LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2023, Page 74

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first-rate. First Vice-President Peter Lange is phenomenal. As a
former district president he brings a wealth of knowledge and
experience to the office of First Vice-President. His attention to
detail is beyond belief. His work is stellar. I’m thankful for John
Wohlrabe. His knowledge of LCMS doctrine, history, and the
military chaplaincy are amazing. Scott Murray is a gentleman’s
gentleman. He’s the pastor of a large congregation. He’s
unflappable and kind to a fault. I learn something from Nabil
Nour every time we’re together. His experience as an immigrant
and as a person born in Jesus’ hometown, his zeal for the Gospel
are all tremendous gifts. Chris Esget has been a gift. His pro-life
and other connections in D.C., his gifts of calm and winsome
teaching are unparalleled. And I treasure Ben Ball’s
perspectives and zeal for the faith. The Synod’s vice-presidents
are all remarkable leaders and humble servants. The
cohesiveness of the Praesidium is astounding. I love them all
and hope to continue with them. That’s your call.
Multiple times the LCMS Constitution and Bylaws call upon the
President of Synod to exercise doctrinal oversight, and to see
that the Constitution, Bylaws and resolutions of the Synod are
adhered to and carried out. Most of the time you hear nothing
about what goes on behind the scenes. I thank the district
presidents for working hand in hand with me in addressing
issues. I am called upon specifically to oversee the doctrine and
practice of our Concordia universities. In my reports on
visitations to Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, Wis.,
and Concordia University Texas, Austin, Texas, I pointed out
issues that needed attention. I did this kindly, and with clear
bylaw authority, within constitutional limits. Floor Committee
7, after a great deal of listening, much discussion of all matters,
is ready to present solutions to a number of our challenges.

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

It’s time, after 13 years of my presidency, various resolutions,
floor committees, task forces, and dozens of meetings, phone
calls, conference calls, revisions, deletions, making every effort
to accommodate where possible, even up to the last minute, to
pass the resolutions which will be put before you by the floor
committee on the universities.
The kerfuffle over the explanatory essays accompanying the
new edition of Luther’s Large Catechism was unfortunate.
Some things could have been written more clearly as the CTCR
has acknowledged. But there is nothing in the book that is
going to take a person into heresy or away from the clear
confession of Christ. I encourage the church to read Luther’s
Large Catechism, as it will aid each person in faith and a clear
confession.
My job as chair of this convention is to see that you get the
business done you want done. The goal is that you, the duly
elected representatives of your congregations deliberate and
act as you see fit in accordance with our governing documents.
If I have information I feel I need to share on a significant topic,
I’ll vacate the chair and go to a floor microphone.
We have a beautiful confession, a courageous confession. We
have the clarity and certainty of Jesus’ forgiveness in His Word
and Sacraments. We have the answer the world needs to all its
ills. And now we have the privilege of letting that confession
guide and govern our work together these next few days.
Just the day before yesterday, Jonathan Schultz informed me
that CPH had a record year last year. And that was due in some
large measure to the increased demand for school materials.
We face tremendous challenges to be true. But you will be
hearing of blessings aplenty. Here we stand! And here we go!

President’s Report, Part 3