2003 Synod Assembly

Resolution 2003-02 - A Renewed Vision for Mission Outreach in the ELCA

Failed

WHEREAS, the primary task given to the church by Jesus is to "make disciples of all nations" (Matt. 28:19); and,

WHEREAS, the ELCA Division for Global Mission (DGM) policies and vision statements include evangelizing and nurturing the birth and growth of new Christian communities, as well as accompanying already established mission outposts; and,

WHEREAS, the number of missionaries actually supported by the ELCA has declined by over 50% from 471 in 1989 to 217 in 2000, despite a churchwide goal in 1989 to increase the number of missionaries by an additional 100 by 2000 to 571 total;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Southeastern Minnesota Synod encourages the ELCA Division for Global Mission to review its policies and vision of searching for new areas and peoples for outreach and new church growth; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Southeastern Minnesota Synod encourages the ELCA Division for Global Mission increase the number of personnel supported by the ELCA actively engaged in evangelism and the growth of new new Christian communities globally by at least 100 personnel in the next 10 years (by 2013); and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly direct the Southeastern Minnesota Synod Council to forward this resolution to the Church Council's Executive Committee for proper referral and disposition under the bylaws and continuing resolutions of this church.

Submitted by the Blue Earth River Conference Assembly, Janet Peterson, Dean