1-08

To Expand Work of Revitalization and Encourage Use of re:Vitality Resources

This is official source text extracted from the 2026 LCMS Convention Workbook. It is distinct from analysis or commentary. Check official LCMS convention materials for final authority.

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Official Workbook overture source text

Overture: 1-08

Workbook page: 281

Source pages: 281

Source status: source checked / public

Submitter: Board for National Mission

Ov. 1-08

To Expand Work of Revitalization and Encourage Use of re:Vitality Resources

WHEREAS, The Synod has prioritized revitalization of its congregations; and

WHEREAS, Many existing Synod congregations have plateaued or are declining in membership or worship attendance; and

WHEREAS, Less than five percent of existing Synod congregations have officially utilized a re:Vitality workshop; and

WHEREAS, Re:Vitality workshops provide practical training and theological rationale for planning strategically, intentional outreach to the community, and ministry to inactive members; and

WHEREAS, A forthcoming r e:Vitality workshop provides practical training and theological rationale for intentionally incorporating members for increased involvement; and

WHEREAS, Re:Vitality is designed to meet a large-scale need for revitalization at little to no cost to congregations; and

WHEREAS, Re:Vitality workshops are faithful to the Scriptures and to the Lutheran Confessions; and

WHEREAS, Congregation revitalization is centered in the new life that is found in God’s Word being proclaimed in purity and His Sacraments being rightly administered; and

WHEREAS, The 2013 and 2016 Synod conventions approved the increased focus on revitalization and the expansion of re:Vitality from the Office of National Mission (ONM) (2013 Res. 3-08A ;

2016 Res. 1-03); therefore be it

Resolved, That Synod congregations be regularly encouraged to engage in biblically based, confessionally faithful best practices concerning planning for the future, outreach to the community, caring for inactive members and intentionally incorporating current members into the life of the c hurch (Matt. 28:19–20; 1 Cor. 3:6; 1 Cor. 14:40); and be it further

Resolved, That districts utilize the ONM’s “Exploring God’s Mission Here” Bible Study with congregations to help them discern their needs for revitalization efforts; and be it further

Resolved, That congregations be encouraged to make use of re:Vitality resources as these are made available; and be it finally

Resolved, That current revitalization efforts in our districts and local congregations be commended.

Board for National Mission

Source record notice

Official Workbook source text remains separate from any clearly labeled draft discernment material. Review status is source checked.

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Committee

National Witness

Themes

Theme tags are a conservative research aid for finding patterns in proposed resolutions. They are not official LCMS classifications.

Doctrinal Confessional Missional Governance Procedural Financial Relational Pastoral

Citations

Workbook source for 1-08: LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook, p. 281

Draft discernment material

AI Summary and Discernment Aid

This section is an AI-assisted summary and prayer guide based on a draft discernment document. It is not official LCMS material, not a substitute for the Workbook, and not a substitute for reading the full overture. Please read the complete overture text below before forming conclusions, speaking publicly, or voting.

The draft guide summarizes the apparent direction this way. Readers should compare this with the full overture text and any floor committee action.

Floor Committee 1: National Witness

Summary and possible impact

The resolves appear to ask the church body to expand Work of Revitalization and Encourage Use of re:Vitality Resources. In plain language, this overture is trying to move the stated concern into convention action by calling for study, reporting, or theological/policy guidance, publicly giving thanks, commending faithful work, or marking an anniversary, encouraging local, district, or synodwide support without necessarily creating a mandate. Main actors named or implied include congregations, districts, mission boards or missionaries. The overture contains about 4 resolve clauses, so delegates should read each clause rather than reacting only to the title. Because it encourages support rather than usually mandating it, its impact would likely come through persuasion, resources, examples, and renewed attention. Delegates should ask whether it helps congregations act faithfully in their own contexts or whether it unintentionally creates another unfunded expectation. Support it if it strengthens Gospel proclamation, the means of grace, faithful congregational life, and the sending of Christ's people. Seek amendment or oppose it if it weakens confession, obscures Law and Gospel, burdens local ministry, or turns a preference into a rule.

Prayer for discernment

Lord Jesus Christ, risen Shepherd of Your Church, guide our delegates and leaders as they weigh this overture. Keep them captive to Your Word, joyful in the Lutheran confession, sober under Your Law, and bold in Your Gospel. Bless workers in the harvest, congregations, mission outposts, and disconnected neighbors. Give courage to support what serves Your truth and mission, humility to amend what is unclear or excessive, and faithfulness to reject what would burden consciences, obscure the forgiveness of sins, or distract from Your sending. Let all things serve the proclamation that Christ is risen, sinners are forgiven, and Your Church is sent in love. Amen.

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