Planned Giving Gift Summary - Lutheran Church-Canada

LUTHERAN CHURCH–CANADA
Ninth Convention
June 3-6, 2011
Hamilton, Ontario
CONVENTION WORKBOOK

FOREWORD
This 2011 Convention Workbook is a resource for delegates and guests who will join us in Hamilton, Ontario, in
early June for the Ninth Convention of Lutheran Church-Canada. In it you will find reports from the officers, boards
and commissions of the Synod, as well as from districts, educational institutions, and auxiliaries. It includes the
overtures we have received as of mid-March from congregations and other entities of LCC, requesting the
convention to take particular actions in many areas of our life together.
I have appointed Resolutions Committees, set to gather in April in Winnipeg, who will carefully work through all
the overtures related to their subject areas, and will prepare suggested resolutions; in other words, their
recommendations on how the Convention might handle a given matter. To be sure, the proposed resolutions can be
adopted … amended … or even declined by voting delegates to the Convention. Delegates will do the most
effective job in this area if they carefully study the materials in this Workbook, as well as the proposed resolutions
when they are sent out in the final weeks before the Convention begins.
I do hope that others, including many who cannot come to Hamilton, will take the opportunity to read some of the
resources in this Workbook, especially the reports and the theological documents provided. We will function best as
a family when brothers and sisters across the land are aware of what the Lord is doing in the Synod, so that local
congregations can participate in the life of the church in an informed way.
The Secretary of Synod, The Rev. Dennis Putzman, has ultimate responsibility for publication of the Convention
Workbook, and he has always worked in harmony with the full-time staff members at Synod’s office in Winnipeg.
We owe a real debt of gratitude to the officers, boards, commissions and other contributors to this book. I’m
especially thankful for the thorough and conscientious work of my administrative assistant, Iris Barta, who has
carried most of the load.
The structures we maintain, the actions we take, and the reports we prepare will fade and be forgotten someday.
They only have value if they keep directing us to Jesus Christ and His saving Word. As we send this Workbook on
its way, we take the theme of this convention and make it into our own confession, In Your Light We See Light. If
this triennial gathering of our synodical family helps us to see that truth, to believe it more firmly, and to live in it,
then it will indeed be rich time well spent.
Robert Bugbee, President
Lutheran Church-Canada

A. Table of Contents.....................................A.2
Proposed Agenda............................................A.3
Special Standing Rules ...................................A.4
B. Officers, Boards and Commissions................. B.1
Auxiliaries and LSO=s..................................... B.2
C. District Delegates........................................... C.1
Advisory Delegates ........................................ C.2
Convention Appointments.............................. C.3
D. Report on Nominations for
President and Profiles .....................................D.1
Vice-presidents and Profiles...........................D.2
Report of the Committee on Nominations ......D.6
Other Profiles..................................................D.7
E. Reports
1. President.................................................. E.1
2. Secretary.................................................. E.9
3. Treasurer.................................................. E.9
4. Board of Directors............................... ..E.12
5. Committee for Missions and Social Ministry
Services ................................................. E.13
6. Colloquy Committees............................ E.17
7. Committee for Communication and
Technology............................................ E.18
8. Committee on Worship and Music ...... E.21
9. Commission on Constitutional Matters and
Structure ................................................ E.21
10. Commission on Theology and Church
Relations................................................ E.22
11. Committee on Cultural Properties and
Archives ................................................ E.23
12. Commission on Adjudication ......... no report
13. Board of ManagersBWorker Benefit Plans
............................................................... E.24
14. Lutheran ChurchBCanada Financial Ministries
............................................................... E.27
15. Council of Presidents…………………...E.30
16. AlbertaBBritish Columbia District ...... E.31
17. Central District ...................................... E.35
18. East District........................................... E.37
19. Concordia University College of AlbertaE.44
20. Concordia Lutheran Seminary,
Edmonton AB……………………………E.53
21. Concordia Lutheran Theological
Seminary, St. Catharines ON……………E.61
A. 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
22. International Lutheran Laymen=s League E.69
23. L W M LBCanada................................... E.71
24. Concordia Lutheran Mission Society ..... E.72
25. Canadian Lutheran World Relief…… E.75
Listed Service Organizations
26. B.C. Mission Boat Society ..................... E.77
27. LAMPBCanada....................................... E.78
28. Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada .... E.81
29. Lutheran Braille WorkersBCanada ....... E.81
30. Lutheran Hospital Ministry of Northern
Alberta E.82
31. Lutherans for LifeBCanada..................... E.83
32. Malabar Mission Society……………… E.84
33. The Rock Lutheran Inner City Society E.85
34. Lutherwood Community Opportunities
Development Association...............…… E.85
35. Bethany Pioneer Village Inc………… E.87
36. Lutheran Community Care Centre ....... E.88
37. Encharis………………………………... E.89
38. Haiti Lutheran Mission Society……….. E.90
39. Wagner Hills Farm Society……………. E.91
40. Lutheran Council in Canada………… ... E.92
F. Overtures
1. Theology/Missions…………………….. F.1
2. Higher Education…………………… .... F.13
3. Administration/Constitutional Matters ... F.18
4. Financial/Miscellaneous Matters……… F.23
G. Appendixes
1. CTCR Documents
Cremation and The Christian…………. G.1
The Public Reading of Scripture……… G.9
In the Divine Service An Apologetic
May a Vicar Celebrate The Lord’s……. G.12
Supper in an Emergency Situation
The Doctrinal Authority of C.F.W……. G.18
Walther’s Kirche und Amt
(Church and Ministry in Lutheran
Church–Canada
2. Vicarage Task Force ……………….…. G.26
3. Task Force on Cost-Efficient,………... G. 34
Sustainable Seminary Education

