LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2013, Page 177

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5. centers in a metropolitan area and has boundaries and
internal structures adapted to the metropolitan areas
within its boundaries;
6. evidences balance rather than mere homogeneity;
7. is compact in terms of travel patterns and travel times;
8. has sufficient potential financial resources for its own
programs and for the support of the Synodical ministries;
9. is large enough to be effective and efficient;
10. has general acceptance by the constituency involved.
[1969 Proceedings, p. 102]
And
Whereas, The task force has reviewed and revised these principles; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod in convention adopt these revised
“General Principles for Judging the Viability of a District” as follows:
These general principles should be considered for judging the
viability of a district. Does the district do the following:
1. Provide resources for the district president to carry out
ecclesiastical supervision as defined in the Synod’s Constitution (Art. XII) and Bylaws (Bylaw 1.2.1 [g]) in a reasonable and timely manner?
2. Provide resources for the district president in carrying
out the minimum requirements for official visits to each
of the member congregations as outlined in Bylaws
4.4.4ff., including coming to the pastors and member
congregations at least once every three years as a brotherly adviser, “reminding them of the joy of serving in the
mission and ministry of the church”?
3. Provide appropriate guidance and support to member
congregations for participating in the mission God has
given to the Church, including how that is carried out in
the various missions and ministries of the church?
4. Provide encouragement and needed congregational services (e.g., stewardship, conflict resolution, crisis counseling, financial counseling, calling process, collaborative efforts, networking, nourishment, and help with
evangelistic outreach, etc.) to member congregations,
and provide advice and counsel to member congregations struggling to carry out their core functions?
5. Adapt to new circumstances and meet changing needs
related to the mission and ministry of the church?
6. Meet its financial responsibilities and obligations, and receive sufficient financial resources from its membership
to (i) support the mission and ministry of the church
in the district, and (ii) financially assist the mission and
ministry of the Synod?
7. Find itself to be of a size and configuration to be effective, efficient, and capable of serving all who make up its
constituency?
8. Provide adequate assistance and support to allow the
district president to carry out the functions and obligaR e s olu t i on s

tions of the office of district president as set forth in the
Bylaws?
And be it further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention adopt these general
principles as guidelines for judging the viability of a district when
forming, consolidating, or dividing a district of the Synod; and be
it further
Resolved, That during the next triennium, each district be
expected to evaluate itself through its officers, board of directors,
and congregations of the district in light of these general principles,
and provide that evaluation as part of the district president’s report
to the 66th Regular Convention of the Synod; and be it finally
Resolved, To thank district presidents, past and present, for their
faithful and diligent service as ecclesiastical supervisors, and to
pray that their service may continue to flourish among us.
Action: Adopted (9)
(Res. 7-04 was first discussed during Session 4, when a motion
to amend the second-last resolve paragraph by adding “and congregations of the district” after “board of directors” was carried
[Yes: 646; No: 291]. As discussion continued, a motion to return
the resolution to the committee was carried [Yes: 643; No: 289].
When brought back as Res. 7-04A during Session 9, the resolution
was adopted as newly presented [Yes: 776; No: 58].)

To Allow E-Meetings for Voting
by Circuits, Districts, and Synod Agencies
RESOLUTION 7-05
Overtures 7-10, 7-13, 7-39–40 (CW, pp. 252, 253, 278)
Whereas, The Synod requires specific meetings of circuits and
various other entities for the purpose of voting; and
Whereas, There are instances where circuits are geographically
quite large, and traveling to a meeting for voting can require extensive travel in order to attend a meeting that may be quite brief; and
Whereas, We are called to be good stewards of our time and
resources; and
Whereas, There are electronic means to ensure secure, private,
and confidential voting by teleconference or e-meetings that utilize the Internet and other technologies; and
Whereas, There is a place, time, and need for face-to-face meetings among us, but the currently understood requirement for all
circuit forum meetings to be face-to-face imposes an unnecessary
and burdensome requirement on our geographically large circuits
and likely other entities as well; therefore be it
Resolved, That circuits, districts, the Synod, and Synod agencies
be encouraged to consider e-meeting technologies when their use
may save substantial resources; and be it further

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