LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2007, Page 125

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4. Program and Finance
To Plan Summit to Restore Harmony
RESOLUTION 4-01A
Report 1-8-02 (CW, pp. 19–28); Overtures 4-05–07
(CW, pp. 192–193)
WHEREAS, The Blue Ribbon Task Force for Funding the
Mission rightly observes in its assumptions the hindrances to
any model for funding the mission caused by internal “division in our Synod and the resultant mistrust” (CW, p. 20); and
WHEREAS, The task force also rightly states that “no funding plan we present is capable of fully succeeding in an organization that is seriously divided and engaged in issues that
divert energies away from the ‘mission’” (CW, p. 23); and
WHEREAS,God’s Word calls us to “unity in the Spirit
through the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3); and
WHEREAS, Synod structure provides the manner through
which differences might be settled; and
WHEREAS, Though agreed procedures have been followed, personal opinions and differences regarding practical application of clearly stated doctrine have made for continued discord; and
WHEREAS, Such discord has and is hindering the mission
and is disheartening to God’s people to the point of withholding their support “for the common good”; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Council of Presidents and Board of
Directors as elected leaders of the Synod be given the responsibility to initiate a specific plan for the sake of the
whole church to restore harmony in our Synod; and be it
further
Resolved, That they bring together a representative
group of respected leaders throughout this church for a
summit, and that at the end of this summit these church
leaders present to the Council of Presidents and to the
Board of Directors a strategy toward harmony that demonstrates how this great church body can provide a God-pleasing witness of our confession and practice; and be it finally
Resolved, That the product of their coming together
honor the Scriptures and Confessions and dishonor the
work of Satan that diverts us from the “way of the Lord.”

Committee 4 Chairman Keith Kohlmeier

WHEREAS, God desires us to use our gifts for the furthering of the kingdom of God, as illustrated in Jesus’ parable
of the talents (Matt. 25:14–30); and
WHEREAS, Since the publication of the “Blue Ribbon
Task Force for Funding the Mission Report,” the First VicePresident of the Synod has had responsibility for coordinating stewardship renewal; therefore be it
Resolved, That every individual, congregation, district,
and the Synod itself continue to strive to respond to God’s
marvelous goodness and grace through their stewardship
life; and be it further
Resolved, That the First Vice-President of the Synod
continue to coordinate the organization of the national and
district leaders and other assisting entities in the development of resources, training, and strategic components for
an expanding stewardship renewal in the life of our church;
and be it finally
Resolved, That as a part of this effort, recommendation
#4 of the “Blue Ribbon Task Force for Funding the Mission
Report” concerning enhanced communication among us be
considered.

Action: Adopted (4)
(During discussion, a proposed amendment to delete to clarify and a strategy in the first resolve was agreed to by the committee. After further discussion, an amendment to delete the parenthetical statement in the final resolve (including the Great
Commission) was adopted. The amended resolution was adopted
[Yes: 1,014; No: 169].)

Action: Adopted (6)

To Begin a Stewardship Renewal
through Enhanced Communication

(After its introduction by the committee, a motion was offered
to amend the resolution: WHEREAS, Godly, pious stewardship is
part of a Christian’s sanctified life that flows from being justified
by God’s grace; and WHEREAS, Justification is accomplished
through the preaching of the Gospel and the administration of the
Sacraments; and WHEREAS, The lectionaries of our Synod are designed to communicate the whole counsel of God to God’s people;
and WHEREAS, The amount of money received by the Synod is not
an accurate or reliable measure of the stewardship of individuals,
congregations, or districts of the Synod; and WHEREAS, Individuals, congregations, and districts also exercise their stewardship

RESOLUTION 4-02
Report 1-8-02 (CW, pp. 19–28)
WHEREAS, The Blue Ribbon Task Force for Funding the
Mission identified a significant need in our LCMS to
strengthen the areas of stewardship in the life of every
Christian within our church body; and
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2007 Convention Proceedings