LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2023, Page 44

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of a tidal wave of deep deception “wiping over
Christendom,” he—not as victim or hero but as “fellow
servant in Christ”—called the LCMS to “be ready to pay the
price joyfully … [to] stand firm in Christ and His word!” He
expressed thanks for encouragement full of Scripture and
for President Harrison’s “unwavering support.” “Fear is the
first enemy in this fight,” he concluded, “and silencing the
truth the first casualty. Dear brothers and sisters: why
should we be fearful? What should we be afraid of? If God is
for us, who can be against us? (Rom. 8:31) So let us all boldly
and joyfully, in love and truth, keep on confessing Christ
crucified! The Lord be with you all!”
[The entire text of these presentations is printed in the
2023 Convention Proceedings.]
Committee 2: International Witness
The chair recognized Chairman R. Lee Hagan, president
of the Missouri District, to begin the report of his committee.
After a video, Hagan offered introductory remarks, noting
that resolutions to be presented reflect and are intended to
increase collaborative efforts to bring the preaching of
Christ crucified, repentance, and the forgiveness of sins, to
all nations.
Res. 2-01, “To Commend, Strengthen, and Give Thanks
for Alliance Missionary Program” (TB, 1:91), was read and
introduced by the committee. The chair immediately called
the question, which was carried by voice vote. The
resolution was adopted by voice vote.
Res. 2-02A, “To Promote and Collaborate with the Office
of International Mission” (TB, 2B:298–99), was read and
introduced by the committee. The chair immediately called
the question, which was carried by voice vote. The
resolution was adopted by voice vote.
Res. 2-03, “To Strengthen Pastoral Care of Missionaries
and Clarify Ecclesiastical Supervision” (TB, 1:92–93), was
read and introduced by the committee. The chair
immediately called the question, which was carried by show
of hands. The resolution was adopted by unanimous voice
vote.
Res. 2-04A, “To Commend Synod Seminaries for Work in
International Witness” (TB, 2B:299–300), was read and
introduced by the committee. The chair immediately called
the question, which was carried by voice vote. The
resolution was adopted by voice vote.
Res. 2-05, “To Provide Resources for Discerning Validity
of Requests to Support International Mission Work” (TB,
1:94), was read and introduced by the committee. The chair
immediately called the question, which was carried by voice
vote. The resolution was adopted by voice vote.
Res. 2-06A, “To Study Synod Relationships with
Independent Lutheran Congregations in Foreign Mission
Areas” (TB, 2B:300), was read and introduced by the
committee. After explanation by the chair, the chair

44 | PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2023 (68TH) LCMS CONVENTION

immediately called the question, which was carried by voice
vote. The resolution was adopted by voice vote.
Res. 2-07A, “To Commend Use and Attendance of
FOROs” (TB, 2B:300–301), was read and introduced by the
committee. The chair immediately called the question,
which was carried by voice vote. The resolution was adopted
by voice vote.
Noting one additional resolution coming in the next
day’s Today’s Business, the committee yielded back the
remainder of its time.
Recognition of outgoing Synod Board of Directors members
The chair recognized term-limited and outgoing
Chairman Michael Kumm and his wife, Janet, and Ed Everts,
who “have provided the most outstanding leadership in the
most challenging of circumstances … with cheer,
determination and skill.” Keith Frndak, who has served with
similar distinction, is also leaving the board but was not able
to attend the convention.
Presentation: “International Missions: Plant Lutheran
Churches”
The chair called upon Rev. Charles Ferry, Asia regional
director for the Office of International Mission, to introduce
a video featuring the Rev. Dr. Michael Paul, who serves in the
Synod’s mission in Taiwan. After the video, the Rev. Dr.
David Preus presented on planting Lutheran churches. Dr.
Preus himself is part of what he called a “big idea,” as one of
those who entered the mission field as part of the push to
double the number of career missionaries abroad during the
2013–16 triennium. He noted the difficulties and
complexities of such mission work. He noted that church
planters must preach, must be patient, must be present, and
must pray. The true and full confession is the fulcrum on
which we will move the world. He concluded by saying, “So
we ask you to think big. Bigger than the structure and polity
of the LCMS. Bigger than the health policies, the pension
plan, and the entire administration. Bigger even than the
fundraising and strategic planning. Think of Jesus Christ
and Him crucified. ‘He is the propitiation for our sins, and
not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world’ (1
John 2:2). Think of the one and only thing that unites us as a
synod and promises the future of our mission. Think of these
things, and together we will find our place to stand.” Bishop
Peter Anibati Abia of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
South Sudan and Sudan blessed the convention. During the
presentation, the President relinquished the chair to Fourth
Vice-President Nabil Nour.
Committee 6: Pastoral Ministry and Seminaries
With President Harrison resuming the chair, the chair
recognized Chairman John E. Hill, president of the Wyoming
District, after an introductory Set Apart to Serve video, to
begin the report of his committee. Before the presentation a
delegate attempted to offer an amendment to the Special
Standing Rules. Hill offered opening remarks, noting all the
Minutes