Official Workbook PDF page source text

LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 342

2026 Convention Workbook
307LIFE TOGETHER
Ov. 4-09 
To Adopt Congregational Sustainability  
as Mission Goal of the Synod 
WHEREAS, The Synod was formed under the common goal of 
having congregations walk together; and 
WHEREAS, Over the years its  many congregations have grown 
individually; and 
WHEREAS, The strength of the Synod is based on the strength of 
its congregations, both individually and collectively; and 
WHEREAS, The Synod’s congregations are in u rban, suburban, 
and rural settings, and uniquely individualized within these areas ; 
and 
WHEREAS, The Synod’s very essence is through its 
congregations; therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod emphasize the need for continuing and 
ongoing presence within these areas and the preservation of , and 
ongoing vitality of each congregation; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod  prioritize strategies to develop and 
maintain sustainable congregations throughout the Synod; and be it 
further 
Resolved, That a new mission goal of “Common Sustainability” 
be adopted by this convention; and be it finally 
Resolved, That to this end, the President  of the Synod annually 
prepare and distribute to each congregation a report on the Synod’s 
efforts to develop and maintain sustainable congregations, the 
resources used for these purposes, and the financial commitment 
made by the Synod, including the percentage allotme nt to this 
endeavor as it relates to the Synod budget. 
Huntington Woods 
Huntington Woods, MI 
Ov. 4-10 
To Affirm and Retain the Seven Mission Priorities 
WHEREAS, The Synod’s Board for National Mission (BNM) and 
the Board for International Mission (BIM) reported to the 2025 
district conventions evaluating the Synod’s current mission 
priorities; and 
W
HEREAS, The seven mission priorities of the Synod continue to 
direct its mission and ministry; and 
WHEREAS, Both the BNM and BIM found no objection to the 
current mission priorities; therefore be it 
Resolved, That the English District in convention give thanks to 
God for the faithful work being carried out by the Office of National 
Mission and Office of International Mission; and be it further 
Resolved, That every congregation in the district be encouraged 
to review and embrace the seven mission priorities of the Synod; 
and be it finally 
Resolved, That the district in convention memorialize the 2026 
Synod convention to retain and continue conducting herself in 
accordance with the seven mission priorities. 
English District 
Ov. 4-11 
To Address Synod Mission Emphasis  
of Making Disciples for Life  
and To Eliminate Mission Priorities 
WHEREAS, Bylaws 3.3.1.1.1 (a), 3.5.1, 3.5.2, 3.8.2, 3.8.2.2, 
3.8.2.5, 3.8.3, 3.8.3.2, and 3.8.3.5 require the Synod to develop and 
operate under triennial mission and mission emphases; and 
W
HEREAS, Making Disciples for Life  (MDFL) is the Synod’s 
current triennial mission emphasis; and 
WHEREAS, Although not specifically required by the bylaws, the 
Synod also has seven mission priorities:  
1. to plant, sustain, and revitalize Lutheran churches; 
2. to support and expand theological education; 
3. to perform human care in close proximity to Word and 
Sacrament ministries; 
4. to collaborate with the Synod’s members and partners to 
enhance mission effectiveness; 
5. to promote and nurture the spiritual, emotional, 
financial, and physical well-being of pastors and 
professional church workers; 
6. to enhance early childhood education, elementary and 
secondary education, and youth ministry; and 
7. to strengthen and support the Lutheran family in living 
out God’s design;  
and 
W
HEREAS, The Synod has asked for input regarding the mission 
and ministry emphases and priorities (Bylaws 3.1.1; 4.2.1 [b, d]; 
5.3.1 [b][5]); therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Atlantic District in convention affirm  the 
Synod’s mission emphasis, MDFL, as both good and effective; and 
be it further 
Resolved, That the district in convention memorialize the 2026 
Synod convention to eliminate the seven mission priorities as they 
are, and to develop a more succinct way of describing the work of 
the Synod. 
Atlantic District 
Ov. 4-12 
To Amend Bylaws to Refine Process for Creating 
Triennial Mission and Ministry Emphases 
WHEREAS, The Synod in convention (2023 Res. 4-02) instructed 
the Board for National Mission and the Board for International 
Mission to offer a recommendation to the 2026 Synod convention 
for refining the process for adopting triennial mission and ministry 
emphases; and 
W
HEREAS, The Bylaws  require the Synod in convention to 
approve triennial mission and ministry emphases with a process that 
requires input from every circuit and district of the Synod (Bylaws 
3.8.2.2, 3.8.3.2; 4.2.1 [b, d]; 5.2.3 [g], 5.3.1 [a][5]); and 
W
HEREAS, The mission boards of the Synod conducted extensive 
fraternal discussions with every district of the Synod over the past 
triennium about the work of the Synod and the triennial mission and 
ministry emphasis, including the procedure for developing triennial 
mission and ministry emphases; and