To Move to Four-Year Convention Cycle

WHEREAS, The social upheaval and financial uncertainty of the past two years have presented significant challenges for the congregations and workers of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), as well as the districts and the Synod; and

WHEREAS, In the face of these financial pressures, a greater burden has been placed on our workers as more have moved to multi-point service positions or have had to seek secular employment, becoming bi-vocational, often negatively impacting their families, as well as their service to congregations and places of service in the church; and

WHEREAS, Congregations have in increasing numbers been forced to form multi-point parishes, and some ultimately experience closure; and

WHEREAS, These challenges have led congregations and districts to an even greater awareness of the need to practice good stewardship of the gifts and offerings received from the sacrificial contributions of their members; and

WHEREAS, The congregations, districts, and the Synod have demonstrated their sensitivity to the challenges and problems faced, as well as their ability to respond in a timely, scriptural, and thoughtful manner; and

WHEREAS, The Synod could realize significant savings of time and money by moving to a four-year convention cycle; and

WHEREAS, A move from a three-year cycle to a four-year cycle would allow for the gifts and offerings of the people of the Synod to increasingly support the fundamental mission and ministry of congregations, districts, and the Synod; therefore be it

Resolved, That the LCMS adopt a four-year cycle, amending Constitution Article VIII A 1 as follows:

PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING Article VIII Synodical Meetings

A. Time and Legality of Meetings meeting. 2. …

and be it further,

Resolved, That the four-year cycle would be as follows:

• year one: circuit forums for the establishment of relationships, building of collegiality, the encouragement of the members of the circuit, especially the lay members; and discussion of theology/practice and collaborative opportunities for mission and ministry within the circuit, especially in light of national convention action(s);

• year two: district conventions;

• year three: circuit forums for the establishment of relationships, building of collegiality, the encouragement of the members of the circuit, especially the lay members, and discussion of theology/practice and collaborative opportunities for mission and ministry within the circuit, especially in light of district convention action(s), election of national convention delegates would also take place;

• year four: national convention;

and be it further,

Resolved, That this become effective upon completion of the 2023 convention and subsequent congregational approval of the constitutional amendment, and shall affect subsequent Synod and district conventions; and be it further

Resolved, That bylaw provisions shall be determined for adoption by the 2023 convention for the implementation of election cycles, terms of office, staggering of terms, and all necessary issues which may arise prior to the 2027 convention; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Commission on Handbook be charged with the responsibility to update and amend all additional bylaws to bring them into conformity with this four-year cycle.