To Maintain Proper Balance in Foreign Missions between Congregations’ Right of Self- Governance, the Role of Districts, and Our Commitment to Walk Together
RESOLUTION 2-06
Reports R56–57 (CW, pp. 133–137, 147–148); Overtures 2-01–12, 2-14 (CW, pp. 315–324); President’s Report, Part 2 (TB, p. 21–31)
WHEREAS, God’s Word speaks to the responsibility of all Christians to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18–20) and is replete with examples of individuals and congregations directly caring for the needs of missionaries and foreign mission fields (Rom. 15:25–29; 1 Cor. 16:1–14; 2 Cor. 8:1–9:15; Phil. 2:19–30; 4:10–20; etc.); and the Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM) rendered opinions in 14-2724 and 15-2771 that affirmed and recognized the right of congregations to participate in mission work around the world; and
WHEREAS, as a condition of membership in the Synod, congregations and rostered church workers have voluntarily agreed not to participate in “heterodox tract and missionary activities” (Constitution Article VI 2 c), and
WHEREAS, Article VII of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Constitution states, “In its relation to its members, the Synod is not an ecclesiastical government exercising legislative or coercive powers, and with respect to the individual congregation’s right of self-government it is but an advisory body”; and
WHEREAS, Article XIV of the Constitution states that the Synod in convention may adopt bylaws that are consistent with and do not contradict the Constitution of the Synod, which controls and supersedes such bylaws and all other rules and regulations of the Synod; and
WHEREAS, A purpose for forming the Synod is for congregations to join together in ministry (Bylaw 1.1.1):
1.1.1 Committed to a common confession and mission, congregations of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod join with one another in the Synod to support one another and to work together in carrying out their commonly adopted objectives. The Synod is organized to work in support of and on behalf of congregations to assist them in carrying out their ministries as they seek to serve our Lord Jesus Christ, the members of His body, and the world which stands in need of the Word and the impact of His redeeming love. (a) The Synod functions in support of its member congregations by providing 1 assistance as congregations conduct their ministries locally, as well as their ministries at large. (b) The Synod on behalf of its member congregations administers those ministries that can be accomplished more effectively in association with other member congregations through the Synod. In this way member congregations utilize the Synod to assist them in carrying out their functions of worship, witness, teaching and nurture, service, and support.
and
WHEREAS, The Board of International Mission (BIM) and the President of Synod have encouraged congre11 gations and districts to be engaged both locally and internationally; and
WHEREAS, Congregations, occasionally districts, and other entities have with the best intentions engaged in unilateral work overseas which has caused offense, confusion, and consternation among partner churches (e.g., supporting Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) partners, charismatic, or other non-Lutheran churches and groups), exacerbated or created division on the field, necessitated hours of remediation by LCMS mission personnel, left projects costing hundreds of thousands of dollars incomplete—all with little or no communication with LCMS missionaries responsible for various regions and partner church relationships; and
WHEREAS, Districts are the extension of Synod, and the Synod may limit its own activity for the sake of good order; and
WHEREAS, 2010 Res. 8-32B encourages the Synod to study Article VII of the Constitution, including study of “Congregations and Synod, Background Material on the Advisory Nature of the LCMS” along with opinions of the Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM) related to this topic; and
WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 09-2573 states in part that “there is a common understanding that a congregation exercises its self-government…in carrying out…its own ministry programs and financial affairs…”; and
WHEREAS, Bylaw 3.8.3 states in part, “Upon the recommendation of the Office of International Mission, the board shall serve as the only sending agency through which workers and funds are sent to the foreign mission areas of the Synod, including the calling, appointing, assigning, withdrawing, and releasing of missionaries (ministers of religion—ordained and ministers of religion—commissioned) and other workers for the ministries in foreign areas”; and
WHEREAS, CCM Opinion 14-2724 states in part, “Congregations may not send funds to mission societies and non-Synod entities for work in foreign areas without taking into consideration policies developed and determined for this purpose by the Board of International Mission as the only sending agency”; and
WHEREAS, The world is now a place that has become much smaller due to things like airplane travel, the internet, cell phone communication, and social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, etc.; and
WHEREAS, It is possible to find bylaw language which is more applicable to the circumstances today, while ensuring harmony and Synod unity in international work; and
WHEREAS, It is desirable to maintain the right of local congregations to engage in mission activity while at the same time working to ensure that the international mission work of the Synod goes on in good order and without conflict; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod in convention request that the President of the Synod form a “Bylaw 3.8.3 Task Force” to study and review the proper balance in foreign missions between congregations’ right of self-governance and commitment to walk together with the Board for International Mission (BIM) and Office of International Mission (OIM) to ensure that the international mission work of the Synod goes on in good order and without conflict, and that a report be presented at the next regular Synod convention; and be it further
Resolved, That this “Bylaw 3.8.3 Task Force” may include, but is not limited to, representation from pastors and laity from congregations, district presidents, BIM members, OIM staff, and the Commission 1 on Handbook; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention recognize and accept the current practice and understanding of Bylaw 3.8.3 as clarified by CCM Opinions 14-2724 and 15-2771 as correct interpretations of Bylaw 3.8.3 during the time that the task force reviews Bylaws 1.1.1 and 3.8.3; and be it further
Resolved, That for the sake of “walking together,” congregations be encouraged to communicate and coordinate with the OIM, and districts of the Synod with the President of the Synod as the chief ecumenical officer (Bylaw 3.3.1.1.2) as they contemplate engaging in mission activities in any part of the world, including but not limited to those areas officially identified and listed as the Synod’s “foreign mission area[s]” according to Bylaw 3.1.4.3; and be it further
Resolved, That thanks be given for the great mission zeal of congregations and districts, both in their support of the Synod’s official mission agencies but also where entrepreneurial activities have been blessed by the Lord and have brought great blessing to the Synod; and be it finally
Resolved, That the BIM, the OIM, congregations, and districts seek to mutually communicate, coordinate, and support each other’s mission efforts as we walk together as a Synod.