To Support Campus Ministry

To Support Campus Ministry

RESOLUTION 1-12 Reports R1.2.1, R6, R14.1, R25, R31, R35, R53, R55 (CW, 16–19, 53–54, 86–89, 109–10, 115–16, 119–20, 136–39;

Overtures 1-04–05, 13, 21 (CW, 278–80, 284, 288)

WHEREAS, Young men and women continue attending colleges and universities throughout the nation in significant numbers, and these campuses are to be regarded as mission fields for the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church —Missouri Synod (LCMS) has a long and faithful tradition of campus ministry through congregations, Lutheran Student Fellowship, LCMS U chapters, and other ministries that connect students and scholars with Word and Sacrament ministry; and

WHEREAS, There are currently 165 LCMS U chapters ( lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/campus-ministry/lcms-u-24 chapter-map) and many congregations engaged in some form of campus ministry throughout the Synod; and

WHEREAS, 95 percent of the Synod’s congregations are located within a 45 -minute drive of a college or university campus (LCMS Youth Ministry, youthesource.com/2021/09/starting-a-campus-ministry/); and

WHEREAS, College and university students often experience significant spiritual challenges and temptations during these formative years of life, while many others arrive on campus with little or no knowledge of Christ and His Gospel;

and

WHEREAS, Research indicates both increasing religious disaffiliation among college-age adults and growing openness among many young adults to serious conversations regarding faith, truth, purpose, and the Christian life; and

WHEREAS, The nation’s colleges and universities also provide significant mission opportunities among international students, many of whom come from nations where Christianity is a minority faith or where Christian witness is restricted;

and

WHEREAS, Campus ministry provides opportunities both to sustain and strengthen Christian students in the faith and to proclaim Christ to those who do not yet know Him; and

WHEREAS, Campus ministry serves as an important setting for identifying, mentoring, and encouraging future pastors, teachers, deaconesses, directors of Christian education, and other church workers; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to almighty God for the faithful church workers, congregations, LCMS U chapters, and others engaged in campus ministry throughout the Synod; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod encourage continued investment in campus ministry as a significant mission priority and that the Synod Board of Directors reinstate, through the Office of National Mission, a full-time staff position for supporting campus ministry.

The Chief Financial Officer and LCMS Accounting and Financial Services staff, in consultation with the Finance Committee, anticipate an annual cost of $200,000 for the position and additional incremental cost including associated travel and incidentals (estimate required by Bylaw 3.1.7 [g]).