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Purposes of this Pre-Convention Delegate Orientation

Purposes of this Pre-Convention Delegate Orientation. General Orientation Items of Importance Purposes of Convention Duties of a Delegate Major Convention Matters. The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod. What is a Synod?. The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod.

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Purposes of this Pre-Convention Delegate Orientation

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  1. Purposes of this Pre-ConventionDelegate Orientation General Orientation Items of Importance Purposes of Convention Duties of a Delegate Major Convention Matters

  2. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod What is a Synod?

  3. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod • A group of faithful Lutheran Christians empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacrament working, walking and worshiping together • Essentially, a voluntary association of congregations and ministers of religion (ordained and commissioned) • United by a common confession of faith grounded in Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions • Focused primarily on missions, Christian education and human care

  4. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod • 2.34 Million Baptized members • 1.80 Million Confirmed members • 6,170 Congregations • 24,000 Professional Church Workers • 18,000 Teachers (6,000 Commissioned) • 6,000 Pastors

  5. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod • 35 Districts • 60 Separate Corporations • 2700 Elementary Schools (Pre-K -> 8th Grade) • 100 High Schools • 10 Colleges and Universities • 2 Seminaries

  6. Districts of the Synod

  7. Reasons for the Forming of a Synodical Union 1. The example of the apostolic church. Acts 15:131 2. Our Lord's will that the diversities of gifts should be for the common profit. 1 Corinthians 12:431

  8. The Synod’s Confessional Basis 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 2. All the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as a true and unadulterated statement and exposition of the Word of God

  9. The Lutheran Confessions • Apostles’, Nicene, Athanasian Creeds • Unaltered Augsburg Confession • Apology of Augsburg Confession • Smalcald Articles • Treatise on Power and Primacy of Pope • Luther’s Large Catechism • Luther’s Small Catechism • Formula of Concord

  10. Summary of The Objectives of the LCMS 1. Conserve and promote the unity of the true faith; work toward fellowship with other Christian church bodies; provide united defense against schism, sectarianism, and heresy . . . 2. Strengthen congregations and their members in giving bold witness to the love and work of the true God and extend that Gospel witness into all the world . . . 3. Recruit and train pastors, teachers, and other professional church workers and provide opportunity for continuing growth . . .

  11. Summary of The Objectives of the LCMS 4. Express Christian concern, love, compassion . . . 5. Aid congregations in Christian education and establish agencies of Christian education . . . 6. Aid congregations in recognizing, promoting, expressing, conserving, and defending their confessional unity in the true faith . . . 7. Encourage congregations to strive for uniformity in church practice and develop appreciation of a variety of responsible practices and customs in harmony with our profession of faith. . .

  12. Summary of The Objectives of the LCMS 8. Provide evangelical supervision, counsel and care for professional church workers of the Synod in the performance of their official duties . . . 9. Provide protection for congregations and professional church workers in the performance of their official duties and the maintenance of their rights. . . 10. Aid in providing for the welfare of professional church workers and their families in the event of illness, disability, retirement, special need, or death.

  13. The Mission of the LCMS In grateful response to God’s grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, the mission of the LCMS is vigorously to make known the love of Christ by word and deed within our churches, communities and the world!

  14. General Orientation • Welcome to Houston! • Godspeed as you travel! • A unique experience awaits you! • Registration materials at GRB,Second Floor • National Offering, “ONE People—Sharing Christ’s Love,” will be collected at the opening worship service • National and International Mission Planting • Congregation Revitalization • Stewardship Renewal and Education • Additional National Synod Mission and Ministry Needs

  15. Pre-convention • Prayer Opportunities • Prayer lists on the Web site • 24/7 Prayer Vigil week of convention, sign-up on convention Web site began in May • Devotions • “Forgiven to Forgive” devotion book • “This We Believe: Selected Topics …” • Distributed to voting and advisory delegates

  16. Purposes of National Convention • Opportunities for worship, nurture, inspiration, fellowship, communication of vital information • Principal legislative assembly, amends Constitution and Bylaws • Considers and takes action on reports and overtures • Elects national officers and members of boards and commissions