Friday
1:00-7:00 pm Registration (at hotel)
1:00 p.m. All four Resolutions Committees
meet in assigned rooms at hotel.
They are free to adjourn on
completion of their work.
2:00 p.m. Board of Directors
SESSION 1
4:30-5:30 Welcome & Introductions
Convention Delegate Orientation
Orientation and Organization
Special Standing Rules
Adoption of Agenda
5:45 p.m. Dinner (District tables)
8:00 p.m. Opening Convention Service with
Celebration of Holy Communion
Saturday
6:45-8:00 Breakfast (Sheraton Hotel)
7:00 a.m. Late registration
SESSION 2
8:15 a.m. Devotion
8:30 a.m. Essay
Report of Committee on Registration
Nominations/Elections #l
President's Report
Greetings
Closing Prayer
12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m. Information Sessions:
1. Mission & Social Ministry
2. Lutheran Foundation Canada
3. Board of Directors/Council of
Presidents
4. Theology & Church Relations
5. Seminaries; University College
6. Worker Benefits
7. Committee on Worship and Music
SESSION 3
3:30 p.m. Nominations/Elections #2
Floor Committee 1
Floor Committee 2
5:00 p.m. Prayer
5:15 p.m. Dinner
A. 3
LUTHERAN CHURCHBCANADA
Ninth Convention
PROPOSED AGENDA
SESSION 4
7:00 p.m. Nominations/Elections #3
Reports
Floor Committee No. 3
Floor Committee No. 4
9:00 p.m. Closing Prayer
9:15 p.m. Reception
Sunday
7:00-8:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 a.m. Worship in convention venue
SESSION 5
10:30 a.m. Nominations/Elections #4
Floor Committee No. 1
Floor Committee No. 2
Nominations/Elections #5
11:50 a.m. Closing Prayer
12:00 p.m. Lunch
SESSION 6
1:30 p.m. Opening Devotion
Nominations/Elections #6
Floor Committee No. 1
Floor Committee No. 2
Floor Committee No. 3
Floor Committee No. 4
5:00 p.m. Closing Prayer
5:30 p.m. Fellowship Dinner and Outreach Event
Monday
6:45-8:00 a.m. Breakfast
SESSION 7
8:15 a.m. Opening Devotion
Essay
Floor Committee No. 1
Floor Committee No. 2
Floor Committee No. 3
Floor Committee No. 4
Other Unfinished Items
Approval of Minutes
Closing Devotion
12:00 p.m. Adjournment
12:15 p.m. Box Lunch (Sheraton Hotel)

SPECIAL STANDING RULES (proposed)
1. A delegate wishing to address the convention should
approach one of the floor microphones, and, when
recognized by the chair, state his or her name. The
delegate shall also state the name of the district or
administrative unit (eg: board, committee, faculty) he
or she represents.
2. A three-minute limitation shall be applied to all who
speak from the floor.
3. All new business, including that which arises from
overtures and recommendations contained in reports,
shall come before the convention only through the
appropriate resolutions committee (Bylaw 2.19f).
4. The preface, preamble and whereas sections shall be
considered an integral part of a resolution and any
action pertaining to the resolution applies to all its
parts.
5. If substitute motions are offered, they shall be handled
according to Robert's Rules of Order.
6. Resolutions prepared by the Resolutions Committee,
which are not acted upon by the convention before
adjournment, die.
7. Unless covered by these Standing Rules of the
convention, parliamentary procedures shall be
governed by Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised,
latest edition.
A PRIMER OF PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
A. Purpose of Parliamentary Law and Procedure
The purpose of parliamentary procedure is to carry out
the aims of the assembly in an orderly and fair
manner, to expedite business, to insure justice and
fairness to all, both the majority and the minority. It is
not the purpose of parliamentary procedure to make
the conduct of business in an assembly difficult, or to
entangle an assembly in technicalities, or to provide a
channel for individuals to flaunt their parliamentary
knowledge.
B. Basic Steps of Parliamentary Procedure
The chairman and members of the assembly should be
acquainted with and observe eight basic, essential
parliamentary steps to take care of convention
business in an orderly and fair manner.
They are:
Members:
1. Address the Chair, AMr. Chairman" (or Mr.
President.)
2. Await recognition by the Chair.
3. Make the motion, "I move that...."
A. 4
4. Second the motion. (Unless not required.)
Chair:
5. States the motion. (Or rules it out of order.)
6. Calls for discussion. (Unless motion is
undebatable.)
"Is there any discussion?" or AAre there any
remarks?" Ample opportunity must always be given
for expression of opinion and discussion.
7. Takes the vote. (Or "Puts the question.")
First calls for the affirmative vote, then the negative.
(A tie vote defeats the motion, since a majority is
required to adopt-unless the motion requires a 2/3
vote.)
8. States the results.
The motion is carried, or, the motion is lost. The
vote does not go into effect until the results are
announced.
BASIC PARLIAMENTARY PRINCIPLES FOR
SYNOD CONVENTION
1. A Synod convention is a parliamentary assembly called
to deliberate and to make decisions. From time to time
it defines the privileges, the rights, and the duties of
the members of Synod and sets up or changes the
framework of the synodical organization. It hears the
reports of its officers, board, and commissions as to
what these have done with their constitutional and
convention directives and receives and passes on
proposals for their future activity.
2. All voting delegates have equal rights, privileges, and
obligations.
3. The vote of the majority decides. The will of a Synod
convention is determined by the taking of a vote.
4. Free discussion of every proposition or resolution
presented for decision is an established right for all
delegates, voting and advisory. The convention has the
right to decide when it has heard sufficient discussion.
This right, however, should be exercised with
restraint.
5. Both proponents and opponents of a given proposal
have rights which must be safeguarded. The decision
belongs to the majority, but the right to discuss, the
right to be heard, and the right to oppose should be
upheld. A member of the majority on one question is
often a member of the minority on another.
6. The simplest and most direct parliamentary procedure
for accomplishing a purpose would be followed rather
than taking devious routes multiplying technicalities.

CONVENTION GLOSSARY
Ad Hoc Committee
Special committee with a limited assignment and a
limited life.
Advisory Delegate
A certified member of the convention with the right to
speak, but without vote. However, if appointed to a
floor committee, entitled to vote there.
Agenda
A list of items of convention business "to be done."
Alternate
A full-time substitute to take the place of a delegate to
the convention, if necessary.
Amend
To change or modify a resolution or motion.
Appeal
An appeal from a decision of the chair requires that
the decision be referred to the convention for its
immediate decision by a vote.
Audit
Official examination and verification of accounts.
Bylaw
A rule of Synod or district ranking immediately below
the constitution in authority and above standing rules.
Chair
The presiding officer of the convention, usually the
president, or temporarily a vice-president.
Constitution
The statement of the basic principles and structures of
Synod, the highest continuing authority created by the
association of congregations, pastors, deacons
constituting Synod. The synodical constitution is also
the constitution of all of its districts.
Division of the House
A vote taken by rising to verify a voice vote at the call
of the chair or at the request of a voting delegate.
General Consent
An informal method of disposing of routine and
generally favoured proposals by assuming approval of
a request unless immediate objection is raised.
Handbook
A manual containing the synodical Articles of
Incorporation, the synodical constitution and bylaws.
In Order
Correct from a parliamentary standpoint at a given
time.
Lay on the Table
To set aside a motion or a proposed resolution for
consideration in the indefinite future. If adopted, it
usually kills consideration of an action on the main
motion by postponing it without a set time to take it up
again. If this is not the intent, the motion should be not
to table but to postpone, preferably to a set time.
A. 5
Majority
More than half the votes cast. The synodical
constitution provides: "All matters of doctrine and of
conscience shall be decided only by the Word of God.
All other matters shall be decided by a majority vote."
This means a simple majority in all instances except
those which involve a proposed constitutional
amendment; they require a two-thirds affirmative vote
of all votes cast. Certain procedural motions also
require a two-thirds majority.
Out of Order
Not correct from a parliamentary standpoint at that
particular time.
Overture
A recommendation, proposed resolution, or petition
submitted by a member congregation of Synod, or
other group recognized in the bylaws.
Parliamentarian
A person or persons designated by the chair to advise
him on the applicability of parliamentary principles
and procedures in a given situation.
Pending
Not yet decided. A pending motion is one that has
been stated by the chair, but is not yet disposed of by
vote.
Point of Order
Any delegate may promptly call attention to the fact
that the rules of Synod or its convention are seemingly
not in force by saying, "I rise to a point of order."
Upon hearing the point made, the chair rules as to its
validity.
Postpone
To defer action on a question or proposed resolution
(1) indefinitely, or (2) until a certain specified time.
Preamble
The introductory part of a resolution or report, usually
in the form of whereas. The assembly has the right to
amend these since they are part of the resolution when
presented together with the resolves.
Previous Question
A motion calling for the previous question stops all
discussion or debate if two-thirds of the voting
delegates vote "Yes" after a motion has been made and
seconded to call for the previous question. When twothirds
of the voting delegates have responded “Yes”
the chair must immediately call a vote on the motion
pending before the convention.
Privileged Motion.
A motion, such as to recess, to fix the time of the next
session and to change the order of the day. It takes
precedence over all other motions.
Putting the Question
The taking of the vote by the chair.

