To Encourage Young People to Enter Church Worker Vocations

WHEREAS, Our Lord states that, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few,” and commands his Church to “pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Matt. 9:37–38); and

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has a long, rich history of educating men and women towards church work vocations that continues to this day; and

WHEREAS, There is an apparent dearth of young people seeking to enter church work vocations, especially Lutheran school teachers and pastors; and

WHEREAS, Most church workers attribute their vocational decisions to mentors and other church work leaders throughout their lives; therefore be it

Resolved, That each and every church worker in the Synod be encouraged to set a goal of encouraging at least one individual per year towards professional church worker training; and be it further

Resolved, That every congregation in the Synod seek to support, both in encouragement and finances, the sending of young people to such institutions to train these workers; and be it further

Resolved, That every congregation facilitate the use of Set Apart to Serve and celebrate church worker Sundays throughout the year by highlighting various vocations; and be it further

Resolved, That every educational institution of the Synod urge and encourage its teachers to complete the Synod’s colloquy program and offer financial support; and be it finally

Resolved, That every church worker be encouraged to conduct oneself in word and deed in such a way that actively (and passively) encourages young people to seek church work vocations.