1-33

To Commend Family Discipleship Work of Concordia Center for the Family

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: 1-33

Workbook page: 293-294

Source pages: 293, 294

Source status: source checked / public

Submitter: Christ, Milford, MI; Shepherd of the Hills, Crossville, TN; / Trinity, Springfield, MO

Ov. 1-33

To Commend Family Discipleship Work of Concordia Center for the Family

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is committed to the proclamation of the Gospel and the nurturing of faith in Christ-centered homes and congregations, as affirmed in Constitution Article III 5, which states that the Synod ’s objectives include “aid[ing] congregations to develop processes of thorough Christian education and nurture”; and

WHEREAS, Concordia Center for the Family (CCF) is a recognized service organization (RSO) of the Synod , focused on inspiring and equipping Christian leaders to facilitate thriving home-centered, church-supported family discipleship that nurtures faith in families; and

WHEREAS, CCF has faithfully served the Synod by uniting homes and congregations in making lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ, providing resources such as Family Discipleship Facilitator Training, the Faith & Life Survey, daily devotion guides using Luther’s Small Catechism, and Bible studies on God’s design for daily faith formation; and

WHEREAS, CCF seeks to impact the whole earth as families practicing Christian family discipleship will be bold witnesses for Christ to everyone they encounter every day, leading many more to receive the blessings of life in Christ; therefore be it

Resolved, That the 2026 Synod convention recommend CCF for family discipleship training for its pastors, teachers, other workers, and lay leaders; and be it further

Resolved, That the convention commend CCF for its faithful service as an RSO and express gratitude to God for the blessings it has brought to Synod families, congregations, and workers through home-centered discipleship resources and training; and be it further

Resolved, That the convention give thanks for CCF ’s role in strengthening the Synod’ s mission by supporting parents and caregivers in sharing faith and values with their children, in line with the Synod ’s commitment to Christian parenting; and be it further

Resolved, That the President of the Synod be requested to convey this commendation and thanks in writing to the leadership of CCF ;

and be it further

Resolved, That the convention pray for God’s continued blessing on the work of CCF, that it may bear abundant fruit in the Synod for generations to come; and be it finally

Resolved, That the convention thank CCF and its leaders, including the Rev. Dr. Todd A. Biermann , executive director , for their work to unite homes and congregations in forming disciples of Jesus who will daily walk in faith unto eternal life in heaven.

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

Trinity, Springfield, MO

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

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Confessional Missional Governance Procedural Pastoral

Citations

Workbook source for 1-33: LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook, p. 293-294

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 commend Family Discipleship Work of Concordia Center for the Family. In plain language, this overture is trying to move the stated concern into convention action by directing specific offices, boards, congregations, or workers toward action, 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, Synod in convention, Synod officers or boards, recognized service organizations or agencies, pastors and church workers. The overture contains about 6 resolve clauses, so delegates should read each clause rather than reacting only to the title. Because it is mainly a thanksgiving or commendation overture, its impact would likely be pastoral and cultural rather than regulatory, giving public encouragement and setting a positive tone. Delegates should still ask whether the commendation teaches clearly, avoids unnecessary factional signaling, and points the church back to Christ and His gifts. Support it if the thanksgiving is true, Christ-centered, and useful for building up the church. Seek amendment if the praise becomes promotional fog, selective memory, or celebration without repentance where repentance is needed.

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 children, families, teachers, schools, and households learning the faith. 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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