LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2013, Page 117

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Whereas, The purpose and mission of Lutheran schools is to
make disciples for Christ (Matt. 28:19–20), help individuals grow
into the stature of Christ (Eph. 4:16, 2 Peter 3:18), and help equip
individuals for every good work (2 Tim. 3:17) according to the Synod’s emphases of witness, mercy, and life together; and
Whereas, Lutheran schools provide a strong witness to their
communities through rigorous academic programs, competitive
athletic programs, and a passion for the arts; and
Whereas, In Lutheran schools, families outside the church are
often drawn to life together with LCMS families, thus facilitating
a Gospel witness; therefore be it
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention congratulate its
Lutheran schools and their associated students, parents, teachers,
administrators, and congregations for their ongoing contributions
to Lutheran education; and be it further
Resolved, That this convention affirm Dr. Luther’s urgent call to
establish and maintain Christian schools; and be it further
Resolved, That LCMS Lutheran schools be urged to excellence
in all areas of the educational enterprise (pedagogy, assessment,
technology, etc.); and be it further
Resolved, That the commitment to proclaiming the pure Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ as taught in the Scriptures and the
Lutheran Confessions be a major focus of the ethos of the school,
so that hope and healing may be applied to the students and families of our Lutheran schools; and be it finally
Resolved, That this convention unequivocally and passionately
encourage all church leaders (ordained, commissioned, and laity)
to support and increase, both at the Synod and local levels, the education ministry that is Lutheran schools.
Action: Adopted (7)
(During discussion of Res. 3-03A in Session 1, an amendment
was introduced to add a resolve paragraph: “Resolved, That this
convention urge LCMS congregations who operate Christian day
schools to make it a priority to staff their school by extending calls
to teachers and commissioned worker rather than to contract teachers (whether or not these teachers are eligible to accept a call).”
When debate was ended and the proposed amendment failed
[Yes: 311; No: 696], the Orders of the Day were called. After brief
additional discussion during Session 7, Res. 3-03A was adopted as
presented [Yes: 903; No: 9].

To Authorize a Blue Ribbon Committee
on Lutheran Schools
RESOLUTION 3-04
Overture 3-02 (CW, p. 149)
Whereas, Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) schools
(early childhood, elementary, and high schools) are the second-largest parochial educational system in the US; and
Whereas, A combination of factors, including parishes with
aging and declining congregational membership, lower percentages of congregational students in Lutheran schools, lower school
enrollments in many school districts due to changing demographics, economics, and cost factors involved in operating a Lutheran
school have had a negative impact on urban, rural, and suburban
Lutheran schools; and
Whereas, These factors have led to what amounts to a wholesale
retreat from Lutheran education in urban areas across the country
and increasing pressure on rural and suburban schools economically; and
Whereas, The critical ministry of Lutheran education and catechesis in a quality educational setting is in crisis in many areas
of the LCMS; and
Whereas, It is imperative that the Office of National Mission
find more effective ways to assist our congregations to embrace
Lutheran Schools as a critical ministry in congregational life and to
support our schools as they serve in the 21st century; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Office of National Mission be authorized to
convene a blue ribbon committee on Lutheran schools; and be it
further
Resolved, That the economic needs not only of congregations
but also of commissioned rostered and non-rostered workers and
teachers be taken into account in this analysis; and be it further
Resolved, That beyond a comprehensive analysis, a set of collaborative and creative options for the future of Lutheran schools in the
21st century be developed during this triennium; and be it further
Resolved, That creative solutions and implementations be analyzed as “pilot projects” by the blue ribbon committee; and be it
finally
Resolved, That the report, analysis, and recommendations
toward creative, collaborative educational options for Lutheran
schools be presented to the delegates attending the 2016 LCMS
convention.
Action: Adopted (7)
(As discussion on Res. 3-04 began, a motion to amend the resolution inserting additional paragraphs regarding home schooling
was ruled a substitute motion and out of order. Without further
debate, the resolution was adopted as presented [Yes: 916; No: 25].

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