HOUSTON—Delegates to the 64th Regular Convention of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod adopted resolutions to support at the national level various congregational ministries, to assist those in planning reduction-in-force policies and to encourage daily devotions and Bible study. They defeated a resolution to name a task force to study congregational size, 
The resolutions were presented to the convention by Floor Committee 2, District and Congregational Services.
The convention is meeting July 10-17 at the George R. Brown Convention Center under the theme “ONE People—Forgiven.” Among the approximately 3,000 participants are some 1,200 clergy and lay voting delegates.
The convention acted on the resolutions at its morning business session July 15:
- Resolution 2-01, “to continue to support children’s ministry, family ministry, school ministry, singles ministry, stewardship ministry, and youth and campus ministries,” was adopted as amended 1,082-30. The delegates’ action continues to recognize “the importance of supporting these ministries at the national level for the future growth of Christ’s church.”
- Resolution 2-02, “to assist congregations and support workers in planning and implementing ‘reduction in force’ (RIF) policies,” was adopted as amended 1,091-91. The resolution asks that a resource for a RIF process produced by the Synod’s School Ministry Department be shared with every congregation and ministry. It also encouraged congregations to use the resource when considering a RIF policy and that they consider “the spiritual, financial and emotional well-being” of people affected when RIF policies are implemented.
- Resolution 2-03, “to appoint a task force to study congregational size, generations, and life-stage ministries,” was defeated 527-585. In response to a delegate’s question, Rev. Keith E. Kohlmeier, president of the LCMS Kansas District and chairman of the floor committee, said the estimated cost for the study was $35,000 over a two-year period. Delegates adopted several amendments to the proposal before defeating it.
- Resolution 2-04, “to encourage daily devotions for individuals and families,” was adopted as amended 1,071-21. The resolution commends Concordia Publishing House for “its process for theological review and development and relevant and accessible resources for households of faith,” and it encourages individuals and families of LCMS congregations to engage in daily devotions and study of God’s Word. One delegate commented that of all the resolutions being presented at the convention, this one was his “favorite.” He said he “wholeheartedly supports the resolution.”
The floor committee is expected to bring additional resolutions to the convention on Saturday, July 17.
Posted July 15, 2010
