LCMS 2004 CONVENTION SUMMARY REPORT/PRAYERS

By Rev. Ray Schkade, Advisory Delegate

  As an Advisory Delegate to the LCMS 2004 Convention in St. Louis, I felt joy in my heart and renewed hope for our beloved Synod when the Convention ended.  I invite you to join me in thanking God for the following Convention decisions and in praying that the Holy Spirit will empower each one of us individually and our Synod collectively in DOING the will of God as faithful followers of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

+ The reelection of Jerry Kieschnick as President of the Synod. Join me in praying that God will use President Kieschnick to continue moving the church forward in a Gospel-centered ministry that is mission- focused and future-oriented.

+ The election of a supportive team of Vice-Presidents.  Join me in praying that our Synod will reflect the unity of the Spirit that is ours in Christ.

+ The election of many mission-focused and future-oriented people to the various boards of the Synod. Join me in praying for blessings and joy in service for all those elected.

+ The adoption of ABLAZE! Join me in praying that the entire Synod respond to this mission initiative supportively and enthusiastically so that 100 million people can be reached with the saving news of Jesus.

+ The upholding and affirming of our Synod's organizational structure.  Join me in praying that our synodical structure will be efficient in bringing mission synergy from its various parts, united in serving our Lord Jesus.

+ The adoption of an improved method of dispute resolution.  Join me in praying that God will help us resolve disputes that arise in Synod by following biblical guidelines for resolving differences, as we address concerns in Christian love and mutual respect

+ The adoption of a new worship book and the declaration that  freedom in worship style is proper practice.  Join me in praying that LCMS congregations, in their effort to reach the unchurched and the unconverted in their communities,  offer a variety of worship styles--from classic liturgical to sound contemporary--that will attract an increased number of unchurched worshippers, while at the same time meeting the worship needs of their members.  

+ The adoption of many other positive resolutions.  Join me in praying that our Synod can move beyond past conflicts to heightened service to one another and to the world by the power of the Holy Spirit, and that God will use our Synod mightily in word and deed as we uphold Scriptural teaching.

THIS IS MY PLEDGE TO THE ONE AND ONLY TRUE GOD, FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT, WHO IS THE LORD OF THE LCMS.  I, RAY SCHKADE, WILL PASSIONIATELY AND SACRIFICIALLY SERVE MY GOD AND MY BELOVED SYNOD IN A COMMITMENT TO ABLAZE!:  

+  ONE MISSION…TO SEEK LOST PEOPLE FOR CHRIST!

+  ONE MESSAGE…THAT JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY SAVIOR OF THE WORLD! 

  +  ONE PEOPLE…UNITED BY GOD’S LOVE IN JESUS CHRIST!