To Thank God for Increase in Number of LCMS Career Missionaries and Invite Further Increase and Support for Synod’s Mission Work
RESOLUTION 2-02
Reports R1, R1.2 (CW, pp. 4, 15)
WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), under the grace of God, in 2013 Res. 1–11 resolved “to double the number of career missionaries engaged in church planting, mercy work, and theological education” and has over the past triennium increased from 68 career missionaries in 2013 to a current total of 112; and
WHEREAS, This blessing from God has resulted in the planting of over 40 new Lutheran congregations globally, and has helped to revitalize many more; and
WHEREAS, This blessing from God has enabled the LCMS to re-engage fields in foreign mission areas where the LCMS formerly had fruitful activity but were on the verge of collapse due to natural attrition and the conclusion of service by former missionaries who were not replaced; and
WHEREAS, This blessing from God has enabled the LCMS to provide theological educators requested by Lutheran partner church and other church bodies desirous of learning about the Lutheran confession 1 of the faith, thus training hundreds of pastors, evangelists, and deaconesses globally; and
WHEREAS, This blessing from God has enabled an increase in mercy work and projects, alleviating human suffering and pain in proximity to Word and Sacrament ministry; and
WHEREAS, This blessing from God has enabled the LCMS to accompany and assist partner churches to work among refugees from closed countries, which has been nothing short of miraculous; and
WHEREAS, This blessing from God has resulted in the strengthening of spiritual and emotional care of missionaries by alleviating isolation and loneliness; and
WHEREAS, This blessing from God has resulted in a decline of the number of Globally Engaged Opportunity (GEO) missionaries who have opportunity to provide witness to the salvation that God has given to us through Jesus Christ during shorter terms of service, typically 24 months; and
WHEREAS, This blessing from God clearly has been made evident through the joyful, enthusiastic, and outstanding support of the individuals, congregations, and other entities which support LCMS missionaries through the Together in Mission (TIM) program; and
WHEREAS, Through TIM and other channels, the Network Supported Missionary (NSM) model has continued to increase mission awareness and facilitate the establishment of collaborative missionary support networks throughout the LCMS; and
WHEREAS, Through the TIM program, the NSM model, and other means, prayer and financial support for LCMS career and GEO missionaries have increased over the past triennium; therefore be it
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention give thanks to God for this wondrous blessing by joining in singing the Common Doxology; and be it further
Resolved, That all individuals, congregations, and other entities of the LCMS continue to pray to the Lord of the harvest that He will continue to send laborers for His harvest; and be it further
Resolved, That all individuals, congregations, and other entities of the LCMS pray regularly for those who do not yet know that Jesus is the only Savior from death through the forgiveness of their sin; and be it further
Resolved, That all individuals, congregations, and other entities of the LCMS pray regularly for LCMS missionaries and their families; and be it further
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention give thanks for all individuals, congregations, and other entities supporting LCMS missionaries through the TIM program, NSM model, and/or other means of prayer and financial support; and be it further
Resolved, That all individuals, congregations, and other entities of the LCMS give prayerful consideration to supporting LCMS missionaries through the TIM program, NSM model, and/or other means of prayer and financial support; and be it further
Resolved, That as an increase in missionaries necessarily results in a proportionate increase in mission operational costs, that all individuals, congregations, and other entities of the LCMS, in addition to their regular worship service plate offerings, give prayerful consideration to supporting (1) LCMS global mission projects and (2) crucial LCMS services that ensure the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our LCMS missionaries throughout the world; and be it finally
Resolved, That the 2016 LCMS convention pray that the Lord of the harvest bless our work of witness to the Gospel and our work of mercy, that His will may be done among us, and that all may be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.