LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1973, Page 217

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

⤓ Download .txt · copy text

CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS 217

Resolved, That the English District memorialize the LCMS
in its 1973 convention to adopt the following recommenda-
tions for improving synodical conventions:

1. That theological questions be dealt with initially at the
level at which they arise by utilizing appropriate channels
(i.e., circuit counselors, District presidents, theological fac-
ulties, District and synodical commissions) rather than meet-
ings of the Synod in convention.

2. That the Synod give first priority to considering pro-
grams that support objectives of the church and then con-
cern itself with the fiscal requirements of such programs.

3. That the Council of Presidents, as a representative
body, analyze goals and purposes of synodical conventions
in order to determine what can be effectively accomplished
in the convention setting.

4. That overtures of a similar nature, submitted to a con-
vention as outlined in the Handbook, 1.27, be referred to the
Council of Presidents to select one representative overture
for the convention Workbook.

5. That the Synod, in order to enable delegates to be bet-
ter informed on the issues and to secure better qualified
delegates, revise the selection process by having circuits
elect delegates (with the first and second alternates) from
a list of candidates to serve a 4-year term, and that the pro-
cedures be developed by the Committee on Organization.

§. That the Synod provide preconvention orientation, pri-
marily for first-time delegates, regarding synodical struc-
ture, convention procedures, and convention matters.

EnciisH DIstRICT
Robert L. Landeck, Secretary

5-16

To Restate Conditions of Synodical
Membership

Resolved, That we petition the Synod to update and re-
state Article VI of the Constitution of the Synod so that the
article is consonant with the ecumenical imperatives of our

age as exemplified by our participation in Key 73.

ATLANTIC DIsTRICT
Arlin A. Maas, Secretary

5-17

To Revise Bylaws Re Clergy and Teacher
Rosters

Already in its February 1966 meeting the Commission on
Constitutional Matters took note of the fact that considerable
confusion seemed to prevail with reference to the basis on
which pastors and_ teachers who were not at work in the
commonly accepted patterns of ministry could or should be
retained on the roster of the Synod. This was troubling many
laymen, District presidents, the synodical President, and the
Department of Statistics, particularly in view of the fact
that there seemed to be widely divergent practices among
the District presidents, who have the responsibility for the
clergy and teacher rosters.

Among questions asked of the Commission were the fol-
lowing:

PRESENT WORDING

What is “a secular calling”? When should an individual
be regarded as having left a church calling to accept a sec-
ular calling? Under what conditions should professional
status be continued? How long? etc.

Concluding that the problem had assumed major propor-
tions and needed Bylaw clarifications, the Commission in
June of 1966 asked the Council of Presidents for its assis-
tance and suggestions.

Considerable study, drafting, experimentation, redrafting
resulted. Input was received not only from the Council of
Presidents but also from Executive Director Walter F. Wol-
brecht and Director of Research and Statistics Paul Picard.
The Commission on Constitutional Matters is now ready to
make recommendations to the convention.

The proposals herewith submitted quite generally re-
produce in Bylaw form the guidelines under which the Dis-
trict presidents have at this time agreed to administer their
roster responsibilities.

A significant feature is the fact that specific positions are
listed which need to be filled by an individual if he wishes
to retain roster status. Exceptions may be granted annually
by a District president through the bestowal of a “candidate”
status. But if the exception is to be granted beyond a 3-year
period, it becomes necessary for the entire Council of Presi-
dents annually to vote on the request by written ballot. The
commission feels that this is perhaps the key proposal. It
holds that the continuing eligibility of its professional ser-
vants should finally be decided preferably not by a District
but by the Synod. Individual pastors and teachers do not
join a District. They join the Synod. They hold membership
in a District as a result of their membership in the Synod
(Bylaw 3.05). It would therefore seem that the question of
continuation and termination, especially in doubtful cases,
should involve the Synod itself, which has invested its con-
cern and treasure in the training of its servants, and it would
seem that the District presidents collectively might be the
most competent group to act in behalf of the Synod in such
a matter, at least under our present structures.

Another significant feature of the proposals is that the
Synod itself will determine which positions it regards as
church-related professions to which roster status may be
extended. No provision is being proposed for a catch-all
type of “special ministry” to be defined in concreto by an
individual District president. It is this individualized ap-
proach which is largely responsible for the divergence 0
practice and resulting confusion which have troubled the
Synod in this area. On the other hand, pastors and teachers
who are indeed filling significant “special ministries” may
have their roster status continued on a renewable “candi-
date” status as explained above.

Among criteria which should be applied in determining
whether candidate status should be extended or continued
the commission suggests the following as legitimate: the
health of the applicant: the extent of his present involve-
ment on a part-time and assisting basis in the ministry of
Word and Sacrament; a demonstrated willingness to consider
a call or appointment to a position recognized by the Synod
under its Bylaw regulations. The commission holds that it
is both possible and advisable to distinguish between church
vocations and the Christian vocation which belongs to all
who are Christ’s.

The commission recommends the adoption of the follow-
ing Bylaws and Bylaw amendments:

PROPOSED WORDING

C. CLERGY AND TEACHER ROSTERS

4.41 Placement and Removal

Subject to the provisions of the Constitution and
Bylaws the District President shall be responsible
for the initial placement of the names of all clergy-
men and teachers on the clergy and teacher rosters
respectively of the Synod and also for their re-
moval.

4.43 Continuing Eligibility
To be retained on the roster, a clergyman or

teacher, as the case may be, must be performing
the duties of one of the following offices: