Let the Games Begin

2013 Conventon WorkbookPardon my less-than-pious title. As Pastor Henrickson pointed out, the Convention Workbook for the upcoming July LCMS Regular Convention is now available online here (and will eventually be available in paper form from CPH). For you delegates out there, time to study up and get ready for that swollen inbox/mailbox. If you’re an outsider and happen across a copy of this thing, you’ll be totally discombobulated. I’ll let a few antipodean overtures illustrate my point. Though we all claim to share the same confession, with such divergent goals, we can’t all share the same theology, can we?

Overture 3-31 [p. 157]
To Affirm Work of Transforming Churches Network

Overture 3-32 [p. 157]
To Revoke RSO Status of Transforming Churches Network

Overture 3-37  [p. 160]
To Encourage Harmony in Worship

“Resolved, That the Minnesota North District in convention hereby solemnly encourage public worship services exclusively according to the rites and services of the Synod’s three hymnbooks/agenda.”

Overture 3-41  [p. 161]
To Encourage More Diversity in Worship Forms and Hymnals

“Resolved, That the pastors, church musicians, and congregations of the Synod encourage diversity in worship forms and hymnals which can assist in reaching lost people by developing an appreciation of a variety of responsible practices and customs which are in harmony with our common profession of faith.”

Overture 4-32  [p. 178]
To Rescind 1989 Res. 3-05B in Light of Augsburg Confession Art. XIV

Overture 4-36 [p. 180]
To Affirm 1989 Res. 3-05B and Ministry of Licensed Deacons

Overture 4-49  [p. 185]
To Recognize It Contrary to Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions to Join in Public Prayer with Those Who Deny Jesus Christ as the Only Way to the True God

“Resolved, That no resolution, guideline, or program, whether it be resolved, accepted, or promoted by the LCMS or any of its districts, is understood by the 2013 LCMS convention to command, allow, or encourage a member of the LCMS or delegate thereof to be a representative in a worship service, prayer service, or vigil with those with whom the LCMS is not in altar and pulpit fellowship; and be it further
“Resolved, That no resolution, guideline, or program, whether it be resolved, accepted, or promoted by the LCMS or any of its districts, is understood by the 2013 LCMS convention to command, allow, or encourage a member of the LCMS or delegate thereof to be a representative in any public prayer situation with those who deny Jesus Christ as the only Way to the true God.”

Overture 4-54  [p. 188]
To Affirm Commitment to Witness in Public Square

“Resolved, That the LCMS reaffirm its commitment to bold public witness of the Gospel; and be it further
“Resolved, That the LCMS encourage all members who wrongfully claim offense at such public witness to study the CTCR’s opinions and to repent of their actions that could lead to the damnation of people.”

Overture 5-29  [p. 227]
To Discontinue Specific Ministry Pastor Program

Overture 5-31  [p. 227]
To Commend and Enhance Specific Ministry Pastor Program

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.