4-03

To Establish Tell the Next Generation as Synod Mission and Ministry Emphasis

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: 4-03

Workbook page: 303

Source pages: 303

Source status: source checked / public

Submitter: Board for National Mission

Ov. 4-03

To Establish Tell the Next Generation as Synod Mission and Ministry Emphasis

WHEREAS, The Synod’s Board for International Mission (BIM)

and Board for National Mission (BNM) have consulted with Council of Presidents , the O ffice of N ational Mission, and the Office of International Mission in an extensive series of fraternal discussions toward seeking input for the development of the triennial mission and ministry emphasis; and

WHEREAS, The BIM and BNM , in collaboration with the President of the Synod, have unanimously agreed to recommend to the Synod in convention a triennial m ission and ministry emphasis that captures the desire to spread the Gospel and the full counsel of God’s Word to those who do not know Christ, as well as the generations of church members that will follow us; therefore be it

Resolved, That the triennial m ission and m inistry emphasis for the 2026–29 triennium shall be Tell the Next Generation.

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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Life Together

Themes

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Missional Governance Relational

Citations

Workbook source for 4-03: LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook, p. 303

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 4: Life Together

Summary and possible impact

The resolves appear to ask the church body to establish Tell the Next Generation as Synod Mission and Ministry Emphasis. 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. Main actors named or implied include mission boards or missionaries. The overture contains about 1 resolve clause, so delegates should read each clause rather than reacting only to the title. Its impact depends on how a floor committee rewrites, combines, refers, or declines it, since overtures often become part of broader resolutions. Delegates should read the final committee resolution carefully rather than assuming the original overture language will come to the floor unchanged. 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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To Establish Tell the Next Generation as Synod Mission and Ministry Emphasis

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