T U E 7/23. Today s Business. Issue 4. Table of Contents. Tuesday, July 23

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1 Today s Business Issue Tuesday, July Table of Contents Daily Worship... Protocol Document... 0 Omnibus Resolution... Resolutions & Committee Reports Slate of Nominees... Minutes... Notices Morning Session :00 Morning Prayer :0 Special Recognition Newly elected and outgoing Praesidium : Mercy (#) :0 Structure and Ecclesiastical Matters (#) :00 Convention Essayist Baptized for Mercy :0 Structure and Ecclesiastical Matters (#) :0 Mercy (#) 1:00 Recess Afternoon Session 1:0 Midday Prayer 1:0 Minutes :00 Registration, Credentials and Elections (#) :00 Special Recognition Former officers of Synod and Special Church Body Guests in attendance : Omnibus Resolution C :0 Registration,Credentials, and Elections (#) :0 Special Recognition Newly elected and outgoing Synod Board of Directors : Seminary and University Education (#) :0 Administration and Finance (#) :0 Service of Baptismal Remembrance and Litany of the Resurrection :00 Recess :1 Baseball: Cardinals vs. Phillies :0 Alumni Receptions T U E / th Regular Convention The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Saint Louis, MO - July 0-, 01 Pages 0, Tuesday / Pages 0, Monday / Pages 0, Sunday /1 Pages 1, First Issue

2 Daily Worship Essay Baptized for Mercy! Essayist: Rev. Ted Krey The Rev. Ted Krey serves as LCMS regional director of Latin America. Living in the Dominican Republic, he works with future pastors, deacons and deaconesses. He also serves alongside missionary Rev. Walter Ries of Brazil in establishing a theological education program to train more Lutherans to serve in the church and specifically to establish some of the first LCMS congregations in the area. Prior to moving to the Dominican Republic, Krey served in Venezuela for eight years. He is a 001 graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind. Krey and his wife, Rebecca, have two children. Morning Worship Rev. Bernhard Seter The Rev. Bernhard Seter graduated from Concordia College, St. Paul, Minn., in ; from Concordia Senior College, Fort Wayne, Ind., in ; and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo., in. He is the pastor of Zion English Lutheran Church, Grafton, North Dakota, and Trinity Lutheran Church, Drayton, North Dakota. Seter is also the chaplain at the Grafton Developmental Center and the chairman of the Bioethics Committee for the Center. Seter also served on the Board of Advisors for a hospice organization and for Unity Hospital in Grafton, was the chairmen of the Board of Directors for Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota, served on the Board of Directors for the North Dakota District for The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) and was elected to the Board for LCMS Human Care and World Relief. He is a trained reconciler and served as a circuit counselor for nine years. Seter also served as the district pastoral counselor for the North Dakota District Lutheran Women s Missionary League (LWML), Division of Evangelism and Missions and Lutheran Church Extension Fund. Seter has also been appointed to be on the Governor s Task Force Child Find Committee, which seeks to determine ways to inform parents, clergy and doctors of the need for early intervention for children with developmental disabilities. He has also written extensively on bioethics. He was a speaker at the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod Lutherans For Life Medical Ethics Conference in and the St. Francis Medical Center International Bioethics Symposium in 000. He now serves on the LCMS Board for International Mission. Page

3 Afternoon Worship Rev. Alexey Streltsov The Rev. Alexey Streltsov attended Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Geophysics in. He attended the Baptist Bible Institute in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, from and also worked as a translator and administrator at the Institute from. He attended Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., and received a Master of Arts degree in and Master of Sacred Theology degree in 0. Rev. Streltsov served St. Andrew s Parish of the Siberian Evangelical Lutheran Church (SELC) in Novosibirsk as a deacon from 001 and as a pastor since 001 until present. He is a member of Consistory of the SELC and is responsible for church relations of the SELC as theological advisor of SELC Bishop Vsevolod Lytkin. Rev. Streltsov has been rector of the Seminary of the SELC since its inception in. He also works as an instructor at the seminary, teaching courses in the areas of New Testament, church history and dogmatics. He has served as a contributor to Logia: A Journal of Lutheran Theology and other periodicals and has presented at numerous seminars and local, regional and international Lutheran conferences. He and his wife, Elena, have three children, Tikhon (1), Kirill (1) and Anastasia (). T U E / Lutheran Church Charities Comfort Dogs made an appearance in the exhibit hall. Page

4 Protocol Document between The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Liberia and The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod THE BASIS OF OUR PARTNERSHIP Thankful to God for the cordial relationships that already exist, The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Liberia (ELCL) have joyfully decided as two independent church bodies to enter into a partner church relationship. The basis of this partnership is attested to in the Charter of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Liberia (ELCL) and in the Constitution of the Lutheran Church Missouri synod. Article III of the Constitution of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Liberia (ELCL) states: The ELCL accepts all the sixty-six books of the Holy Bible as the inspired and revealed Word of God, and all the symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, contained in the Book of Concord as the correct presentation and true exposition of Christian Doctrine drawn from the Holy Scriptures: 1. The three Ecumenical creeds: The Apostles Creed, The Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed;. The unaltered Augsburg Confession;. The Apology of the Augsburg Confession;. The Smalcald Articles;. Luther s Large Catechism;. Luther s Small Catechism;. The Formula of Concord. No doctrine or practice which is in conflict or inconsistent with the above norms of our Faith and life shall be taught or tolerated in this church. Article II of the Constitution of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod states: The Synod, and every member of the Synod, accepts without reservation: 1. The Scriptures of the Old and the New Testament as the written Word of God and the only rule and norm of faith and of practice;. All the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as a true and unadulterated statement and exposition of the Word of God, to wit: the three Ecumenical Creeds (the Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed, and Athanasian Creed), the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the Smalcald Articles, the Large Catechism of Luther, the Small Catechism of Luther, and the Formula of Concord. We therefore emphasize that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior, the Son of God and the Son of man. There is no salvation apart from Him. Our common faith and confession is focused on God s atoning work in His Son, Jesus Christ, and is clearly stated in the doctrine of justification by grace through faith without the works of the law. It is our common commitment to the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints as revealed in the Holy Scriptures that binds us together and forms the basis of our partnership. THE GOAL OF OUR PARTNERSHIP Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! Psalm 1:1 We confess that true unity comes as a gift from the Lord through a common confession of faith. Based on this common confession and faith, our partnership has the goal of fulfilling the mission Christ has given to His church, namely, you shall be my witnesses... to the end of the earth (Acts 1:), so that every tongue may confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians :). This goal shall be our chief endeavor. To this end we pledge to share the resources God gives to each of our church bodies, to mutually encourage one another in the Christian faith, and to aid and assist one another as the Lord gives us resources to do so. Page 0

