LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1979, Page 92

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92 RESOLUTIONS

To Set Open-House Mission Emphasis
RESOLUTION 1-11
Report 1-02 (CW, p. 43); Overture 1-25 (CW, p. 51)

WHEREAS, The mission of The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod is to “make disciples of all nations”;
and

WHEREAS, Most people are won for Christ as the
result of a personal invitation of family or friends to
“come and see”; and

WHEREAS, The largest annual number of adults
gained by Baptism or confirmation in the Missouri
Synod was in the days of the original Preaching-
Teaching-Reaching missions of the 1950s and 1960s;
and

WHEREAS, Many congregations of the Synod estab-
lished their first evangelism programs as a result of the
PTRs; and

WHEREAS, Many Districts have demonstrated that
the approach of the PTRs, now called “Open-House
Missions,” is still as productive today; therefore be it

Resolved, That this convention establish a synodical
emphasis in evangelism in 1980 and 1981 based on the
model of Open-House Missions; and be it further

Resolved, That the Board for Evangelism develop
special materials for use by Districts and congregations
in conducting Open-House Missions; and be it further

Resolved, That each District of the Synod be encour-
aged to conduct a Districtwide Open-House Mission
during 1980 or 1981; and be it finally

Resolved, That each congregation in the Synod
therefore be encouraged to conduct an Open-House
Mission.

Action: Adopted (5).

(An amendment to insert “Open Doors” before all “Open-
House” references failed, as well as an amendment that all
other Lutheran bodies be invited to join in planning and
participating in such missions.)

To Increase Churches and Membership
RESOLUTION 1-12A

Report 1-01 (CW, pp. 26, 33); Overture 1-17 (CW,
p. 50)

WHEREAS, Approximately 50 percent of the popu-
lation of North America is unchurched and living
without Christ; and

WHEREAS, It is God’s will that the kingdom of God
grow (Luke 13:6-9); and

WHEREAS, God’s command “to make disciples of all
nations” (Matt. 28:19) includes the gathering of people
into the church; and

WHEREAS, The Constitution of the Synod states as
one of its objectives “the joint extension of the Kingdom
of God” (Art. III, 2); and

WHEREAS, The growth of God’s kingdom through the
means of grace is extended through the planting of new

churches among all cultures and ethnic groups in
strategic locations throughout North America; there-
fore be it

Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod (its congregations and Districts) declare its
intent to grow through the planting of new churches
throughout America among all cultures and ethnic
groups; and be it further

Resolved, That our congregations be encouraged to
open doors through their worship services, Christian
day schools, Sunday schools, and other parish activities
to welcome and minister to all people in their area; and
be it further

Resolved, That the Synod adopt the mission chal-
lenge for the 1980s of a 30-percent growth in the number
of new churches planted, 180 average per year, in-
cluding Black, average of 10 per year; Hispanic, average
of 5 per year; native American, average of 2 per year;
and Asian-American, average of 2 per year; and be it
further

Resolved, That the Synod adopt the mission cha)-
lenge for a 50-percent increase in the membership of the
church including these cultural and ethnic groups; and
be it further

Resolved, That the entire church (individuals, con-
gregations, Districts, boards, and commissions),
working closely with one another, sharing one anoth-
er’s expertise, see to it that these challenges for the
1980s are met to the glory of God and the extension of
His kingdom; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Board for Missions provide assis-
tance as requested in implementing its plans with the
long-term 10-year master plan for the Synod and its
Districts developed by the Board of Directors, Council of
Presidents, and Council of Administrators, pursuant to
Res. 12-04 of this convention.

Action: Adopted as amended (10).

(This resolution was discussed also in Session 7. At that
time an amendment failed, to have the Evangelism Depart-
ment work with Districts to develop new and further current
programs. In Session 10 the second resolve was added by
amendment.)

To Encourage Growth
of Special Ministries

RESOLUTION 1-13
Report 1-01, App. B (CW, p. 33)

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
has for many years committed itself to an aggressive
campus ministry program; and

WHEREAS, The potential for outreach on our nation’s
college and university campuses is unlimited; and

WHEREAS, Our Lord Jesus Christ has instructed His
church to “preach the Gospel to all mankind” (Mark
16:15) and by His example has indicated His loving
concern for people who are deaf or hearing impaired
(Mark 7:31 ff.); and