  17. Purposes of National Convention • Establishes general Synod positions and policies • Provides and evaluates overall programs, policies, directions, priorities • Provides responsible service for and on behalf of its members • Handles appropriate appeals

  18. Purposes of National Convention • “Only a national convention of the Synod shall authorize affiliation or association of the Synod with other church bodies, synods, or federations, and the discontinuance of such affiliation or association.” (LCMS Bylaw 3.1.1)

  19. Duties of a Delegate Bylaw 3.1.2.2 Responsibilities of Delegates • Congregations shall not require their delegates to vote in accordance with specific instructions... • Every delegate shall be permitted to vote according to his or her own conviction... • Delegates are nevertheless responsible to the circuits they represent...

  20. Duties of a Delegate • They shall attempt to discover the sentiment of the members of their circuit… • They shall be faithful in attendance at all sessions of the convention... • After each convention they shall report the actions of the Synod to their circuits... • Voting delegates shall serve a three-year term beginning with the convention...

  21. Duties of a Delegate • They shall function as advisory members of the circuit forum... • They shall serve as resource persons in the circuit... • They shall assist in the dissemination and implementation of Synod resolutions in their area.

  22. Special First Day EventsSaturday, July 10 • Floor Committee Open Hearings, 9 am–12 noon • Committees 1-7 – Hilton Hotel • Committee 8 – GRB General Assembly Theater • Floor Committee 8 on Friday – July 9, 1:30-5:50 pm • Delegate Orientation, GRB, 1:30-3:00 p.m. (All delegates should attend this session) • Opening Convention Worship Celebration with Holy Communion, GRB, 4:00 p.m. • All-Delegate Dinner, Hilton, 6:30 p.m.

  23. Special Notes about Convention Agenda • As previously communicated, following those actions that must be conducted in order for the convention to convene and that are in accord with bylaw requirements, such as credentials report, adoption of standing rules, agenda, and President’s report, the first two days of the convention will be dedicated to matters regarding Synod structure and governance. • On Sunday, following the prayer service and necessary business, Floor Committee 8 will present structure and governance proposals to include floor discussion, primarily Q&A for the purpose of clarification. No action will be taken on resolutions unless discussion is completed and/or delegates decide to begin action.

  24. Special Notes about Convention Agenda • On Monday morning, convention delegates will be asked if they are ready to act on structure and governance resolutions. If so, then resolutions will be considered. If not, then discussion/Q&A will continue with the President asking delegates at regular intervals if they are ready to act. • On Tuesday morning, if not already completed, action will be taken on structure and governance resolutions that impact the election of officers and national structure. Election of officers will begin Tuesday afternoon.

  25. Convention Agenda • Tentative schedule for convention was finalized after floor committee May 21-23 weekend • Printed in the first issue of Today’s Business • Posted on the convention Web site • Handout today • A gavel–to-gavel Web cast of the convention proceedings will be broadcast on Synod WEB site: www.lcms.org

  26. About the Convention: Use of Electronic Devices* * Subject to adoption in convention Standing Rules. Note: No extension cords allowed or electrical connections provided.

  27. Convention Business ElectionsIn Order of Election • Election of Officers • President • First Vice-President • Vice-Presidents Two, Three, Four, Five • Secretary • Vice-President-Finance—Treasurer, unless otherwise determined by convention action • Board of Directors • Election of other Boards and Commissions

  28. Review Carefully the “Biographical Synopses & Statements of Nominees” from the Convention Nominations Committee Consider the tasks of each office and the experiences of those nominated for such offices Ignore voting lists from unofficial publications Convention Business Election of Synod Officers

  29. Convention Business Principal Business of Convention • The principal business of a convention of the Synod shall be the consideration of reports and overtures (ref. Bylaw 3.1.6) • All reports and overtures accepted by the President in accordance with the bylaws of the Synod shall be referred by him to convention committees (ref. Bylaw 3.1.7)

  30. Convention Business Convention Floor Committees #1 Missions #2 District and Congregational Services #3 Theology and Church Relations #4 Administration and Finance #5 Seminary and University Education #6 Human Care #7 Ecclesial Matters #8 Synod Structure and Governance #9 Registration, Credentials and Elections #10 Nominations

