4-47

To Encourage Raising Up Public Servants

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: 4-47

Workbook page: 327-328

Source pages: 327, 328

Source status: source checked / public

Submitter: Texas District

Ov. 4-47

To Encourage Raising Up Public Servants

WHEREAS, Our Lord commands us to pray for those who serve in public office: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.” (1 Tim. 2:1–3); and

WHEREAS, Our Lord commands us to respect these levels of government: “Let every person be subject to the governing

authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Rom. 13:1); and

WHEREAS, Our Lord reminds us through the words of St. Paul, “… the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing.” (Rom. 13:6); and

WHEREAS, Serving in elected or appointed offices within our local community, county, state, and nation is a God- ordained vocation; therefore be it

Resolved, That pastors and congregations of the Texas District be encouraged to continue to pray for peace and goodwill among all the people of our nation, especially praying that the eyes of all people would turn to our Lord and Savior through whom we have true peace; and be it further

Resolved, That pastors and congregations of the d istrict be encouraged to pray for those serving at city, county, state, and federal levels of government; and be it further

Resolved, That pastors and congregations of the d istrict be encouraged in providing a good example for others in how to discuss politics, politicians, and all aspects of public service; and be it further

Resolved, That pastors and congregations of the d istrict be encouraged to identify, encourage, and raise up from within our midst those with the gifts and abilities to serve God and their neighbor in public service; and be it finally

Resolved, That the district memorialize the Synod in convention to encourage congregations of the Synod to do the same.

Texas District

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

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

Governance Relational Pastoral

Citations

Workbook source for 4-47: LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook, p. 327-328

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 encourage Raising Up Public Servants. In plain language, this overture is trying to move the stated concern into convention action by encouraging local, district, or synodwide support without necessarily creating a mandate. Main actors named or implied include congregations, districts, Synod in convention, pastors and church workers. The overture contains about 5 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 the people, congregations, leaders, and neighbors affected by this proposal. 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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