Proceedings 2012 SED Convention - Southeastern District ...

PROCEEDINGS 

The 36 th Convention of the Southeastern District, LCMS 

May 31 - June 2, 2012 

 

Thursday, May 31, 2012 6:30 pm 

President Jon Diefenthaler came to the podium at 6:30 p.m. 

His remarks and introductions included welcoming Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) President, 

the Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison. Prayer for Southeastern District (SED) President Emeritus, the Rev. Roy 

Maack, hospitalized earlier in the day, was offered by the Rev. Bill Harmon. President Diefenthaler also 

paid tribute to his wife, Vivi, while introducing her. 

The Chair then called upon the Rev. Hank Hollar, Elections Committee Chair to instruct us in the use of 

voting keypads. 

The Secretary reported a registration of 128 Pastoral Voting Delegates, 137 Lay Voting Delegates, 23 

Advisory Delegates, 61 others, and that a quorum did indeed exist. 

Upon the certification of a quorum, the Chair gaveled the Convention into session at 6:52 p.m. in the Name 

of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 

The Standing Rules were put before the convention. The Parliamentarian, the Hon. Barbara Volk, of Mt. 

Pisgah Lutheran Church, Hendersonville, NC was introduced and warmly welcomed. The Standing Rules 

were adopted by the Convention. 

The agenda was adopted by voice vote. 

The chair appointed Mrs. Elizabeth Elgert, the Rev. Michael Merker, Deaconess Roberta Hillhouse, the 

Rev. Gary Rueter to review the minutes of this convention. He announced that the minutes of the 2009 

Convention had been accepted by appointees Commissioned Minister Kimberly Lavado, the Rev. Stephen 

Everette, and Mr. Kurt Reiter. 

The chair called for nominations for offices from the floor, and outlined the proper process for 

accomplishing this by anyone desiring to do so. 

Then followed a service of Thanksgiving in recognition of the ministry of President Jon Diefenthaler. 

During the worship, three honorees, received the Southeastern District’s “Servant of Christ” award. They 

were Mr. Harlan “Hal” Chase, of Bethany, Waynesboro, Virginia; Mrs. Susan Marshall, of Our Savior, 

Laurel, Maryland; and Ms. Sarah Stevenson, of Prince of Peace, Charlotte, North Carolina. Each received 

a standing ovation upon receiving the recognition. 

Also during the service, new congregations of the Southeastern District, all of North Carolina, were 

celebrated before God: Center Grove Lutheran Church, Kannapolis; Epiphany Lutheran Church, 

Greenville; Jordan Lutheran Church, Apex; and Loving Savior Lutheran Church, Greensboro. The latter 

two signed the Constitution as the convention worshippers looked on. 

Proceedings 

36 th Convention of the SED, LCMS 

May 31-June 2, 2012 

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Outgoing Circuit Counselors were recognized, and honored with a gift. 

 

Following this was a period of thanksgiving for the ministry of the Rev. Dr. Jon Diefenthaler. Using video 

technology, he was greeted by LCMS President Emeritus the Rev. Dr. Gerald Kieschnick; SED President 

Emeritus the Rev. Dr. Charles Mueller, Sr.; Southeastern District Archivist and Board of Directors member 

Judith Koucky (in person); and the Rev. Dr. John Nunes, President of Lutheran World Relief. These were 

interspersed with hymn verses. Following these, Dr. Viji George, President, Concordia, New York, vested 

Dr. Diefenthaler with Concordia’s Servant of Christ award. At the end, President Diefenthaler responded 

with words of servanthood under Christ, and honored his wife, Vivi, his Parents (now in glory), and the life 

experiences of being part of a district such as the Southeastern District, which, he assured the worshippers, 

he was not planning to leave. He and Vivi each received a standing ovation from the assembly during this 

thanksgiving. 

After prayers, benediction, recessional, and sending, it was understood, according to previous words of the 

Chair, that the meeting was adjourned until 9:00 the next morning. 

Friday, June 1, 2012 

Convention Chaplain, Rev. Bill Harmon, led morning devotions. 

Chairman Jon Diefenthaler opened the day’s proceedings and gave announcements. He called upon the 

Rev. Hank Hollar, Elections Committee, who led us in resetting the voting keypads, while bringing new 

registrants up to speed. 

The Chair called upon the Secretary for a report of registration. He reported the count of 289 voting 

delegates, 138 pastoral and 151 lay. 29 advisory delegates and 64 guests were also counted, for a total of 

382. 

The Chair called for nominations from the floor for the office of President. Hearing none, he declared the 

nominations for President to be closed. 

Mission moment: The Rev. William Beyer shared stories of people finding the blessing of God and the gifts 

of Lutheran grace in Jesus Christ in Clayton, North Carolina, both in the non-traditional setting of the roller 

rink in which the congregation was begun, and in their present ministry. He highlighted the blessings of 

reaching people in a non-traditional setting, and of being a church which is continually planting churches. 

The Rev. Art Umbach led us in Listening Prayer, 1 Samuel 3:1-10, with emphasis on considering the Lord’s 

calling, seeing as this is the morning we begin electing. 

President Diefenthaler offered the first part of his President’s Report, an earlier version of which is printed 

in the Convention Workbook. The report was unflinching in its desire to celebrate God’s Mission and 

further challenge us to gather the faithful and reach the lost “Until All Have Heard.” The Ablaze! set of 

goals are at or past prediction. One correction: The Ablaze! mission goal of new mission starts to date 

should read “70” rather than “79.” 

Mission moment: The Rev. David Ziehr, St. Stephen’s, Hickory, came forward to share the outreaching 

ministry of the congregation. He spoke of their Bridge Mission, served by the Rev. Brandon Martin. Pastor 

Martin has a “kids connect” program, whereby he also invites parents to a Bible study, which is intended to 




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e evangelistic and edifying. He told also of member James Bradshaw’s outreach opportunity to a man he 

met at a landfill, who needed to hear because his wife was so ill. “Always be ready…” said Rev. Ziehr, to 

[share your faith.] 

The Chair invited the three candidates for the office of President to give a two-minute speech. He 

introduced Rev. Dr. John Denninger, Rev. Lloyd Gaines, and Rev. Dr. David Maack. 

Convention Chaplain Rev. Bill Harmon led us in Prayer at Midday and The Election of the Southeastern 

District President. In the midst of singing, Scripture, and prayer, we voted for one to serve God and us in 

the Office of President. 

 

Elections Chair Rev. Hank Hollar led election of the SED President. 

The votes were: 

John Denninger, 148; Lloyd Gaines, 54; David Maack 75. 

Chaplain Harmon prayed for the President-elect, for his congregation, Prince of Peace, Springfield, 

Virginia, and for the District. 

The Rev. Dr. John Denninger, as President-elect, saluted Revs. Gaines and Maack. He spoke of God’s 

leading in transition, referencing Moses and Joshua. 

The Chair called for nominations from the floor for the office of Vice-President. Hearing none, he declared 

the nominations for Vice-President to be closed. 

After the Chaplain’s announcements and prayer for the meal, the convention broke for lunch, reconvening 

at 2:03 p.m. 

President Diefenthaler called upon Rev. Hank Hollar for the resetting of the voting keypads. 

Mission moment: The resetting being done, Rev. Diefenthaler introduced a video on the Renewal Process 

in the Southeastern District. Featured were Rev. Chuck Minetree and President Mark Smith of Immanuel, 

Baltimore, with SED Vice-President Bill Seaman, who is spearheading District’s Renewal Process. After 

the video, the convention heard from Rev. Minetree, who spoke animatedly of Immanuel’s foray into 

reaching the local community. 

Chaplain Bill Harmon prayed God’s blessing and wisdom upon the elections which were about to happen. 

The election of Vice-Presidents occurred by region, with the voters electing from north to south, followed by 

ranking of winners as First, Second, and Third Vice-President. Raw numbers are shown wherever 

available. 

[Secretary’s note: Normally, results of an election are recorded in minutes as raw numbers. It appears that 

a technical error may have lost two sets of the raw numbers, prior to their being reported, though retaining 

the percentages of votes cast. The Secretary notes that raw results compared to percentages appeared to 

be correct for other balloting in which both were made available. This hopefully speaks favorably to the 

credibility of the two results, below, which can only be shown as percentages. – Rev. EMR, Sec’y.] 

The results, below, are according to the order of the balloting, with winners in bold: 




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Northern Region Vice-President results: 

Keith Less 15%; David Maack 52%; Elliott Robertson 33%. 

 

Central Region Vice-President results: 

First ballot Matthew Bean 29%; William Harmon 37%; William Flammann 9%; John Meehan 25% 

Second ballot Bean 85; Harmon 120; Meehan 64 

Third ballot Bean 109; Harmon 152 

Southern Region Vice-President results: 

First ballot Donald Anthony 72; William Beyer 117; John Kassouf 72 

Second ballot Anthony 69; Beyer 122; Kassouf 79 

Third ballot Beyer 161; Kassouf 106 

Ranking for First Vice-President: 

First Ballot Beyer 64; Harmon 72; Maack 136 

Second Ballot Beyer 40; Harmon 67; Maack 167 

Ranking for Second Vice-President 

Beyer 126; Harmon 149 

The Chair made four separate calls for nominations to the Board of Directors for Secretary, Treasurer, 

Commissioned Nominations, and Lay Nominations. Each time, upon hearing none, he declared the 

nominations for that category to be closed. 

We were blessed to receive greetings from our Partners in Mission: 

Mrs. Sylvia Shives, for Chesapeake District LWML; Mrs. Janis McDaniels, for Carolinas District LWML; Mr. 

Phillip Gnadt, for Carolinas District, LLL 

The election for the offices of Secretary and of Treasurer followed, with the Rev. Hollar returning to the 

podium. The results, below, are according to the order of the balloting, with winners in bold: 

Secretary results: 

John Kassouf 176; Kent Schaaf 88 

Treasurer results: 

Mark Buckner 91; Thomas DeMik 171 

We were blessed to receive greetings from Jay DeBeir, for the Lutheran Church Extension Fund 

Chaplain Harmon returned with a prayer concerning the news that we were under tornado watch in the 

area. 

The elections of Commissioned Members and Lay Members to the Board of Directors (BOD), SED, 

followed, with the Rev. Hollar returning to the podium. The convention was to vote for two, with at least one 

being a Teacher. Because the results of the first vote yielded a DCE, the second ballot put to the 

convention comprised only Teachers. The results, below, are shown according to the order of the balloting, 

with winners in bold: 




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BOD Commissioned Members results: 

First ballot Teacher Jeffrey Burkee 20; DCE Brady Gurganious 37; DCE Charessa Koontz 97; 

Teacher William Unverfehrt 62; Teacher Dina Vendetti 50. The two receiving less than 

fifteen percent were removed. 

Second Ballot Koontz 131; Unverfehrt 77; Vendetti 58 

Third Ballot Koontz 165; Unverfehrt 102 

 

BOD Commissioned Member Teacher results: 

Burkee 16; Unverfehrt 161; Vendetti 91 

BOD Lay Members results: 

Here is how the convention dealt with the abundance of having thirteen Lay Members nominated: The 

voting keypads were only capable of handling a ballot of ten. Therefore, two ballots, an “A” ballot of six 

candidates and a “B” ballot of seven candidates, were voted in succession. Voters could cast five votes for 

each of the two ballots. The lowest vote getter was then dropped from the “A” ballot of six, and the lowest 

vote getter was dropped from the “B” ballot of seven. A second “B” ballot of six was voted next, and the 

lowest vote getter dropped. This yielded ten total candidates remaining. These were then consolidated into 

one ballot, for which votes would be cast until five people had achieved an election to the Board by 

majority. The number of votes on succeeding ballots was equal to the number of Lay Members who were 

yet needed to achieve election to the Board by majority. 

Lay Member, BOD “A” ballot voting results (field of six): 

Celia Adolphi 164; Ronald Bostick 192; Gilbert Brauch 196; C. P. Coyner 198; Russell Edmond 206; 

Elizabeth Elgert 172 

Lay Member, BOD “B” ballot voting results (field of seven): 

Kenneth Herrholz 153; Stephen Lomax 159; Arthur Marshall 174; Yvette Moy 152; Stuart Nichols 198; Paul 

Norby 163; William Teter 128 

Lay Member, BOD “B” ballot voting results (field of six): 

Kenneth Herrholz 176; Stephen Lomax 182; Arthur Marshall 207; Yvette Moy 158; Stuart Nichols 226; Paul 

Norby 188 

Consolidated balloting results (vote for five): 

Bostick 120; Brauch 131; Coyner 147; Edmond 134; Elgert 151; Herrholz 97; Lomax 79; Marshall 84; 

Nichols 143; Norby 105 

Consolidated balloting results (vote for two): 

Bostick 73; Brauch 106; Edmond 94; Herrholz 55; Lomax 45; Marshall 40; Norby 77 


Bostick 85; Brauch 115; Edmond 130; Herrholz 66; Norby 104 


Bostick 96; Brauch 137; Edmond 159; Norby 111 




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The Chair called for nominations from the floor for the District Nominating Committee. Hearing none, he 

declared the nominations for District Nominating Committee to be closed. 

The Chair called for nominations from the floor for the Committee on Synod Convention Nominations. Hearing 

none, he declared the nominations for Committee on Synod Convention Nominations to be closed. 

The Chair called for nominations from the floor for Alternate – Committee on Synod Convention Nominations. 

Hearing none, he declared the nominations for Alternate – Committee on Synod Convention Nominations to be 

closed. 

Art Umbach led us in Listening Prayer for President Harrison and the work of Synod, using Joshua 4:1-7. 

Synod President’s Report - The Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison 

President Harrison led the convention into the Scriptures, including the original languages, giving us a 

foundation for the three parts of Witness, Mercy, and Life Together, beginning with a video presentation. 

Memorable quote during Life Together: “Scratch a wound from an old church fight, and heads become cue 

balls all over again.” Mostly, however, the report looked at Synod’s present and hoped-for growth in the 

areas of Witness, Mercy, and Life Together, while digging in the Scripture to gain a godly perspective on 

each of the three portions. In the video, Harrison spoke of the great results which are possible when one 

has both rigorous orthodoxy and thoroughgoing mercy in reaching out. Toward the end of his presentation, 

he spoke of the missiological significance of outsiders seeing/experiencing a church where people care for 

one another. 

Questions and Answers, listed in the Agenda at this point, are, at the request of President Harrison, being 

saved for Saturday morning, when the Bible Study had originally been scheduled. 

Greetings from our partners in Mission 

We were blessed to receive greetings from Rev. Kyle Castens, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, along with 

Rad Finch, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. 

We were blessed to receive greetings from Ms. Gretchen King, director of the Lutheran Malaria Initiative of 

Lutheran World Relief. 

Rev. Art Umbach led us in Listening Prayer and thanksgiving for all God is doing. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8; 12- 

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Gil Brauch came forward for the Bylaws Floor Committee. 

MOTION, PASSED: 

BL-04-12-01 - To Bring Southeastern District Bylaws into Harmony with the Constitution, Bylaws, 

and Resolutions of the Synod 

Floor Committee: #04 - By-Laws 

Convention Year: 2012 

Reference Overture(s): BL-04-12-01, SED BOD 

WHEREAS, The 2010 Convention of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod made several changes to the 

Synod’s Constitution and Bylaws which were subsequently ratified by the congregations of the Synod; and 




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WHEREAS, Synod Bylaw 4.1.1.2 (a) requires that the Bylaws of the districts of the Synod not conflict with 

the Constitution and Bylaws of Synod; and 

WHEREAS, A review of the Southeastern District (SED) Bylaws by the District Board of Directors (BOD) 

disclosed several instances where the District’s Bylaws needed to be brought into harmony with the 

Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod; and 

WHEREAS, Synod Bylaws 3.9.2.2.3 and 4.1.1.2 (b) require districts of the Synod to submit all changes to 

the Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM) for examination to ascertain that they are in harmony with 

the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod; and 

WHEREAS, In response to the SED BOD submission of proposed changes in accordance with Synod 

Bylaws 3.9.2.2.3 and 4.1.1.2 (b), the CCM issued its Opinion 11-2601, November 11-13, 2011 

recommending that certain further changes be made to bring the SED Bylaws into harmony; therefore be it 

RESOLVED, That the Preamble to the Bylaws of the SED, fourth paragraph, last bulleted sub-paragraph 

be amended to read: "Congregations receive information and programming from Synod and provide a 

responsive and critical vital voice of Synodical with respect to Synod’s plans and activities."; and be it 

further 

RESOLVED, That the Preamble to the Bylaws of the SED, fifth paragraph, be amended in the first bulleted 

paragraph by replacing the word "LCMS" with the word "Synod" and replacing the last bulleted paragraph 

with two new paragraphs as follows: 

• "In joining the Synod, congregations and other members voluntarily obligate themselves to fulfill the 

requirements of membership as set forth in the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of Synod and to 

diligently and earnestly promote the purposes of the Synod by word and deed. 

