LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1975, Page 22

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22 MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION

President Preus introduced Dr. Arnold Kuntz, Presi-
dent of the Southern California District, who welcomed
the delegates. In his remarks he invited the members of
the convention to a celebration on Sunday evening with
an opportunity to praise and thank God for His goodness.
He pointed out that while the warfare motif is a good one
for the church, another motif should also be stressed.
This motif is that of one body,-with Christ as its Head.
He offered the hands, feet, smile, and hearts of the
members of the Southern California District to the serv-
ice of the President and the delegates at the convention.

Mr. William Zehnder, a member of the Board of
Directors of the Synod, responded to this welcome. In his
remarks he expressed his appreciation for the opportu-
nity to serve on the Board of Directors of the Synod and
expressed the wish that every member would have the
same opportunity which he has had.

President’s Report

In his report to the convention President Préus

stressed the fact that Jesus Christ is Lord. We are His:

slaves, His possession by virtue of His redemption. We
begin, live, and die under His Lordship.

As President, after giving all glory and thanks to the
heavenly Father, Dr. Preus expressed his thanks publicly
to the Vice-Presidents of the Synod as well as all the
other officials, boards, commissions, committees, and
auxiliary organizations.

In his report Dr. Preus referred to a number of
problems which have confronted the Synod and require
resolution. Among these are the problems of Seminex,
the matter of certain District Presidents finding them-
selves at odds with the Constitution and Bylaws of the
Synod, the dissenting movement known as ELIM, and
certain problems within our mission department. He
stated that he was convinced that The Lutheran Church
~Missouri Synod wants three things: sound doctrine,
peace, and progress.

Responding to the recommendations of the various
committees, he asked that the matter of evangelism be
taken seriously and that each congregation set high
goals and strive to achieve them in this area. In relation
to missions he reported on the efforts which have been
made to resolve differences between the Board for Mis-
sions and the staff. He stated that there has been a
deepening understanding regarding the talents and lead-
ership abilities of the national leaders of the sister
churches of the Synod and pointed out that one of the
great challenges before this convention is that of devis-
ing ways and means whereby a wider and deeper support
base for the work of sister churches may be developed.
Congregations were encouraged, in consultation with
their Districts, to look for new areas surrounding them
where daughter congregations could be established. He
stated that the matter of a Black Centennial would be
announced later at this convention.

In matters of theology and church relations he urged
a careful consideration of the resolutions regarding the
seeking of unity in our church and stated that he saw the
Synod playing a stronger and more vital role in inter-
church activities in the future. The attention of the

William Zehnder, Board of Directors, acknowledges welcome to
Southern California

delegates was also called to the recommendation to con-
tinue membership in the Lutheran Council in the U.S.A.,
to continue fellowship with The American Lutheran
Church, and to the resolution regarding the protection of
the unborn.

Although time did not permit a reference to all of the
important resolutions, the President of the Synod stated
that there were significant matters in the areas of higher
education, stewardship, and parish services which would
require the attention of the delegates. He also asked that
the convention make a decision for the location of its
next meeting since this matter was not yet resolved.

Dr. Preus closed his remarks with a few statements
regarding conduct of the delegates at this convention and
with the prayer that the Holy Spirit would be with this
convention so that in all things Christ may be the Victor
and that all glory be given to Him.

Recognition

Dr. Herbert Mueller, Secretary of the Synod, intro-
duced Dr. Elwood Zimmermann, President of the Indiana
District, who introduced Mrs. Preus to the delegates and
presented her with a bouquet of roses on behalf of the
convention. Mrs. Preus responded with a word of thanks
to the members.

Announcements

Dr. Preus announced to the convention that the Rev.
Howard Halter, a member of the Atlantic District, had
died unexpectedly and that the Rev. Harold Brockhoff,