2003 Synod Assembly

Resolution 2003-03 - A Renewed Vision for Mission Outreach in the Southeastern Minnesota Synod

Referred

(Referred to Global Missions Committee)

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 in 2000 to 571 total;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the congregations of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod actively seek out and support global mission work of the ELCA through local connections and synodical or churchwide partnerships, and set a goal in the synod to send and support 5 full time missionaries in the next 10 years (by 2013).

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