To Prioritize Revitalization Work

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1. 4To Prioritize Revitalization Work
2. 5RESOLUTION 1-05A
3. 6Report R1 (CW, 1–5); Overture 1-08 (CW, 281)
4. 7WHEREAS, The Synod has prioritized revitalization of its congregations; and
5. 8WHEREAS, Many existing Synod congregations have plateaued or are declining in membership or worship
6. 9attendance; and
7. 10WHEREAS, Congregational revitalization is centered in the new life that is found in God’s Word being proclaimed
8. 11in purity and His Sacraments being rightly administered; and
9. 12WHEREAS, The 2013 and 2016 Synod conventions approved the increased focus on revitalization and the expansion
10. 13of re:Vitality from the Office of National Mission (ONM) (2013 Res. 3- 08A, “To Reaffirm Faithful Church
11. 14Revitalization as a Priority of the Office of National Mission ,” Proc., 120; 2016 Res. 1- 03, “To Expand the Work of
12. 15Revitalization and Encourage the Use of re:Vitality Program,” Proc., 132–33); and
13. 16WHEREAS, Congregations are encouraged to make use of revitalization resources as these are made available;
14. 17therefore be it
15. 18Resolved, That the Synod in convention pray to almighty God for those congregations in need of revitalization and
16. 19give thanks for the ongoing revitalization efforts across the Synod; and be it further
17. 20Resolved, That the Synod in convention direct the ONM to coordinate with district personnel to review and expand
18. 21the revitalization resources and strategies available for congregations and circuits; and be it finally
19. 22Resolved, That congregations be encouraged regularly at the district and circuit levels to engage in biblically-based,
20. 23confessionally-faithful best practices concerning planning for the future, outreach to the community, caring for inactive
21. 24members and intentionally incorporating current members into the life of the church (Matt. 28:19–20; 1 Cor. 3:6; 14:40).