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overture | page Contents page iv; overture page 277
1-01 To Celebrate Chinese, Black, Hispanic, Hmong Mission Anniversaries in the United States and Encourage New Mission and Ministry
To Celebrate Chinese, Black, Hispanic, Hmong Mission Anniversaries in the United States and Encourage New Mission and Ministry 1-01 To Celebrate Chinese, Black, Hispanic, Hmong Mission Anniversaries in the United States and Encourage New Mission and Ministry WHEREAS, Our Lord Jesus Christ gave His Great Commission:...
overture | page Contents page iv; overture page 277
1-02 To Support 150th Anniversary of Synod Black Ministry and Promote Renewed Emphasis
To Support 150th Anniversary of Synod Black Ministry and Promote Renewed Emphasis 1-02 To Support 150th Anniversary of Synod Black Ministry and Promote Renewed Emphasis WHEREAS, Black Lutherans have played a significant role in the history and mission of the Synod; and WHEREAS, Lutheran Black Ministry within the g...
overture | page Contents page iv; overture page 278
1-03 To Give Thanks to God for 150 Years of Black Ministry
To Give Thanks to God for 150 Years of Black Ministry 1-03 To Give Thanks to God for 150 Years of Black Ministry WHEREAS, Christ our Lord commissioned His church to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19–20); and WHEREAS, Revelation 5:9, 13:7, and 14:6 speak of salvation freely offered and the proclamation o...
overture | page Contents page iv; overture page 278
1-04 To Encourage Outreach and Ministry on College and University Campuses
To Encourage Outreach and Ministry on College and University Campuses 1-04 To Encourage Outreach and Ministry on College and University Campuses WHEREAS, The English District is known for its support for and encouragement of ministry among college students, with more than 18 different campuses served by its congr...
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1-06 To Increase Church Planting at the Parish Level
To Increase Church Planting at the Parish Level 1-06 To Increase Church Planting at the Parish Level WHEREAS, The Synod Office of National Mission (ONM) currently is supporting church planting ministry across the Synod through resources, training, and grants; and WHEREAS, The districts and congregations of the Sy...
overture | page Contents page iv; overture page 281
1-07 To Study, and To Make Recommendations to Stop and Reverse, Long Decline in Synod Membership
To Study, and To Make Recommendations to Stop and Reverse, Long Decline in Synod Membership 1-07 To Study, and To Make Recommendations to Stop and Reverse, Long Decline in Synod Membership WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church —Missouri Synod, founded in 1847, has historically been one of the largest Lutheran bodies in the...
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1-08 To Expand Work of Revitalization and Encourage Use of re:Vitality Resources
To Expand Work of Revitalization and Encourage Use of re:Vitality Resources 1-08 To Expand Work of Revitalization and Encourage Use of re:Vitality Resources WHEREAS, The Synod has prioritized revitalization of its congregations; and WHEREAS, Many existing Synod congregations have plateaued or are declining in m...
overture | page Contents page iv; overture page 281
1-09 To Encourage Congregations and Agencies to Work Together to Share Resources
To Encourage Congregations and Agencies to Work Together to Share Resources 1-09 To Encourage Congregations and Agencies to Work Together to Share Resources WHEREAS, The Atlantic District was founded in 1906 to address the emerging needs to Gospel mission and ministry; and WHEREAS, Congregations and agencies in t...
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1-11 To Inspire Training for Witness
To Inspire Training for Witness 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 P...
overture | page Contents page v; overture page 284
1-13 To Faithfully Respond to the Resurgence of Young Men and Women in the Church
To Faithfully Respond to the Resurgence of Young Men and Women in the Church 1-13 To Faithfully Respond to the Resurgence of Young Men and Women in the Church WHEREAS, The Barna Group reported in the fall of this past year “a significant, surprising resurgence in Christian faith and church attendance led by young...
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1-14 To Encourage Armed Security at All Synod Schools
To Encourage Armed Security at All Synod Schools 1-14 To Encourage Armed Security at All Synod Schools WHEREAS, Our Lord has entrusted children to families and the church, charging them to “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4); and Whereas, The Synod has established and maintai...
overture | page Contents page v; overture page 286
1-16 To Proactively Put in Place National Standards for Our Schools to Protect Students
To Proactively Put in Place National Standards for Our Schools to Protect Students 1-16 To Proactively Put in Place National Standards for Our Schools to Protect Students WHEREAS, Synod c ongregations and recognized service organizations provide 1,745 schools, which are boldly and successfully reaching children...
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1-17 To Commend and Give Thanks for Lutheran Schools
To Commend and Give Thanks for Lutheran Schools 1-17 To Commend and Give Thanks for Lutheran Schools WHEREAS, The Synod has maintained a strong and enduring commitment to Lutheran education as a vital expression of its mission to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and WHEREAS, The Synod facilitates one of the l...
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1-18 To Give Thanks for Lutheran Educators and Administrators
To Give Thanks for Lutheran Educators and Administrators 1-18 To Give Thanks for Lutheran Educators and Administrators WHEREAS, The Synod has long cherished the role of Lutheran education in forming faith, developing intellect, and preparing young people for lives of Christian service in church and society; an...
