Official Workbook PDF page source text

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

WHEREAS, 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

WHEREAS, 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

WHEREAS, 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

WHEREAS, 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

WHEREAS, 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