LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2013, Page 158

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To (Joy)fully Fund Career and GEO
Missionaries

To Address Board of Directors Budget
and Management Responsibilities

RESOLUTION 6-02

RESOLUTION 6-03

Overtures 6-07–6-10 (CW, pp. 232–233)

Overture 6-12 (CW, p. 233)

Whereas, Article III 2 (Objectives) of the Constitution of
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) has established
extending Gospel witness into all the world; and

Whereas, Following the 2010 LCMS convention, it was recognized that restructuring decisions had resulted in lack of clarity
and even contradictions in the Handbook of the Synod that would
require additional attention by the 2013 convention; and

Whereas, The LCMS has been engaged in extending the Gospel into the world since 1895; and
Whereas, There is a need among congregations, pastors, and
households for a clearer understanding of the mission impact that
the LCMS is having today; and
Whereas, The reality is that the number of career and Globally Engaged in Outreach (GEO) missionaries has increased each
year since 2008; and
Whereas, The best practices mission model is based on intentional personal missionary communication; and
Whereas, This model is vital to creating the congregational
and personal understanding necessary for prayer and personal and
financial support of missionaries; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to God for
the 69 career and 100 GEO missionaries and their families serving throughout the world who embrace the current model; and be
it further
Resolved, That the Synod commend the former Board for Mission Services for developing an effective model of sustainability for
calling and deploying and supporting missionaries in the field until
the natural conclusion of their service; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod thank the 500 congregations and
nearly 2,000 household partners in the LCMS who are actively and
joyfully providing prayer, encouragement, and direct financial support in excess of $7.6 million per year for the benefit of specific
missionaries; and be it further
Resolved, That all congregations and LCMS households be
encouraged to utilize counsel and resources available through the
Mission Advancement Unit of the LCMS as they plan their support of missionaries; and be it finally
Resolved, That the Synod in convention encourage and support
the Office of International Mission to continue expanding the number of missionaries and provide the logistical support necessary to
sustain them in their mission activities.
Action: (Adopted)
(After brief discussion, Res. 6-02 was adopted by voice vote.)

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

Whereas, Questions have been raised during the triennium
related to distribution of budget dollars from the corporate Synod
budget, such questions arising due to the wording change from
“program board” to “mission board” in Bylaw 3.3.4.5 as a result of
the structure changes made at the 2010 convention; and
Whereas, Changes to Bylaw 3.3.4.9 are also needed to provide
clarity and alignment with existing practice; therefore be it
Resolved, That the 2013 LCMS convention adopt the following
bylaw changes:
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
Board of Directors
3.3.4.5

The Board of Directors shall allocate available funds
to the mission boards, commissions, councils, offices,
and departments of corporate Synod and hold them
responsible therefor.
(a) To the extent of its responsibilities relative to the
general management and supervision of the business
and legal affairs of the Synod:
(1) It shall receive such reports as it requests on
the operations and policies of the mission boards,
commissions, offices, and councils.
(2) It shall have the right to request review of any
action or policy of a mission board, commission,
office, or council which primarily relates to business, property, and/or legal matters and, after
consultation with the agency involved and when
deemed necessary, require modification or revocation thereof, except opinions of the Commission
on Constitutional Matters.
(b) The Corporate Synod’s budgeting process and the
budget itself shall be designed to support the worldwide mission and ministry of the Synod.
(1) The board shall establish policies and guidelines relating to the preparation of the annual
budget of the Synod.
(2) The board shall adopt the annual budget of
the Synod.
(c) The Board of Directors shall be responsible for
providing operating and capital funds to carry out the
work of the Synod.
(d) Regarding the Synod’s seminaries, the board shall,
together with national fund-raising operations, estabR e s olu t i on s