Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026Committee 4Life Together
To Recommend Review of Worship Practices
- Committee
- 4. Life Together
- Submitted by
- Faith Hot Springs Village, ARcongregation
- Workbook page
- 317
WHEREAS, The Synod continues to decline in numbers with congregations closing or declining in attendance in many congregations, resulting in fewer guests and opportunities for outreach/evangelism; and
WHEREAS, Many once growing and viable congregations are now struggling from lack of willing and active members to carry out ministry goals in every area of parish life; and
WHEREAS, There are many opportunities to adapt worship services without compromising sound doctrine while being more visitor friendly and inclusive of those in changing/multicultural neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, The “dyed in the wool” Lutherans who have attended from infant Baptism to later decades may be reluctant to change decades old habits to allow for our worship services to be modified to accommodate new ideas and procedures; and
WHEREAS, The Great Commission commands us to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19) and Paul says, “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some” (1 Cor. 9:22); therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod conduct a study to determine if current worship practices are serving ourselves and not considering the needs of the un church ed; and be it further
Resolved, That congregations make it a priority to determine the worship style that the people in their neighborhoods would like to hear and see in church services, without compromising doctrine, and implement some of those changes to attract and minister to those who join them for church services; and be it further
Resolved, That in the preparation of the weekly sermon, the pastor present three to four easily understood key points for listeners to live by during the week in hopes the energized members, inactive members, and visitors will return to receive Word and Sacrament ministry; and be it finally
Resolved, That congregation members, young and old, support the pastor and ministry in the congregation by inviting their neighbors and friends, the un church ed and delinquent.