• Members of the Synod, compelled by love for each other, accept the responsibility to support 

financially the work of the Synod and provide annual statistical information to enable the Synod to plan 

current and future ministry efforts based upon an accurate picture of the results of current ministries within 

its churches, communities, and world."; 

and be it further 

RESOLVED, That the Preamble to the Bylaws of the SED, sixth paragraph, be amended by replacing the 

word "adopted" with the word "reaffirmed"; and be it further 

RESOLVED, That Article II of the Bylaws of the SED be retitled "Membership and Representation" and 

reformatted as two paragraphs to read as follows: 

"1. The members of the District shall consist of those members of the Synod (congregations and 

ministers of religion-ordained, and ministers of religion-commissioned) who have been received into the 

district District at the time of joining the Synod, who have been transferred from another district District, or 

who have been assigned to the District by the Synod (Synodical Bylaw 4.1.2) in accordance with the 

Bylaws of the Synod. Termination of membership in the Synod terminates membership in the District. The 

members shall hold regular District Conventions, in the year preceding the national Convention of Synod, 

for the purposes of electing Officers and Directors of the District , and holding regular ratifying elections of 

Circuit Counselors, approving triennial mission and ministry emphases for consideration by the national 

convention, and conducting such other business as is necessary or appropriate. 

2. Each member congregation of the District is entitled to representation at District Conventions as 




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prescribed by the Bylaws of the Synod. Delegates to the District Convention shall: 

a. serve a three-year term beginning with the convention, 

b. serve as resource persons to their congregation, 

c. assist in the dissemination and implementation of resolutions of the District and Synod in their 

congregation, and 

d. serve as the electing representatives for their congregation in the election of the Synod President 

as prescribed in the Bylaws of Synod."; 


 

RESOLVED, That Article VII of the Bylaws of the SED be amended as follows: 

• In the first paragraph, by deleting the specific reference to Synod Bylaw 5.1 in the first sentence 

and deleting the reference to the " next" District convention in the second sentence. 

• In the second paragraph, by dividing it into two successive paragraphs to read as follows: 

2. Each Circuit Counselor (who shall be elected in accordance with, and have all the rights, powers, 

and duties as provided in, the Bylaws of Synod ). shall call a meeting of his Circuit 

3. Circuits shall meet at least once twice triennially. These meetings shall be held to accomplish, as 

appropriate: 

a. The election of circuit delegates to the national convention of the Synod; 

b. The selection of a Circuit Counselor; 

c. Consideration of proposed actions to district and national conventions; 

d. Implementation of the triennial process of suggesting, developing and attaining the Synod’s 

priorities and goals as described in the Bylaws of Synod." 

• By renumbering the last two paragraphs as 4 and 5. 

• By rewording the last paragraph to read as follows: 

"5. Circuits of the District mayare encouraged to meet in convocation in the year following a Synodical 

Conventionnational convention of the Synod in accordance with the Bylaws of Synod."; 


RESOLVED, That Article VIII of the Bylaws of the SED be amended by adding a new paragraph as follows: 

" 9. All Directors shall discharge the duties of their office in good faith. In the event that removal for cause 

from office of an elected Officer or member of the Board of Directors is required, the Board of Directors will 

act on such matters in the name of the District and in accordance with the procedures contained in the 

Bylaws of Synod."; 


RESOLVED, That Article IX of the Bylaws of the SED be amended to read as follows: 

"The District LeadershipOfficers and Directors of the District will be guided by the dispute resolution 

process ofprescribed in the Bylaws of the Synod in their handling of conflicts, disputes, disagreements, or 

offenses (Bylaw 1.10)."; 


RESOLVED, That Article X of the Bylaws of the SED be amended to read as follows: 

"These Bylaws may be amended at a District Convention by the majority vote of those members present at 

a regular session, provided there is written notice to congregations concerning the proposed amendment 

30 days in advance of the Convention. and provided suchThe Board of Directors will submit proposed 

amendments to the Synod’s Commission on Constitutional Matters to insure they are not inconsistent with 

the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod prior to consideration by the District Convention. The Board of 

Directors will also obtain legal guidance to ensure that the proposed amendments are not inconsistent with 




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orthe laws of the District of Columbia."; 

and be it finally 

 

RESOLVED, That the District Staff, in coordination with the Board of Directors, is authorized to make other 

minor changes in grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, and format to ensure internal consistency 

prior to formal publication of the Bylaws of the SED. 


BL-04-12-02 - To Ratify Various Operating Principles within the Southeastern District And Simplify 

Certain Wording in the Southeastern District Bylaws 

Floor Committee: #04 - By-Laws 

Convention Year: 2012 


WHEREAS, A review of the Southeastern District (SED) Bylaws by the District Board of Directors (BOD) 

disclosed several instances where the wording in the District’s Bylaws needed to be clarified and simplified; 

and 

WHEREAS, Said review disclosed that a process of replacing members of the BOD between conventions 

was not provided for; and 

WHEREAS, Said review also disclosed that the concept of regions within the District was not provided for; 

and 

WHEREAS, Said review also disclosed that the practice of conducting meetings of the BOD by electronic 

or other technological means other than expensive face-to-face meetings was not provided for; and 

WHEREAS, Synod Bylaw 3.9.2.2.3 and Bylaw 4.1.1.2 (b) require districts of the Synod to submit all 

changes to the Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM) for examination to ascertain that they are in 

harmony with the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod; and 

WHEREAS, In response to the SED BOD submission of proposed changes in accordance with Synod 

Bylaws 3.9.2.2.3 and 4.1.1.2 (b), the CCM issued its Opinion 11-2601, November 11-13, 2011 which did 

not indicate that any of the proposed changes were in conflict with the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions 

of the Synod; therefore be it 

RESOLVED, That Article III of the SED Bylaws be amended as follows: 

• In paragraphs 1 and 2 as follows: 

“1. The “Inverted Pyramid” is the District nickname for an important concept to which the District is 

committed. Simply stated, the “Inverted Pyramid” is an understanding A foundational value of the District is 

that the front line of mission and ministry is the local congregation and that all other levels of church 

structure are to enhance, and not hinder, the congregation’s pursuit of its fundamental purpose. We believe 

this to be a genuine expression of Biblical teaching of the universal priesthood of all believers. 

2. In the administration and management of the business affairs, the property, and other resources of the 

District, and in seeking to assist the members of the District and the Synod to achieve their objectives and 




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to meet their respective obligations and responsibilities, the Officers and Directors of the District shall strive 

to observe the concept of “Inverted Pyramid” encourage and support the mission and ministry of the local 

congregation.” 

• In paragraphs 3 through 5 to replace all references to “Directors” with “Board of Directors” in five 

instances. 

• Add after paragraph 5 a new paragraph 6 as follows: 

“6. To assist the District President and Executives of the District in carrying out their responsibilities and to 

facilitate the elections process, the District may be administratively subdivided into regions as initially 

determined by the District Board of Directors and ratified by the District in convention.” 

• Renumber existing paragraph 6 to 7 and replace the reference to “Directors” with “Board of 

Directors” in one instance. 


RESOLVED, That Article IV of the SED Bylaws be amended by inserting a new paragraph 6 and 

renumbering the existing paragraph 6 to 7. The wording of the new paragraph 6 follows: 

“6. If any other office of the District, including individual members of the Board of Directors, becomes 

vacant, the Board of Directors shall fill such vacancy through appointment for the remainder of the term. 

The Board shall give first consideration to the prior convention election results for the position in which the 

vacancy occurs. A simple majority of the Board of Directors is required for appointment.” 


RESOLVED, that Article VIII of the SED Bylaws be amended as follows: 

• In paragraph 2 by adding the following sentence to the main paragraph: 

“Such regular meetings may be conducted by electronic communication providing that all members of the 

Board are given reasonable opportunity to participate with respect to the particular electronic means used.” 

• In paragraph 3 by adding the following sentence to the main paragraph: 

“Electronic signatures are sufficient for requests under this provision.” 

• In paragraph 3b by rewording the paragraph to read: 

“ b. When necessary, members may participate in a special meeting by electronic communication, whereby 

all persons are given reasonable opportunity to participate. A written record shall be made and recorded in 

the minutes of the next regular Board minutes meeting, whether electronic or otherwise.” 

• In paragraph 5 by adding the words “non-voting” to the titles of the additional appointed Offices and 

assistant Officers of the District in two instances. 

and be it finally 

RESOLVED, That the District Staff, in coordination with the Board of Directors, is authorized to make other 

minor changes in grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, and format to ensure internal consistency 

prior to formal publication of the Bylaws of the SED. 

The Bylaws Floor Committee, completed their time, upon which President Diefenthaler announced that the 

completion of the evening worship would be the completion of the proceedings of the day, and that 

thereafter the convention would resume at 8:30 Saturday morning. 

Chaplain Bill Harmon brought announcements and prayer for the meal. 

The Eucharistic worship followed, with the Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison preaching. 

 




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Saturday, June 2, 2012 

 

Chaplain Bill Harmon opened us with devotions. 

Chairman Rev. Jon Diefenthaler opened the day’s proceedings, and called upon the Rev. Hank Hollar, 

Chairman of the Elections Committee, to reset and test the voting keypads. With this accomplished, he 

called forward Stu Nichols, Chairman of the Southeastern District (SED) Board of Directors (BOD). 

