LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2023, Page 231

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12. SCHOOLS, FAMILY, YOUNG ADULTS, AND YOUTH
And through the Sacrament increase
Our faith till we depart in peace.

To Encourage Use of Current Research
and Resources for Ministry to Youth

Action: Adopted (5)

Upon immediate closure of debate, as suggested by the chair, the
resolution was adopted by voice vote.

To Encourage Family Devotions,
Lutheran Fathers, and Young Men
RESOLUTION 12-05A
President’s Report, Part 2 (TB, 1:26)
WHEREAS, The Triune God commands that children be
taught His Word by their parents and by the Church (Deut. 4:9–
10; Deut. 6:5–9; Psalm 78; Matt. 19:13–15; 28:16–20; Eph. 6:4; 1
Tim. 4:10–11); and
WHEREAS, The Treasury of Daily Prayer teaches that “the
rhythm of daily prayer is really catechesis in the Word of God”
(St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2008, 15); and
WHEREAS, The Word of God commands that fathers bring
up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord
(Eph. 6:4), that children are to hear their father’s instructions
and be attentive (Prov. 1:8; 4:1; 6:20), and that we are to pray
without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17); and
WHEREAS, Parents and children live daily in the forgiveness
and motivation of God’s grace; and
WHEREAS, Luther’s Small Catechism directs the head of the
family to teach his household in a simple way, recognizing that
some mothers serve as head of the household due to the
absence of a father or the abdication of his responsibility;
therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod in convention encourages a
robust devotional life for the members of its congregations; and
be it further
Resolved, That pastors and congregations be encouraged to
intentionally provide instruction to boys and young men that
they might be raised as godly men and heads of households
according to the Word of God; and be it finally
Resolved, That fathers be encouraged in their duty to teach
their family the Christian faith through daily devotions with
their wives and children.
Action: Adopted (5)

Upon immediate closure of debate, as suggested by the chair, the
resolution was adopted by voice vote.

RESOLUTION 12-06
President’s Report, Part 2 (TB, 1:26)
WHEREAS, The LCMS Youth Ministry and LCMS Rosters,
Statistics, and Research Services conducted an in-depth and
extensive study on youth and young adults in our Synod
(“Retention of Lutheran Millennials: 2017 LCMS Study of
Young
Adults,”
www.youthesource.com/wpcontent/uploads/2018/06/Full-Slide-Deck-Report_2.pdf); and
WHEREAS, This research found that only one-third of
confirmands were retained in The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod (LCMS) through young adulthood; and
WHEREAS, This research found that congregations with a
lay leader (i.e., volunteer Sunday school teacher, board
member, etc.) under the age of 30 had an increased retention
rate amongst youth and young adults; and
WHEREAS, This research found that one of the largest
effects on retention of young adults shows up in the question of
whether they felt there was a “safe person” to talk to at church;
and
WHEREAS, This research also found a strong correlation
between the feelings young adults had of being cared for
personally and their long term retention; and
WHEREAS, On the basis of this research, LCMS Youth
Ministry produced the book Relationships Count: Engaging &
Retaining Millennials; and
WHEREAS, LCMS Youth Ministry is continuing to research
trends amongst our youth; therefore be it
Resolved, That the congregations of the LCMS be
encouraged to actively seek and promote high school youth and
young adults to be involved in the lay leadership of the church;
and be it further
Resolved, That pastors, youth leaders, and others in
congregational leadership be encouraged to develop and
maintain authentic relationships with high school youth and
young adults; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to
LCMS Youth Ministry and LCMS Rosters, Statistics, and
Research Services for their efforts in collecting this impactful
data; and be it further
Resolved, That all congregations in the Synod be
encouraged to read, study, and implement suggestions from
the book Relationships Count: Engaging & Retaining Millennials;
and be it finally
Resolved, That all congregations be encouraged to make use
of the latest research findings and resources at
youthesource.com.
Action: Adopted (5)

Upon immediate closure of debate, as suggested by the chair, the
resolution was adopted by voice vote.

Resolutions

PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2023 (68TH) LCMS CONVENTION | 231