Question
A subject or point of debate or a resolution being, or to
be voted on.
Quorum
The fewest number of delegates that can be present
and still permit business to be transacted.
Report
Usually the formal accounting given by an officer, a
board, a department, a committee, or a commission of
the discharge of its responsibilities under the
constitution and bylaws of Synod, such as accounting
to be evaluated by the delegate convention of Synod.
Rescind
To annul or to cancel. To undo or reverse a previous
decision.
Resolution
A formal proposal submitted previously in writing by
convention floor committee for action by the
convention.
Resolutions Committee
(Floor Committee) A working group of convention
voting and advisory delegates to whom the processing
of a share of convention business is entrusted for
recommendation in turn to the convention proper.
Seriatim
In a series; one after another.
Substitute Amendment
When a full paragraph, section, or resolution is
dropped and another is inserted in its place.
Table
(See also "Lay on the Table") To set aside a motion or
a proposed resolution for consideration in the
indefinite future. If adopted it usually kills
consideration of an action on the main motion by
postponing it without a set time to take it up again.
ELECTION INSTRUCTIONS/COMMENTS
After a brief introduction of the members of the Election
Committee, the chair of the Committee will provide the
convention with the following election instructions/
comments.
1. All elections shall be conducted according to the
appropriate bylaws of Synod (2.505, 2.515, 2.531-
2.539) and any special standing rules which might be
adopted by the convention.
2. The Elections Committee is responsible for all matters
pertaining to elections, but is not responsible for
matters pertaining to nominations.
3. All voting will be carried out in a very specific
order/sequence:
A President (1)
B Vice-presidents - 1 from each district.
C Board of Directors (2 lay East, 1 Lay Central; 1
A. 6
pastor-at-large)
D Ranking of Vice-presidents.
E Other Elected Boards and Commissions:
i. Board of Regents:
(a) CLS, Edmonton (2 ABC; 1 Central)
Require 2 pastors and 1 lay or deacon
(b) CLTS, St. Catharines. (2 East, 1 Central)
Require 2 pastors and 1 lay or deacon
(C) CUCA, Edmonton (2 pastors; 1 Lay)
ii Commission on Adjudication (East 1 pastor;
Central 1 pastor; ABC 1 lay)
iii. Commission On Theology And Church
Relations (1 pastor, 1 lay)
4. More than one ballot may be required to complete the
voting in any specific category.
5. The Election Committee is responsible for:
S The preparation, presentation, distribution,
collection, counting and reporting of the ballots.
S The preparation of a master report for the secretary
of the convention for inclusion in the official
minutes.
6. Ballots will only be distributed to voting convention
delegates who are seated in their designated section on
the convention floor (includes committees meeting and
those on convention platform).
7. No other convention business will be conducted or
announcements made while balloting is taking place.
8. All voting requires delegates to mark the ballot with
an "X" in the appropriate space beside the name of the
candidate(s) for whom they are voting. The process
for the ranking vice-presidents is noted below.
9. The identity of the election taking place, the number of
candidates to be elected, and any pertinent information
for each vote that will be conducted, shall appear at
the top of each ballot that is distributed during the
election process.
10. The name and the district affiliations of the candidates
in all elections (at least two for each position) shall be
placed on the election ballot in alphabetical order and
without any distinctive mark, except where regional
representation is a synodical preference or
requirement.
11. Ballots shall be colour-coded as to series and contain
the sequential number of the ballots required to
complete the election in any specific series.
12. A majority of all votes cast shall be required for
election to all executive offices and elective board
positions. Spoiled or blank ballots or abstentions are
not counted as votes cast.
13. The election of president shall follow Synodical
Bylaw 2.505. The election of Vice-presidents shall
follow Synodical Bylaw 2.515.
14. Ranking of Vice-presidents:

The First Vice-president: Delegates will vote for one
of the three Vice Presidents. The Vice President
receiving the majority of the votes will be the First
Vice-president. If no majority is received on the first
ballot, the Vice-president who receives the lowest
number of votes will be eliminated from the second
ballot.
The Second Vice-president: Delegates will vote for
one from the two remaining Vice-presidents. The
Vice-president receiving the majority of the votes will
be the Second Vice-president. The remaining Vicepresident
will be the Third Vice-president.
15. The following regulations shall apply for the election
of all Boards and Commissions:
B Delegates will vote for as many candidates as are to
be elected. If more than the required number of
candidates receive a majority, those candidates who
have received the greatest number of votes shall be
declared elected provided that regional or clergy and
lay requirements are met.
B When a second or succeeding ballot is required,
A. 7
those candidates in each category receiving no votes,
as well as those candidates receiving less than 15% of
the votes cast shall be dropped from the ballot. If
more than two candidates receive less than 15% of the
votes cast, the three highest candidates shall remain on
the ballot.
16. The tally of the votes cast for each candidate shall be
announced after each ballot in all elections in the order
that the candidates appeared on the ballot.
17. After ballot results are reported, the Elections
Committee shall indicate which names are to be
dropped. Thereupon, any other candidates who wish to
do so may withdraw their names from subsequent
balloting.
18. All ballots in each election shall be preserved by the
chairman of the Elections Committee until the close of
the convention and shall then be destroyed.
19. The president shall determine and announce a period
of time during the convention for the election of the
members of all elective boards and commissions.