  31. Convention Business Convention Resolution Process:An Overture Summary • Submission of Overtures by Congregations, Conventions, Conferences, Boards, etc. • Review of Overtures by Synod President and Legal Counsel (Bylaw 3.1.6.2.c) for: • Material error • Apparent misrepresentation of truth or character • Potential civil action for libel or slander • Review of Overtures by Floor Committees • Floor Committee Action: • Submission of Overture to Convention via Resolution • Inclusion of Overture in Omnibus Resolution • Declination of Overture

  32. Convention Resolution Process:An Overture Summary Additional Overtures not in the Workbook Received but inadvertently left out of Workbook See Today’s Business (TB) pp. 24-28 Late Overtures Received after deadline Considered important and urgent by Synod President, First Vice President and Secretary per Bylaw 3.1.6 (a) See TB pp. 29-46 Convention Business

  33. Convention Resolution Process:An Overture Summary Omnibus Overtures Resolution A TB p.47 Overtures request action that is a responsibility of various boards, commissions or individuals to study and implement and need to be referred to such Resolution B TB p. 48 Issues have been acted on by previous Synod conventions Resolution D TB p. 49 Overtures of thanks and commendation Convention Business

  34. Committee Considerations Floor Committee Considerations: A Summary of Matters Submitted • The following slides provide a summary of some of the matters submitted in the reports and overtures for floor committee consideration. This overview highlights the theme and scope of some of the key issues to be considered by each floor committee for convention resolutions. To view all submitted items, read the Convention Workbook.

  35. Committee Considerations MissionsFloor Committee # 1 • 1-01 Completion of “Fan Into Flame” • Formal completion on 10-31-2011 • 1-02 Provide Guidance for Future Direction of Ablaze! • Evaluate with Scriptures and Lutheran Confessions • 1-03 Increase Outreach to Immigrants at Congregational Level • 1-04Respond to Opportunities for Outreach to Muslims • 1-05 To Affirm & Encourage Military Chaplains • 1-06 To Encourage Participation in Operation Barnabas

  36. 1-07 Encourage Inter-District Dialogue in the Establishment of New Church Starts, Satellite Worship Sites and Specialized Ministries Across Geographical District Lines 1-08 Encourage the “Wittenberg Project” as a Gospel Outreach Opportunity 1-09 Respectfully Decline Overtures Overtures 1-06, 1-07, 1-08 & 1-11 Committee Considerations MissionsFloor Committee # 1

  37. 1-09 Respectfully Decline Overtures 1-06 Provide Exclusively Lutheran Theological Training for Missionaries 1-07 Set Aside Reformation Day 2010 for Fasting, Prayer, Confessions and Repentance 1-08 Encourage Visitation by District Presidents of Other Districts’ Institutional Ministries 1-11 Ask CTCR and Seminaries to Evaluate Transforming Churches Network Committee Considerations MissionsFloor Committee # 1

  38. Committee Considerations District & Congregational ServicesFloor Committee # 2 • 2-01 Continues Support of Children’s Ministry, Family Ministry, School Ministry, Singles’ Ministry, Stewardship Ministry and Youth Ministry • 2-02 Assist Congregations and Support Workers in Planning and Implementing “Reduction in Force Policies • 2-03 Appoint a Commission to Study Congregational Size, Generations and Life-Stage Ministries • 2-04 Encourage Daily Devotions for Individuals and Families

  39. 2-05 Commend These on Worship and Model Theological Conference on the Theology of Worship 2-06 Encourage Study of the Lutheran Confessions During Reformation Celebration 2-07 Compensation for Professional Church Workers Calling entities encouraged to follow district guidelines Committee Considerations District & Congregational ServicesFloor Committee # 2

  40. 2-08 Respectfully Decline Overtures 2-09 Direct CPH to release 1986 translation of Small Catechism 2-10 Publish Orthodox translation of Bible 2-11 Instruct CPH to Stop Using ESV 2-17 Give Thanks for Dedication of Issues, Etc. 2-18 Encourage Support for Issues, Etc. 2-19 Commend Issues, Etc. 2-10 Support the Ministry of Issues, Etc. Committee Considerations District & Congregational ServicesFloor Committee # 2

