To Provide Resources for Discerning Validity of Requests to Support International Mission Work

WHEREAS, The Synod’s church workers, congregations, congregation members, districts, universities and seminaries, auxiliaries, recognized service organizations (RSOs), and synodwide corporate entities are regularly approached by organizations or individuals requesting consideration for support—in the form of financial contributions, materials, or manpower, volunteer or otherwise—for various international mission initiatives, objectives, and actions; and

WHEREAS, Certain requests for such support have little or no discernable connection or coordination with the Synod’s confessional and scriptural standards, with Synod mission objectives and priorities, or with boards and staff authorized by the Synod to carry out the same or similar international mission initiatives, objectives, and actions; and

WHEREAS, Those receiving requests for such support sincerely desire to expand the church’s mission and ministry of the Gospel in a manner that (1) exhibits faithful stewardship of God’s graciously provided resources for such worthy endeavors; (2) reflects a continuing determination to walk together as a Synod in unity of confession, purpose, and action; and (3) demonstrates such unity in an intentional and praiseworthy manner; and

WHEREAS, Where proper guidance is not available to those acting on such requests, it may cause confusion in our common work and life together, and protocols established with partner churches may be breached, resulting in unintended offense against partner churches (Bylaw 3.8.3) regarding mutually acknowledged rights and work in fellowship with the Synod; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod direct the Office of International Mission (OIM) to prepare practical resources to assist church workers, congregations, congregation members, districts, universities and seminaries, auxiliaries, RSOs, and synodwide corporate entities who are approached by organizations or individuals requesting consideration for support (i.e., in the distribution of literature or other media, provision of opportunities for presentations to individuals or groups, financial contributions, materials or manpower, volunteer or otherwise) of international mission initiatives, objectives, or actions; and be it further

Resolved, That in the preparation of these resources, OIM develop and disseminate tools such as guidelines, frequently asked questions, survey questions, or other assessments; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod direct districts and encourage church workers, congregations, universities and seminaries, auxiliaries, RSOs, and synodwide corporate entities to make full use of such resources