Lutheran Church–Canada
3074 Portage Ave. Winnipeg MB Canada R3K 0Y2
Phone: 204-895-3433 Fax 204-832-3018
WBP Fax 204-897-4319
Web page: www.lutheranchurch.ca
1-800-LUTHCAN (1-800-588-4226)
Officers:
President: Rev. Robert Bugbee, (2011)
President Emeritus: Rev. Dr. Ralph Mayan
President Emeritus: Rev. Dr. Edwin Lehman,
Vice-president: Rev. Daryl M. Solie (2011)
Vice-president: Rev. Robert C. Krestick, (2011)
Vice-president: Rev. Thomas Kruesel, (2011)
Secretary: Rev. Dennis Putzman, (2011)
Treasurer: Dwayne Cleave
Board of Directors
Officers:
Chairman: Randy Stefan; Secretary: Rev. Dennis
Putzman
Clergy members:
Rev. Robert Bugbee (2011); Rev. Dr. Karl
Keller, (2014); Rev. Robert C. Krestick (2011);
Rev. Thomas Kruesel (2011); Rev. Dennis
Putzman (2011); Rev. Daryl M. Solie (2011)
Lay members:
Lynn Gergens, (2011); Arnold Drung (2014);
Randy Stephan (2011); Anne Taylor (2014)
Lorne Wirth, (2014)
Legal Counsel:
Thomas P. Dooley, Aikins, MacAulay &
Thorvaldson, Barristers & Solicitors, 30th Floor 360
Main Street Winnipeg MB R3C 4G1
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
Committee for Mission and Social Ministry Services
Rev. Charles Cooley; Carol Haberstock; Rev.
Michael Keith; Rev. Dr. Karl Keller; Rev. Dr. David
Somers Staff: Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel
Committee for Communication & Technology
Lynn Gergens; Chris Bruer; Rev Alex Klages; Rev.
Phillip Washeim Staff: Ian Adnams Advisory:
Stephen Klinck
Committee on Worship and Music
Allison Wonnick; Rev. Jan Pastucha; Rev Kurt
Reinhardt
Committee on Cultural Properties and Archives
Karen Baron; Maxine Holm; Larry Lutz; Carol
Nagel; Dr. Norman Threinen Staff: Ian Adnams
B. 1
BOARDS OF REGENTS
Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary - St.
Catharines ON:
Rev. Robert Krestick, chairman (2011); Rev. Brian
Dunlop (2014); Rev. James Heinbuch (2011); David
Schutz, (2011); Rev. James Scholz (2014); Wayne
Timm (2011); Rev. Paul Zabel (ex officio); Dr.
Thomas Winger interim president
Concordia Lutheran Seminary - Edmonton, AB:
Rev. Thomas Kruesel (2011); Roberta Nixon (2011);
Rev. Mark Dressler (2014) Christopher Klarenbach
(2011); Rev. Rob Mohns (2014) Jonathan Mayan
(2014) Rev. Paul Schallhorn (2011); Rev. Don
Schiemann (ex officio) Rev. Dr. Manfred Zeuch,
president
Concordia University College of Alberta - Edmonton,
AB: Rev. Mark Danielson (2014); Dr. Merv Fingas
(2011); Al Gerdung (2012); Rev. Mark Hennig
(2014); Don Hindle (2012); Stewart Maschmeyer
(2011); Rev. Kenneth Eifert (2011); Cam McNeil
(2011); Dr. Martin Mueller (2011); Rev. Thomas
Prachar (ex officio); Curtis Schafer (2014); Rev.
Donald Schiemann (ex officio); Gordon Toole
(2011); Dr. John Woollard, faculty (2011); Ms.
Norma Wynn (2012); Josie Hitesman, student
advisory (2011); Dr. Gerald Krispin, executive
officer
COMMISSIONS
Commission on Adjudication
Edward Claxton (2011); Rev. David Hilderman
(2011); Jim Werschler (2011); Rev. Walter
Hambrock (2014); Trudy Schafer (2014) ABC:
Francis Taman (2011); CENT: Rev. Karl Koslowsky
(2009); EAST: (2009)
Commission on Reconciliation
Alberta–British Columbia District:
Phil Brose (2012); Todd Hennig (2009); Rev. Jim
Schuelke (2009); Francis Taman (2009); Rev. Phil
Washeim (2012)
Central District:
Raimo Pehkonen (2009); Rev. Harold Borchardt
(2012); Rev. Darwin Pollard (2009); Wayne
Mutschler (2009); Don Fry (2012)
East District:
Roger Kleebaum (2012); Dr. Bryan King (2015);
Doug McLaren (2015); Rev. Nolan Astley (2015);
Rev. John Trembulak (2012)

Commission on Constitutional Matters and Structure
Herb Doering (2011); Gary Gilmore (2011); Rev.
William R.A. Ney (2009); Rev. Dr. Stephen
Chambers (2011); Rev. Dennis Putzman; Rev. John
Trembulak III (2011) Staff: Rev. Robert Bugbee
Commission on Theology and Church Relations
Rev. Dr. Edward G. Kettner, chairman (2011); Allen
Schellenberg, secretary (2011); Rev. Warren Hamp
(2014); Rev. Dr. Thomas Winger (2011); Rev.
William Ney (2014); Clifford Pyle (2014) Rev.
Donald Schieman (2011) Staff: Rev. Robert Bugbee
COUNCILS
Council of Presidents
Rev. Donald Schiemann, chairman; Rev. Robert
Bugbee; Rev. Thomas Kruesel; Rev. Daryl Solie;
Rev. Robert C. Krestick; Rev. Paul Zabel; Rev.
Thomas Prachar; Rev. Dr. Ralph Mayan; Rev. Dr.
Edwin Lehman;
Placement Committee
Rev. Robert Bugbee; Rev. Paul Zabel; Rev. Thomas
Prachar; Rev. Donald Schiemann
Colloquy Committee for the Pastoral Ministry
Rev. Dr. Thomas Winger; Rev. Daryl Solie; Rev. Dr.
Manfred Zeuch
Colloquy Committee for Teachers
Rev. Dr. Thomas Winger; Rev. Dr. Gerald Krispin;
Rev. Daryl Solie; Rev. Dr. Manfred Zeuch
OTHER SYNODICAL ENTITIES
Board of Managers– Worker Benefit Plans
Board: (2014); Richard Currie (2011); Lois Griffin
chair (2011); Steve Raine (2014); Rev. Mark Hennig
(2014); Dieter Kays (advisory Dwayne Cleave (exofficio)
Lutheran Church–Canada Financial Ministries
Anna Fierling (2011); Allan Webster (2011)
Secretary; Marvin Mutschler (2011); David Eifert
(2010) James Dietrich (2011); Harold Bosche (2012);
Cliff Kolson (2013); Roland Naujoks (2013);
Advisory: Dwayne Cleave, Rev. Robert Bugbee,
Allen Schellenberg; Alfred Feth
B. 2
AUXILIARIES
Concordia Lutheran Mission Society
International Lutheran Laymen’s League
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League–Canada
LISTED SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
Mission Organizations
BC Mission Boat Society
Crew Ministries
Haiti Lutheran Mission Society
Kapaseeni Project
Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots
Lutheran Brail Workers-Canada
Lutheran Hospital Ministry of Northern Alberta
Philoxenia/Hospitality Misnistry
The Rock Lutheran Inner City Society
Social Ministry Organizations
EnCharis Management and Support Services
Lutherwood Community Opportunities Development
Association
Bethany Pioneer Village Inc.
Lutheran Community Care Centre
Wagner Hills Farm Society
Parish Service Organizations
Okanagan Camp and Retreat Centre/Lutheran Camp
Concordia (1992) Society
LUTHERAN COOPERATIVE AGENCIES
Lutheran Council in Canada
Canadian Lutheran World Relief