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1-19 To Increase and Support Establishing New and Strengthening Current Schools
To Increase and Support Establishing New and Strengthening Current Schools 1-19 To Increase and Support Establishing New and Strengthening Current Schools WHEREAS, The Synod’s Lutheran schools afford opportunities for mission work as they teach the Word of God and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Christians a...
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1-20 To Include Homeschool Enrollment in Statistical Reports of the Synod
To Include Homeschool Enrollment in Statistical Reports of the Synod 1-20 To Include Homeschool Enrollment in Statistical Reports of the Synod WHEREAS, The Synod tracks Lutheran schools and their enrollees in its statistical records; and WHEREAS, The homeschools of our congregation members are Lutheran schools;...
overture | page Contents page v; overture page 289
1-22 To Affirm Atlantic District Commitment to Education and Formation
To Affirm Atlantic District Commitment to Education and Formation 1-22 To Affirm Atlantic District Commitment to Education and Formation WHEREAS, The 2022 Atlantic District convention passed Resolution 2022 -01-03, “To Explore Future Lutheran Higher Education Opportunities in the East Coast Region” (2022 Atlantic...
overture | page Contents page v; overture page 289
1-23 To Affirm and Encourage Parents as Primary Teachers of the Faith
To Affirm and Encourage Parents as Primary Teachers of the Faith 1-23 To Affirm and Encourage Parents as Primary Teachers of the Faith WHEREAS, In the Scriptures, we read: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4); and W HEREAS, L...
overture | page Contents page v; overture page 289
1-24 To State Religious Objection to Government Interference with Parents’ Duty
To State Religious Objection to Government Interference with Parents’ Duty 1-24 To State Religious Objection to Government Interference with Parents’ Duty WHEREAS, The Small Catechism confesses that God has created and given to each person “my body” (SC II, Second Article); and WHEREAS, The body of the baptized is...
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1-25 To State Religious Objection to Government Interference with Parents’ Duty
To State Religious Objection to Government Interference with Parents’ Duty 1-25 To State Religious Objection to Government Interference with Parents’ Duty WHEREAS, The Small Catechism confesses that God has created and given to each person “my body” (SC II, Second Article); and WHEREAS, The body of the baptized is...
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1-26 To Strengthen Christ-Centered Homes through Family Discipleship Work
To Strengthen Christ-Centered Homes through Family Discipleship Work 1-26 To Strengthen Christ-Centered Homes through Family Discipleship Work WHEREAS, All Christians —whether young or old, single or married, widowed or barren —are placed within a family and entrusted with vocations (Psalm 68:5–6); and WHEREAS,...
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1-27 To Propose LCMS Men’s Ministry
To Propose LCMS Men’s Ministry 1-27 To Propose LCMS Men’s Ministry WHEREAS, Christ warns us that in the last days “Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold” (Matt. 24:12, Berean Study Bible [BSB]) and “when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8); and...
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1-28 To Study and Recommend Strategies to Advance Congregation-based Older Adult Ministries
To Study and Recommend Strategies to Advance Congregation-based Older Adult Ministries 1-28 To Study and Recommend Strategies to Advance Congregation-based Older Adult Ministries WHEREAS, Congregations of the Synod are blessed by growing memberships of active older saints; and WHEREAS, Older adults, at a different...
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1-29 To Celebrate 500th Anniversary of Luther’s Small Catechism and To Encourage Heads of Households to Teach It in Home
To Celebrate 500th Anniversary of Luther’s Small Catechism and To Encourage Heads of Households to Teach It in Home 1-29 To Celebrate 500th Anniversary of Luther’s Small Catechism and To Encourage Heads of Households to Teach It in Home WHEREAS, The year 2029 marks the 500th anniversary of the publication of bot...
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1-30 To Proclaim 2029 500th Anniversary Year of the Catechism
To Proclaim 2029 500th Anniversary Year of the Catechism 1-30 To Proclaim 2029 500th Anniversary Year of the Catechism WHEREAS, 2029 marks the 500th anniversary of the Small and Large Catechisms of Martin Luther; and WHEREAS, The renewal of catechesis ushered in by Luther’s catechisms is arguably the greatest co...
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1-31 To Give Thanks for and Offer Renewed Commitment to Work of Atlantic District
To Give Thanks for and Offer Renewed Commitment to Work of Atlantic District 1-31 To Give Thanks for and Offer Renewed Commitment to Work of Atlantic District WHEREAS, In order to minister the Gospel of Jesus Christ and carry out faithful mission work in the northeastern region of the United States (U.S.) on behal...
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1-32 To Engage Work of Concordia Center for the Family
To Engage Work of Concordia Center for the Family 1-32 To Engage Work of Concordia Center for the Family WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod upholds the scriptural mandate for families and the Church to nurture faith in the home: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress...
