RESOLUTION 5-18
Report R1.1 (CW pp. 6–12)
PREAMBLE
Reflecting our commitment to the proclamation of the gospel, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) in convention has adopted resolutions in support of missions for decades. In 1986, for example, Resolution 3-02 was adopted, resulting in the 1991 publication of “A Theological Statement of Mission” by the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR). As the context both domestically and internationally has changed since the end of the 20th 46 century, it is helpful to express the timeless truths of God’s desire to save all people in contextual and contemporary language for the situations the church encounters in the present age.
Most recently, Resolution 1-03A was adopted in 2013, calling for the development of a “Theological Statement of Mission for the 21st Century” by the end of 2014 that would form the basis for Synodwide study of the subject.
In fulfillment of this resolution, “A Theological Statement for Mission in the 21st Century” was developed, reviewed by the CTCR, adopted by the Board for International Mission (BIM) and the Board for National Mission (BNM), and published in 2014.
WHEREAS, Numerous resolutions dealing with the church’s mission have been adopted by the LCMS in convention (1979 Res. 1-21; 1989 Res. 1-01; 1989 Res. 3-01; 1992 Res. 1-01; 2004 Res. 1-01A; 2010 Res. 1-02; 2013 Res. 1-03A); and
WHEREAS, It is our Lord’s desire to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10), and the Lord is not willing for any to perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9; John 6:37); and
WHEREAS, “The Father wants all people to hear this proclamation” (SD XI); and
WHEREAS, “We should take pains, with the greatest earnestness and our utmost ability, to attend to those matters that promote (a) the extension of God’s name and glory; [and] (b) the spread of His Word” (BC Preface); and
WHEREAS, In 2013, the LCMS in convention adopted Resolution 1-03A “To Complete and Engage in a Synodwide Study of the ‘Theological Statement of Mission for the 21st Century;” and
WHEREAS, “A Theological Statement for Mission in the 21st Century” was developed, reviewed by the CTCR, adopted by the boards for international and national mission, and published in 2014; therefore be it
Resolved, That “A Theological Statement for Mission in the 21st Century” be commended to every district, circuit, congregation, and school for in-depth study, discussion, and use in conferences, conventions, classrooms, and other appropriate settings; and be it further
Resolved, That all members of Synod be encouraged to use this opportunity to develop a clearer understanding of their involvement in God’s mission and be moved to participate in it with greater joy, fervor, and understanding.