C.1
CONVENTION DELEGATES
Alberta British Columbia District
Clergy Advisory
Asmus Jonathan Okanagan Gierach Les district clergy advisory
Barr Dan Stony Plain Haberstock Harry district BOD advisory
Buck Rod Stony Plain Kruse Keith district diaconate advisory
Coltman Fraser Kootenay Schaeffer Glenn district office advisory
Dittmer Reinhard Elk Island Schuelke Jim district clergy advisory
Dressler David Calgary Schutz Michael district diaconate advisory
Eifert Ken Peace River Central District
Esperanza Vic Edmonton Clergy
Fuehrer Nathan Lethbridge Andersen Gerry Qu’Appelle
Heinbuch Jim Wetaskiwin Chimirri-Russell Jim Wascana
Kahle Andreas Cariboo Corson Bruce Wascana
Liske Colin Vancouver Island Dul Jeff Assiniboine
Lobitz Mark Calgary Eichenlaub Ken Assiniboine
Loveridge Lee Okanagan Falkenholt Brian Ontario
Lunderby Wayne Fraser Valley Heintz Garry Ontario
Naylor Steven Vancouver Keith Michael Katepwa
Paulgaard James Fraser Valley Keller Ken Northland
Stroup Forrest Edmonton Klages Alex Portage
Van Manaan Sye Edmonton Kleemola Randy Southland
VanKatwyk Peter Wetaskiwin Schnarr Cam Red River
Wasylowich Nick Calgary Scholz James Red River
Lay Vosper James Saskatoon
Andrew William Vancouver Island Lay
Bartlett John Peace River Fourie Louis Saskatoon
Bland Lennard Cariboo Kardash Blair Southland
Elle Cliff Lethbridge Kendel Merv Assiniboine
Engelen Charles Edmonton Kitsch Darren Assiniboine
Forrieter Bruce Fraser Valley Klatt Karl Red River
Fricke Paul Kootenay Miller Larry Qu’Appelle
Graumann Peter Calgary Nixon Roberta Wascana
Hessel Roman Okanagan Nojonen John Ontario
Hoveland Keith Edmonton Otto Warren Red River
Lehman Rod Edmonton Schaan Allan Wascana
Lutz Maureen Okanagan Spicer Judy Ontario
Mclachlan Leigh Calgary Timm Wayne Northland
Oliver Ian Vancouver Turner Eileen Portage
Pittao Arnold Elk Island Wagner Larry Katepwa
Schneider Brenda Wetaskiwin Advisory
Schoepp Travis Stony Plain Dressler Wally district office advisory
Schole Ron Stony Plain Gust Arron district BOD advisory
Sihlis Lennard Calgary Maher Ray district clergy advisory
Steiner Ernie Fraser Valley McNeil Melissa district diaconate advisory
Wolf Russell Wetaskiwin Vaage Aaron district youth advisory

C.2
East District OTHER ADVISORY DELEGATES AND
Clergy REPRESENTATIVES
Astley Nolan Kitchener President Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee
Bode David London President Emeritus Rev. Dr. Ralph Mayan
Bublitz Marvin Stratford President Emeritus Rev. Dr. Edwin Lehman
Danielson Mark Hamilton Vice-presidents Rev. Robert Krestick
Denninger Clair Ottawa Rev. Daryl Solie
Habermas Matthew Toronto Rev. Thomas Kruesel
Hartburg Mark Kitchener Secretary Rev. Dennis Putzman
Krey Matthias Windsor Treasurer Mr. Dwayne Cleave
Kuenzel Gary Niagara District Presidents Rev. Paul Zabel
Kuhl Joel Ottawa Rev. Thomas Prachar
Maher Ken Hanover Rev. Donald Schiemann
Orlowski Rick Kitchener Board of Directors
Pakrul Peter Toronto Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee, Rev. Thomas Kruesel,
Peters Duane Niagara Rev. Daryl Solie, Rev. Robert Krestick, Dwayne Cleave
Schieman Donald London Rev. Dennis Putzman, Lynn Gergens, Rev. Karl Keller,
Schnarr Jim Hamilton Arnold Drung, Lorne Wirth, Anne Taylor
Teuscher Timothy Stratford
Toms Adrian Toronto Committee for Cultural Property and Archives
Walrath Kevin Kitchener Rev. Daryl Solie
Lay
Addison Stan Ottawa Committee for Worship and Music
Brander Walter Windsor Allison Wonnick
Famme Howard Stratford
Fooks Barb Kitchener Commission on Adjudication
Gerber James Kitchener Rev. Walter Hambrock
Griffin Tony Toronto
King Bill Hanover Commission on Constitutional Matters and Structure
Klages Gerrald Stratford Herb Doering, Gary Gilmore, Rev. William Ney
Korst Bruno Toronto Rev. Dr. Stephen Chambers, Rev. Dennis Putzman,
Mcfarlane Jim Hamilton Rev. John Trembulak III
Naujoks Roland Toronto
Otterman Paul Hamilton Commission on Theology and Church Relations
Putzman Daniel Niagara Rev. Dr. Edward Kettner, Allen Schellenberg,
Rogers Enid Kitchener Rev. Warren Hamp, Rev. Dr. Thomas Winger,
Schappert Kent Niagara Rev. William Ney, Clifford Pyle, Rev. Donald Schieman
Taylor Sterling Ottawa
Wiegan David London Lutheran Church–Canada Financial Ministries
Wilson Robert London Mr. Allen Schellenberg
Witzke Karl Kitchener
Advisory Board of Managers-Worker Benefits
Bode David district BOD advisory Richard Currie, Lois Griffin, Steve Raine
Diehl Stan district diaconate advisory Rev. Mark Hennig, Rev. Dieter Kays, Dwayne Cleave
Fooks Marti district youth advisory
Holland Darryll district office advisory Board of Regents - CUCA, Edmonton AB
Krey Nathan district youth advisory Dr. Gerald Krispen, Rev. Ken Eifert
Stanfel Albin district clergy advisory
Winger Roger district clergy advisory Board of Regents - CLS Edmonton AB
Rev. Paul Schallhorn, Rev. Dr. Manfred Zeuch
Board of Regents - CLTS St. Catharines ON
Rev. Brian Dunlop, Rev. Dr. Thomas Winger