5 In order that the goal our Lord has given us may be pursued with all zeal and that this partnership may be carried out in Christian peace, harmony, and joy, we agree to the following: THE OBJECTIVES OF OUR PARTNERSHIP In our efforts to fulfill Christ s mission we will cooperate and share resources in 1. Higher Education to provide adequate facilities and faculties for properly educating the people who are needed to fill full-time positions in our two churches;. Opening of new fields, congregations, or stations in order to faithfully proclaim the Gospel to all people whom we can reach in our home areas;. World mission outreach so that we may plan and share resources to bring the Gospel to the whole world, including those areas far away from us;. Programs that help our members grow to mature manhood (Ephesians :1) in their faith in Christ;. Programs which enable our members to put their faith in action by reaching out with genuine love and concern to serve people who are in every kind of need; and. Mass media and literature projects in cooperation with the organizations and agencies of our churches which enable our members to grow in faith and which support the mission outreach of our churches.. Encouragement, and mutual conversation of the brethren, to support and promote the Christian faith as it has been given us in the Lutheran Confessions.. Worship, both in the fellowship of joint worship when possible and feasible, but also in the aid and support of Lutheran worship and Lutheran worship resources in our churches. THE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES AND PERSONS In order that our goals and objectives may be carried out in Christian harmony, peace, and joy, and in all order and decency, we agree to communicate officially between our two churches through the office of the President/Bishop in each church body. These two officers will consult as needed with the appropriate boards and commissions of their respective churches as they conduct the official contacts between our churches. They may designate staff members to assist them, especially in such matters as theological issues, church relations, administration, planning, and financing. SOLICITATION OF FUNDS T U E / In accordance with the Lord s instruction we agree to comply with all laws and regulations which apply to our joint activities so long as such laws do not violate the Scriptures. FINANCIAL REPORTING We pledge ourselves to be good stewards of all the resources the Lord provides for our use. We each agree, therefore, to maintain our books and financial records in accordance with generally accepted accounting procedures of our respective countries. Copies of financial statements relevant to our work together will be shared with one another. CHURCH FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER CHURCH BODIES We deeply respect the fellowship and partnership we have with each other in Christ. We, therefore, agree that we will consult with each other before entering into church fellowship or partnership with another church body or church federation. We also agree, however, that each of us is finally responsible to the Lord of the church for decisions taken in this matter. OPERATING AGREEMENTS We agree, finally, that it may be beneficial to prepare jointly operating agreements detailing the administration, Page 1

6 programming and funding procedures that support the objectives of our partnership. If such operating agreements are developed, we agree to review and update them at least every three years. We pray that the Holy Spirit will bless and guide our efforts in meeting the challenges placed before us by the Lord of the church. With the help of God we pledge our best efforts to meet the goals and objectives of our partnership as presented in this document. Dated this nd day of July 01. The President/Bishop Of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Liberia (ELCL) President of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod JOINT STATEMENT OF AGREEMENT Introduction The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Liberia (ELCL) was formed between 00 to 00, from the unification of The Evangelical Lutheran Church Liberia Synod, Christ Assembly Lutheran Church, Universal House of Prayer Evangelical Lutheran Church, and Evangel Temple Lutheran Church on May, 00. Representatives of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Liberia (ELCL) and of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod have engaged in a series of official discussions together. Preliminary conversations were held December 0, 0 through January, 01 in Monrovia, Liberia. During the course of these conversations we have carefully discussed together the doctrinal positions of our respective church bodies in the light of the official confessional articles of our churches constitutions. On the basis of these talks, which included full agreement of the Gospel in all its articles, and the position of our churches on a wide variety of contemporary issues in debate in Christianity today such as the doctrine of Scripture, the doctrine of the ministry, the role of women, and ethical issues such as homosexuality and abortion, we rejoice to report that we have found that our two churches are in doctrinal agreement with each other. In support of this recommendation we, the official representatives of our respective churches, offer the following Joint Statement of Agreement. A. A Statement of Confessional Agreement. Article III of the Constitution of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Liberia (ELCL) states: The ELCL accepts all the sixty-six books of the Holy Bible as the inspired and revealed Word of God, and all the symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, contained in the Book of Concord as the correct presentation and true exposition of Christian Doctrine drawn from the Holy Scriptures: 1. The three Ecumenical creeds: The Apostles Creed, The Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed;. The unaltered Augsburg Confession;. The Apology of the Augsburg Confession;. The Smalcald Articles;. Luther s Large Catechism;. Luther s Small Catechism;. The Formula of Concord. No doctrine or practice which is in conflict or inconsistent with the above norms of our Faith and life shall be taught or tolerated in this church. The Constitution of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod states: The Synod, and every member of the Synod, accepts without reservation: 1. The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the written Word of God and the only rule and norm of faith and practice.. All the symbolical books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as a true and unadulterated statement and exposition of the Word of God, to wit: the three Ecumenical Creeds (The Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed the Athanasian Creed), the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the Smalcald Articles, the Large Catechism of Luther, the Small Catechism of Luther, and the Formula of Concord. Page

7 Our discussions together have revealed that agreement in doctrine exists between the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Liberia (ELCL) and The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Together we confess that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired and inerrant written Word of God, and together we accept without qualification the ecumenical creeds and also the Lutheran Confessions as a true and faithful exposition of Holy Scripture. The doctrinal agreement between our respective churches finds its center in the joint confession that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior, and that there is no salvation apart from Him. Our common faith and confession is focused on God s atoning work in His Son Jesus the Christ, and is clearly stated in the doctrine of justification by grace alone through faith alone on the basis of Scripture alone. This agreement between our two churches on the confession of the Gospel as taught in Scripture manifests itself in the teaching and preaching in the pulpits of our congregations and in the classrooms of our seminaries and schools. B. A Statement of Mutual Commitment. In order that our church bodies may work together in Christian harmony, peace and joy, and in all order and decency, we make this recommendation that our church bodies enter into altar and pulpit fellowship with each other together with the understanding that each of our churches formally pledge to one another that we will honor the policies and procedures of our respective church bodies. Ultimate responsibility for overseeing all contacts and operational agreements in mission and ministry endeavors between our two churches belongs to the office of the President/Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Liberia (ELCL) and of the President of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. We the representatives of our respective churches, moreover, recognize that each of our churches, for a variety of historical, geographical and governmental reasons, stands in a number of already existing church fellowship relationships with other churches. Not all of these relationships are characterized by complete agreement in doctrine and practice. This recommendation that our respective church bodies declare themselves to be in church fellowship, therefore, is made with the mutual commitment to each other that each of us in our own churches rejects all those doctrinal positions as stated above on which this joint statement is based. We are also making this recommendation that our respective churches declare themselves to be in altar and pulpit fellowship with the understanding that our respective church bodies commit themselves to consult with each other before entering into church fellowship with other churches, while also recognizing that each of our churches is finally responsible to the Lord of the church for decisions made in these matters. Conclusion Our discussions together have been characterized by a spirit of openness and trust. The Lord of the church has blessed us and guided us in our deliberations. We rejoice in the unity of confession which characterized the doctrinal stances of our respective churches. It is our hope and prayer that God will continue to bless our relationship with each other to the end that the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Liberia (ELCL) and The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod will soon be able to manifest our unity in doctrine at the altar and in the pulpit. Note: The Lord works through means, and uses men as his instruments within his Church, including in the signing of this agreement. While individuals sign on behalf of their respected churches, the agreement is not between individuals, but between the two churches represented here. On behalf of the Evangelical Lutheran Church On behalf of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod of Liberia (ELCL) Bishop/ President Amos Bolay President Matthew Harrison T U E / Vice-President Samuel S.Y. Navoh, I Secretary Raymond Hartwig Rev. James N.S. Kollie, Chairman of Ordained Director of Church Relations Albert Collver Ministers and Doctrinal Review July, 01 July, 01 Page

