To Reaffirm “Bottom-Up Nature of Synod”

WHEREAS, The establishment of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod in 1847 under the guidance of C.F.W. Walther set aside the “top-down” polity structure found in the European church and firmly established its roots as a “bottom-up,” ministry-oriented church body; and

WHEREAS, The Synod is well established in supporting congregations and their needs by encouraging, strengthening, training, and providing through its many institutions; and

WHEREAS, We as a nation continually gravitate to a “single source” as a governing body, news source, or life solution, establishing a precedent to immediately seek the top executive for any matter of opinion or resolution for the sole purpose of personal efficiency and expediency; and

WHEREAS, There is a concern that for the same purpose of improved efficiency and expediency, the Synod is tempted to practice a more hierarchical structure; and

WHEREAS, A “top-down” polity structure robs the intimacy and identity that all ministry is local and the church loses its core family character; and

WHEREAS, Like a healthy body, the body of Christ is healthiest when all of her members fully participate; and

WHEREAS, The participation of her members brings forth ownership in the work that the Holy Spirit has set before her;

therefore be it; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod reaffirm its historic role of strengthening and supporting congregations as emphasized under Article III and Article VII of the Synod Constitution: Article III Objectives The Synod, under Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, shall— (Eph. 4:3–6; 1 Cor. 1:10), work through its official structure toward fellowship with other Christian church bodies, and provide a united defense against schism, sectarianism (Rom. 16:17), and heresy; bold witness by word and deed to the love and work of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and extend that Gospel witness into all the world; professional church workers and provide opportunity for their continuing growth; express their Christian concern, love, and compassion in meeting human needs; Christian education and nurture and to establish agencies of Christian education such as elementary and secondary schools and to support synodical colleges, universities, and seminaries; and opportunities for recognizing, promoting, expressing, conserving, and defending their confessional unity in the true faith; church practice, but also to develop an appreciation of avarietyofresponsiblepracticesandcustomswhichare in harmony with our common profession of faith; pastors,teachers,and other professional church workers of the Synod in the performance of their official duties; and other church workers in the performance of their official duties and the maintenance of their rights; 10.Aid in providing for the welfare of pastors, teachers, and other church workers,and their families in the event of illness, disability, retirement, special need, or death. Article VII Relation of the Synod to Its Members 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. Accordingly, no resolution of the Synod imposing anything upon the individual congregation is of binding force if it is not in accordance with the Word of God or if it appears to be inexpedient as far as the condition of a congregation is concerned. Synod no equity in the property of the congregation.

and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod shall reaffirm its emphasis of serving congregations and assisting them in their work for the kingdom of God including the support of raising up church workers and lay leaders, supporting the planting of new outreach congregations throughout the world, as well as the support of campus and youth ministry.