Version History
Current published version
Today's Business, Issue 2B. p. 271. Revised published proposal.
Official Resolution Source Text
Resolution: 1-05
Canonical number: 1-05
Committee: National Witness
Source: Today's Business, Issue 1
Printed pages: pp. 60-61
PDF pages: 60-61
Version: original, superseded
Source reference: Issue 1, pp. 60-61
Line numbers follow Today's Business, Issue 1, with numbering reset on each printed page, so delegates can compare this page with the official PDF.
Page 60
- To Prioritize Revitalization Work
- RESOLUTION 1-05
- Report R1 (CW, 1–5); Overture 1-08 (CW, 281)
- WHEREAS, The Synod has prioritized revitalization of its congregations; and
- WHEREAS, Many existing Synod congregations have plateaued or are declining in membership or worship attendance;
- and
- WHEREAS, Congregational revitalization is centered in the new life that is found in God’s Word being proclaimed in
- purity and His Sacraments being rightly administered; and
Page 61
- WHEREAS, The 2013 and 2016 Synod conventions approved the increased focus on revitalization and the expansion
- of re:Vitality from the Office of National Mission (ONM) (2013 Res. 3-08A, “To Reaffirm Faithful Church Revitalization
- as a Priority of the Office of National Mission,” Proceedings, 118; 2016 Res. 1-03, “To Expand the Work of Revitalization
- and Encourage the Use of re:Vitality Program,” Proc., 132–33); and
- WHEREAS, Congregations are encouraged to make use of revitalization resources as these are made available; therefore
- be it
- Resolved, That the Synod in convention pray to almighty God for those congregations in need of revitalization and
- give thanks for the ongoing revitalization efforts across the Synod; and be it further
- Resolved, That the Synod in convention direct the ONM to collaborate with district personnel to review and expand
- the revitalization resources and strategies available for congregations and circuits; and be it finally
- Resolved, That congregations be encouraged regularly at the district and circuit levels to engage in biblically based,
- confessionally faithful best practices concerning planning for the future, outreach to the community, caring for inactive
- members and intentionally incorporating current members into the life of the church (Matt. 28:19–20; 1 Cor. 3:6; 14:40).
