To Engage Work of Concordia Center for the Family

Ov. 1-32

To Engage Work of Concordia Center for the Family

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod upholds the scriptural mandate for families and the Church to nurture faith in the home: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road” (Deut. 6:6 –7 NIV); and

WHEREAS, Concordia Center for the Family (CCF), under the leadership of Executive Director Rev. Dr. Todd A. Biermann, is a recognized service organization (RSO) of the Synod, dedicated to uniting homes and congregations in making lifelong disciples of Jesus throu gh targeted training and resources for family discipleship; and

WHEREAS, CCF offers practical training opportunities including Family Discipleship Facilitator training, presentations on multiple aspects of family discipleship, and partnerships like the Family Discipleship Initiative with Concordia Seminary, which equip pastors, church workers, and lay leaders to guide families in daily faith formation; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with the Synod ’s priority to “strengthen and support the Lutheran Family in living out God’s design” ( 2016 Resolutions 4-02A , 16 -02A), greater engagement with CCF programs would strengthen collaborative ministry between homes, congregations, and RSOs to fulfill the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19 –20), including by building synergy across districts; and

WHEREAS, CCF has been encouraged by Synod leaders, by leaders of our Concordia seminaries and other Concordia University System schools, by many of the Synod’s district presidents and by scores of local church workers to expand its training opportunities to become more accessible throughout the entire Synod; therefore be it

Resolved, That the 2026 Synod convention encourage all Synod pastors, commissioned workers, lay leaders, and congregations to actively engage with the training and resources provided by CCF, including the participation in Family Discipleship Facilitator training and the utilization of home-centered discipleship materials;

and be it further

Resolved, That all members of the Synod be encouraged to pray for the expanding work of CCF and unite in the common biblicallybased cause of family discipleship, toward the end that our Synod and all its members would be strengthened by the gifts of Christ, affirmed in walking together with Christ toward eternity in heaven, and empowered to more brightly shine as lights in the darkness; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod district presidents be requested to promote CCF’s offerings in their districts through newsletters, conventions, and church worker gatherings, aiming to increase awareness and utilization of CCF programs and resources; and be it finally

Resolved, That the 2026 Synod convention affirm the vital role of CCF in supporting the Synod’s family ministries and commit to ongoing prayer and support for expanded engagement with its work.

Christ, Milford, MI; Shepherd of the Hills, Crossville, TN;

Trinity, Springfield, MO