LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1979, Page 42

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42 MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION

lity. The convention next adopted Res. 7-08 (TB 140),
which commended the Board of Parish Education and
the Commission on Theology and Church Relations for
the preparation of the study series “That We May
Grow” and encouraged congregations to use these
materials more fully. After adding the words “and the
Board of Parish Education” after the words “Publish-
ing House” in line 67 (7B 141), the committee introduced
Res. 7-11 (7B 141), which asked for the identification of
writers for preparation of religious materials and en-
couraged the development of such persons. The conven-
tion adopted the resolution as presented. Prior to consi-
dering the next resolution, the delegates were addressed
by Richard Bimler, Executive Secretary of the Board of
Youth Ministry. In his remarks he pointed out that the
“B” in Board stands for Baptized, the “Y” in Youth for
Yes, and the “M” in Ministry for Ministry. He concluded
by saying that we are baptized, yes people in ministry.
Following this presentation the convention adopted
Res. 7-12 (7B 142), thereby designating the year 1983—
84 as “The Year of Youth Ministry.” They also asked
that the 1983 convention emphasize youth ministry and
that special materials and resources be developed to
help parishes and Districts celebrate “The Year of
Youth Ministry.” By the adoption of Res. 7-13 (TB 142)
Bylaws restructuring the Board of Youth Ministry were
adopted. This action was taken by the convention after
it declined to change the number “21” to “28” in line 59
(TB 142). Resolution 7-14 (TB 148), asking the Board of
Directors and congregations of each District to consider
ways and means of encouraging subscriptions to the
Lutheran Witness was declared passed unanimously.
By the adoption of Res. 7-15(7B 143) the Board of Parish
Education was commended for the preparation of the
“New Life in Christ” materials and was encouraged to
make available a curriculum for nursery and kindergar-
ten, as well as a full day school curriculum of the same
quality and Scriptural integrity. After adopting Res.
7-09 (TB 140), which encouraged the observance of the
200th anniversary of the Sunday school, the chairman
reminded delegates that this resolution did not call so
much for a remembrance of the past but rather for
action in the future. The reports of the Commission on
Church Literature, Board for Lutheran Radio, and
Commission on Lay Higher Education were received
with thanks by the convention (Res. 7-16, 7B 143). Since
Concordia Publishing House assists synodical students
in securing textbooks by selling them to campus book-
stores at discount prices, the delegates agreed to decline
Overture 7-28 (C W 226) by the adoption of Res. 7-17 (TB
144). They also declined Overture 7-29 (CW 226), which
requested written interviews for Concordia Publishing
House board members. This was done by the adoption of
Res. 7-18 (7B 144), bringing the work of the Committee
on Parish Services to a close except for a presentation to
be made in a later session.

Social Ministry

In a previous session the convention had declined
Res. 8-03 (7B 146) after it had amended the resolution by
dropping the last resolved. A delegate who had voted on

the prevailing side moved that Res. 8-03 (TB 146) be
reconsidered. Following the introduction of this motion,
the delegate yielded to President Preus, who spoke of the
great need for assistance in the area of ministerial
health. He pointed out that the resolution as presented
operates in the area of prevention rather than cure.
After some discussion it was agreed that the delegate
who made the motion for reconsideration was only
requesting consideration of the resolution as amended.
The convention then agreed to reconsideration. Dr.
Frederick Niedner, a member of the Commission on
Ministerial Health, informed the delegates of the cost to
Districts and the Synod and to the Concordia Plans in
the area of ministerial health, and pointed out the need
for a program in this area throughout the country. He
stated that we should not only be concerned with
treatment but also with preventive and rehabilitative
concerns. After further discussion the delegates agreed
to cease debate and adopted Res. 8-03 (TB 146) as
amended. By adoption of Res. 8-05 (7B 147) the conven-
tion urged Districts, Circuits, or groups of congrega-
tions who desire to involve their constituency in a
broader aspect of social ministry concerns and activi-
ties to negotiate with the Board of Social Ministry and
World Relief for information on cooperative planning
and financing of one or more workshops in the area of
social ministry. Through adoption of Res. 8-06 (7B 148)
the Districts of the Synod were encouraged to make
expertise and funding available for the promotion and
conduct of Project Compassion workshops. Districts
were also asked to strongly encourage parishes to
continue their support of Project Compassion in various
ways. Resolution 8-07 (7B 148), calling for the update of
Bylaws regarding social concerns and welfare, was
introduced. Time expired, however, before action could
be completed on this resolution.

Devotion

The chaplain for the convention, Dr. Nitz, led the
delegates in a closing devotion ending the morning
session.

Session 10

July 11, Afternoon
Opening Devotion

The opening devotion was conducted by members of
Holy Cross Lutheran Church for the Deaf of St. Louis.
After presenting a number of songs in sign language,
the delegates were led in prayer which was both audible
and signed.

Recognition

President J. A. O. Preus introduced Dr. David Preus,
president of The American Lutheran Church, to the
convention. In his address to the delegates he brought
greetings from The American Lutheran Church in the
name of Christ and expressed his joy in the shared
ministries of The American Lutheran Church and The

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