Stu Nichols invited the convention to read his report, and made note of our District being in good shape, in 

vision, accomplishment, and finance. He publicly welcomed the newly elected Board members, and spoke 

well of each departing member. As part of this, he presented President Diefenthaler with a box of cards, 

letters and gifts solicited and sent in from the people of the SED. 

Rev. Diefenthaler continued his President’s Report from yesterday (q.v., Convention Workbook). We read 

of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch of Acts 8, which became a point of reference throughout the report. 

Aware of the unfinished nature of doing God’s Mission till all have heard, and the urgency of telling all about 

Jesus their Savior, he urged the SED and its incoming President to keep moving forward and to keep the 

main thing the main thing. He also spoke of the financial and demographic shifts in society which will affect 

our churches, referring us to his report. He called upon us to carry out the Mission, and have a 

comprehensive development strategy to go with it. 

Rev. Diefenthaler relinquished the microphone to First Vice-President and President-Elect John Denninger. 

Rev. Denninger invited Gil Brauch to came to the podium for the Bylaws Floor Committee. 


BL-04-12-06 - To Confer Emeritus Status 


WHEREAS, The Southeastern District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has been blessed by the 

servant leadership of the Rev. Dr. Jon T. Diefenthaler, who has led this District as President for the past 

nine years; and 

WHEREAS, The Southeastern District recognizes the spiritual leadership of one who has dedicated 

countless hours in raising up the mission and ministry opportunities before us both within this District and at 

national levels, and beyond in this time of great cultural change; therefore be it 

RESOLVED, That the congregations of the Southeastern District and their members express their gratitude 

for his service and leadership; and be it finally 

RESOLVED, That the Southeastern District in Convention officially confer the title of President Emeritus 

upon the Rev. Dr. Jon T. Diefenthaler. 

ELECTIONS 

The Rev. Hank Hollar came forward for the Elections Committee. He thanked his committee and District 

staff for all of their work and support. 




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Nominating Committee for Southeastern District 2015 Convention (Ordained Minister from the Northern 

Region) results: 

First ballot Rev. J. Thomas Foelber 36; Rev. Dr. John F. Johnson 53; Rev. Jeremy D. Loesch 45; 

Daniel Quiram 53; Rev. Henry Simon 39 

Second ballot Johnson 71; Loesch 53; Quiram 73; Simon 37 

Third ballot Johnson 90; Loesch 54; Quiram 94 

Fourth ballot Johnson 119; Quiram 118 

 

Nominating Committee for Southeastern District 2015 Convention (Commissioned Minister from the Central 

Region) results: 

Dr. Joel Dietrich 114; DCE Tara L. Wolf 128 

Nominating Committee for Southeastern District 2015 Convention (Lay Member from the Southern Region) 

results: 

First ballot Gilbert M. F. Brauch, Jr. 74; Eloree Mingo Erwin 63; A. Paul Norby 108 

Second ballot Brauch 84; Paul Norby 159 

Committee for Synod Convention Nominations results: 

First ballot Russell “Russ” L. Boraas 28; Ronald Bostick 46; Gilbert M. F. Brauch, Jr. 64; Janis Grant 

McDaniels 110 

Second ballot Bostick 29; Brauch 70; McDaniels 148 

Alternate – Committee for Synod Convention Nominations 

Russell “Russ” L. Boraas 70; Gilbert M. F. Brauch, Jr. 176 


BL-04-12-05 - To Ratify the Selection of Circuit Counselors 

WHEREAS, The circuits have selected Circuit Counselors for the next triennium in accordance with Synod 

Bylaw 5.2.2.; and 

WHEREAS, Synod Bylaw 5.2.2. requires that the District in Convention ratify those selections; therefore be 

it 

RESOLVED, That the District in Convention ratifies the selection of Circuit Counselors in the circuits of the 

district as follows: 

Circuit 1 

Circuit 2 

Circuit 3 

Circuit 4 

Circuit 5 

Circuit 6 

Circuit 7 

Circuit 8 

Circuit 9A 




Rev. Keith Less 

Rev. Dr. J. Michael Ramey 

Rev. James Kleinfelter 

Rev. Ricahrd Hase 

Rev. Martin Schultheis 

Rev. James Kreft 

Rev. Peter Schiebel 

Rev. F Paul Liersemann 

Rev. John Meehan 

12

Circuit 9B 

Circuit 10 

Circuit 11 

Circuit 12 

Circuit 13E 

Circuit 13W 

Circuit 14 

Circuit 15 

Circuit 16 

Circuit 17 

Circuit 18 

Circuit 19 

Rev. Ralph Wiechmann 

Rev. David Voss 

Rev. Robert Sorenson 

Rev. R. Mark Nieting 

Rev. James Daub 

Rev. Lawrence Lineberger 

Rev. David Tessmann 

Rev. Jeffrey Marquardt 

Rev. P. Gregory Alms 

Rev. Paul Birner 

Rev. John Rickert 

Rev. Dr. John Brunner 

 

LCMS President Rev Matthew Harrison came forward for questions and answers. Questions from the floor 

included the meaning of orthodoxy, the sale of University Lutheran Chapel, Pastors choosing not to 

commune at the Convention Eucharist, role of women, our political role, need for Pastors, closing of 

churches, and more. 

The Rev. Art Umbach led the convention in Listening Prayer, Acts 15:1-12, for the work of the convention. 

The Rev. Mark Drengler was called forward by the Chair to present Mission Development resolutions. 


MD-01-12-01 - To Engage in a Global Mission Partnership 

WHEREAS, our convention theme “Till All Have Heard” reminds us of the blessing and responsibility to be 

witnesses of the Gospel “in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8); 

and 

WHEREAS, opportunities abound to join with LCMS World Mission in developing a Global Mission 

Partnership in Peru, where an estimated 80% of Peruvians still identify themselves with Roman 

Catholicism, which is stated-supported, taught as a subject in schools, but remains largely nominal, 

syncretistic, and void of a theology of grace; and 

WHEREAS, a district-wide effort will serve to resource and assist congregations who may not otherwise 

consider serving in overseas mission or mercy support; and 

WHEREAS, God is blessing the congregations, schools, and mission of the Southeastern District with 

many resources to share with others in reaching those who are living outside the knowledge and grace of 

Jesus Christ; and 

WHEREAS, becoming a Global Mission Partner provides an opportunity to be part of the growing Christian 

movement where we can learn from what is happening and how the Holy Spirit is working; be it therefore 

RESOLVED, that the District President organize, structure, and launch the District Global partnership by 




13

the Fall of 2012 with the appropriate efforts and assistance necessary; and be it further 

 

RESOLVED, that each congregation, school and mission with the Southeastern District be encouraged to 

become a creative partner in supporting this effort through prayer, involvement with mission and mercy 

experiences, sharing the stories of how God is working in Peru, and financial support; and be it further 

RESOLVED, that while funding is anticipated through generous gifts from congregations, schools, and 

missions, that $40,000 be budgeted annually during this triennium; and be it further 

RESOLVED, that the congregations, schools, and missions of the Southeastern District unite with one 

voice in partnering with the LCMS Mission in Peru during this triennium; and be it finally 

RESOLVED, that the District President provide a full report to the Southeastern District in Convention in 

2015. 

Rev. Drengler invited the Mission Development Committee forward, and asked the members to present 

various resolutions. 


MD-01-12-02 - To Address Lutheran Outreach to Muslims – Sharing the Hope of Jesus Christ 

WHEREAS, the Synod’s 64th regular convention overwhelmingly adopted a resolution on outreach to 

Muslims on July 14, 2010 

Resolution 1-04A, “to respond to opportunities for outreach to Muslims,” calls outreach to Muslims “a very 

high-priority mission task that requires action from the whole church and its institutions.” It encourages 

congregations and members to respond to opportunities to share their faith with “those who are seeking 

answers,” and commends Concordia Publishing House and Lutheran Hour Ministries for their resources on 

responding to Islam. It also commends People of the Book Lutheran Outreach for its Muslim ministry, and 

thanks missionaries and others who have “stepped out in faith to share the Gospel in the world of Islam.” 

WHEREAS, the SED’s Lutheran Outreach to Muslims convened in February, 2012 and asked that a district 

wide strategy be developed to respond to the growing need for dialogue/faith sharing; and 

WHEREAS, district congregations already have responded with Southeast Asian, North African and Arabic 

missions to welcome the strangers in our midst; and 

WHEREAS, Christ says “I came that they might have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10); therefore be 

it 

RESOLVED, that the Southeastern District encourage congregations and/or circuits in developing and 

growing mission work among those seeking answers in the Muslim community; and be it finally 

RESOLVED, that the District President appoint a taskforce to develop a strategy to identify resources to 

reach people of the Muslim community with the Gospel, and equip congregations to support and disciple 

those who are seeking answers in the Muslim community. 