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9 Omnibus Resolution RESOLUTION A (Revised) WHEREAS, Many overtures request action that is the responsibility of various boards, commissions, or individuals to study and to implement; therefore be it Resolved, That the following overtures be referred to the designated board, commission, or individual: Number Subject Board, Commission, Individual Ov. 1-1 To Commend and Support Ministry of Independent organizations that should Seek Lutherans in Africa counsel from the Office of International Mission Ov. 1-1 To Endorse Work of Luther Institute of Independent organizations that should Seek Southeast Asia (LISA) counsel from the Office of International Mission Ov. 1- To Support the Work of Mission: Haiti Independent organizations that should Seek counsel from the Office of International Mission Ov. -0 To Remove RSO Status of Lutheran Child and Office of National Mission and Family Services of Illinois Ov. -0 To Direct Concordia Plans to Reimburse Office of National Mission, Funeral Costs When Children Die Before Birth Concordia Plan Services L- To Express Concern to Boy Scouts of America Office of National Mission Ov. - To Reject Use of NIV 0 in Catechism Concordia Publishing House T U E / Ov. - To Reinstate Full Obituaries in Communications The Lutheran Witness Ov. -0 To Rescind 0 Res. -0 re Communications Publishing Obituaries Ov. - To Petition for Inclusion of Church Year Concordia Publishing House Collects in Lutheran Service Book Ov. -0 To Review AALC Relationship President of Synod Ov. -0 To Evaluate Fellowship with AALC President of Synod Ov. -0 To Address Doctrinal and Fellowship President of Synod Differences with AALC Ov. -0 To Enter Into Dialogue with President of Synod Church of the Lutheran Brethren Ov. -0 To Study and Increase Emphasis on Commission on Theology and Priesthood of All Believers Church Relations Page

10 Ov. - To Seek to Clarify Ministry of the President of Synod, Commission on Word in Connection with Laity Theology and Church Relations Ov. -1 To Assign CTCR Clarification of Commission on Theology and Terms Related to Afterlife Church Relations Ov. -1 To Encourage Prompt CTCR Response to Commission on Theology Study on Cremation Church Relations Ov. -1 To State that Women Are Not to Have Commission on Theology and Authority Over Men in the Church Church Relations Ov. - To Rescind 00 Res. -0A re Service of Commission on Theology and Women and Request New CTCR Document Church Relations Ov. - To Rescind 00 Res. -0A Commission on Theology and Church Relations Ov. -0 To Reaffirm Scriptural Teaching re Commission on Theology and Women's Role in the Church Church Relations Ov. -1 To Review Role of Women in Congregation Commission on Theology and and Synod Offices Church Relations Ov. - To Suspend Implementation of COP Council of Presidents Calls vs. Contracts" Document Ov. - To Remand Issues re SMP Program to Commission on Theology and CTCR for Review and Clarification Church Relations Ov. - To Clarify Synod Position re Joint Prayer with President of Synod, Commission on Those Who Deny Christ Theology and Church Relations, Commission on Constitutional Matters, Council of Presidents Ov. - To Provide Guidance on Participation in President of Synod, Commission on Interfaith and Joint Worship Services Theology Church Relations, Commission on Constitutional Matters, Council of Presidents Ov. - To Recognize It Contrary to Scripture and the President of synod, Commission on Lutheran Confessions to Join in Public Prayer Theology and Church Relations, with Those Who Deny Jesus Christ as the Commission on Constitutional Matters, Only Way to the True God Council of Presidents Ov. -0 To Proclaim Boldly Jesus to the World President of Synod, Commission on Theology and Church Relations, Commission on Constitutional Matters, Council of Presidents Ov. -1 To Give Thanks to God for Christian Care President of Synod, Commission on Given Following School Shootings Theology and Church Relations, Commission on Constitutional Matters, Council of Presidents Page

11 Ov. - To Support Faithful Christian Witness of President of Synod, Commission on LCMS Pastors in the Public Sector Theology and Church Relations, Commission on Constitutional Matters, Council of Presidents Ov. - To Express Support of Pastoral Witness President of Synod, Commission on to Newtown Survivors Theology and Church Relations, Commission on Constitutional Matters, Council of Presidents Ov. - To Affirm Commitment to Witness President of Synod, Commission on in Public Square Theology and Church Relations, Commission on Constitutional Matters, Council of Presidents Ov. - To Affirm Urgent Need to Study Article VI President of Synod, Commission on Theology and Church Relations, Commission on Constitutional Matters, Council of Presidents Ov. L- To Engage Interested ELCA Workers Council of Presidents and Congregations Ov. -1 To Establish Master s Program Concordia University System in Creation Apologetics Ov. - To Change Specific Ministry Pastor Title Commission on Theology and Church Relations Ov. - To Clarify Colloquy Application Prerequisites Colloquy Committee for for Commissioned Ministry Commissioned Ministry Ov. L- To Encourage Expansion of Deaconess Concordia University System and Formation Programs Seminaries of Synod T U E / Ov. -0 To Encourage Paperless Communication Board of Directors Ov. -1 To Change Location of Next Available LCMS Board of Directors Convention Ov. -0 To Study the Definition of Electoral Circuits Commission on Handbook Ov. -1 To Improve Process for Calling Pastors Council of Presidents Ov. -1 To Address Accusations Against Council of Presidents Pastors Properly Ov. - To Create and Share List of Emeritus Council of Presidents Clergy Willing to Serve Ov. - To Amend Synod Bylaws re Nominations Commission on Handbook for District Officer and Board Positions Ov. - To Provide Instruction to Convention President of Synod Floor Committees Page

12 Ov. - Include Past Presidents in Synod Conventions President of Synod Ov. - To Apply Conditions of Synod Membership President of Synod, Commission on to Certain Congregations Constitutional Matters, Commission on Handbook Ov. - Move 01 Convention to 01 in Honor of Floor Committee Life Together 00th Anniversary of Lutheran Reformation Rev. Russell Johnson, center, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Nashville, Ill., leads a group of volunteers from the Southern Illinois District in prayer before the work day on Monday. Page

13 RESOLUTION NUMBER Resolutions & Committee Reports 01 Proposed Resolution Action FLOOR COMMITTEE 1 A/Adopted A/Adopted A/Adopted A/Adopted 01 Adopted () () (1) () () A/Adopted A/Adopted 0 Adopted () A/Pending Adopted () () () A/Declined 0 A/Pending Adopted () () 0 Adopted () 0 Adopted () 0 A/Adopted () A/Pending 0 0 A/Adopted AM () Adopted () 1 1 Adopted () ACTION KEY Declined: Declined in (session #) Pending: Pending before assembly Adopted ( #): Approved as printed (session #) Adopted AM (#): Adopted as amended (session #) (A,B,C /): Revised version adopted 1 FLOOR COMMITTEE This table is provided for your convenience. The table will be updated daily with action take T U E / Page

