LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — February 23, 2013, Page 34

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84. Overture to the 2013 LCMS Convention (Remaining Restructuring Issues)
Overture to 2013 Convention
To Resolve Bylaw Issues Remaining from 2010 Convention Restructuring Decisions
Background
Following the 2010 LCMS convention, it was recognized that restructuring decisions had resulted in
lack of clarity and even contradictions in the Handbook of the Synod that would require additional
attention by the 2013 convention. These concerns were discussed during a day-long November 2, 2012
joint meeting of the Commission on Constitutional Matters, Commission on Handbook, the Chief Mission
Officer, the Chief Administrative Officer, and a member of the president’s office staff. The commission
offers the following proposed amendments to satisfy a number of these concerns in the 2010 Handbook of
the Synod.
(A) Board for National Mission
Rationale
The intention and meaning of current wording of Bylaws 3.8.2 and 3.8.2.1 (“directed toward”) is
vague and unclear. Removing that wording does not affect the overall intention and meaning of these
bylaws. In addition, in order for Bylaw 3.8.2.1 to mirror its counterpart for the Board for International
Mission (Bylaw 3.8.3.1), the reference to the “supervision” of the President of the Synod is changed to
“ecclesiastical supervision,” consistent with the President’s responsibility under Constitution Art. XI B 1–
4 (also Art. XI B 7; Bylaws 3.3.1.1–3.3.1.3).
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
Board for National Mission
3.8.2

The Board for National Mission is charged with developing and determining policies for the
coordination of and in support of district ministries which support that are directed toward
the ministry functions of the national office and district ministries that are directed toward
the ministries of congregations and schools (Bylaw 1.2.1 [l]). These policies shall embrace
and apply the mission and ministry emphases adopted by the national convention. Under the
leadership of the President of the Synod, pursuant to Bylaw 3.3.1.1.1, the board shall assist
in identifying the specific goals for the Office of National Mission. Policies determined by
the board (implemented by staff) may include but not be limited to:
• strong national mission leadership
• Lutheran school ministries and accreditation
• human care and domestic mercy efforts
• stewardship
• evangelism
• church planting and revitalization
• youth ministry

3.8.2.1 The Board for National Mission shall have oversight of the implementation of policies
adopted by the board and implemented by the Office of National Mission for the
coordination of and in support of district ministries which support that are directed toward
Page 104 – 02.23.13 – COH Minutes