Collection › LCMS Convention Workbook (St. Louis, Missouri) › 1973 · 50th Convention › Page 216
LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1973, Page 216

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

216 CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS

with the President of the Synod, the Vice-Presidents, and
one lay trustee appointed by the Board of Trustees from
each District, and that a majority vote of this total number
represents passage of any policy; and be it further

Resolved, That this group meet to form policies in the
months of January, May, and September of each succeeding
year; and be it further

Resolved, That the present Board of Directors continue
to deal with the financial matters of the Synod, meeting at
their regularly appointed times; and be it finally

Resolved, That the expenses incurred by the lay trustees
of each District for these meetings be handled by that re-

spective District St. Joun’s LuTHERAN CHURCH

Depew, N.Y.
Ernest W. Reitzel, Chairman
Audrey Cain, Secretary

To Modify Organizational Structures

Resolved, That we apprise our congregations, our Dis-
trict, and our Synod of the need for freeing the organiza-
tional structures for involvement of all of our Christians in
God’s mission, urging that to the extent possible under ap-
plicable law, the right of suffrage and the right to hold any
elected or appointed office be given to all confirmed mem-
bers (men, women, and youth); and be it further

Resolved, That we encourage that lay membership on all
councils, committees, boards, or commissions of the Synod
and the congregations be open to all confirmed members of
The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod; and be it further

Resolved, That this convention of our Southeastern Dis-
trict urge all congregations in our District to modify pro-
hibitive organizational structures and procedures so as to
encourage all of God's people (men, women, and youth) to
serve actively both within and outside of the organized
church, making the best use of the talents with which God
has blessed them so that they can and will be a blessing to
many; and be it finally

Resolved, That we petition the Synod to act upon these
concerns when it meets in Convention at New Orleans in

1973.
973 SOUTHEASTERN DISTRICT

Frederick A. Stiemke, Secretary
5-12A

To Introduce Quadrennial Conventions

Wuereas, The biennial system of synodical conventions
followed by The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod _ in-
volves a great deal of expense of time, talent, and treasure;
and

Wuereas, Many of the resolutions proceeding from such
synodical conventions are barely being fully implemented
by the time of the succeeding convention; which may in turn
nullify the aforementioned resolutions; and

Wuereas, The elected synodical and District officers along
with the synodical commissions and committees could imple-
ment the policies of the Synod for a longer time, provided
a certain amount of planning were done; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Area I Pastor-Teacher conference of
the Texas District memorialize the Synod in its New Orleans
convention to plan for and to shift to a schedule of synodical
conventions that would meet every 4 years, as soon as

possible. AREA I] PasTorR-TEACHER CONFERENCE

Texas DIstTRIcT
R. G. Friedrichs, President
Donald Hinz, Secretary

Similar:

5-12B

Immanuel Lutheran Church, Houston, Tex., C. B. Tomek,
President; Elmo E. Miertschin, Pastor.

5-13A
To Hold Conventions Every 4 Years

Wuereas, The present schedule of holding conventions
biennially has been tried for the last four conventions of
the Synod; and

WHEREAS, The increased number of conventions and the
increasing cost of conventions can be a financial burden to
a church body that has recently exercised financial restraint
in American and foreign mission work; and

WuerEAS, Stewardship of time and talents is important in
a world that must be constantly challenged by the Gospel;
and

Wuereas, The religious fervor stirred up prior to con-
ventions of Synod is more often than not of questionable
value to the church; therefore be it

Resolved, That synodical conventions be held every 4
years and that the necessary changes be made in the Articles

of Incorporation. Board OF DIRECTORS

FLoripa-GeorGia DIsTRICT
Theodore W. Eisold, Secretary

Similar:

5-13B

Grace Lutheran Church, Jacksonville, Fla., Herbert
Schert, Chairman.

5-14

To Adopt 3-Year Convention Schedule

Wuereas, The 1971 convention of the LCMS referred the
question of the frequency of synodical conventions for re-
consideration to the 1973 synodical convention: and

Wnereas, The Council of Administrators is recommend-
ing that the present cycle of biennial synodical-District con-
ventions be continued; and

Wuereas, The conducting of a synodical convention every
2 years has proven to require an immense effort in terms of
preparation and expense; and

Whereas, The time between synodical conventions hardly
allows sufficient time for implementing and testing decisions
before planning must begin for the subsequent convention;
and

WHEREAS, Some dissatisfaction has also been expressed
over the present system of biannual District conventions;
therefore be it

Resolved, That the Michigan District memorialize the New
Orleans convention of The Lutheran Church — Missouri
Synod to adopt a schedule of holding a synodical convention
every 3 years beginning in 1975; and be it further

Resolved. That Handbook changes relative to terms of
office and other matters relating to having a convention every
3 years be decided upon in the 1975 convention: and be it
further

Resolved, That one District convention every 3 years be
patterned after the existing model with official business be-
ing transacted: and be it further

Resolved, That one District convention every 3 years be
designed solely for spiritual growth. inspiration, fellowship,
and Christian education without formal business being con-
ducted: and be it finally

Resolved, That this schedule for District conventions be-
come effective beginning in 1976.
MIcuHicaN DISTRICT
Howard W. Kramer, Secretary

an
a

To Initiate Changes in Synodical
Conventions

Wuereas, The Council of Administrators encourages Dis-
tricts to send to the Committee on Organization their reac-
tions as well as suggestions for improving the work of the
conventions; be it