CONVENTION APPOINTMENTS
C.3
Convention Manager Committee on Elections
Ian Adnams Rev. Jim Schuelke (chair), Stan Diehl, Rev. Ray Maher
Convention Planning Group Resolutions Committee1 (Theology/Missions)
David Schultz, Brad Smith Rev. Paul Zabel(chair), Eileen Turner, Paul Otterman
Macklem Sherman, Kathy Birkett Rev. Peter VanKatwyk, Rev. Cameron Schnarr,
Rod Lehman
Assistant to the Secretary
Rev. William Ney Resolutions Committee 2
(Parish Services and Higher Education)
Worship Committee Rev. Thomas Prachar (chair), Melissa McNeil,
Allison Wonnick Roland Naujoks, Rev. Sye VanMaanen,
Rev. Clair Denninger, William Andrew
Convention Chaplain
Rev. James Schnarr Resolutions Committee 3
(C onstitiution and Administrative Matters)
Convention Parliamentarian Rev. Donald Schiemann (chair), Rev. Brian Falkenholt,
Rev. Dr. Ralph Mayan Brenda Schneider, Rev. Ken Maher, Wayne Timm,
James Gerber
Committee on Registrations
TBA Resolutions Committee 4
(Financial and Miscellaneous Issues)
Committee on Nominations (as elected by districts) Rev. David Bode (chair), Karl Klatt, John Bartlett,
Walter Heinneman (chair); Rev. Harold Borchardt, Rev. James Vosper, Rev. Fraser Coltman,
secretary; Rev. Marvin Bublitz; Anna Fierling; Walter Brandner
Rev. Cliff Haberstock; Karen Nerbas

Bylaw 2.501 provides for the direct nomination of
candidates for the Office of President by congregations of
Synod. Each congregation has the opportunity of placing
two names in nominations and sending them to the
secretary of Synod not later than four months prior to the
opening date of the convention. The secretary shall report
to the convention by means of the convention manual the
names of the candidates for the office of president.
Bylaw 2.503 specifies that the candidates for the Office of
President shall be five clergymen receiving the highest
number of votes in the nominating ballots. In case of a tie
for fifth place, all names involved in the tie shall be listed
as candidates provided that the candidate has been listed
on at least two nomination ballots.
Accordingly, the names listed below constitute the slate
proposed to the 2011 convention of Lutheran Church–
Canada. All have consented to have their names appear
on the ballot.
D. 1
REPORT ON NOMINATIONS FOR PRESIDENT
Bylaw 2.501d instructs the secretary of Synod to publish
“the names and tallies of all pastors who have received
nominating votes for the Office of President.”
That report is as follows:
Robert Bugbee 98
CANDIDATE PROFILE
The following received one nomination:
Rev. Thomas Kruesel (declined)
Rev. Thomas Prachar (declined)
Rev. Daryl Solie (declined)
Rev. Timothy Teuscher (declined)
Rev. Paul Zabel (declined)
The total number of nominating congregations was 102.
There were 4 late ballots.
Name: Bugbee, Robert
Age: 55
Degrees: MDiv
Present Position: President, LCC
Years in Ministry: 29
Church Service: Pastor, Our Saviour, London Ont. 1982-87; Pastor, Grace, St.
Catharines Ont. 1987-89; Pastor, Life in Christ, Albertville
Minn. 1989-94
Senior Pastor, Holy Cross, Kitchener Ont. 1994-2008
Offices Held: LCMS Ontario Circuit Counsellor 1983-85; VP Ontario, East
District 1985-88, 1994-2000; Synodical VP 1988-89
Other: Short-term mission in Ukraine 1997; contributor to Tägliche
Andachten, Concordia Pulpit Resources
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. Dennis Putzman, secretary

D. 2
REPORT ON NOMINATIONS FOR VICE-PRESIDENTS
Bylaw 2.511 provides for the direct nomination of
candidates for the Office of Vice-President by the
congregations of Synod. Each congregation has the
opportunity of placing three names in nomination and
sending them to the secretary of Synod not later than 4
months prior to the opening date of the convention. The
secretary according to Bylaw 2.511d. shall report to the
convention by means of the convention manual the names
of the candidates for the office of vice-president.
Bylaw 2.513 specifies that the candidates for the Office of
Vice-President shall be the three persons from each of the
districts receiving the highest number of votes in the
nominating ballots of the congregations. In the event of a
tie for the third position among the candidates from each
of the districts, all names involved in the tie shall be listed
as candidates, provided that the candidate has been named
on at least two nominating ballots, and if no third
candidate so qualifies, the third ballot position will be
eliminated. In the event of the death, declination, or
unavailability of any candidate, the nominee from that
district having the next highest number of votes shall
become a candidate.
Accordingly, the names listed (in alphabetical order)
constitute the slate proposed to the convention. All have
given their consent to have their names appear on the
ballot.
Alberta–British Columbia District
Karl Keller, Thomas Kruesel, Craig Tufts
Central District
Arron Gust
East District
Nolan Astley, Marvin Bublitz, Mark Hartburg;
Timothy Teuscher
Bylaw 2.511d. also instructs the secretary of Synod to
publish “the names of all pastors who have received
nominating votes for the Office of Vice-President.” They
are:
ABC Thomas Kruesel 16; Karl Keller 5; Craig Tufts 2;
Robert Willie 2 (declined)
Central Daryl Solie 25(declined); Dan Moeller 3
(declined); Arron Gust 2; James Scholz 2 (declined).
East Robert Krestick 16 (declined); Nolan Astley 14;
Warren Hamp 6 (declined); Timothy Teuscher 4; David
Bode 2 (ineligible); Marvin Bublitz 2; Mark Hartburg 2;
Kurt Reinhardt 2 (declined).
The following received one nomination:
Rod Buck; Robert Bugbee; David Dressler; Mark
Dressler; Brian Dunlop; Ken Eichenlaub; Larry Gajdos;
Keith Haberstock; Laverne Hautz; Garry Heintz; Michael
Keith; Bryan King; William Kramer; John Kreutzwieser;
Kurt Lantz; Ken Maher; William Mundt; Rudy Pastucha;
Duane Peters; Daniel Repo; Paul Schallhorn; Don
Schiemann; James Schnarr; James Scholz; Sye Van
Maanen.
The total number of nominating congregations was 79.
Four ballots were received late.
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. Dennis Putzman, secretary