14 MERCY To Allow Extension of Calls to Specialized Pastoral Ministers RESOLUTION -0B Overture -01 (CW, p. 1) WHEREAS, The LCMS currently calls ordained pastors to serve as full-time active-duty military chaplains through the Board for International Mission; and WHEREAS, The LCMS had called Veterans Administration (VA) chaplains and Federal Bureau of Prison (BOP) chaplains through the former Board for Mission Services, but the LCMS restructuring has resulted in moving VA and BOP chaplains to the Office of National Mission; and WHEREAS, The Commission on Theology Church Relations has recognized the validity of the divine call in specialized fields of service such as chaplains: The call to proclaim Law and Gospel does not take place in a vacuum. It occurs within specific contexts and situations. According to the second principle [recognition of the congregation s needs] we may conclude that, in addition to regular Word and sacrament ministry within congregations, the church s need for particular gifts or specialized skills at times is best met by something less than an open-ended call. We may proceed in this way [and have already done so] as long as we do not undermine the divine institution of the office or hinder in any way the proclamation of the whole counsel of God. Such has been the case within The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod for much of its history with regard to theological professors, district and Synod officials, military chaplains, campus pastors, missionaries, church planters, etc. Several examples can illustrate such situations. (The Divine Call, Feb. 00, p. ) And WHEREAS, LCMS specialized pastoral ministers (rostered institutional chaplains, pastoral counselors, and teachers of chaplaincy and pastoral counseling) serve within the Church s healing ministry of Christ and are an integral part of a long tradition in the LCMS of providing specially trained ministers to carry out the mission and ministry of the Church in very challenging and demanding settings in life; and WHEREAS, The LCMS currently endorses specialized pastoral ministers through the Office of National Mission but does not call ordained or commissioned ministers to serve as specialized pastoral ministers through the Board for National Mission, which has resulted in ordained and commissioned ministers currently serving in ministries of chaplaincy, pastoral counseling, and clinical education without a call for ministry; and WHEREAS, The former Board for Human Care Ministries had thoroughly studied this matter in consultation with the Secretary of the Synod and the Synod s legal counsel over several years; and WHEREAS, The former Board for Human Care Ministries appointed LCMS World Relief and Human Care staff to submit an overture to the 0 LCMS convention to amend bylaws to allow the extension of calls to specialized pastoral ministers (0 Res. -0); and WHEREAS, The current bylaws for the Board for National Mission do not provide for the calling of workers for the ministries in domestic areas; therefore be it Resolved, That Bylaw.. be amended by the addition of the following paragraph after the bulleted items under the first paragraph as follows: PROPOSED WORDING Page 0

15 Upon recommendation of the Office of National Mission, the Board for National Mission shall serve as a calling agency for institutional and agency chaplains and other non-foreign specialized ministers (e.g., Veterans Administration chaplains, Bureau of Prison chaplains, hospital chaplains, pastoral counselors, teachers of chaplaincy and pastoral counseling) after consultation with the appropriate district president(s) (cf. Bylaw.1.1.). To Speak re Employment of Women in Military Combat RESOLUTION -1A Overture - (CW, pp. 1 ) WHEREAS, on January th, 01, the U.S. Department of Defense announced its intent to lift our nation s Department of Defense ground combat exclusion which presently prohibits women from serving in ground combat positions, an exclusion upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court; and WHEREAS, The women of the LCMS may be subject to registering for selective service and a possible draft, as the rationale provided by the U.S. Supreme Court in prohibiting this practice was the Department of Defense s ban on women in combat; and WHEREAS, Biblical arguments against women serving in combat positions have been marshaled by many Christians, including members of the LCMS, who strongly object to the Department of Defense s decision; such arguments being based on specific texts (Gen. 1-, Deut. :, and Eph. :); and therefore be it Resolved, That the LCMS support those who have a religious and moral objection to women serving in ground combat positions and/or participating in the selective service system and being subject to a possible draft; and be it further Resolved, That the CTCR study this issue and produce a statement that can be considered and acted upon by the Synod in its next convention. T U E / Page 1

16 LIFE TOGETHER To Respect One Another and Put the Best Construction on All Things RESOLUTION -0B Overtures -, L- (CW, p. 1; TB, pp. ) WHEREAS, In these turbulent times, Synod officials, pastors, congregations, and individual Christians are often called upon to make difficult decisions in complex and critical situations; and WHEREAS, Our Lord admonishes us to address private offenses privately first (cf. Matt. :1); and WHEREAS, St. Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, addresses a public offense swiftly and publicly first (Gal. : 1); and WHEREAS, St. Paul further writes, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness (Gal. :1 ESV); and WHEREAS, Electronic and traditional media afford the means to give and receive both direct and indirect offense; and WHEREAS, Slanderous behavior hurts individuals, the Church (which is the body of Christ), and the proclamation of the Gospel to those outside the Church; therefore be it Resolved, That members of the Synod encourage each other to approach such situations with prayer, the study of God s Word and the Lutheran Confessions, the counsel of brothers and sisters in Christ, and the desire to act boldly and faithfully on behalf of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and be it further Resolved, That in light of the Eighth Commandment and its explanation in the Small and Large Catechisms, members of the Synod be encouraged to put the best construction on the words and actions of others; and be it further Resolved, That when there is disagreement with the words and actions of a pastor, congregation, or official in such situations, members of the Synod admonish one another to address those differences personally and privately before making our disagreements public or bringing formal charges against each other; and be it finally Resolved,That even when there seems to be clear violations of God s Word and the Lutheran Confessions, that harsh characterizations be avoided, and that these issues be addressed in a spirit of gentleness. To Respectfully Decline Overtures RESOLUTION -B WHEREAS, The floor committee has considered all overtures assigned to it and has concluded, for various reasons, that certain overtures should be declined; therefore be it Resolved, That the following overtures be respectfully declined for the reasons given: Number Subject Reason Ov. - To Establish Triennial Mission and Failed to follow proper procedure Ministry Emphasis for Synod Page

17 Ov. - To Recommend Mission and Ministry Failed to follow proper procedure Emphases to Synod Ov. - To Revoke RSO Status of Transforming Not in compliance with Bylaw.. Churches Network Ov. - To Move 01 Convention to 01 in Honor of Not in Compliance with Article VIII.A of 00 th Anniversary of Lutheran Reformation Synod Constitution T U E / Rev. Hans Fiene, pastor of River Of Life Lutheran Church, Channahon, Ill., gets his chance to speak before the convention Monday morning. Page

18 SEMINARY AND UNIVERSITY EDUCATION To Amend Bylaw.1.1 re Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) Program RESOLUTION -0B Overtures -, -0 (CW, pp., ) WHEREAS, 00 Res. -01B established the SMP Committee, renaming the DELTO Oversight Committee to be the Specific Ministry Pastor Committee; and WHEREAS, Res. -01B mandated that the Specific Ministry Pastor Committee be placed under the supervision of the Board for Pastoral Education ; and WHEREAS, The Board for Pastoral Education was eliminated in the restructuring of the Synod that occurred at the 0 LCMS convention; and WHEREAS, Bylaw..1..f. states the President shall as ecclesiastical supervisor serve the Synod by providing leadership, coordination, and oversight for pre-seminary education programs, seminary education ; therefore be it Resolved, That Bylaw.1.1 be changed to read as follows: PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING.1.1 Because of the unique nature of the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program, (a) Following each convention of Synod the President of the Synod shall appoint an SMP Committee which shall be responsible to the President of Synod and which shall evaluate the SMP program, its parameters and policies for its operations and submit its report and recommendations to the President of Synod no later than six months prior to the next convention of Synod. The committee shall consist of: (1) The LCMS Executive Director of Pastoral Education (committee chair) (voting member) () The LCMS Chief Mission Officer (voting member) () Two district presidents who have SMP students or pastors in their districts (appointed in consultation with the chairman of the Council of Presidents) (voting member) () Two representatives from Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne (appointed in consultation with the seminary president) (voting member) () Two representatives from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (appointed in consultation with the seminary president) (voting member) () Two parish pastors who are serving as supervising pastors of SMP students, or who have done so within the past three years (students from both seminaries must be represented). (Advisory Member) () Two SMP pastors who have completed the program (Advisory Member) (b) A specific ministry pastor is a minister of religion ordained who has completed the requirements for service as a specific ministry pastor and has been examined by one of the Synod s seminaries, has received a regular call, and has been placed by the Council of Presidents into a specific Word and Sacrament ministry context. He is eligible to serve only in that specific ministry context for which he has been trained and may not be offered or accept a call for ministry for which he has not been certified as determined by his district president. He shall serve under the supervision of his district president and another pastor who is not a specific ministry pastor. (a1) Because he is under supervision of another pastor and because a specific ministry pastor s theological education has been formed in part by and for a specific ministry context, he may not be placed or called into ecclesiastical roles that exercise pastoral oversight outside the context of his call. (b) A specific ministry pastor is not eligible to Page

