LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2023, Page 135

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4. LIFE TOGETHER
To Commend and Encourage
Continued Use of the Koinonia Project
and Give Thanks to God for the Sainted
Rev. Dr. Herbert C. Mueller, Jr.
RESOLUTION 4-01A
Overture 4-14 (CW, 279); Resolution 4-01 (TB, 1:101)
WHEREAS, The Scriptures teach us to love one another and
seek unity (1 Peter 1:3–8; Col. 3:12–14; Eph. 4:3); and
WHEREAS, Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you,
that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are
to love one another. By this all people will know that you are
my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34–35);
and
WHEREAS, In a fractured society, where division and
discord are sinfully celebrated and encouraged, the church
has the privilege to give witness to Christ and His undeserved
mercy and grace for all; and
WHEREAS, The members of the church, including the
workers, are to be the light of Christ and the example of
forgiveness, restoration, and love; and
WHEREAS, The Koinonia Project materials were written by
the sainted Rev. Dr. Herbert C. Mueller, Jr., are available for
review (lcms.org/about/leadership/president/koinonia-project),
and are currently used by the Synod’s Council of Presidents
(COP) at each meeting; and
WHEREAS, The Koinonia Project provides members of
God’s church with a means through which we pray God will
give greater harmony in our Synod’s “Life Together” by
showing where there is agreement and disagreement, and
identifying how we as a church can move toward greater unity
in teaching and practice; therefore be it

his work writing, producing, and implementing the Koinonia
Project, by rising to sing stanzas 4 and 5 of “God’s Own Child,
I Gladly Say It” found on page 75 of the 2023 Synod convention
Daily Worship booklet.
Action: Res. 4-01 referred as amended (1); Res. 4-01A
adopted as amended (9)

Res. 4-01 was introduced in Session 1 and amended to add two
whereases and one resolve (see minutes), whereupon it was
referred to committee. The committee returned in Session 9 with
Res. 4-01A, which was accepted by general consent as a
substitute. Its being corrected as to stanzas to be sung upon its
adoption, it was adopted by voice vote.

To Affirm and Continue
Making Disciples for Life as Mission and
Ministry Emphasis for 2023–26 Triennium
RESOLUTION 4-02
Overture 4-01 (CW, 273)
WHEREAS, The Great Commission, “Go therefore and
make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them
to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19–20) is
our Lord’s mandate and is at the center of the Church’s
mission and ministry; and
WHEREAS, Disciples of Jesus are baptized repentant
sinners who believe in Christ for salvation by faithfully

Resolved, That the Synod in convention encourage the
spirit of koinonia (fraternal conversation) throughout all the
members and entities of Synod; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention direct the COP to
continue the use of the Koinonia Project among our
professional church workers and laity; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod and district leadership
encourage all professional church workers, lay leaders, and
others across the Synod to gain competence in their ability to
address conflict and promote biblical reconciliation for God’s
purposes in congregations, schools, and families in our nation
and the world; and be it finally
Resolved, That the Synod in convention gives thanks to
God for the sainted Rev. Dr. Herbert C. Mueller, Jr., for his
indefatigable service to the Synod as a pastor, district
president, and Synod first vice-president and particularly for
Resolutions

Committee 4 Chairman Christopher S. Esget
PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2023 (68TH) LCMS CONVENTION | 135