LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2013, Page 103

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Whereas, The Wittenberg Project can serve as a welcome center, establishing a clear and compelling Lutheran presence, and
opening doors to further witness and mercy work in the community; and

Resolved, That the Synod, by the next convention, develop and
provide a mission best-practices policy document for districts and
congregations engaged in mission projects to assist them better
to carry out their mission in their life together; and be it further

Whereas, The quincentennial anniversary in 2017 of the posting of the Ninety-Five Theses is refocusing the world’s attention on
Luther and Wittenberg, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
and the International Lutheran Society of Wittenberg will have a
rare and timely opportunity to welcome confessional Lutherans
and visitors from around the world; and

Resolved, That these best practices include encouragement to
districts and congregations to communicate their international
mission activities to the Synod’s Director of Church Relations and
Offices of National and International Mission for the purposes of
healthy coordination and good stewardship.

Whereas, The Wittenberg Project will provide exposure to the
legacy of Luther and the unique witness of Scripture and Lutheran
Confessions (that we are justified by grace through faith in Christ
alone); therefore be it
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention encourage all congregations and individuals within the Synod to support The Wittenberg
Project prayerfully and financially; and be it further
Resolved, That all glory be given to God for the life, work, ministry, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther.
Action: Adopted (7)
(After discussion, Res. 1-07B was adopted as presented by voice
vote.)

To Work Together in Mission
Resolution 1-08
President’s Report, Part 2 (TB, pp. 5–8; 16–17)
Preamble
During the last 50 years, people’s ideas about mission have
changed owing to the ease of global transportation and communication, the affluence of North American society, and the desire
of people to have direct and personal contact with a specific mission project.
This change in attitude toward mission has presented both blessings and challenges to the Synod’s mission work around the world.
Districts and congregations engaged in particular mission projects
have experienced a greater fervor and interest in mission. In some
cases, however, particular mission projects have caused tensions
in church relations and a lack of coordination on the mission field.
Whereas, It is desirable and God-pleasing for God’s people to
work in unity as they carry out the Lord’s commission in making
disciples of all nations; and
Whereas, It is good Christian stewardship for those who walk
together in the same synod to coordinate resources for maximum
effect; and
Whereas, Districts and congregations engaged in particular
mission projects do not always coordinate or inform the Synod of
their efforts, thus creating potential inefficiencies and conflicts and,
therefore, a weakening of their common mission; therefore be it
R e s olu t i on s

Action: Adopted (9)
(Res. 1-08 was one of three resolutions [also 1-04A and 1-05A]
adopted as a group after brief discussion [Yes: 738; No: 31].)

To Prepare LCMS Congregations and Pastors
for Defense of Our Christian Faith
RESOLUTION 1-09A
Overture 1-08 (CW, p. 137)
Whereas, Christ foretold that Christians throughout the world
will suffer persecutions for Christ’s name (John 16:33); and
Whereas, The preaching of Christ crucified and risen continues to be a stumbling block to secular society (1 Cor. 1:23) and
the Christian Church in general, and the LCMS in particular will
continue to experience increasing resistance to the Gospel and persecution on a broad scale (John 15:20); and
Whereas, Cultural shifts in secular society’s attitude toward
Christianity show increased opposition to the clear proclamation
of the Gospel and confession of our Lutheran doctrine and teachings; and
Whereas, Civic events and governance within a secular world
will affect ministry, as Satan uses these to increase tension within
our Lutheran community while we strive to be faithful to God’s
Word and to love and serve our neighbors in need; and
Whereas, Purposeful, effective, and continuous catechesis on
the Confessions of the Lutheran Church will lead to a more keen
understanding of Lutheran apologetics, which enables a bold and
faithful witness for the hope Lutheran Christians have in Christ
(1 Peter 3:15); therefore be it
Resolved, That every pastor and congregation be encouraged to
participate in the study of God’s Word and of the Lutheran Confessions and Lutheran Apologetics in defense of their Christian
faith; and be it further
Resolved, That Concordia Publishing House, Lutheran Hour
Ministries, seminaries, and Concordia University System campuses be requested to publish materials to train congregational
members and professional church workers on how to respond to
persecution in their society and establish clear confessional proclamation of the Gospel; and be it finally

2 0 1 3 C o n v e n t io n P r o c e e d i n g s

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