19 (1i) serve as a voting delegate to a national convention of the Synod but may serve as an advisory delegate to national conventions and as a pastoral delegate to district conventions; (ii) hold any elected or appointed office on the district or national Synod level that is assigned by the Bylaws of the Synod to a pastor or an ordained minister (although specific ministry pastors may serve in all other capacities, especially representing the ministerial contexts in which they serve); (iii) supervise vicars; or (iv) serve as a circuit counselor. (c) The ministers of religion ordained records maintained by district presidents as well as the official membership roster of the Synod shall distinguish between specific ministry pastors and other pastors. To Continue and Strengthen the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) Program RESOLUTION -0B Overtures -1, - (CW, pp. ); Appendix IV (CW, pp. 1 1) Rationale: Residential seminary education has served the Synod as a wonderful blessing of Almighty God throughout her history. It remains the premier path into the Office of the Holy Ministry. The 00 LCMS convention established the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program at both seminaries to develop pastors for specific ministries which include such categories as church planter, staff pastor, and others as needs arise (Res. -01B). SMP was also established to address concerns expressed regarding the Synod s permitting licensed lay deacons ( Wichita Res. -0B). The SMP Task Force recommends the continuation of the SMP program, stating: Special circumstances (e.g. small parishes which cannot afford a pastor) exist. Flexibility is vital as the church fulfills her vocational calling to preach the Gospel to everyone everywhere. While the church cannot maintain her theological integrity, fidelity, and courage in these bewitching times unless she has an overall well-trained and doctrinally steeped ministerium, special circumstances warrant less-trained pastors so the means of grace can be delivered by a called and ordained pastor. Therefore the task force recommends the retention of the SMP program for special circumstances. The SMP program is relatively new with the first cohort completing the program less than a year ago. However, the practice is not without precedent in the LCMS, since Nothilfern ( emergency helpers ) were utilized in the early years of the Synod. Furthermore, the long history of Concordia Theological Seminary as the practical seminary continued this practice. Additional data are needed to assess the program fully. However, concerns regarding the program have been raised in overtures and reports submitted to the floor committee and need to be addressed, including: the program s admission criteria (cf. Ov. -1; Task Force Report, p. 1) adequate academic standards within the SMP program (fewer overall courses in comparison with residential seminary programs (cf. Ov. -1, -, -) lack of instruction in the biblical languages (Task Force Report, p. 1) confusion regarding the definition of specific ministry (cf. Ov. -) lack of a consistent standard for mentoring SMP vicars and pastors (cf. Task Force Report, p. 1) a perception that men are being approved for SMP admission who should be enrolling in one of the residential degree programs (cf. Task Force Report, p. 1) SMP vicars officiating at the Lord s Supper without being properly called (rite vocatus; AC XIV; oral report to the floor committee) the potential challenge of an ordained SMP pastor not completing the program and how properly to remove him from the roster of the Synod (oral report to the floor committee) T U E / Page

20 On the other hand, both seminaries and several districts report that SMP students are hardworking, willing to sacrifice (often bi-vocational, serving for minimal pay), receiving strong support from their respective congregations, benefiting from contextual education (learning and application taking place nearly simultaneously), and developing tight collegial bonds within each cohort of students. A significant number of overtures (-, -, -, -, -, -1) and reports were submitted in support and commendation of the SMP program. Therefore be it Resolved, That the SMP program be retained; and be it further Resolved, That the Synod affirm that SMP pastors are properly called in accord with Article XIV of the Augsburg Confession; and be it further Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to Christ for the men who have completed the SMP program and are now serving faithfully in Christ s Church, and for the significant investment by both seminaries in the development of an SMP curriculum; and be it further Resolved, That the SMP Committee be directed to address the concerns enumerated below and present its recommendations to the Synod President no later than six-months prior to the next convention of Synod for action at the 01 convention. The SMP Task Force recommendation that the Synod limit the use of the SMP program for men who will serve small congregations who are not able to support a full-time pastor and for ethnic ministries, and not using it for the planting of churches or for staff pastors. (CW, p. 1) The SMP Task Force recommendation that the Synod maintain an SMP seminary enrollment at a level that does not threaten residential seminary formation as the primary route into the Office of the Pastoral Ministry. (CW, p. 1) The concerns listed in the rationale of this resolution and other concerns raised in the 01 Convention Workbook. Assessment of the performance of graduates. Cost, affordability, and financial aid for the program. And be it further Resolved, That the authority over admission to and administration of the SMP program remains with the seminaries while the respective district president remains responsible for determining the appropriateness of the specific ministry; and be it further Resolved, That district presidents not approve specific ministry sites which could reasonably be expected to support a general pastor or sites where a minister of religion commissioned could fulfill the duties pending reception of the recommendations from the SMP Committee; and be it further Resolved, That congregations, districts, and seminaries encourage their SMP pastors to engage in studies which lead to general pastor status; and be it finally Resolved, That residential theological education continue to be the primary means for training men for pastoral ministry in the Synod. Page

21 To Amend Bylaws Regarding Boards of Regents and Concordia University System Board RESOLUTION -0B Overtures -0 0, -1 (CW, pp. 0 1, 1 ) Rationale Boards of Regents: Because of the increasing complexity of oversight and governance of higher education programs and facilities, individuals who serve as board members should be required to possess appropriate specialized qualifications (in addition to Bylaw... requiring board members to be members of member congregations of the Synod). These qualifications grow out of the many technical matters that must be understood and considered as a regent. 1. Each board of regents has the fiduciary responsibility to set strategic directions for the institution and to govern the areas of academics, finance, student life, enrollment, and fund development. The rapidly changing and highly competitive arena of American higher education requires governance by regents who can provide visionary leadership that addresses today s challenges.. The Synod s colleges and universities have hundreds of employees and thousands of students. Personnel, legal, and administrative issues are inherent in a complex organization.. The colleges and universities of the LCMS have facilities with a replacement value exceeding $1. billion, some of which is financed through tax exempt bonds. Seven of the colleges and universities manage operational budgets exceeding $0 million, with two institutional budgets exceeding $ million. Governing these institutions requires that the regents provide significant professional competencies. Concordia University System Board: The national board that has authority with respect to the Synod s colleges and universities be required to have members with special qualifications corresponding to those of regents. Therefore be it Resolved, That Bylaws..ff., Bylaws..ff., and Bylaws.1.ff. be amended as follows, effective immediately at the close of the 01 convention of Synod: PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING Concordia University System.. Concordia University System, as a corporation under the laws of the State of Missouri, is operated by its members and board of directors in accordance with its Articles of Incorporation and corporate bylaws to further the objectives of higher education within the Synod. Any amendments to these Articles of Incorporation shall be subject to approval by the members....1 The Board of Directors of the Concordia University System has authority with respect to the Synod s colleges and universities. It shall have the overall responsibility to provide for the education of preseminary students, ministers of religion commissioned, other professional church workers of the Synod, and others desiring a Christian liberal arts education by providing prior approval for all initial full-time theology appointments to college/university faculties and by coordinating the activities of the Synod s colleges and universities as a unified system of the Synod through their respective boards of regents.... The members of Concordia University System shall consist of the Synod and the colleges and universities of the Synod. The Board of Directors of the Synod and the Council of Presidents of the Synod each shall elect delegates representing the Synod. The boards of regents of the colleges and universities of the Synod shall elect delegates representing the colleges and universities. The numbers of delegates elected by the T U E / Page