14


MD-01-12-04 - Support of the Specific Ministry Pastor Program 

WHEREAS, Mission work is emerging in new forms requiring a variety of mission leaders; and 

WHEREAS, There is an unmet need for qualified and capable mission planters to provide the necessary 

leadership for this work; and 

WHEREAS, There are ministry settings that are vacant and waiting for a worker; and 

WHEREAS, Ministries of the Southeastern District are being blessed with the service of workers who have 

come through alternate routes of ministry education, especially that of the Specific Ministry Pastor program; 

and 

WHEREAS, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the 

harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. (Luke 10:2); be it therefore 

RESOLVED, That the Southeastern District in Convention commends The Lutheran Church—Missouri 

Synod for its bold and courageous work in addressing real need with a real solution through the adoption of 

alternate route programs such as the Specific Ministry Pastor program; and be it further 

RESOLVED, That the Southeastern District in Convention commend the seminaries for their work in the 

development and execution of this program; and be it finally 

RESOLVED, That the Southeastern District memorialize The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod in 

convention to continue offering the Specific Ministry Pastor program so that new workers for specific 

ministries are prepared for service to the church. 


MD-01-12-05 – To Encourage Mission Support Among The Congregations Of The Lutheran 

Church—Missouri Synod (LC-MS) 

WHEREAS, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has given to his Church the Great Commission, and actively 

calls His followers to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the 

Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And 

behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20); and, 

WHEREAS, Baptism and teaching occur at the local level within the life and ministry of each congregation; 

and, 

WHEREAS, we “open our eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” (John 4:34-35); therefore 

be it: 

Resolved, that all District Presidents of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod encourage all Circuits to work 




15

together to sponsor at least one of the following: a missionary, a church plant, a specialized ministry, or a 

mission, and support the initiative for at least 4 years; and be it further, 

 

RESOLVED, that all congregations work individually and/or partner locally, nationally, or internationally with 

the purpose of at least doubling the number of collective Baptisms or adult confirmands by October 31, 

2017 over their 2011 levels; and be it finally 

RESOLVED, that this resolution be submitted by the Southeastern District to the 2013 LC-MS Convention. 

Mission moment: At this point, the Committee Chairman Rev. Drengler introduced a video introducing our 

convention goers to the context opportunities of Peru, our new District Global Mission Partner. 

Congregational Outreach Committee resolutions: 

Congregational Outreach Committee chair Rev. Martin Schultheis was unable to be at convention because 

of a tragic death within his congregation. During that time, Teacher Bill Unverfehrt had been acting Chair 

until he had to leave for an end of year graduation commitment at his school. In his place, Southern District 

Vice-President Bill Seaman came forward for the Committee. He asked members of the committee to 

present the resolutions. 


CO-02-12-01 - To Make Congregational Renewal in the Southeastern District a Priority 

Ref: Overture “To Give Attention and Concerted Effort to the Matter of Church Renewal and Revitalization 

for the Next Triennium (2012-15)” from St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Bel Air MD; identical from Redeemer 

Lutheran Church, Parkton MD 

Reference Overture(s): CO-02-12-01 

WHEREAS, The Southeastern District of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (hereafter, SED) exists for 

“Creative partnerships resulting in congregational renewal and Kingdom growth”; and 

WHEREAS, The SED has developed a program of Congregational Renewal for the sake of its member 

congregations; and 

WHEREAS, Ten congregations are currently involved and are experiencing positive results; and 

WHEREAS, Additional congregations have expressed an interest but participation is limited by available 

resources; therefore be it 

RESOLVED, That the SED in Convention give thanks to God for the mission and ministry of its member 

congregations; and be it further 

RESOLVED, That the SED in Convention make Congregational Renewal a priority during the next 

triennium (2012-2015); and be it finally 

RESOLVED, That the SED in Convention direct that adequate resources be made available for the 




16

effective ministry of Congregational Renewal. 

 


CO-02-12-02 - To Increase Commissioned Church Worker Internship Opportunities in the 

Southeastern District 

Ref: Overture “To Encourage an Increase in Professional Church Workers in the Southeastern District” 


WHEREAS, The presence of the Gospel will have a powerful impact and empower people in their 

communities for life on earth and make possible eternity in heaven; and 

WHEREAS, Our Southeastern District (hereafter SED) ministries are very broad in scope, size, and consist 

of diverse racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural populations with a need to hear the Good News of the 

Gospel to promote healing and true growth; and 

WHEREAS, Commissioned professional church workers, such as Directors of Christian Education, 

Deaconesses, Family Life Ministers, etc., are a great blessing to the ministry of the Church; and 

WHEREAS, The need for training, equipping and sending of servant-leaders who desire to serve in various 

ministry areas is great; and 

WHEREAS, Studies project a decreased availability of internship locations and calls for commissioned 

professional church workers; and 

WHEREAS, The Mission Vicar Program, supported by the Southeastern District, has resulted in vicars 

being placed in various settings, which has been a blessing to those ministries and the professional 

development and life experience of the vicar and has led to some of these vicars being called to the SED; 

therefore be it 

RESOLVED, That the SED and its congregations and ministries devote themselves to the missional 

partnership of training commissioned professional church worker interns; and be it finally 

RESOLVED, That the SED assist ministries in funding the training of two commissioned professional 

church worker interns per year. 


CO-02-12-03 - To Encourage Support of the Lutheran Malaria Initiative 

Ref: To Encourage Support of the Lutheran Malaria Initiative 


WHEREAS, The Lutheran Malaria Initiative is an effort of global proportion, directed by Lutheran World 

Relief, to bring together Lutherans to fight against malaria and bring it under control within the next five 




17

years; and 

 

WHEREAS, There are 500 million malaria infections in the world each day; and 

WHEREAS, A child dies of malaria somewhere in the world every 60 seconds; and 

WHEREAS, There is much that can be done to fight malaria today, such as nets and medications; and 

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod in its 2010 Convention overwhelmingly resolved to 

work in partnership with Lutheran World Relief in this effort (Resolution 06-04a); and 

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Schools of the Southeastern District have already generated more than $34,000 

to support this effort; be it therefore 

RESOLVED, That all praise be given to God for the results that have already witnessed a decrease in the 

death of children from malaria since the beginning of the initiative; and be it finally 

RESOLVED, That each congregation of the Southeastern District be encouraged to follow the example of 

our SED school children and find a way to participate in Lutheran Malaria Initiative, including education, 

advocacy, and contribution of resources. 


CO-02-12-04 - To Encourage and Give Thanks for the Partnership with Lutheran Disaster Response 

and LCMS World Relief and Human Care in Disaster Response 

Ref: In Thanksgiving and Recognition of the Partnership with Lutheran Disaster Response and LCMS 

World Relief and Human Care in Disaster Response 


WHEREAS, Christ calls us to show compassion to the needy, to serve the poor, to visit the sick and 

imprisoned, to care for the widows and orphans; and 

WHEREAS, The opportunities to show mercy and to serve in these areas of need exceed that which any 

individual, congregation, or district alone could offer response to; and 

WHEREAS, In 2011 there were members, communities, and congregations of the Southeastern District 

who experienced the devastation caused by earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods; and 

WHEREAS, The Southeastern District was and is able to respond to these natural disasters by cooperating 

with State VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) teams, Lutheran Disaster Response, and 

LCMS World Relief and Human Care; be it therefore 

RESOLVED, That in times of disaster and crisis the Southeastern District be encouraged to utilize the 

resources available through State VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) teams, Lutheran 

Disaster Response, and LCMS World Relief – Human Care; and be it finally 




18

RESOLVED, That the Southeastern District in Convention recognize with thanksgiving and appreciation the 

partnership with Lutheran Disaster Response and LCMS World Relief and Human Care. 

MOTION, CO-02-12-05 - To Encourage Growth in Leadership Skills 

While this resolution began before lunch, significant action occurred after the lunch break. Therefore the 

business done on this Resolution has been placed in continuity at the point where it was brought up after 

the convention reconvened. 

At this point, this point the Chair invoked the orders of the day, and we continued with a Mission moment. 

Mission moment: This Multi-ethnic mission video encouraged all to believe the Word in a way which tells 

the Gospel to people of every language, race, and tongue. The Rev. Andrew Okai, of Holy Nativity 

Lutheran Church, Arbutus, Maryland reminded us that the church is not primarily about making everyone 

comfortable, but about reaching out here and around the world. He paid tribute to Rev. Harrison, to the 

Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, to Ascension Lutheran Church, and to its Pastor, Fred Hedt, all of 

whom have, as Rev. Okai said, spoken and done this. 

The outgoing Board of Directors members were recognized with attractive framed art with Scripture: Judith 

Koucky, Scott Johnson, Phil Morrow, Elliott Robertson 

The Chair recognized the Rev Ralph Wiechmann, who petitioned to change the orders of the day so that 

the convention would reconvene at 1:15. This was voted and passed. 

