To More Narrowly Focus the Synod’s Mission Priorities

WHEREAS, The Handbook states that district conventions shall forward to the national convention a list of two or three triennial mission and ministry emphases (Bylaw 4.2.1 [d]); and

WHEREAS, The Board for National Mission (BNM) and the Board for International Mission (BIM) asked districts to provide feedback on the Synod’s mission priorities (2023 Res. 4-03); and

WHEREAS, The Synod’s current seven mission priorities are to:

• plant, sustain, and revitalize Lutheran congregations;

• support and expand theological education;

• perform human care in close proximity to Word and Sacrament ministries;

• collaborate with the Synod’s members and partners to enhance mission effectiveness;

• promote and nurture the spiritual, emotional, financial, and physical well-being of pastors and professional church workers;

• enhance early childhood education, elementary and secondary education, and youth ministry; and

• strengthen and support the Lutheran family in living out God’s design; and

WHEREAS, Ohio District leaders have discussed the Synod’s current seven mission priorities with BNM and BIM representatives; and

WHEREAS, District President Kevin Wilson has received feedback on the Synod’s seven mission priorities from both circuit meetings and congregational visitations; and

WHEREAS, The consensus of these meetings is that the Synod’s current mission priorities, while important, are so broad that almost anything done by a district fits the mission priorities; therefore be it

Resolved,That Synod more narrowly focus its mission emphasis;

and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod include in its mission priorities for the next triennium the following:

• strengthen congregations and schools of the Synod by building on their biblical and confessional foundation;

• equip laity and church workers to more intentionally and joyfully live out their vocations; and

• increase Gospel outreach throughout the Synod, especially through new congregations, schools, and recognized service organizations;