To Condemn Delivery of Children’s Sermons in Divine Service by Laity

WHEREAS, Children’s sermons in the Divine Service are often delivered by laity; and

WHEREAS, Our Confessions state that no one should publicly teach, preach, or administer the Sacraments without a proper [public] call (AC XIV); and

WHEREAS, The delivery of children’s sermons in the Divine Service has the character of public teaching and preaching and includes as its audience not only the children to whom the sermon is directly addressed, but also the adults present; therefore be it

Resolved, That the North Dakota District in convention condemn the delivery of children’s sermons in the Divine Service by laity;

and be it further

Resolved, That the Praesidium of the district rebuke congregations that make use of laity to deliver children’s sermons in their Divine Service; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod in convention condemn the delivery of children’s sermons in the Divine Service by laity.