To Commend and Support Synod’s International Schools and Their Role in the Church’s Mission

Resolution 2-03

Reports R.1.2, R7 (CW, pp. 12–14, 63–64)

WHEREAS, For over 175 years, the Lord has provided The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) with countless blessings in Christian witness, mercy, and life together through Lutheran education; and

WHEREAS, The LCMS through the coordinating efforts of its dedicated educators and mission leaders has established three thriving international schools (Hong Kong International School, Concordia International School Shanghai, and Concordia International School Hanoi); and

WHEREAS, Each school is respected locally, regionally, and internationally for offering a “tier one” quality education; and

WHEREAS, Collectively, over 4,100 students from over 50 different countries worldwide are served each day by these international schools; and

WHEREAS, Each of these international schools holds the potential to provide an effective platform for furthering the mission of the LCMS in their respective countries and regions; and

WHEREAS, These international schools were established to advance the Synod’s mission as they proclaim the pure Gospel while embodying a vigorous, lively, and winsome Lutheran Christian identity; and

WHEREAS, The international schools currently have no individual or entity providing centralized, consistent advocacy or resource coordination similar to that provided by the LCMS Office of School Ministry (under the supervision of the Office of National Mission) to domestic Lutheran day schools and high schools, or the Concordia University System (CUS) to its member institutions; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention thank God for the mission and ministry of its three international schools, and that the individuals and congregations of the Synod be encouraged to lift up these schools, their communities, and the countries they serve in prayer on a regular basis; and be it further

Resolved, That the three international schools be encouraged to find ways to sustain and broaden their impact in their respective countries and regions, faithfully bearing the Synod’s confession (LCMS Constitution Article II) and supporting its objectives (LCMS Constitution Article III); and be it further

Resolved, That LCMS educators be encouraged to apply to work in the three international schools; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod’s Board for International Mission establish policies guiding the Chief Mission Officer and the Office of International Mission to

(1) foster intentional, collaborative partnerships between the three international schools, the Concordia University System, Lutheran day schools, and Lutheran high schools;
(2) provide means of centralized advocacy and coordination for the international schools in the recruitment of educators, increased visibility and awareness, and promotion of opportunities for service; and
(3) consider and support appropriate opportunities to plant new international schools, leveraging the deep experience of LCMS international schools and educators in other global contexts, countries, and regions.