Collection › LCMS Convention Workbook (St. Louis, Missouri) › 2026 · 69th Convention, Phoenix › Page 327
LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2026, Page 327

Scan: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

LIFE TOGETHER
WHEREAS, Satan, who is the father of all lies and a murderer from
the beginning (John 8:44), fervently desires to catechize Christians
in the ways of hell and in demonic discord that so frequently marks
interactions in the world; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod in convention strongly urge its
members to pray fervently, both in corporate worship and as
individuals, for the unity and health of the Synod, believing that all
things are possible with God (Phil. 4:13); and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention exhort its members to
review and renew their commitment to the Eighth Commandment
and to self-restraint in speech and anger (James 1:19); and be it
further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention implore its members to
be quick to listen (James 1:19) and to seek out opportunities to listen
to and dialogue with those with whom they disagree, in order that
mutual understanding, fidelity to doctrine, harmony, forgiveness,
and reconciliation might be facilitated and abound among us; and
be it further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention encourage its members
to employ extraordinary efforts toward caution, patience, clear
communication, and love when navigating issues which have
historically been or have the potential to be a source of division, and
that all such issues be approached with a posture of humility and
repentance for any ways in which we have contributed to disunity
in the past; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention exhort its members to
resist the temptation to imitate secular partisanship by lording it
over each other and employing slander, coercion, secrecy, and
power as the default means of addressing disagreements, but rather
to seek to be servants of all (Matt. 20:25–28), to engage in
substantive and long-suffering efforts toward reconciliation with
those who have something against us (Matt. 5:23–25), and to
display the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:1–11); and be it finally
Resolved, That the Synod in convention require the organization
of a task force representative of the Synod’s makeup as a whole to
study and develop the following recommendations: to clarify the
distinction between doctrine and adiaphora (matters of indifference
neither commanded nor forbidden by God) in matters which are
currently the source of conflict; to avoid imitating patterns of
secular politics and partisan ways of relating to each other within
the Church; and to address and resolve divisions of altar fellowship
within the Synod where any such divisions are not a matter of
conscience borne out of doctrinal necessity, but instead stem from
differences of opinion or preference.
Michigan District

327

WHEREAS, Many Christians, desiring to be good, faithful, and to
make a good confession do not know how to, or are fearful to do so
in such an environment; therefore be it
Resolved, That pastors be encouraged to continue training and
equipping the saints to face this persecution faithfully and in good
conscience, and be strengthened in the same themselves; and be it
further
Resolved, That the SELC District give consideration to
addressing this topic among her congregations and pastors to give
advice and counsel; and be it finally
Resolved, That the district memorialize the Synod to continually
take up this issue to equip her church workers and congregations to
face the persecution of these gray and latter days with faithfulness
and joy, knowing that the Lord will work all things for the good of
His Church and His sheep.
SELC District
Ov. 4-46

To Judge Practice by Word Alone
WHEREAS, The Word of God is pure, trustworthy, altogether
righteous, and endures forever (Psalm 19, Isaiah 6:8); and
WHEREAS, Faith comes by hearing the Word of Christ (Rom.
10:17); and
WHEREAS, Faith, drawn from the Word of God, directs our
practice as well as our doctrine; and
WHEREAS, Martin Luther promoted the embraced understanding
of Sola Scriptura, that is our Lutheran heritage and Scriptural
foundation; and
WHEREAS, Jesus declared, “The words I have spoken to you are
spirit and life,” (John 6:63); therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod be encouraged to continue to search
the Scriptures, to continue to abide in the Word (John 8:31–32) and
to “read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest” (Collect for the Word,
The Lutheran Hymnal [CPH, 1941], p. 14) the Word as both clergy
and laity; and be it further
Resolved, That we review and scrutinize our practice of the faith
according to the Word of God so as not to prescribe or reject
practices of faith and/or church life based on tradition or popes and
councils, but on the Word alone and, as it rightly exposits the
Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, so as not to promote
legalistic restrictions or limitations based on human reason but
maintain the liberty for which Jesus set us free, with a conscientious
permission of variation in the areas of adiaphora.
St. Paul
Albion, MI

Ov. 4-45

To Address Persecution in the Church
WHEREAS, Our Lord stated that in the latter days His Church and
her members would face persecution (Mark 13); and
WHEREAS, This persecution has continued in many and various
ways from the earliest days of the Church, in ways subtle and overt;
and
WHEREAS, This persecution will increase until our Lord comes
again in glory; and

Ov. 4-47

To Encourage Raising Up Public Servants
WHEREAS, Our Lord commands us to pray for those who serve
in public office: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings
and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and
quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good and it is
pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.” (1 Tim. 2:1–3); and
WHEREAS, Our Lord commands us to respect these levels of
government: “Let every person be subject to the governing
2026 Convention Workbook