RESOLUTION 18-01
Report R13 (CW, pp. 74–76); President’s Report, Part 2 (TB, pp. 21–31)
WHEREAS, For over 50 years the ministries of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), through the Concordia Plans, have provided care for the enrolled workers and retirees of LCMS ministries and their families, resulting in great blessings to the recipients of such care; and
WHEREAS, Through the aggregation of financial resources, the LCMS is enabled to carry out its intention to “10. Aid in providing for the welfare of pastors, teachers, and other church workers, and their families, in the event of illness, disability, retirement, special need, or death” (Constitution Article III, Tenth Objective); and
WHEREAS, Through Concordia Plan Services (CPS) and the Concordia Plans, the ministries of the LCMS collaboratively support the physical and financial wellbeing of each participating worker serving congregations and ministries of all sizes, locations, and settings; and
WHEREAS, CPS and the Concordia Plans continue to adapt and revise services in response to the changing legal, regulatory, and economic environment and to reflect best practices in employee benefits; and
WHEREAS, CPS and the Concordia Plans continue to identify and address future opportunities to enhance the physical and financial wellbeing of pastors, teachers, and other church workers and their families; and
WHEREAS, Through CPS and the Concordia Plans, the ministries of the LCMS are able to participate in benefit plans that are uniquely aligned with the shared beliefs and practices of the Synod; and
WHEREAS, CPS and the Concordia Plans continue to maintain high quality programs and services that are appropriate to provide to those who have answered the call to serve the Lord and His Church (Rom. 4:4; Gal. 6:6; 1 Tim. 5:17–18); therefore be it
Resolved, That the LCMS continue to pray for and support the efforts of CPS and the Concordia Plans; and be it further
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention give thanks and praise to God our loving Father for the blessings He has provided to His workers through CPS and the Concordia Plans, and for the community of LCMS ministries that “walk together” in caring for workers and their families, so that the Word of God might continue to be freely proclaimed and heard; and be it finally
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention give thanks to James Sanft, President and CEO of CPS, for his exemplary dedication, leadership, and vision for the care of God’s professional church workers now and in the future, by standing and singing the Common Doxology.