LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2013, Page 121

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• Evaluating the effectiveness and administration of
plans and programs designed to coordinate and expand
Black ministry in the Synod
• Representing the concerns of Black ministry before the
boards, commissions, committees and judicatories of
the Synod and
• Meeting for fellowship, sharing concerns in Black ministry and
• Making decisions which direct the path of Black ministry in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (see Web
site: www.lcms.org/page.aspx?pid=775)
And
Whereas, There is a Black Family Ministry Convocation being
planned for June 25–29, 2014, in Kansas City, Missouri; and
Whereas, The restructuring of the Synod eliminated the Board
of Black Ministry; and
Whereas, The President of the Synod, in a meeting with the
Black Clergy Caucus created a Memorandum of Understanding
highlighting his commitment to the continued work and hope for
expanded opportunities; and
Whereas, The President of the Synod desires to create a “president’s council” on black ministry, which could help assure that
LCMS leaders are listening to Black congregations to consider ways
to better support them as they work to share the Gospel; and
Whereas, The President of the Synod, working with the Office
of National Mission has created a position of Director of Black Ministry so this important work can continue; and
Whereas, The convention report of the Chief Mission Officer states:
ONM is still working in conjunction with the Black Clergy
Caucus to identify a Director of Black Ministry. Currently, Dr.
Frazier Odom is serving on an interim basis so that work continues with a special eye toward the Black Convocation scheduled for the summer of 2014.
Therefore be it
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention encourage the Office
of National Mission to appoint a Director of Black Ministry in a
timely manner, preferably before the 2014 Black Ministry Convocation; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention once again affirm the
cause of Black ministry in the Synod; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention commend that a formal
historical account of the history of Black ministry in the Synod be
undertaken under the direction of the President; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention affirm the value of telling the story of the mother of Black Lutheranism in the Black Belt,
give thanks to God for the work of Dr. Rosa Young as told in her
book, Light In the Dark Belt, and support the Rosa Young film project that is currently being produced; and be it further
R e s olu t i on s

Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to God for
the pioneers, past administrators, and interim Director of Black
Ministry in the Synod; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod through the Office of National Mission continue to pursue the advancement of Black ministry in the
Synod; and be it finally
Resolved, That the Synod continue to support and encourage
growth and proclamation of the Gospel in all corners of the United
States and the world where the possibility and capacity for Black
ministry exists.
Action: Adopted (7)
(During discussion of Res. 3-09, an amendment accepted by the
committee as a friendly amendment added a new fourth resolve
paragraph: “Resolved, That the Synod in convention affirm the value
of telling the story of the mother of Black Lutheranism in the Black
Belt, give thanks to God for the work of Dr. Rosa Young as told
in her book, Light In the Dark Belt, and support the Rosa Young
film project that is currently being produced.” The resolution was
adopted as amended [Yes: 935; No: 46].)

To Appoint a Task Force to Study the Call
Process for Returning Missionary and Military
Chaplains and Other Rostered Church
Workers without a Call
RESOLUTION 3-10A
President’s Report, Part 2 (TB, p. 20); Overtures 3-24, 7-17
(CW, pp. 155; 255–256); Resolution 7-06 (TB, p. 150)
Rationale
In our life together as The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
there is great concern for professional church workers in candidate and non-candidate status who are without calls, including
returning military chaplains and missionaries. Committees 3 (Life
Together) and 7 (Structure and Ecclesiastical Matters) have become
aware of the urgent need to address this issue with compassion.
However, the situation is not only urgent but intricate. Any solution needs to be one that upholds the doctrine of the call while
taking into account any necessary bylaw changes and their ramifications. Precipitous action without more thoughtful consideration
may result in an incomplete solution or unforeseen consequences.
For these reasons, Committee 3 is encouraging immediate
action by district presidents and calling on congregations to address
the pressing human need of such workers. At the same time, the
committee believes that a task force is necessary in order to recommend a comprehensive solution.
Whereas, Ordained missionaries and military chaplains have
diverse experience and skills in preaching the Gospel to various
peoples; and

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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