Delegates to the 16th re
gular convention of the LCMS Mid-South District, meeting June 9-12 in Memphis, Tenn., re-elected as president Rev. Kenneth E. Lampe of Eads, Tenn., by acclamation.
At the convention, Synod Vice President David Buegler installed Lampe, 58, to his second three-year term in that office.
Also re-elected was Dr. Ronald J. Wiese, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Memphis, to the first vice presidency.
Rev. Barry Hildebrandt, formerly a regional vice president, was elected to the dual post of second vice president and secretary of the district. He is pastor of Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, Chattanooga, Tenn.
Newly elected regional vice presidents are the following:
- Rev. Robert G. Herring, pastor of Bethel Lutheran Church, Fort Smith, Ark., and
- Rev. James Walter, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock, Ark.
Under a convention theme of “Ablaze by Grace — Hearts on fire to share Christ’s love,” delegates passed a resolution affirming the district’s participation in the Synod’s Ablaze! initiative. The action asks Mid-South congregations to make the effort a major commitment and to train at least half their members in personal faith sharing by 2008.
A separate adopted resolution calls for implementing over the next two years a unified stewardship-education emphasis with the theme “Stewardship Ablaze!” It is aimed at promoting a stewardship lifestyle in congregations and at helping families improve personal money management.
Following considerable discussion, delegates approved a proposal from the district Board of Directors encouraging congregations to submit monthly reports to the district on their outreach and mission strategies. The resolution states its aim as “accountability for fruitfulness in outreach.”
Other resolutions adopted by delegates:
- ask the Synod to expand and strengthen deacon ministry by providing a uniform method for training and licensing deacons;
- endorse the first steps of a new strategic plan for the district, setting mission, vision, targets and corporate goals, and asking congregations to make needed changes for outreach; and
- add a commissioned minister to the Mid-South Board of Directors to represent the increasing number of commissioned church workers in the district.
Posted June 16, 2006
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