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LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 330

2. International Witness 
REPORTS 
R1–R1.2, R1.2.2, R1.2.4–R1.2.5, R5.2, R7–R8,  
R12, R56–R57, R62.5 
OVERTURES 
Ov. 2-01 
To Encourage Prayer, Partnership, and 
Participation in International Mission 
WHEREAS, Scripture exhorts believers to “pray earnestly to the 
Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Matt. 
9:38) and to be “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond 
of peace” (Eph. 4:3); and 
WHEREAS, Congregations of the Michigan District partner with 
Lutheran church ministries around the world, such as with Lutheran 
Church of Uganda through Women of the Pearl, Mission 
Opportunities Short Term Ministries, Lutheran Association of 
Missionaries and Pilots, and the Office of International Mission in 
Puerto Rico through the FORO model 
(international.lcms.org/events-foros); therefore be it 
Resolved, That the district’s Gospel partnership with other 
Lutheran churches in the world be commended to all Synod 
congregations as a worthy focus for prayer and thanksgiving in 
corporate worship; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod encourage its congregations to commit 
to praying regularly for the Lord to raise up pastors and to prosper 
the ministry of the Lutheran churches in the world, and to consider 
supporting their works through their time, talents, and treasure s as 
the Spirit moves them; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod adopt the already commended practice 
of participation in forums, such as the Latin American FORO, 
committing to regular support, including a financial commitment; 
and be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod consider how the FORO model could 
be employed to create partnerships between congregations in the 
Synod and the mission field, and inspire congregation members to 
be in mission at home and abroad; and be it finally 
Resolved, That the Synod encourage its congregations to 
prayerfully explore the FORO model as a framework for deepening 
their connection to the global mission of the Church through 
financial support and personal involvement. 
Michigan District 
Ov. 2-02 
To Encourage Every Congregation  
to Adopt a Missionary 
WHEREAS, Our Lord has instructed His Church to “Go therefore 
and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19); and 
WHEREAS, The Synod has heeded this instruction in part by 
sending missionaries to many countries in its history; and 
WHEREAS, In recent years , the Synod has supported this effort 
through the Network Supported Missionary (NSM) model, where 
congregations adopt and support the missionaries of the Synod; and 
WHEREAS, This program has been a great success not only in the 
support of our missionaries, but also in raising the awareness of 
mission work in our congregations and in joining them and their 
members in this effort; and 
WHEREAS, The purpose of the NSM model is not only financial 
support, but also the prayers of God’s people for our missionaries; 
and 
W
HEREAS, Some congregations do not participate in this effort 
due to financial limitations, missing out on the joy of supporting a 
missionary through their prayers and in learning about the work that 
is going on around the world; and 
W
HEREAS, Our Lord has given many great and precious promises 
regarding prayer, and that He is “able to do far more abundantly 
than all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20); and 
WHEREAS, Gifts are of great value, significance, and joy to our 
Lord Jesus; therefore be it 
Resolved, That the SELC District in convention encourage all its 
congregations to adopt a missionary to support with their prayers 
and, if possible, with their mission giving; and be it further 
Resolved, That the district in convention memorialize the Synod 
in convention in the same, until each and every congregation in our 
Synod be connected to and praying for one of our missionaries and 
financially supporting them as they are able. 
SELC District 
Ov. 2-03 
To Direct Board for International Mission to Study 
Ecclesiastical Supervision, Pastoral Care,  
and Synod Membership  
in International Mission Contexts 
WHEREAS, The 2023 Synod c onvention adopted Resolutions 2-
03 and 2-06A (2023 Proceedings, 124–126), which address matters 
related to ecclesiastical supervision, pastoral care of missionaries, 
and Synod membership for international congregations; and 
WHEREAS, These matters relate to the responsibility of the Board 
for International Mission (BIM) under Bylaw 3.8.3; and 
WHEREAS, The BIM has already invested significant time 
studying the possibility and advisability of such arrangements and 
has determined that reasonable pathways exist; and 
WHEREAS, Responsible stewardship requires careful study and 
appropriate consultation prior to proposing potential actions to the 
Synod; therefore be it 
Resolved, That the BIM continue to study and identify priority 
considerations related to ecclesiastical supervision, pastoral care, 
and structural organization in international mission contexts; and be 
it further 
Resolved, T
hat such study include, but not be limited to, 
examination of the Synod’s historical international districts, prior 
inclusion efforts, mission -based or associate relationship models, 
existing international mission structures, and core ecclesiastical 
needs (including supervision, pastoral care, and call processes), 
while considering policy based solutions within the existing 
constitutional and bylaw frameworks of the Synod; and be it finally 
2026 Convention Workbook
295FLOOR COMMITTEES: REPORT AND OVERTURE ASSIGNMENTS