D. 3
CANDIDATE PROFILES
Name: Astley, Nolan
Age: 51
Degrees: MDiv
Present Position: Senior Pastor, Holy Cross Kitchener, ON 2009-present
Years in Ministry: 25
Church Service: Pastor, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Kamloops B.C.
1985-1990
Pastor, First/Zion, Lloydminster/McLaughlin, AB 1990-2009
Offices Held: Edmonton South Circuit Counsellor 1994-2000; CCMS 1994-2002
(chair 1999-2002); Synodical secretary 2002-2003; 3 rd Synodical VP
2003-2005; 1 st Synodical VP 2005-2009; Chair, President’s Task
Force on Chapter VIII 2005-2007
Chair, Task Force on Cost Efficient Seminary, 2009-present
Other: Rotary 2001-2006; various hospital pastoral care and ethics committees
Name: Bublitz, Marvin
Age: 46
Degrees: MDiv
Present Position: Pastor, Redeemer/First, Monkton/Logan, ON 2002-present
Years in Ministry: 20
Church Service: Pastor, St. John’s, Gasline, ON 1991-1998
Pastor, Faith, Dunville, ON 1998-2002
Offices Held: District Nomination Committee 1994-2000 1997 (sec) 2003-2009
(chair); District Communications Committee Chairman 2002-2008
District Doctrinal Unity Committee 2006-2009; Synod Convention
Delegate; Synod Resolutions Committee; WBP Strategic Planning
conference.
Other: CLTS Adult Education Instructor 1993-1994; Pastoral Advisor,
LWML Niagara Zone; On Call Hospital Chaplain; Ritz
Lutheran Villa BOD Building Committee 2007-present,
Treasurer 2008-0229, Chair 2009-present
Name: Gust, Arron
Age: 40
Degrees: MDiv
Present Position: Pastor, Triune Parish Langenburg, Landestreu, MacNutt, SK 2008present
Years in Ministry: 9
Church Service: Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairview, AB/St. John Lutheran
Hines Creek, AB 2001-2003; Pastor Lappe Lutheran Church, Lappe,
ON 2004-2008
Other: Member of Task Force on Cost Efficient Seminary, 2009-present.
Coach Youth Soccer for 7 years; Serve on the Langenburg
Arts Council.

D. 4
Name: Hartburg, Mark
Age: 54
Degrees: MDiv
Present Position: Senior Pastor, Historic St. Paul’s, Kitchener 2009-present
Years in Ministry: 21
Church Service: St. Stephen, Grimsby, ON 1990-1994; Messiah, Stoney Creek. ON/St.
Matthew, Smithville, ON 1992-1994; Christ Our Saviour, Grimsby
1994-2004; Assistant to the President, East District 2005-2009;
Offices Held: Chaplain, Concordia Theological Seminary, St. Catharines 1990-2000;
Board of Regents, Concordia Theological Seminary, St. Catharines
1996-2000; Member and Secretary,
Dept. for Outreach East District 2000-2004
Other: Founding Chairman, Board of Directors, West Niagara Palliative
Care Service, Grimsby, ON, Founding Officer, Grimsby Life Centre;
Secretary, Grimsby Ministerial Association
Name: Keller, Karl
Age: 72
Degrees: MDiv, M Sacred Theology, Dr. of Ministry
Present Position: Pastor, Walnut Grove Lutheran Church, Langley, BC, 1989-present
Years in Ministry: 45
Church Service: Pastor, Trinity , Pincher Creek/Faith Cardston, AB 1966-1970
Pastor, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Edmonton, AB 1974-1979
Director of Lutheran Evangelistic Movement, Canada 1979-1996
Offices Held: Circuit Counsellor, ABC District Board of Directors, LWML,
Department of Evangelism, ABC District, Board of Directors, LCC,
Chair, Committee for Mission and Social Ministry Services, LCC
Other: Led 8 Missions to Ukraine, Russia Kazakhstan
Seven missions to Africa including training of 1300 pastors and
evangelists over an 8-year period in the Lutheran Church
Name: Kruesel, Thomas
Age: 46
Degrees: MDiv
Present Position: Pastor, Bethany Lutheran Church, Campbell River, BC 2001-present
Years in Ministry: 21
Church Service: Pastor Redeemer Lutheran Church, Portage la Prairie, MB 1990-2001
Offices Held: Committee on Adjudication 1993-1996; 3 rd Vice President Synod
2009-present; District Dep. Of Evangelism 1991-1996; Circuit
Counsellor, LWML Pastoral Advisor
Other: Central Plans Community Network Board Member 1998-2001; God’s
Children Board Chair, 1996-2002; Simms Creek Stewardship Society
Board Member 2001-present; Birthright Pastoral Advisor 2002present;
City of Campbell River Parks,
Rec. and Culture Commission 2002-2004

D. 5
Name: Teuscher, Timothy
Age: 58
Degrees: MDiv
Present Position: Pastor, St. Peter’s, Stratford, ON 1996-present
Years in Ministry: 30
Church Service: Pastor, Risen Christ, Mississauga, ON 1980-1986 Pastor, Christ,
Petawawa, ON 1986-1996
Offices Held: Toronto Circuit Counsellor 1985-1986; CTCR 1993-1999; Ottawa
Circuit Counsellor 1992-1993; 2nd Vice-President East District
2000-2006; East District 125 th Anniversary Committee; Doctrinal
Review Committee of LCC, Author of “Where’s Walther?” articles
for the Canadian Lutheran. 2010 issues.
Other: Managed, coached and played on a number of baseball teams 1980-2009
Name: Tufts, Craig
Age: 56
Degrees: BSc, EE, MDiv
Present Position: Pastor, Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Parksville, BC 2007-present
Years in Ministry: 22
Church Service: East Kilbride, Scotland 1989-1991
St. Timothy, Sunderland, England 1991-1994
St. John Summerland, BC 1994-2007
Other: Evangelical Lutheran Church of England– 5 year planning committee
1992; ABC Worship Committee 1996; BC Mission Boat Society
2007-present

D. 6
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS
The committee submits the following list of nominees for positions to be filled at this Convention.
Board of Directors
Required: 2 lay persons ABC District; 1 lay person Central District; 1 pastor at large
Clergy: Rev. Mark Koehler (East) Rev. Paul Schallhorn (East)
Lay: Frank Belden (ABC) Norman Lutomske (Central)
Cameron Pelzer (Central) Ronald A. Roller (ABC)
Commission on Adjudication
Required: 1 Pastor ABC District; 1 lay person Central District; 1 lay person East District;
Must include 1 lawyer
Clergy: Rev. Neil Stern (ABC) Rev. Alan Visser (ABC)
Lay: Darcy Wershler (Central) John Robins Sr. (Central)
*No Nomination from East District; No lawyer nominated
Commission on Theology and Church Relations
Required: 1 pastor; 1 lay person
Clergy: Rev. Kurt Lantz (East) Rev. James Dimitroff (Central)
Lay: Marlene Schneider (ABC) Paul Walrath (East)
Board of Regents – Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton, Alta.
Required: 1 person from each district to total 1 pastor and 2 lay persons or deacons
Clergy: Rev. Ted Giese (Central) Rev. Don Hennig (ABC)
Rev. Walter Hambrock (East)
Lay: Karen Gallas (East) Arlene Kish (Central)
Marlene Schneider (East) Roberta Nixon (Central)
*No lay nominations from ABC District
Board of Regents – Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, St. Catharines, Ont.
Required: 1 person from each district to total 1 pastor and 2 lay persons or deacons
Clergy: Rev. Jacob Quast (Central)
Lay: Ivan G. Boles (ABC) Wayne Timm (Central)
*No nominations from the East District
Board of Regents – Concordia University College of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.
Required: 3 lay or clergy
Clergy: Rev. Ken Maher (East) Rev. Darren Siegle (ABC)
Lay: Karen Gallas (East)
*Where no nominations were received, nominations will be accepted from the floor. The nominator must
have full biographical information and consent from the nominee.