22 Board of Directors of the Synod, the Council of Presidents, and the boards of regents shall be established by the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Concordia University System.... The Board of Directors of Concordia University System shall be composed of nine voting members and four nonvoting members (no more than one member elected by the Synod shall be from the same district, and no executive, faculty member, or staff member from a Lutheran institution of higher education may serve on the Board of Directors of Concordia University System as a voting member): Voting Members: 1. Two ministers of religion ordained elected by the Synod. One minister of religion commissioned elected by the Synod. Two laypersons elected by the Synod. Three laypersons appointed by the delegates of the members of Concordia University System. The President of the Synod or his representative Nonvoting Advisory Members: 1. A district president appointed by the Council of Presidents. The Chief Financial Officer of the Synod. The Chief Mission Officer or his representative. One university president Persons elected or appointed to the Concordia University System Board of Directors should have demonstrated familiarity and support of the institutions, and shall support the the doctrinal positions of our synod and shall possess two or more of the following qualifications: theological acumen, an advanced degree, experience in higher education administration, administration of complex organizations, finance, law, investments, technology, human resources, facilities management, or fund development. The Chief Administrative Officer of the Synod (or a designee) and the Secretary of the Synod (or a designee) shall review and verify that nominees are qualified to serve as stated above.... The presidents and interim presidents of the Synod s educational institutions shall comprise an advisory council which shall meet at the call of the Board of Directors of Concordia University System and report the results of its studies to the board for consideration in making its decisions.... In keeping with the objectives and the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod, the Board of Directors of Concordia University System shall (a) develop detailed coordinating policies and procedures for cooperative roles and responsibilities of the colleges and universities; (b) together with boards of regents and the Board of Directors of the Synod, coordinate institutional planning and approve capital projects in relation to campus property-management agreements and institutional master plans; (c) review and approve new programs and manage peer review of programs in the interest of the institution(s) and the Synod; (d) establish policy guidelines involving distribution of grants from the Synod (restricted and unrestricted) and efforts for securing additional financial support from other sources; (e) obtain data on liberal arts education and current trends and government regulations in higher education that impact upon collaborative efforts and relationships within the Concordia University System; (f) together with the Board of Directors of the Synod, establish and monitor criteria for determining institutional viability, fiscal and otherwise; (g) together with districts, congregations, local boards of regents, and national efforts, assist congregations and districts in student recruitment for both professional church work and lay higher education; (h) serve as a resource for the development of lists of potential teaching and administrative personnel; (i) upon request of the President of the Synod, assist in monitoring the ongoing faithfulness of all Concordia University System institutions to the Synod s doctrine and practices; Page

23 (j) together with schools, districts, congregations, and national efforts, foster continuing education for ministers of religion commissioned; and (k) have authority, after receiving the consent of the Board of Directors of the Synod by its two-thirds vote and also the consent of either the Council of Presidents by its two-thirds vote or the appropriate board of regents by its two-thirds vote, to consolidate, relocate, separate, or divest a college or university.... The Board of Directors of Concordia University System shall receive evidence on a regular basis from boards of regents and campus administrators that they are that it is complying with an emphasis on missionfocused leadership and, with the following key principles to guide the future of the Concordia University System, (1) actively working to preserve their work to maintain and enhance the Christ-centered Lutheran identity by supporting the objectives of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (Art. III) and complying with an emphasis on mission-focused leadership in service to church and community; character of its institutions; () delivering academic and student programs designed to give students Christ-centered values and tools that equip them for vocations within the church and world; () preparing graduates for service as ministers of religion commissioned and for continued study for ministers of religion ordained for the Synod; provide ministers of religion commissioned for the Synod; () implementing accepted higher education standards, including policies that ensure fiscal and institutional viability: Achieving positive annual financial results Acquiring quality administrators, faculty, and staff Meeting fiscal and academic benchmarks Building endowments and managing investment assets for the long-term benefit of the institutions Acquiring and managing long-term debt carefully and responsibly work to ensure a strong fiscal future for its institutions () sustaining a Concordia experience that reflects strong institutional quality, provides opportunities to be of greater service to the Church and society, and mobilizes individuals in a way that aids the campuses in achieving their collective vision with respect to their identity, quality, and viability; and establish expectations for the quality of its institutions; () maintaining accountability of its institutions implement the preceding four principles through governance structures that require more clearly focused accountability of its institutions to the systemwide board, while expecting stronger governance of the institutions by their boards of regents. College and Universities College and University Boards of Regents.. Each college and university of the Synod, with its president and faculty, shall be governed by a board of regents, subject to general policies set by the Synod....1 In exercising its relationship to the Synod and to the Concordia University System as set forth elsewhere under Bylaw..ff., the board of regents of each institution shall consider as one of its primary duties the defining and fulfilling of the mission of the institution within the broad assignment of the Synod.... The board of regents of each college and university shall consist of no more than 1 voting members: 1. One ordained minister, one commissioned minister, and two laypersons shall be elected by the conventions of the Synod.. One ordained minister, on commissioned minister, and two laypersons shall be elected by the geographical district in which the institution is located.. No less than four and no more than eight laypersons shall be appointed as voting members by the board of regents. T U E / Page

24 The president of the district in which the college or university is located or a district vice-president as his standing representative shall serve as an ex officio member.. College and university boards of regents members may be elected or appointed to serve a maximum of three consecutive three-year terms and must hold membership in a member congregation of the Synod.. Not more than two of the elected members shall be members of the same congregation.. Persons elected or appointed to a board of regents should possess several of the following qualifications: be knowledgeable regarding the region in which the institution is located and shall demonstrate familiarity and support for the doctrinal positions of synod and possess two or more of the following qualifications: theological acumen, possess an advanced academic degree, and have experience in higher education administration, administration of complex organizations, finance, law, investments, technology, human resources, facilities management, or fund development. Demonstrated familiarity and support of the institution is a desired quality in the candidate. When regents are elected at the national convention of the Synod, qualifications shall be reviewed and verified as outlined in Bylaw.1... When regents are elected at district conventions or appointed by the board of regents, qualifications of all nominees, including floor nominees, shall be reviewed and verified by the chair and secretary of the district board of directors or their designees.... Vacancies that occur on a board of regents shall be filled in the following manner: (a) If the vacancy occurs in a position that was previously filled by the board of regents, the board of regents shall be the appointing body. (b) If the vacancy occurs in a position that was previously filled at a district convention, the district board of directors shall be the appointing body. (c) If the vacancy occurs in a position that had been filled by a national convention of the Synod, the Board of Directors of Concordia University System shall be the appointing body and shall follow the nomination procedure provided for filling vacancies on elected boards and commissions of the Synod as outlined in Bylaw The board of regents of each institution shall become familiar with and develop an understanding of pertinent policies, standards, and guidelines of the Synod and the Board of Directors of Concordia University System. (a) It shall develop details of detailed policies and procedures for governance of the institution, including but not limited to (1) attention to specific ways that the institution is confessing Jesus Christ in full accord with the doctrinal position of the LCMS (Constitution Art. II) and fulfilling His mission in our world; () annual certification of the institution s financial viability; () creation, modification, and abolition of administrative positions; () processes for filling and vacating administrative positions; () a clear plan for succession of administration to ensure that the institution continues to function effectively in the case of incapacity or lengthy absence of the president. (b) It shall coordinate institutional planning with other Concordia University System schools and approve master plans for its college or university. (c) It shall review and approve academic programs recommended by the administration and faculty after assessment of system policies in accordance with Concordia University System standards and guidelines and institutional interests and capacities. (d) It shall review and approve the institutional budget. (e) It shall approve institutional fiscal arrangements, develop the financial resources necessary to operate the institution, and participate in its support program. (1) Only the board of regents is authorized to establish a line of credit or to borrow for operating needs, subject to the policies of the Board of Directors of Concordia University System and the Board of Directors of the Synod. () All surplus institutional funds above an adequate working balance shall be deposited with the Concordia University System for investment. Earnings from such investments shall be credited to the depositing institution. (f) It shall establish appropriate policies for institutional student aid. Page 0

