Workbook page: 282
PDF page: 317
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LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 317
2026 Convention Workbook 282 NATIONAL WITNESS WHEREAS, There are more congregations and agencies in the district that would benefit similarly from sharing resources; therefore be it Resolved, That the district in convention give thanks for collaborative efforts that have been facilitated with congregations, schools, and agencies in the district; and be it further Resolved, That district leadership establish tangible plans to encourage congregations and agencies to work together and share resources; and be it finally Resolved, That the congregations and agencies of the district commit themselves to working with district leadership in this effort. Atlantic District Ov. 1-10 To Support Lutheran Congregations and Schools in Urban Contexts Rationale Throughout its history, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has had congregations and schools in urban contexts. Many of these congregations and schools have ceased operations or have greatly curtailed ministries due to shifts in demographics, even as more people live in urban contexts in the United States. Assisting with parish operation and governance, developing sustainable funding models, encouraging networking for mutual conversation and consolation, and encouraging workers to serve in urban contexts would be ways to invest in urban contexts so that people may continue to hear the g ood n ews about Jesus and so that existing congregations and schools may be supported and new congregations and schools may be planted. Therefore be it Resolved, That the S ynod in convention give thanks for congregations and schools in urban contexts; and be it further Resolved, That districts encourage networking among those serving in congregations and schools in urban contexts within circuits and districts so that support and resources may be offered for workers and agencies; and be it further Resolved, That the Office of National Mission (ONM) work with districts to foster networking for congregations, schools, and workers in urban contexts throughout the Synod for the sake of sharing resources and best practices; and be it further Resolved, That, as part of the networking, grant opportunities be shared regularly with districts for use in circuits, congregations, and schools in urban contexts to assist with funding ministries; and be it further Resolved, That the ONM work with districts to provide congregations and schools in urban contexts with administrative assistance for governance that could include payroll services, sharing a bookkeeper, insurance recommendations, strategic planning, and the like; and be it further Resolved, That demographic resources from the ONM, LCMS Rosters, Statistics, and Research Services, the Lutheran Church Extension Fund, Lutheran Hour Ministries , Concordia Plan Services, and other data -collecting entities be shared with congregations, schools, and workers in urban contexts so that plans for outreach to people in urban contexts may be developed locally; and be it further Resolved, That the ONM work with districts to plant new congregations and schools in urban contexts; and be it finally Resolved, That progress on these fronts be reported by districts and other entities of the Synod to the 2029 Synod convention. Board for National Mission Ov. 1-11 To Inspire Training for Witness WHEREAS, Jesus Christ commands His people to make disciples by Baptism and teaching (Matt. 28:19–20); and WHEREAS, Christians as God’s people are to “proclaim the excellencies of him who called [us] out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9) and to maintain constant preparation “to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15); and WHEREAS, Martin Luther observed, “We live on earth for no other purpose than to be helpful to others. Otherwise it would be best for God to take away our breath and let us die as soon as we are baptized and have begun to believe. But He lets us live here in order that we may lead other people to believe, doing for them what He has done for us” ( What Luther Says [CPH, 1959] §3021; WA 12:267), and “The godly rejoice when the Gospel is widely spread, many come to faith, and Christ’s kingdom is increased in this way” (What Luther Says [CPH, 1959] §3013; WA 40:II:18); and W HEREAS, We teach “that the kingdom of God would come among us, and so we pray that … God’s Word would be proclaimed throughout the world—also by us — that His Spirit might bring others under His gracious reign” ( Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation [CPH, 2017], 249); and WHEREAS, Christians know and interact with many non - Christians and unchurched people through their vocations and daily lives (e.g., family, coworkers, classmates); and WHEREAS, Most people who attend church for the first time or for the first time in a long time do so at the invitation of a member who has a relationship with them; and W HEREAS, In this sinful world, Christians are often hesitant or fearful to speak of Christ with others; and WHEREAS, Such hesitancy and fearfulness can be addressed through teaching and learning not only the biblical message of the Gospel but also particular ways to become conversant concerning it; and WHEREAS, There are resources for learning how to share the faith, such as Synod’s Every One His Witness , Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ, Jesus Door-2- Door, Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Spiritual Conversations workshops, and so forth, that help prepare Christians for witness to people from various specific backgrounds; therefore be it Resolved, That the Oklahoma District continue to preach Christ crucified for sinners so that all might believe and be saved; a nd be it further Resolved, That the district encourage its pastors and other church workers to inculcate a desire in people to witness, consistent with the Lutheran Confessions, particularly to unchurched people; and be it further Resolved , That the district in convention encourage all the baptized members of her congregations to recognize they are Christ’s witnesses wherever they are; and be it further