To Encourage Secular Vocational Training for Current and Potential Ordained and Commissioned Ministers

WHEREAS, The Lord has commanded that those who preach the Gospel should receive their living from the Gospel (1 Cor. 9:3–18); and

WHEREAS, It is good, right, and salutary for churches to have a pastor (Titus 1:5); and

WHEREAS, There is a decline in church membership and attendance; and

WHEREAS, Financial strain and stress can come about for ordained and commissioned church workers and their families when salary guidelines are not met; therefore be it

Resolved, That the North Dakota District encourage congregations to follow the district salary guidelines for ordained and commissioned church workers; and be it further

Resolved, That district pastors catechize their congregations regarding biblical stewardship and first-fruits giving; and be it further

Resolved, That the district encourage ordained and commissioned church workers to develop other vocational skills as a means of income for the present and future needs of their families;

and be it further

Resolved, That the district memorialize the Synod in convention and send this resolution to our seminaries and colleges to encourage current and potential ordained and commissioned church workers to develop other vocational gifts; and be it finally

Resolved, That district congregations whose ordained and commissioned church workers cannot be compensated according to district salary guidelines be admonished to show understanding, reduce expectations, and allot time for ordained and commissioned church workers to seek ways to subsidize their salaries to alleviate any financial strain and stress upon their families.