To Encourage Meeting and Fellowship across Circuits and Districts

WHEREAS, It was deemed expedient for the sake of good order to divide The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod into districts and circuits, but these divisions do not reflect a division of the fellowship we have together; and

WHEREAS, These divisions sometimes separate churches and pastors which are close to one another and have good reason to communicate and work with one another; and

WHEREAS, Psalm 133:1 says, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity,” Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another,” Paul says in Romans 14:19, “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual up building,” and the apostles and leaders of the Early Church regularly met together to settle disputes and strengthen one another as shown in Acts and the epistles; and

WHEREAS, The Church suffers a loss when congregations and pastors do not interact with one another because of circuit and district divisions, particularly when they do not support and encourage one another in their mutual work for the kingdom of God;

therefore be it

Resolved, That the districts of the Synod be encouraged to meet with one or more neighboring districts through a joint pastors conference at least once per triennium; and be it further

Resolved, That the pastors of circuits be encouraged to meet with the pastors of one or more neighboring circuits within or outside of their own district at least once a year.