Congregations Walking Together in Mission Establishing Synod Priorities To Develop Process for Developing Quadrennial Mission and Ministry Emphases
RESOLUTION 8-09
TF Report (CW TFR, pp. 36–37)
WHEREAS, The Synod was divided into districts in 1854 and into circuits in 1866, both actions taken in order to create greater administrative effectiveness and increased participation by both pastors and congregations; and
WHEREAS, Congregations are the members of the Synod and thus carry out the mission and ministry emphases of the Synod; and
WHEREAS, The more engaged congregations, circuits, and districts are in setting the mission and ministry goals of the national church body, the better the Synod walks together; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod adopt a process for identifying Synod-wide mission and ministry emphases on a cycle consistent with the national convention schedule; and be it further
Resolved, That the congregations, schools, and agencies of the Synod be encouraged to embrace the mission and ministry emphases between conventions by developing individual ministry goals that can be carried out by each entity, thus providing a common focus for the entire LCMS as it engages in ministry together; and be it finally
Resolved, That Bylaws 3.3.1.1.1, 3.5.1, 3.5.2, 4.2.1 (d), and 4.4.2 (a) be amended to facilitate the regular development of mission and ministry emphases as shown (“2007 Handbook Convention Version,” TB, pp. 239, 248, 311, 313).
First Resolved. I wouldn’t be opposed to this if it were a theological emphasis, but that seems unlikely to be the intent.
Second Resolved. If the emphases were sound I wouldn’t have a problem.
Third Resolved. Bylaw changes in support of the Resolveds.
This second Whereas statues that “the more engaged congregations, circuits, and districts are in setting the mission and ministry goals of the national church body, the better the Synod walks together.” While this is true, there isn’t much evidence that a large percentage of the congregations, circuits, and districts would engaged in the goal setting. A large number of them opposed this whole restructuring effort and they have been ignored so if how engaged would they be in future goal setting. Minimally to not at all would be my guess.
This is yet another resolution that attempts to convey the notion of unity when we have very fundamental divisions.
Vote: No
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