25 (g) It shall participate fully in the procedures for the selection and regular review of the president of the institution and of the major administrators; approve of the appointment of faculty members who meet the qualifications of their positions; approve sabbatical and study leaves; and encourage faculty development and research. (h) It shall take the leadership in assuring the preservation and improvement of the assets of the institution and see to the acquisition, management, use, and disposal of the properties and equipment of the institution within the guidelines set by the Board of Directors of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. (i) It shall operate and manage the institution as the agent of the Synod, in which ownership is primarily vested and which exercises its ownership through the Board of Directors as custodian of the Synod s property, the Board of Directors of Concordia University System, and the respective board of regents as the local governing body. Included in the operation and management are such responsibilities as these: (1) Carrying out efficient business management through a business manager appointed on recommendation of the president of the institution and responsible to him. () Receiving of all gifts by deed, will, or otherwise made to the institution and managing the same, in accordance with the terms of the instrument creating such gift and in accordance with the policies of the board of regents. () Demonstrating concern for the general welfare of the institutional staff members and other employees, adoption of regulations governing off-campus activities, development of policies regarding salary and wage scales, tenure, promotion, vacations, health examinations, dismissal, retirement, pension, and other employee welfare benefit provisions. () Determining that the charter, articles of incorporation, constitution, and bylaws of the institution conform to and are consistent with those of the Synod. () Serving as the governing body corporate of the institution, vested with all powers which its members may exercise in law either as directors, trustees, or members of the body corporate, unless in conflict with the laws of the domicile of the institution or its articles of incorporation. In such event, the board of regents shall have power to perform such acts as may be required by law to effect the corporate existence of the institution. () Establishing and placing a priority on the capital needs of the institution and determining the plans for the maintenance and renovation of the buildings and property and purchase of needed equipment, but having no power by itself to close the institution or to sell all or any part of the property which constitutes the main campus. () Recognizing that the authority of the board of regents resides in the board as a whole and delegating the application of its policies and execution of its resolutions to the president of the institution as its executive officer. () Establishing a comprehensive policy statement regarding student life that commits the institution to the principles of Christian discipline, an evangelical manner, and good order. Reviewing and approving the major policies of the institution regarding student life and activities as developed by the faculty and recommended by the administration. () Promoting the public relations of the institution and developing the understanding and cooperation of its constituency. () Requiring regular reports from the president of the institution as the executive officer of the board and through him from other officers and staff members in order to make certain that the work of the institution is carried out effectively. Committee for Convention Nominations.1. The Committee for Convention Nominations is to be regarded as an ad hoc convention committee to which limitations on holding multiple offices do not apply In preparation for a convention of the Synod, one-half of the districts shall elect, through their regular election procedures at the district convention, one member to the Committee for Convention Nominations and an alternate: Atlantic Nebraska California-Nevada- North Wisconsin T U E / Page 1

26 Hawaii Northern Illinois Central Illinois Northwest Florida-Georgia Oklahoma Indiana SELC Iowa West South Dakota Minnesota South Southern Missouri Wyoming.1.. In preparation for the following convention, the remaining districts shall elect in the same manner: Eastern New Jersey English North Dakota Iowa East Ohio Kansas Rocky Mountain Michigan South Wisconsin Mid-South Southeastern Minnesota North Pacific Southwest Montana Southern Illinois New England Texas.1.. One-half of the electing districts shall be designated by the Secretary of the Synod to elect a professional church worker and the other half a layperson, with roles reversed every six years..1.. The Secretary of the Synod shall handle the preliminary work for the Committee for Convention Nominations. (a) He shall begin to solicit names of potential nominees from officers, boards, commissions, and agencies of the Synod and its districts at least months prior to the convention. (b) Approximately months before a regular meeting of the Synod in convention, he shall solicit from the mission boards and the synodwide corporate entity boards descriptions of criteria for qualified candidates to serve on those boards. (c) With such criteria in view, the Secretary shall issue the first call for nominations through a publication of the Synod and on the Synod Web site months before the convention, soliciting names from mission boards and synodwide corporate entity boards, as well as congregations, district presidents, district boards of directors, circuit counselors, and other likely sources. (d) All incumbents eligible for reelection shall be considered for nominations. (e) Qualifications of each nominee shall be submitted together with the names on forms made available on the Synod s Web site. (f) All suggested names and information for consideration by the Committee for Convention Nominations shall be submitted to the Secretary of the Synod no later than nine months prior to the convention of the Synod. (g) The Secretary shall present the names and information gathered to the Committee for Convention Nominations at its first meeting..1.. The first meeting of the Committee for Convention Nominations shall be at the call of the Secretary of the Synod at least six months prior to the convention of the Synod. (a) The Secretary shall not serve as a member of the committee, but he shall convene the initial meeting of the committee and be available, upon call, for consultation. (b) The committee shall elect its own chairman, vice-chairman, and secretary and shall organize its work in whatever way it deems necessary. (c) The committee shall inform itself as to the duties and requirements of each position to be filled and thereby be guided in its selection of nominees. (d) In the case of the boards of regents of educational institutions of the Synod, the committee shall consult with the President of the Synod or the Board of Directors of Concordia University System and to receive their input for the committee s consideration. The president of the Concordia University System (or a designee) and the Secretary of the Synod (or a designee) shall review and verify that nominees are qualified as stated in Bylaw... Page

