Workbook page: 306
PDF page: 341
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LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 341
2026 Convention Workbook 306 LIFE TOGETHER WHEREAS, The Synod has historically emphasized taking the Gospel to all nations and continues to support Gospel ministry and theological education around the world; and WHEREAS, We proclaim the clear and compelling Gospel for all people, without distinction; and WHEREAS, There is a great need for a clear and unified ministry emphasis for the upcoming triennium; therefore be it Resolved, That the Synod return boldly and faithfully to its roots of proclaiming the Gospel clearly, confidently, and joyfully in all its purity without confusing it with any works of men; and be it further Resolved, That members of the Synod actively work to celebrate our unity in Christ within our fellowship, expressed in sacrificial love, in bearing with one another, and in seeking the good of the whole body of Christ; such love being evident in circuit forums, circuit meetings, conferences, and other places where we walk together; and be it further Resolved, That the S ynod emphasize, throughout the next triennium, multicultural ministry within the United States; that we celebrate and support local congregations engaged in “all nations” ministry among us; and that we increase support for the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of The ology, Center for Hispanic Studies, Cross-Cultural Ministry Center and Mission Training Center—and for the equipping of evangelists (all of us) for the clear proclamation of the Gospel in our communities; and be it finally Resolved, That the Synod focus its work on : ( 1) the clear proclamation of the Gospel; (2) walking together in love and trust ; and (3) supporting ethnic and multicultural ministry within the United States. Pacific Southwest District Ov. 4-07 To Offer Triennial Mission and Ministry Emphases WHEREAS, Bylaw 4.2.1 (d) requires that “the district convention shall, through delegate vote, forward to the national convention a list of two or three triennial mission and ministry emphases for consideration by the national convention”; and W HEREAS, The Nebraska District’s vision statement declares that we are “God’s forgiven family walking and working together in God’s mission of making mature disciples of Jesus Christ”; and W HEREAS, The district’s mission statement asserts that we “serve God’s family, encouraging them to be fully engaged in living and sharing the Good News of Jesus”; and W HEREAS, The district has identified the following strategic priorities: to cultivate faith and a discipleship culture, to connect people for service and outreach, and to care for the family of God; therefore be it Resolved, That the district in convention memorialize the Synod to consider a mission and ministry emphasis on the relational health of ordained, commissioned, and non-rostered workers; and be it further Resolved, That the district in convention memorialize the Synod to consider a mission and ministry emphasis on fostering healthier congregations and ministries; and be it finally Resolved, That the district in convention memorialize the Synod to consider a mission and ministry emphasis on fostering healthier districts and the Synod through caring for district and Synod leadership, fostering unity, and providing opportunities for discipleship. Nebraska District Ov. 4-08 To More Narrowly Focus the Synod’s Mission Priorities WHEREAS, The Handbook states that district conventions shall forward to the national convention a list of two or three triennial mission and ministry emphases (Bylaw 4.2.1 [d]); and WHEREAS, The Board for National Mission (BNM) and the Board for International Mission (BIM) asked districts to provide feedback on the Synod’s mission priorities (2023 Res. 4-03); and WHEREAS, The Synod’s current seven mission priorities are to: • plant, sustain, and revitalize Lutheran congregations; • support and expand theological education; • perform human care in close proximity to Word and Sacrament ministries; • collaborate with the Synod’s members and partners to enhance mission effectiveness; • promote and nurture the spiritual, emotional, financial, and physical well -being of pastors and professional church workers; • enhance early childhood education, elementary and secondary education, and youth ministry; and • strengthen and support the Lutheran family in living out God’s design; and WHEREAS, Ohio District leaders have discussed the Synod’s current seven mission priorities with BNM and BIM representatives; and WHEREAS, District President Kevin Wilson has received feedback on the Synod’s seven mission priorities from both circuit meetings and congregational visitations; and W HEREAS, The consensus of these meetings is that the Synod’s current mission priorities, while important, are so broad that almost anything done by a district fits the mission priorities; therefore be it Resolved, That Synod more narrowly focus its mission emphasis; and be it further Resolved, That the Synod include in its mission priorities for the next triennium the following: • strengthen congregations and schools of the Synod by building on their biblical and confessional foundation; • equip laity and church workers to more intentionally and joyfully live out their vocations; and • increase Gospel outreach throughout the Synod, especially through new congregations, schools, and recognized service organizations; Ohio District