  41. Committee Considerations Theology and Church RelationsFloor Committee # 3 • 3-01 Commend the International Lutheran Council and LCMS Task Force on Implications of the 2009 ELCA Decisions • 3-02 Support Confessional Lutheranism at Home and Abroad • 3-03 Cooperation in Externals with Theological Integrity • CTCR & Praesidium develop in-depth theological criteria to assess cooperative endeavors with ELCA & report to next convention • 3-04 Amend Bylaw 3.9.6.2.2 re Altar & Pulpit Fellowship with small, Formative or Emerging Confessional Lutheran Churches • After consultation the Synod President can make a declaration • 3-05 Request a Thorough Response to ELCA Social Statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust • CTCR and seminaries’ faculties

  42. 3-06 To Commend Creator’s Tapestry 3-07 Prepare New Studies on Biblical Interpretation 3-08 Encourage Collaboration Between CTCR and seminaries’ faculties 3-09 Decline Overture 3-16 Different ILC Church Fellowship Practices Committee Considerations Theology and Church RelationsFloor Committee # 3

  43. 3-10 To Respectfully Decline Overtures 3-09 To End All Official Talks with ELCA 3-10 To Request the Synod President Not to Attend ELCA Churchwide Assemblies 3-31 To Return to a Scriptural Position on Birth Control Committee Considerations Theology and Church RelationsFloor Committee # 3

  44. Committee Considerations Administration and FinanceFloor Committee # 4 • 4-01 To Lead Districts and Synod in a Stewardship Renaissance • 4-02 To Address Synod’s Financial Crisis • 4-03 Broadly Communicate the Statement of Financial Position of LCMS • 4-04 Study Higher Education System and Bring an Action Plan to the 2013 LCMS Convention • 4-05 Revise Synod Election Process • No more than one member from each category and no more than two from any one district.

  45. 4-06 Amend and Restate Articles of Incorporation 4-07 Amend Bylaws re Convention Preparations 4-08 Improve Procedure for Establishing Synod Convention Times and Locations 4-09 Amend Bylaw 3.1.7 re Convention Committees 4-10 To Return LCEF Bylaw 3.6.4.4 to Pre-2004 Wording 4-11 Provide Definition for Term “Operating Board” 4-12 Clarify Definition of “Governing Board” Committee Considerations Administration and FinanceFloor Committee # 4

  46. 4-13 Change Auxiliary Terminology Presidents become “chief elected officers” 4-14 Amend Bylaw 1.5.3 re Agency Meeting Agencies choose meeting formats 4-15 Change Composition of Commission on Ministerial Growth and Support From 13 members to 7 Committee Considerations Administration and FinanceFloor Committee # 4

  47. 4-16 Respectfully Decline Overtures 4-09 Compile Report on Designated Gifts 4-10 Curb Synod’s Finances 4-21 limit Convention Time of Incumbent Prior to Presidential Elections Allocate Investment Earnings Back to Human Care Committee Considerations Administration and FinanceFloor Committee # 4

  48. Committee Considerations Seminary and University EducationFloor Committee # 5 • 5-01 Recruit and Retain Full-Time Church Workers • 5-02 Celebrate and Support “For the Sake of the Church” • 5-03 Address Lay Deacons • 5-04 Increase Impact of Vicarage Program • 5-05 Support Pastoral Formation

  49. 5-06 Revise Bylaw 3.8.3.7.2 re Election Process for College & University Presidents 5-07 To Revise Bylaw 3.8.3.7 re College & University Presidents Responsibilities 5-08 Revise Bylaw 3.8.3.5 Colloquy Committee for Commissioned Ministry 5-09 Revise Bylaw 3.8.3.6.2 re Board of Regents Qualifications 5-10 Clarify Bylaw 3.8.3.8.2 re Promotion of Faculty 5-11 Clarify Bylaw 3.8.2.7.2 re Promotion of Faculty 5-12 Revise Bylaw 3.8.3.8.3 (b) re Faculty Appointments Committee Considerations Seminary and University EducationFloor Committee # 5

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