wfn.org | [LCMSNews] Delegates OK $100 million effort

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	July 12, 2004  LCMSNews -- 04-SC16-PR1

	Convention OKs $100 million
	Ablaze! fund-raising effort

	ST. LOUIS -- Despite concerns expressed by some delegates, the
62nd Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod voted to
support a major effort to raise $100 million over the next six years as
part of Ablaze!, LCMS World Missions 13-year initiative to share the
Gospel with 100 million people worldwide.

	Delegates voted 653 to 533 to endorse the funding appeal, which
seeks to raise $100 million beyond the regular LCMS World Mission
budget. Some 30 to 40 percent of the funds raised would be used in North
America, with the remainder for international mission work. The funds
would support activities such as church planting and theological
education.

	Some speakers to the resolution shared concerns about whether it
would be wise to launch a major fund-raising campaign in light of the
church bodys financial woes.

	Everybody thinks if we raise money, were doing mission, said
one speaker. How much does it cost to tell somebody about Jesus?

	Other delegates spoke in favor of the resolution. Christ gave
His life, said one. How can we put a price on this hope? How can we
keep this hope to ourselves?

	The convention also adopted national goals for Ablaze! that
pertain to North America: to share the Gospel with 50 million unreached
and/or uncommitted people and to start 2,000 congregations by 2017, the
500th anniversary of the Reformation. That resolution encourages every
member of LCMS congregations to share the Good News of Jesus when the
Holy Spirit provides opportunity, and asks all Synod congregations and
entities to work with the national mission office to accomplish the
goals.

	In related action, delegates voted to promote a mission
outpost attitude among Synod congregations, schools and ministries.
That resolution encourages:

	* laity to learn languages in order to witness and serve
particular groups, train leaders and  undertake  the ministry of
spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ;
	* pastors, teachers and other church workers to accept
responsibility for encouraging and equipping the laity involved within
their congregations ministries and schools to be missionaries sent out
by that mission outpost;

	* districts to assist congregations, ministries and schools
with resources to expand their vision for mission and ministry that
fulfills Acts 1:8; and

	* LCMS World Mission to develop resources for congregations,
ministries, schools and districts to encourage and equip the laity in
their mission outposts.

	Another resolution adopted by delegates promotes ethnic and
urban ministry by asking congregations to seize opportunities for
outreach and to work with other LCMS congregations to share the Gospel.

	It also asks districts, circuits and neighboring congregations
to provide for spiritual, technical and financial support of
inner-city churches and schools, and asks districts, circuits and
mission partnerships to seek strategies for reaching people of other
cultures and generations. The resolution asks national and district
staff and boards to prepare resources and share strategies that will
guide and assist congregations, circuits and mission partnerships in
this work.

	Delegates also voted to endorse and respond enthusiastically
to President Gerald Kieschnicks One Mission, One Message, One People
emphasis encouraging a stronger zeal for mission outreach, evangelical
confession and efforts to achieve peace and concord in the Synod. The
resolution encourages all LCMS members to do the same.

	********************

	If you have questions or comments about this LCMSNews release,
contact Joe Isenhower Jr. at joe.isenhower@lcms.org or Paula Schlueter
Ross at paula.ross@lcms.org.

	********************

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