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1-33 To Commend Family Discipleship Work of Concordia Center for the Family
To Commend Family Discipleship Work of Concordia Center for the Family 1-33 To Commend Family Discipleship Work of Concordia Center for the Family WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is committed to the proclamation of the Gospel and the nurturing of faith in Christ-centered homes and congregations, as af...
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10-02 To Develop Guidelines for Ecclesiastical Supervision of Internet Accusations
To Develop Guidelines for Ecclesiastical Supervision of Internet Accusations 10-02 To Develop Guidelines for Ecclesiastical Supervision of Internet Accusations Rationale The biblical and confessional theology of the Evangelical Lutheran Church addresses ecclesiastical supervision clearly with a focus on Gospel-fo...
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10-03 To Address Use of Named or Anonymous Social Media Accounts to Create Strife and Division within the Church
To Address Use of Named or Anonymous Social Media Accounts to Create Strife and Division within the Church 10-03 To Address Use of Named or Anonymous Social Media Accounts to Create Strife and Division within the Church WHEREAS, Our Lord commands us to not bear false witness; and WHEREAS, Martin Luther, teaching...
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10-04 To Request Theological and Pastoral Statement and Bylaw Review regarding Social Media, Partisan Media, and Eighth Commandment in Ecclesiastical Proceedings
To Request Theological and Pastoral Statement and Bylaw Review regarding Social Media, Partisan Media, and Eighth Commandment in Ecclesiastical Proceedings 10-04 To Request Theological and Pastoral Statement and Bylaw Review regarding Social Media, Partisan Media, and Eighth Commandment in Ecclesiastical Proceedin...
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10-05 To Uphold Eighth Commandment in Digital Communication and Ecclesiastical Proceedings
To Uphold Eighth Commandment in Digital Communication and Ecclesiastical Proceedings 10-05 To Uphold Eighth Commandment in Digital Communication and Ecclesiastical Proceedings WHEREAS, The Eighth Commandment forbids bearing false witness against our neighbor and commands that we “ defend him, speak well of him, an...
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10-06 To Safeguard Evangelical Ecclesiastical Supervision and District Judgments
To Safeguard Evangelical Ecclesiastical Supervision and District Judgments 10-06 To Safeguard Evangelical Ecclesiastical Supervision and District Judgments WHEREAS, Our Lord has entrusted the care of His flock to undershepherds who are to exercise oversight not “domineering over those in [their] charge, but being...
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10-07 To Establish an Independent Appeals Panel in Cases involving the President’s Decisions
To Establish an Independent Appeals Panel in Cases involving the President’s Decisions 10-07 To Establish an Independent Appeals Panel in Cases involving the President’s Decisions WHEREAS, Holy Scripture warns against partiality and instructs that accusations against elders be handled with great care and fairness...
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10-08 To Require Greater Transparency When Disciplinary Judgments Are Reversed
To Require Greater Transparency When Disciplinary Judgments Are Reversed 10-08 To Require Greater Transparency When Disciplinary Judgments Are Reversed WHEREAS, Our Lord teaches that “everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed . B ut whoever do...
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10-09 To Provide Pastoral Care for Congregations Affected by Major Disciplinary Actions
To Provide Pastoral Care for Congregations Affected by Major Disciplinary Actions 10-09 To Provide Pastoral Care for Congregations Affected by Major Disciplinary Actions WHEREAS, When one member of the body suffers, all suffer together (1 Cor. 12:26); and WHEREAS, When a pastor is removed from the roster, suspende...
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10-10 To Study Ecclesiastical Supervision in Light of Lutheran Confessions
To Study Ecclesiastical Supervision in Light of Lutheran Confessions 10-10 To Study Ecclesiastical Supervision in Light of Lutheran Confessions WHEREAS, The Lutheran Confessions, particularly Augsburg Confession VII, VIII, and XXVIII , and the Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope, set forth a rich and ca...
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10-11 To Amend Bylaw 4.4.6 (c) to Require Reporting All Complaints to Subjects
To Amend Bylaw 4.4.6 (c) to Require Reporting All Complaints to Subjects 10-11 To Amend Bylaw 4.4.6 (c) to Require Reporting All Complaints to Subjects WHEREAS, District presidents, when they receive complaints about rostered staff, sometimes do not report the complaint to the individual, yet may keep them in sec...
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10-13 To Replace Dispute Resolution Process with Biblical, Workable, and Effective System for Ecclesiastical Supervision
To Replace Dispute Resolution Process with Biblical, Workable, and Effective System for Ecclesiastical Supervision 10-13 To Replace Dispute Resolution Process with Biblical, Workable, and Effective System for Ecclesiastical Supervision Preamble The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod is united in a common confession...
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10-14 To Replace Dispute Resolution Process with Biblical, Workable, and Effective System for Ecclesiastical Supervision
To Replace Dispute Resolution Process with Biblical, Workable, and Effective System for Ecclesiastical Supervision 10-14 To Replace Dispute Resolution Process with Biblical, Workable, and Effective System for Ecclesiastical Supervision WHEREAS, 1 Corinthians 1:10 says, “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of ou...