LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1975, Sheet 80

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RESOLUTIONS

cover the same areas of evangelism that concern each
District and each congregation of the Synod; therefore be
it
Resolved, That the District and congregational boards
seek to establish objectives and develop programs in
keeping with each of the following five specific objec-
tives:
1. To deepen the theological understanding of evan-
gelism;
9. To encourage effective and efficient organization
for evangelism,
3. To motivate and train for personal witness,
4. To develop a more favorable climate for evan-
gelism;
5. To develop specific strategies.

Action: Adopted (4).

To Stem Tide of Membership Losses
RESOLUTION 1-05

Report 1-01, IV, 13 (CW, p. 7)

Wuereas, Backdoor losses of The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod for 1972 and 1973 were equivalent each
year to 156 congregations with an average communicant
membership of 334; and

Wuereas, There is the danger of losing faith outside
the fellowship of Christians; therefore be it

PRESENT WORDING

8.43 Functions and Duties

The Board shall develop policies and provide pro-
grams of evangelism for use by individuals, congrega-
tions, circuits, and Districts.

81

Resolved, That we encourage congregations carefully

to maintain contact with members leaving the parish
until they are transferred to another congregation, as-
sisted by the synodical referral system for this purpose,
and be it further

Resolved, That we encourage the Board for Evangel-
ism to assist congregations in developing programs of
assimilation for all incoming members (confirmands,
transfers, et al.); and be it finally

Resolved, That we encourage congregations to use the
Scriptural approach to problems of membership, with the
evangelical disciplinary procedures of Matt. 18:15ff. as
necessary, but always in accord with the pastoral minis-

try of our Lord.
Action: Adopted (4).

To Adopt Bylaw Changes (Evangelism)
RESOLUTION 1-06
Report 1-01, V, Rec. 8; ILI (CW, pp. 10-11, 4-5)

Wuereas, The present Handbook provisions for the
Board for Evangelism are very brief -and do not give the
board sufficient detail as to its functions and duties and
do not speak about the organization for evangelism in
either the District or the congregation; therefore be it

Resolved, That the convention adopt the following
Handbook changes:

PROPOSED WORDING

8.43 Functions and Duties

It is the privilege and responsibility of every Chris-
tian to convey, by word and life, the message that “in
Christ God was reconciling the world to Himself . . .
we are ambassadors for Christ” (2 Cor. 5:19-20). The
Board shall assist individuals, congregations, circuits,
and Districts of the Synod in every possible manner as
they seek to carry out the commission of our Lord to be
witnesses unto Him (Matt. 4:19; 28:19-20; Luke 24:45-
49; Acts 1:8; 20:24), so that a growing number of God’s
people share the Good News of God's forgiveness in
Jesus Christ by what they say and do, both in struc-
tured programs and in life situations.

In carrying out its functions the board shall —

a. advise the Synod, synodical schools, and congre-
gations concerning evangelism,

b. advise and cooperate with the Districts concern-
ing evangelism,

c. establish and supervise policies relating to evan-
gelism;

d. develop objectives,
for evangelism;

e. arrange leadership training workshops and con-
ferences in evangelism;

f. produce and/or distribute evangelism materials,

g. initiate and coordinate evangelism efforts in
cooperation with other boards, commissions, and agen-
cies of the Synod;

h. design a suitable staff structure and call an
executive secretary and other staff members as are
needed and authorized;

i. provide necessary research, evaluation, and re-
cord keeping.

goals, and specific strategies