At 1:15, the Chair called upon the Rev. Art Umbach for Listening Prayer for the work of District, Mark 10:35- 

45. 

Rev. Hank Hollar came forward so that we may reset and test our voting keypads for the last time. While 

there were significant empty seats in the room, we still comfortably had a quorum. 

The Rev. George Black, who was to speak to us on behalf of the LCMS Foundation, had left to comfort his 

wife upon the death of her father. We gathered information on the foundation as we were shown a short 

video. 

The convention received greetings from Nancy Myers, of Thrivent, who spoke to us of the benefits they 

offer. 

The convention also received greetings from the Rev. James Mauney, Bishop of the Virginia Synod, ELCA, 

who also praised the work of President Diefenthaler. 

The Congregational Outreach Floor Committee returned. 

Prior to lunch: 

The following resolution had been brought before the convention by the Committee. 

MOTION, CO-02-12-05 - To Encourage Growth in Leadership Skills 

[This Resolution appears in its entirety, below.] 

During discussion an amendment was made and seconded, saying: 




19

Wherever the phrase “leadership skills” is found, precede it, the words, “Pastoral or” 

 

During discussion of the amendment, the Chair called the orders of the day, and the convention went on to 

other things (shown above). 

When the Committee returned to the dais, the Rev. Bill Seaman offered the resolution, as it would appear if 

amended, as a substitute resolution by the Behnken Rule (outlined in the SED Convention Standing Rules). 

At this point the SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION was before the Convention. 

The substitute resolution was put to vote, and failed. 

Question arose whether this would lead to a return to discussion of the amendment, or discussion of the 

original resolution. 

[The Parliamentarian was consulted privately by the Secretary and reckoned that it was the original 

resolution which was before the convention.] At the same time, the Chair made the public decision after 

hearing from voices at the microphones that, indeed, the original resolution, not the amendment, was 

before the convention. 

MOTION, PASSED 

CO-02-12-05 - To Encourage Growth in Leadership Skills 

Ref: “Overture to the 2013 Convention of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Concerning the Priority of 

Leadership Development” 


WHEREAS, The Lord has called His church to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19); and 

WHEREAS, Ministers of religion (commissioned and ordained) would benefit from growth in leadership 

skills for missional ministry; and 

WHEREAS, Leadership skills assist in the accomplishment of ministry initiatives; therefore be it 

RESOLVED, That the district president and circuit counselors encourage and emphasize leadership 

development to respond to ministry opportunities; and be it further 

RESOLVED, That ministers of religion (ordained and commissioned) be encouraged to participate in 

continuing education opportunities, particularly as it enables them to grow in leadership skills; and be it 

finally 

RESOLVED, That congregations and ministries be encouraged to provide support for leadership 

development. 

Stewardship and Finance Floor Committee 

Chairman Diefenthaler called Rev. John Denninger forward for the Stewardship and Finance Floor 

Committee. Rev. Denninger brought the Committee forward, and various members took part in reading the 

resolutions. 




20


SF-03-12-01 - Continued Support of Our Mission Journey 

Reference Overture(s): OV SF-03-12-01 

WHEREAS, In Scriptures it says, "Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the 

nations what he has done." (Psalm 105:1); and 

WHEREAS, We, the Southeastern District, rejoice and give thanks for generous givers and supporters of 

Ablaze! For God’s Mission, an effort that, in Partnership with Fan into Flame, raised more than $6 million 

dollars in pledges and commitments for starting new District missions and supporting international efforts; 

and 

WHEREAS, A total of 70 new missions have been started within the Southeastern District from previous 

funding sources to meet the goal of reaching 100 new mission starts prior to the 500th anniversary of the 

Lutheran Reformation in 2017; and 

WHEREAS, We, the Southeastern District, rejoice and give thanks for the individual donors who have 

committed or pledged $400,000 for Our Mission Journey for the work of starting new missions within the 

Southeastern District during the next triennium; and 

WHEREAS, Opportunities to reach people who neither know nor have a relationship with our Savior, Jesus 

Christ, continue to abound; and 

WHEREAS, Congregations, circuits, mission committees and the Southeastern District staff continue to 

identify and raise up new locations for expanding our mission and ministry; and 

WHEREAS, Mission Partnership Support contributions from congregations and other funding sources 

provide only a portion of the financial resources needed to support mission work; and 

WHEREAS, An additional $500,000 per year is needed to respond to emerging mission opportunities; 


RESOLVED, That, congregations, schools, and individual donors of the Southeastern District receive the 

thanks of a grateful District for their stewardship of gifts and the sharing of generous hearts in providing 

new financial resources for mission development; and be it further 

RESOLVED, That the Southeastern District in Convention commend the work of all who have or will 

contribute to the efforts related to Ablaze! For God’s Mission and Our Mission Journey; and be it finally 

RESOLVED, That congregations, schools, and individual donors of the Southeastern District commit 

themselves to generating and additional $500,000 per year during the next triennium ($1.5 million total) for 

beginning new missions. 





21

SF-03-12-02 - Long Term Mission and Ministry Funding 

Reference Overture(s): SF-03-12-02 

 

WHEREAS, In Scripture it says, "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of 

his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles 

continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were 

no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought 

the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. 

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), 

sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet." (Acts 4:32-37); and 

WHEREAS, Opportunities to reach people who neither know nor have a relationship with the Savior, Jesus 

Christ, continue to abound; and 

WHEREAS, Congregations, circuits, mission committees, and the Southeastern District staff continue to 

identify and raise up new opportunities for expanding mission and ministry; and 

WHEREAS, There is both a current and an ongoing need for sources of funds to begin new missions 

beyond 2017; and 

WHEREAS, New and sustained funding efforts are needed in support of new work within District 

congregations and schools; and 

WHEREAS, Retirement of the “Boomer” generation and mortality of the “Builder” generation will increase 

substantially over the next decade, thus providing both the opportunity and the need for creating additional 

funding streams in support of mission and ministry; and 

WHEREAS, It has been demonstrated that there will be a significant transfer of wealth from generation to 

generation as the current “Builder” generation is called to glory; and 

WHEREAS, The Southeastern District senses that congregations may need assistance with identification 

and implementation of new funding streams; therefore be it 

RESOLVED, That every congregation be encouraged to develop a long term corporate stewardship 

development strategy in support of its vision; and be it be further 

RESOLVED, That congregations, schools, and individuals be encouraged to allocate resources toward the 

established Southeastern District Mission Endowment Fund in support of future mission needs; and be it 

further 

RESOLVED, That a Financial Resource Development Plan be presented at the 2015 District Convention 

that will ensure funds are available to complete the planting of 100 new missions by 2017; and be it finally 

RESOLVED, That the Financial Resource Development Plan set the framework for future mission funding 

streams, while providing guidance and assistance to congregations with local development plans. 




22


 

SF-03-12-03 - To Affirm the Need for Financial Support of LCMS Seminaries and Concordia 

Universities to increase synod’s support for our seminaries 


WHEREAS, The Scriptures say, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and 

whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his 

heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make 

all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every 

good work. As it is written: “He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures 

forever.” Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your 

store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that 

you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." 

(II Corinthians 9:6-11); and 

WHEREAS, The financial support provided by the Synod at the national level to LCMS seminaries and 

Concordia Universities has continued to decline; and 

WHEREAS, LCMS congregations deserve the very best trained and educated professional church workers 

toward building God's Kingdom; and 

WHEREAS, Article III.3 of Synod’s Constitution states that one of the main objectives for forming Synod 

was “3. Recruit and train pastors, teachers, and other professional church workers, and provide opportunity 

for their continued growth.”; and 

WHEREAS, The seminaries and universities are important in conserving and promoting the unity of the true 

faith (Eph. 4:3-6); and 

WHEREAS, The Southeastern District has increased financial support to the Synod at the national level for 

ministry purposes, including seminaries and universities; therefore, be it 

RESOLVED, That the Southeastern District affirms the role of LCMS Seminaries and Concordia University 

System in recruiting and training pastors, teachers, and other professional church workers; and be it finally 

RESOLVED, That the Southeastern District acting in convention memorialize the Synod at its 2013 

Convention to direct Synod's Board of Directors to increase its financial support to the seminaries and to 

the Concordia Universities. 

MOTION FOR ADOPTION OF SF-03-12-04 

Rev. James McDaniels proposed an amendment that the second “Whereas” be removed. It was received 

by the committee as a friendly amendment, and removed. 

