To Study Synod Relationships with Independent Lutheran Congregations in Foreign Mission Areas

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) has a long history of working relationships (provision of church workers and/or funding) with independent Lutheran congregations located in its foreign mission areas; and

WHEREAS, Some of these congregations have expressed interest in becoming members of the Synod with the intention of strengthening their confession, mission, and ministry while enjoying the privileges of membership in the Synod (ability to call rostered LCMS members, accessing the services of synodwide corporate entities, etc.); therefore be it

Resolved, That the Board for International Mission (BIM), in collaboration and consultation with the Council of Presidents, study the Synod’s relationship with independent Lutheran congregations in foreign mission areas; and be it further

Resolved, That the BIM, as a part of its study, provide recommendations to the 2026 Synod convention regarding the possibility and advisability of developing a mechanism to receive independent Lutheran congregations in foreign mission areas into membership in the Synod