of na-
tional Synod convention floor committees; and

WHEREAS, The Presidents of the Districts of the Synod comprise
such a representative group; and _

WHEREAS, The Presidents of the Districts of the Synod are
aware of the qualifications and capabilities of the delegates from
the various Districts; and

WHEREAS, That awareness is of benefit in selecting the mem-
bers of the various floor committees; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Northwest District submit an overture to the
2004 convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod that
requests the Synod to revise Bylaw 3.19 g to read as follows:

PRESEMF/PROPOSED WORDING
All reports and overtures accepted by the President in ac-
cordance with the foregoing paragraphs shall be referred by him
to convention committees appointed by him in the name of the
convention. The membership of these committees shall be se-

lected from a list of from-amene-the voting delegates (Bylaw

3.03), advisory delegates (Bylaw 3.09) and advisory representa-
tives (Bylaw 3.13) submitted to the President by a committee
appointed by the Council of Presidents. Committee chairpersons
shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent
of the Council of Presidents from a list of nominees provided to
the President by the Council of Presidents. Ordained ministers,
commissioned ministers, and laypersons shall be represented on
all floor committees. [The rest of the Bylaw continues as written
in the current Handbook.]

Current Synod Bylaw 3.19 g reads:

All reports and overtures accepted by the President in ac-
cordance with the foregoing paragraphs shall be referred by him
to convention committees appointed by him in the name of the
convention from among the voting delegates (Bylaw 3.03), ad-
visory delegates (Bylaw 3.09), and advisory representatives
(Bylaw 3.13). Ordained ministers, commissioned ministers, and
laypersons shall be represented on all committees. The Presi-
dent shall notify committee members of their appointment and
of the time and place of their first meeting no later than 12
weeks before the start of the convention. The committee rosters
shall be published in an official periodical at least 10 weeks be-
fore the convention. After due consideration of the matters re-
ferred to it, each committee is to report its findings and recom-
mendations to the convention. If the President deems it
advisable, he may convene any committees prior to the opening
of the convention. The first issue of Today’s Business shall be
issued containing tentative resolutions. This issue of Today's
Business shall be sent to all registered delegates of the conven-
tion and to each congregation of the Synod.

Northwest District

7-58

To Find Fairer Method
for Selecting Convention Committees

Wuereas, A Synod or District President now is primarily re-
sponsible for appointing those who serve on convention commit-
tees; and

WHEREAS, This method gives a President too much authority;
therefore be it

Resolved, That the 2004 convention of The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod request the LCMS Board of Directors to find a
fairer way of selecting committees that will also give laymen equal
representation.

Trinity
New Haven, MO

7-59

To Charge Praesidium with Appointment
of Floor Committees

WHEREAS, Synod Bylaw 3.19 g charges the President of the
Synod with the appointment of the floor committees for the Synod
convention; and

WHEREAS, These committees wield a great deal of authority
with respect to which overtures come before the Synod convention;
and

Wuereas, The sole authority of the President to appoint the
floor committees might present the appearance of partiality; and

WuereAs, Establishing a more diverse authority for appointing
the floor committees will better represent the interests of the Synod;
therefore be it

Resolved, That the first sentence of Bylaw 3.19 g be amended to
read as follows:

PRESENF/PROPOSED WORDING
All reports and overtures accepted by the President in ac-
cordance with the foregoing paragraphs shall be referred by him
to convention committees appointed by him the Praesidium of
the Synod in the name of the convention from among the voting