MOTION TO TABLE SF-03-12-04 in order to return it to the Board of Directors: PASSED 




23

SF-03-12-04 – To Respectfully Decline Duplicate Overtures 


 

WHEREAS, The LCMS Constitution Article V.A provides for equal representation of voting delegates, one 

pastor and one lay member, for congregations at District Conventions regardless of the size of the 

communicant membership, baptized membership, or worshiping community; and 

WHEREAS, Requiring larger congregations to bear a higher cost for the Convention while only being 

allowed an equal vote is inequitable; and (stricken by friendly amendment, and therefore is not part of 

tabled resolution) 

WHEREAS, The Southeastern District convention planners exercise good stewardship in selecting the city 

and site of the convention in order to be as cost effective as possible; and 

WHEREAS, The Southeastern District budget subsidized previous conventions at considerable losses and 

the Southeastern District Board of Directors mandated that the Convention pay for itself; and 

WHEREAS, The assessment reflects the real costs of the convention; and 

WHEREAS, The Southeastern District Convention follows a predictable three-year cycle allowing ample 

time for congregations to plan and set aside funds to cover the costs of the convention assessment; 


RESOLVED, That duplicate overtures SF-03-12-04 be respectfully declined. 

Bylaws Floor Committee 

Gil Brauch came to the podium with the Committee 


BL-04-12-03 - To Ratify the Reassignment of Certain Congregations to Circuits 


WHEREAS, Synod Bylaw 5.1.2 empowers districts to establish circuits; and 

WHEREAS, District Bylaw VII, 1 empowers the District Board of Directors to assign congregations to 

circuits and requires that such assignments be ratified by the District in Convention; and 

WHEREAS, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Callao, VA has requested to move from Circuit 8 to Circuit 

10; and 

WHEREAS, Both Circuits have been consulted and have given their approval; and 

WHEREAS, St. Thomas Evangelical Lutheran Church, Baltimore, MD has requested to move from Circuit 5 

to Circuit 3; and 

WHEREAS, Both Circuits have been consulted and have given their approval; and 




24

WHEREAS, The District Board of Directors has approved the reassignment of both congregations; be it 

therefore 

RESOLVED, That the District in Convention hereby ratifies the reassignment of Good Shepherd Lutheran 

Church, Callao, VA from Circuit 8 to Circuit 10; and be it finally 

RESOLVED, That the District in Convention hereby ratifies the reassignment of St. Thomas Evangelical 

Lutheran Church, Baltimore, MD from Circuit 5 to Circuit 3. 


BL-04-12-04 - To Ratify Administrative Regions of the Southeastern District 


WHEREAS, The Board of Directors of the Southeastern District (SED), in consultation with the District 

President, has determined that it is in the best interest of the District and its congregations to continue 

service to the District and its members on a regional basis; and 

WHEREAS, For simplicity and ease of administration such regional subdivisions should be along the lines 

of established visitation circuits; therefore be it 

RESOLVED, That the Southeastern District in convention hereby ratifies the following regional alignment of 

the District: 

Northern Region: Circuits 1 through 7 

Central Region: Circuits 8 through 12 

Southern Region: Circuits 13 though 19 

MOTION FOR ADOPTION OF BL-04-12-07 

MOTION TO TABLE: DEFEATED 

MOTION BL-04-12-07, PASSED: 

BL-04-12-07 - To Respectfully Decline Certain Overtures 

Reference Overture(s): BL-04-12-07, BL-04-12-08, BL-04-12-09, BL-04-12-10, BL-04-12-11 

WHEREAS, The Floor Committee has considered all overtures assigned to it and has concluded, for 

various reasons, that certain overtures should be declined; therefore be it 

RESOLVED, That the following overtures be respectfully declined for the reasons given: 

OVERTURE 

SUBJECT 

REASON 




BL-04-12-07 

To Change the Call Process 

Addressed by Committee on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) in their report “The 

25

Theology and Practice of the Divine Call”, 2003 

 

OVERTURE BL-04-12-08 

SUBJECT To Require that Synodical College and University Presidents be Male 

REASON Addressed by CTCR in their document “The Service of Women in Congregational and 

Synodical Offices”, 1994 

OVERTURE BL-04-12-09 

SUBJECT To Mandate that College Theology Professors Teaching Males be Males 

REASON Addressed by CTCR in their opinion “Response to Questions from BHE/CUS on Lay 

Teachers of Theology”, 2003 

OVERTURE 

SUBJECT 

REASON 

panels 

OVERTURE 

SUBJECT 

REASON 

BL-04-12-10 

To Restore Former Adjudication Process 

Synod Bylaws 1.10.13.1; 1.10.14; and 1.10.15.1 already require clergy on the resolution 

BL-04-12-11 

To Return the District President to a Part-Time Position 

Rationale of SED Resolution AD-02-63-01 “Full-Time Presidency” remains valid 

The Mission Committee came forward at this time. 

MOTION TO ADOPT MD-01-12-06 

MOTION from the floor, received in friendly fashion in lieu of considering MD-01-12-06 by itself, 

PASSED 

That we adopt MD-01-12006, MD-01-12-07, MD-01-12-08 in one action of the convention 

MD-01-12-06 - To Reaffirm the Ablaze! Mission Goals 

ADOPTED by motion, above 

WHEREAS, at the Southeastern District Convention in 2006, a series of Ablaze! goals was adopted that 

committed congregations of the district and their members to 

enlist 3000 mission prayer partners, 

form sixty mission teams prepared for outreach, 

reach 2.5 million people with the Gospel through personal faith-sharing , and 

encourage half or our congregations to participate in a district outreach workshop or conference; and 

WHEREAS, the goal of starting 100 new ministries was affirmed in the 2009 Convention; and 

WHEREAS, we celebrate the partnerships throughout the District that have brought about 

2683 Mission Prayer Partners, 

910,788 recorded faith-sharing events, 

20 Mission Development Academy teams prepared for outreach, 

more than 50% of Southeastern District congregations involved in Outreach Events, and 

79 new ministries; 




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e it therefore 

 

RESOLVED, that we give thanks to God for the Ablaze! efforts of all within the Southeastern District; and 

be it finally 

RESOLVED, the Southeastern District in convention reaffirms the commitment to accomplish the Ablaze! 

Mission Goals by 2017. 

MD-01-12-07 - To Commit to Sharing Faith in Christ Jesus 


WHEREAS, The Southeastern District at its 2006 Convention established a goal of 2.5 million faith-sharing 

events reported by 2017, the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation; and 

WHEREAS, the Southeastern District at its 2009 Convention “RESOLVED that by the 2012 Southeastern 

District Convention we will have reached at least 750,000 people in the Southeastern District with the Good 

News of Jesus Christ (30% of the Ablaze! goal of reaching 2.5 million people)“; and 

WHEREAS, we give thanks to God for 910,788 opportunities to share the Gospel which have already been 

recorded; and 

WHEREAS, we pray that each time the Gospel is shared that the seeds of faith are planted and nurtured by 

the power of the Holy Spirit; and 

WHEREAS, not everyone has yet heard the life-saving message of the Gospel; and 

WHEREAS, the congregations of Circuit 10 have demonstrated that by working together to set a Circuit 

goal, congregations can encourage one another as they grow in sharing the faith; be it therefore 

RESOLVED that all glory and thanks be given to God for surpassing the subgoal of sharing the Gospel with 

750,000 people by the 2012 District Convention; and be it further 

RESOLVED, that the members of the Southeastern District commit to sharing and recording enough new 

faith-sharing events by the 2015 District Convention to bring the total recorded events to 2 million; and be it 

further 

RESOLVED, that each congregation and school within the Southeastern District commit to sharing the faith 

Till All Have Heard; and be it finally 

RESOLVED, that each Circuit establish annual goals with their congregations and schools for sharing the 

faith. 

MD-01-12-08 - To Continue the Work of Mission Prayer Partners 


WHEREAS, we are urged to be devoted in prayer (Acts 2:42), to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17), to 

pray for those who are not of the family of faith (Rom 10:1); and 




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WHEREAS, more than 2683 individuals are committed to regularly praying for the mission work of The 

Southeastern District; and 

 

WHEREAS, prayer resources that include Listening prayer, congregational prayer teams, and spiritual life 

retreats have been developed and are available for congregational and individual use; and 

WHEREAS, a Spiritual Life Team is available to lead retreats, work with prayer resources, assist 

congregations in developing a prayer committee; be it therefore 

RESOLVED that we rejoice with thanksgiving that we are close to reaching the goal of 3000 Mission Prayer 

Partners and that we continue to grow in numbers of individuals who are involved in this ministry; and be it 

further 

RESOLVED, that each congregation establish a prayer team that will be intentional in their prayers for the 

work of the Gospel within and outside of their communities; and be it finally 

RESOLVED, that we use Prayer partners in strategic ways in support of our mission goals. 

Congregational Outreach Floor Committee 

Rev. Bill Seaman and members of the committee came forward to present remaining resolutions. 


