To Create a Restructuring Task Force to Consider Transfer of Synod Congregations, Ministries, and Assets

WHEREAS, The baptized and communicant membership of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is declining; and

WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic and cultural trends have and are accelerating this decline; and

WHEREAS, Proactive planning is good stewardship; and

WHEREAS, Ecclesiastical structure is not mandated by Scripture and may be decided by congregations for the good of mission and ministry; therefore be it

Resolved, That the 2022 Atlantic District in convention memorialize the 2023 Synod convention to create a restructuring task force to report results and make recommendations to the 2026 Synod convention; and be it further

Resolved, That this task force be constituted by the Council of Presidents and include one lay person, one commissioned minister, and one ordained minister from each region of the Synod; and be it further

Resolved, That the following question be addressed: What are the short term (10 years) and long term (20–30 years) projections for Synod in the areas of:

• baptized membership;

• average in person weekly attendance;

• average digital weekly engagements;

• ordained workers;

• roster ed workers;

• Lutheran school enrollment;

• funding for national Synod and districts; and

• the viability and adaptability of recognized service organization (RSO) partners and Synod entities (Concordia Plan Services, Concordia Publishing House) to transfer; and be it further

Resolved, That protocols be researched for orderly implementation in the event of a shut-down of Synod so that mission may continue with vigor. Special emphasis should be given to address transfer of congregations and assets that honors the local intention, and the study of the following questions:

• What is the process for Synod to consider this plan for adoption properly?

• What isarealistictimelineto enact the transition, if adopted?

• What are methods to help congregations, schools, ministries, RSOs, entities of Synod to celebrate restructuring as a healthy part of the life cycle that perpetuates ministry?

and be it finally

Resolved, That this matter be undertaken only with prayer ful reliance on the Holy Spirit and in a spirit of humility to God’s goodness to work in and through Synod, even if that means a restructuring for the sake of mission and ministry.