27 (e) The committee for convention nominations shall establish and maintain a procedure to generate and publish in advance of the convention a list of names from all who have been nominated for Synod boards and commissions who meet the qualifications (Bylaws... and...) to serve on a Concordia University System Board of Regents or the Concordia University System Board of Directors..1.. The Committee for Convention Nominations shall nominate candidates for all elective offices, boards, and commissions except President and vice-presidents and elective positions requiring regional nominations (Bylaws.1..;...1;...;...). (a) At least two candidates shall be nominated for each position. (b) The committee shall determine its complete list of candidates and alternates, obtain the consent of the persons it proposes to nominate, and transmit its final report at least five months prior to the convention to the Secretary of the Synod, who shall post the list on the Synod s Web site and provide for its publication in a pre-convention issue of an official periodical of the Synod and in the Convention Workbook. (c) The committee s report shall list the qualifications of various positions used in the solicitation of candidates and contain pertinent information concerning each candidate, such as occupation or profession; district affiliation; residence; specific experience; number of years as a member of an LCMS congregation; present position; offices previously held in a congregation, district or the Synod; qualifications for the office in question; and, if the candidate so desires, also a brief personal statement..1.. The chairman of the Committee for Convention Nominations shall submit the committee s report in person to the convention at one of its earliest sessions. (a) The convention may amend the slate by nominations from the floor. (b) Floor nominations shall be brought individually before the convention for approval before being added to the ballot. No floor nominations shall be accepted which would preclude, by virtue of election limitations of such office, election of any pending nominee already on the slate of candidates received from the Committee for Convention Nominations without disclosing such potential effect immediately to the convention. (c) Such floor nominations may only be made from the list of names which have previously been offered to the Committee for Convention Nominations prior to the final deadline for the submission of nominations, unless the convention shall otherwise order by a simple majority vote. The president of the Concordia University System (or a designee) and the Secretary of the Synod (or a designee) shall verify all floor nominees to serve as a member of a Concordia University System board of regents possess qualifications as stated in Bylaw... The Chief Administrative Officer of the Synod (or a designee) and the Secretary of the Synod (or a designee) shall review and verify that all floor nominees to serve as a member of the Concordia University System Board of Directors possess qualifications as stated in Bylaw... (d) If the convention approves the receipt of such additional nominations, any delegate making such a nomination shall have secured prior written consent of the candidate being nominated and shall immediately submit it to the chairman of the Committee for Convention Nominations, along with required pertinent information concerning the nominee as detailed in Bylaw.1.. (c). (e) Whenever possible, chairman of the Committee for Convention Nominations shall have on hand at the convention a reserve list of nominees, approved by the committee, for use if required. (f) Whenever possible, the Committee for Convention Nominations should be informed in advance if any new board or commission is likely to be established at a convention of the Synod, so that it may have a slate of candidates in readiness..1.. The Committee for Convention Nominations, in consultation with officials of the Synod, shall maintain a description of the desirable expertise required for each elected position and shall transmit this information together with suggestions for improvement of procedures to the next committee through the Secretary of the Synod. T U E / Page

28 To Establish a Standard for Continuing Education of Pastors RESOLUTION -0B TF Report, R-01-0 (CW, pp. ) WHEREAS, The 0 convention of the Synod encouraged continuing education for LCMS pastors in Res. -0A, To Support Pastoral Formation, which stated in part: That the 0 LCMS convention direct the Council of Presidents and the administration and faculties of the Synod s seminaries and universities to continue to study how best to certify clergy and hold them accountable for continuing education (cf. -0A Task Force Report and Recommendations), echoing similar resolutions in 00, 00, 001, and ; and WHEREAS, Other professions require a continuing education component in order to maintain the highest level of competence; and WHEREAS, The Church expects theological and professional excellence of all her pastors ( Tim. :1); and WHEREAS, The Synod s biblical, confessional, and catechetical heritage compels her pastors to a lifetime of learning for their own benefit, for the benefit of their congregations, and for the benefit of the church-at-large; and WHEREAS, The Synod s seminaries are well prepared to provide continuing education to her pastors (e.g., regionalized summer course offerings, web-based offerings, on-campus symposia/conferences, et al.); and WHEREAS, Pastors serve in an increasingly complex and challenging world which demands continual development of skills; and WHEREAS, The 00 Synod convention encouraged congregations to grant sabbatical leave to pastors (Res. -0, To Encourage Congregations to Provide Professional Church Work Sabbaticals ); and WHEREAS, The Post-seminary Applied Learning and Support (PALS) program is an avenue for continuing education in the first three years of parish ministry; and WHEREAS, While the divine call is not contingent upon continuing education, the Word of God calls for growth in grace and wisdom ( Tim. :1 1); therefore be it Resolved, That the seminaries continue to instruct and demonstrate the importance of the biblical languages in the pastoral ministry and provide resources to that end provide guidance and direction to LCMS ordination-track seminarians in the development of a personal continuing education portfolio including a long-term plan of action and goals for continuing education (-0A Task Force Report and Recommendations) include a review of the personal continuing education portfolio prior to program completion work collaboratively with the Council of Presidents to develop a list of qualified continuing education resources and activities; and be it further Resolved, That in accord with the direction given to the Council of Presidents and the administration and faculties of the Synod s seminaries and universities in 0 LCMS Resolution -0A, each pastor: regularly identify those personal and pastoral skills which need to be addressed by continuing education regularly revise his continuing education plan accordingly; and be it further Resolved, That all pastoral colloquy candidates submit a written personal continuing education portfolio, beyond what is required for certification, to his district president; and be it further Resolved, That Winkels (circuit pastoral conferences) discuss doctrinal, professional, and practical matters (Bylaw..1 [a]) ; and be it further Page

29 Resolved, That each circuit counselor (visitor) discuss the pastor s personal continuing education portfolio during his triennial visit with each pastor under his care; and be it further Resolved, That each district president encourage and support each pastor s self-developed continuing education program as part of his regular visitation program model for the Synod the importance of continuing education work with congregations to encourage and support the pastor in his continuing education; and be it further Resolved, That the Executive Director of Pastoral Education continue to incorporate continuing education into the Post-seminary Applied Learning and Support (PALS) program; and be it finally Resolved, That each congregation be urged to provide support for her pastor s continuing education in appropriate ways (e.g., non-vacation time off for continuing education, financial support as feasible, etc.) give heed to 00 Res. -0, To Encourage Congregations to Provide Professional Church Worker Sabbaticals, by offering a sabbatical leave to her pastor as feasible. To Give God Praise and Glory for Concordia Seminary s 1 th Anniversary RESOLUTION -1 R1--CMO (CW, p. 0) WHEREAS, God graced the Lutheran Reformers with a love for the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ and a desire for its spread through an evangelical care of souls; and WHEREAS, Saxon immigrants established a log cabin school so that this Word of God could be studied in their midst and spread through their new American homeland; and WHEREAS, That school, now Concordia Seminary, has provided almost 1,000 pastors to serve congregations, mission stations and chaplaincies throughout the world with that same Gospel and evangelical care of souls; and WHEREAS, Concordia Seminary today is a recognized leader in providing Lutheran theological resources to the world through almost one million downloads each year of its internet resources; and WHEREAS, The people of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod faithfully have supported Concordia Seminary through both good and challenging times; and WHEREAS, Concordia Seminary will begin its 1 th academic year in September, 01; therefore be it Resolved, That the people of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod be encouraged to give thanks to God for His grace to us through Concordia Seminary these 1 years; and be it further Resolved, That the people of the church be commended and encouraged to continue their zeal for the formation of Gospel-centered pastors and deaconesses for the 1 st century; and be it finally T U E / Page

30 Resolved, That following the adoption of this resolution the delegates and guests of this th regular Convention of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod rise and sing the Common Doxology. Laura Kalbfleisch plays the flute during the July service of Morning Prayer. Page

31 ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE To Amend Bylaw.1.. (g), Ranking of Regional LCMS Vice-Presidents of Synod RESOLUTION - (0 Handbook, p. ) WHEREAS, With the structural changes of the 0 LCMS convention, the Synod in convention elects six () regional vice-presidents. WHEREAS, Those regional vice-presidents are ranked in line of succession. WHEREAS, Delegates at the 01 convention have expressed a desire to be more deliberate in ranking the vice-presidents, employing a more deliberate process than merely one final ballot as is stated in Bylaw.1.. (g).; therefore be it Resolved, that Bylaw.1.. (g) be changed to read as follows. PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING (g)a final ballot shall be used to determine the ranking of the five regional vice-presidents in line of succession. Upon the election of the regional vice-presidents a final election will take place ranking the vice-presidents by separate ballots with a simple majority of voting delegates determining the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth vice-presidents in the line of succession. T U E / LCMS President Matthew C. Harrison (left) hugs Bishop Vsevolod Lytkin of the Siberian Evangelical Lutheran Church (SELC) after the Synod in convention Monday voted to enter fellowship with the SELC. Page