CO-02-12-06 - Encouraging Partnership with and Giving Thanks for the Ministry Provided by 

Recognized Service Organizations and Social Ministry Organizations within the Southeastern 

District 

Ref: Giving Thanks for the Ministry Provided by Recognized Service Organizations and Social Ministry 

Organizations within the Southeastern District 


WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) recognizes some 894 or more Recognized 

Service Organizations (RSO) and Social Ministry Organizations (SMO) which involve Synod, its districts, or 

congregations in some form of Christian ministry, including but not limited to nursing homes and senior 

care, adoption agencies, housing for low-income seniors, food banks, international relief, immigration and 

refugee services, and educational institutions; and 

WHEREAS, For the sake of efficiency and effectiveness, cooperative relationships exist between the 

Southeastern District and 30+ RSOs and SMOs within the district boundaries, including but not limited to: 

SED RSO - Schools 

• Baltimore Lutheran School, Towson MD 

• Concordia Lutheran School, Hyattsville MD 

• LMS Lutheran Foundation Inc., Richmond VA (Luther Memorial School) 

• University Christian High School Inc., Hickory NC 

SED SMO 

• Lutheran Community Services, Millsboro DE 

• Lutheran Community Services, New Castle DE 

• Lutheran Community Services, Newark DE 




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• Lutheran Community Services, Odessa DE 

• Lutheran Community Services, Wilmington DE 

• Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area, Washington DC 

• Augsburg Lutheran Home and Village, Baltimore MD 

• Lutheran Mission Society of MD, Annapolis MD 

• Lutheran Mission Society of MD, Baltimore MD 

• Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area, Baltimore MD 

• Lutheran Mission Society of MD, Cambridge MD 

• Lutheran Mission Society of MD, Essex MD 

• Lutheran Mission Society of MD, Harve De Grace MD 

• Lutheran Mission Society of MD, La Plata MD 

• Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area, Silver Spring MD 

• Fellowship Square Foundation Inc., Upper Marlboro MD 

• Lutheran Ministries Media dba Worship for Shut-Ins, Greensboro NC 

• Lutheran Ministries Media dba Worship for Shut-Ins, High Point NC 

• Lutheran Ministries Media dba Worship for Shut-Ins, Winston-Salem NC 

• Lutheran Mission Society of MD, York PA 

• Lutheran Ministries Media dba Worship for Shut-Ins, Danville VA 

• Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area, Falls Church VA 

• Lutheran Council of Tidewater, Norfolk VA 

• Fellowship Square Foundation, Reston VA 

• Fellowship Square Foundation, Woodbridge VA 

(The list above was generated from the 2012 Lutheran Annual); be it therefore 

 

RESOLVED, That the Southeastern District affirm its commitment to continued partnership with the 

Recognized Service Organizations and Social Ministry Organizations located within the district; and 

RESOLVED, That congregations of the Southeastern District be encouraged to partner with and support 

the work of RSOs and SMOs in service to their communities; and be it finally 

RESOLVED, That the Southeastern District give thanks for the Recognized Service Organizations and 

Social Ministry Organizations located within the District as they offer Christian care, compassion and 

education to those in need. 

MOTION, REPLACED BY SUBSTITUTE MOTION: 

CO-02-12-07 - To Respectfully Decline “TO ENCOURAGE TRUST, COLLEGIALITY AND MUTUAL 

RESPECT AMONG PASTORS OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH – MISSOURI SYNOD” 

Reference Overture(s): CO-02-12-07 (Please note that the resolution and the overture are numbered the 

same) 

WHEREAS, The floor committee has considered all overtures assigned to it and has concluded for reasons 

given, that the following overture should be declined; therefore be it 

RESOLVED, That the following overture be respectfully declined: 

“TO ENCOURAGE TRUST, COLLEGIALITY AND MUTUAL RESPECT AMONG PASTORS OF THE 




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LUTHERAN CHURCH – MISSOURI SYNOD” 

 

Reason: This issue has been addressed by resolutions passed at previous Southeastern District 

Conventions – 03-02-01, 00-01-18 and 82-01-01 

SUBSTITUTE MOTION PASSED 

To bring overture CO-02-12-07 to the convention floor 

This overture, OV CO 02-12-07, of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Alexandria, then came before the 

convention as a RESOLUTION: 

To Encourage Trust, Collegiality and Mutual Respect Among Pastors of the Lutheran Church— 

Missouri Synod 

WHEREAS, the holy Scriptures encourage a spirit of unity among fellow members of the body of Christ (Ps. 

133:1); and 

WHEREAS, the witness to Christ is magnified when workers in the church rightly honor one another as 

servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God (1 Cor. 4:1); and 

WHEREAS, we are instructed by blessed Dr. Martin Luther that, when brothers are spoken of in an unkind 

manner, “we are to come to their defense, speak well of them, and interpret everything they do in the best 

possible light.” (Kolb-Wengert edition of The Book of Concord, p. 353); and 

WHEREAS, positive mutual regard among pastors of the church, in particular, is a sign of love among 

those who are specifically called to bear Christ to the world; and 

WHEREAS, the holy ministry is best carried out in the context of trust, collegiality and mutual respect; and 

WHEREAS, Conditions of Membership in the synod include “Acceptance of the confessional basis of 

Article II,” and thus imply concord in matters of faith; therefore be it 

Resolved, that pastors of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod be encouraged to “go the extra mile” in 

establishing mutual trust, collegiality and respect; and be it further 

Resolved, that any matters of difference in the practice of ministry, if neither commanded nor forbidden, be 

respected as matters of freedom; and be it further 

Resolved, that the pastor loci in a given context be regarded as the one best able to discern the needs of 

the congregation he serves; and be it further 

Resolved, that the District regard it as inappropriate for pastors to meddle in the ministry of another; and be 

it further 

Resolved, that the District express its a priori understanding that its pastors are to be trusted and affirmed 

in their ministry, and that a climate of mutuality and trust be the norm among professional workers in the 

church. 




30


CO-02-12-08 - To Respectfully Decline Overture CO-02-12-08 

Ref: To Create an Internet Dating Service for Lutherans 


Introduction: While the Committee on Congregational Outreach recognizes the problems that are 

addressed by the overture and agrees that action needs to be taken to deal with the issues, we have strong 

reservations about the proposed action in the overture and therefore offer this resolution to decline the 

overture. 

WHEREAS, the loss of young adults is due more to a lack of denominational loyalty, congregational 

outreach, and other issues which are not addressed by this overture; and 

WHEREAS, there are recognized problems with on-line dating services whereby individuals are taken 

advantage of; and 

WHEREAS, there are better solutions to the issues addressed in the overture; therefore be it 

RESOLVED, that overture CO-02-12-08 be respectfully declined. 

Mission moment: This video highlighted the value of Lutheran Schools as Congregational Outreach. We 

heard young people giving voice to their faith and the benefit of receiving a Lutheran education. And a 

number of the children and teens spoke of how they share their faith with others as a result. After the 

video, Donna Lucas, Principal, Ascension Lutheran School, Landover Hills, Maryland, came forward. She 

cited George Barna’s research that the most critical time to influence a child’s values and spirituality, 

including finding faith in Jesus as their Savior, are between ages 5 and 12. She spoke of finding opportunity 

among challenge, and valuing Christian Education through making it affordable. 

President Diefenthaler invited the Rev. Mark Drengler forward. 

The Southeastern District has sought to determined the Triennial Mission and Ministry Emphasis for Synod 

Convention. The 


MD-01-12-03 - Mission and Ministry Emphases 

WHEREAS, Synod Bylaw 4.2.1.(d) requires that districts in convention shall through delegate vote forward 

to the national convention a list of triennial mission and ministry emphases for consideration; and 

WHEREAS, during the latter part of 2011 and early 2012 a straw poll was conducted through the circuits 

and pre-convention meetings of the Southeastern District; and 

WHEREAS, The results of that polling revealed an overwhelming support for: 

Outreach/Evangelism/Faith Sharing 




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Renewal/Revitalization/Refreshing of existing congregations 

Resources for Developing Disciples 

Planting New Missions 

 

WHEREAS, The Southeastern District is actively promoting and supporting these top four priorities; 


RESOLVED that the Southeastern District in Convention affirm the priority of 

Outreach/Evangelism/Faith Sharing 

Renewal/Revitalization/Refreshing of existing congregations 

Resources for Developing Disciples 

Planting New Missions, and be it further 

RESOLVED, that we request Synod to consider these responses in developing national priorities for 

mission and ministry emphases. 

The Chair called Chaplain Bill Harmon to lead our Convention Closing Service of Prayer. 

The Installation of Circuit Counselors and Board members was done during this worship. 

The Rev. Dr. Jon T. Diefenthaler, Chairman and outgoing President of the Southeastern District, adjourned 

the 36 th Convention of the Southeastern District at 3:41 p.m. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Rev. Elliott M. Robertson, Secretary 




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Proceedings 2012 SED Convention - Southeastern District ...

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