To Recommend Review of Worship Practices

Official Workbook overture source text

4-28 
To Recommend Review of Worship Practices 
WHEREAS, The Synod continues to decline in numbers with 
congregations closing  or declining in attendance  in many 
congregations, resulting in fewer guests and opportunities for 
outreach/evangelism; and 
WHEREAS, Many once growing and  viable congregations are 
now struggling from lack of willing and active members to carry 
out ministry goals in every area of parish life; and 
W
HEREAS, There are many opportunities to adapt worship  
services without compromising sound doctrine while being more 
visitor friendly and inclusive of those in changing/multicultural 
neighborhoods; and 
WHEREAS, The “dyed in the wool” Lutherans who have attended 
from infant Baptism  to later decades may be reluctant to change 
decades old habits to allow for our worship services to be modified 
to accommodate new ideas and procedures; and 
W
HEREAS, The Great Commission commands us to “Go 
therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19) and Paul 
says, “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I 
might save some” (1 Cor. 9:22); therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod conduct a study to determine if current 
worship practices are serving ourselves and not considering the 
needs of the unchurched; and be it further 
Resolved, That congregations make it a priority to determine the 
worship style that the people in their  neighborhoods would like to 
hear and see in church services, without compromising doctrine , 
and implement some of those changes to attract and minister to 
those who join them for church services; and be it further 
Resolved, That in the preparation of the weekly sermon , the 
pastor present three to four easily understood key points for listeners 
to live by during the week in hopes the energized members, inactive 
members, and visitors will return to receive Word and Sacrament 
ministry; and be it finally 
Resolved, That congregation members, young and old, support 
the pastor and ministry in the congregation by inviting their 
neighbors and friends, the unchurched and delinquent. 
Faith 
Hot Springs Village, AR 
Ov.