D. 7
CANDIDATE PROFILES
Name Belden, Frank P.
Age 67
Congregation Redeemer Lutheran Church, West Kelowna, BC
District ABC
Occupation Fund Raising Consultant
Degrees BA, Masters Degree in Distance Education
Service Synod: Chair, Nominating Committee 1989; District: Stewardship
Committee 2009-present, Stewardship Committee 1978-1984;
Congregation: Bible Study Leader 2010, Chair Facilities Committee 2009present,
Sunday School & VBS Teacher 2008-present, Elder 2002-2005;
Other: Chapter President ALDE, President Association of Lutheran
Development Directors, Past President Penticton Chamber of Commerce.
Name Boles, Ivan G.
Age 65
Congregation St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, Stony Plain, AB
District ABC
Occupation Management Consultant
Degrees Instrumentation Technologist, Business Management
Service Synod: Circuit Delegate 2008 and past; District: Congregation Delegate
2009 and past, multiple Floor Committees; Congregation: Elder 2007-2010,
Chairman and Vice-Chairman 1985-2004 at various times, Board of
Stewardship 1980’s; Other: PC Association Spruce Grove 2010, Instrument
Society of America–Calgary Chair 1975, Class President NAIT
Instrumentation 1967
Name Dimitroff, Rev. Dr. James
Age 63
Congregation Grace Lutheran Church, Saskatoon, SK
District Central
Occupation Pastor
Degrees B.A., M.T.S., Dip. Slav. Ph.D
Service Synod: CLWR National Representative, National Board Vice President ;
District: Circuit Counselor 2007-08, LWML Counselor 2005-08;
Congregation: Pastor, Malabar Mission Society Board Member 2004present;
Other: Lutheran Daycare & Preschool Inc. Board Member 2003-
08.
Name Gallas, Karen
Age 37
Congregation St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, New Hamburg, ON
District East
Occupation Stay-at-home Mom
Degrees Honors BA in Child Studies
Service Congregation: Sunday School Teacher 1987-present at 3 churches: Grace
St. Catharines/ Church of the Lutheran Hour Fort Frances/ St. Peter’s New
Hamburg, Bulletin Secretary 2009-present, Board of Christian Ed at 2
churches: Grace St. Catharines/ CLH Fort Frances.
Photo
Not
Available
Photo
Not
Available

D. 8
Name Giese, Rev. Ted
Age 35
Congregation Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Regina, SK
District Central
Occupation Associate Pastor
Degrees BFA Fine Art 1997 NSCAD; MTS 2000 CLS; M.Div. 2007 CLS
Service Synod: Writing for Canadian Lutheran (print and online) 2009-11;
District: Wascana Circuit Counsellor 2009-11, LHI Museum Committee
(ABC District) 2007-11, LHI Board of Directors (ABC District 2004-07,
CLS Ed (ABC District) Academic Liaison 2004-07; Congregation:
Pastor; Other: MOLC Family Game Night Organizer 2008-11, Latitude
53 (a Contemporary Art Gallery in Edm) Board of Directors President
2001-04, Latitude 53 Board of Directors 2000-01.
Name Hambrock, Rev. Walter
Age 59
Congregation Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Kitchener, ON
District East
Occupation Clergy
Degrees BA; MDiv
Service Synod: Board of Adjudication 2008-present, Board of Regents CLTS
1999-02, Nominations Committee 3 conventions; District: Parish
Services Committee (East) Circuit Counsellor (ABC & East), Mileage
Committee (ABC), Finance Committee (East); Congregation: Pastor;
Other: Chaplaincy Committees at various hospitals.
Name Hennig, Rev. Don
Age 35
Congregation Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Red Deer, AB
District ABC
Occupation Clergy
Degrees MDiv
Service Synod: Wetaskiwin Circuit Pastoral Delegate for Convention 2008;
District: Doctrine and Practice Resolutions Committee 2006 East
District Convention; Congregation: Pastor
Name Kish, Arlene
Age 62
Congregation Faith Lutheran Church, Middle Lake, SK
District Central
Occupation Accountant and Certified Software Consultant, Human Resources
Certified Consultant
Degrees Commerce, CMA
Service Synod: Communication Committee 2003-06; District: Communication
Committee 2002-05; Congregation: Stewardship Chairman 2008-10,
Treasurer 2001-08, Stewardship Committee 2000-1 & 1970-96, Organist
1960-10, SS Teacher 1967-10; Other: Kinsmen Telethon Treasury 1980-
10, Ronald McDonald House Volunteer 2006-10, Bruno Curling Club
1980-01, Bethany Senior Home pianist 2001-10.

D. 9
Name Koehler, Rev. Mark
Age 53
Congregation First St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Hanover, ON
District East
Occupation Pastor
Degrees B.A. Psychology/Sociology, M.Div
Service Synod: Evangelistic Missionary (Ghana, West Africa) LCMS 1984-89;
District: Hanover Circuit Counsellor 2006-08, Missionary-at-large,
Collingwood 1989-96; Congregation: Pastor, Hanover Circuit LLL
Pastoral Counsellor 2004-07, Circuit International Plowing Match
Committee 2004,2005,2008; Other: Hanover Youth Basketball Coach
2002-present, Radio Host for Take God’s Word For It 2006-present,
Board of Directors Bluewater Radio 2009-present, Board of Directors
Lutheran Bible Translators-Canada 1993-99
Name Lantz, Rev. Kurt
Age 41
Congregation Resurrection Lutheran Church, St. Catharines, ON
District East
Occupation Minister of Religion
Degrees B. Sc, M.Div
Service Synod: Chaplain to Brock University 2009-present; District: Department
for Parish Services 1999-03, Worship Committee 1998-03, Speaker for
Sunday School Teachers’ Workshop, Evangelfest, Confirmation Retreats
and Pastors’ Wives Retreat; Congregation: Pastor.
Name Lutomske, Norman
Age 63
Congregation Grace Lutheran Church, Beausejour, MB
District Central
Occupation Storekeeper CP Rail (retired)
Service District: Mission Board 2002-07, Lay-Delegate at 4 district conventions;
Congregation: Trustee 2007-10, President 2000-06, Elder 1995-00,
Trustee 1985-95; Other: Springfield Municipality Justice Committee
1998-04, Volunteer Fireman 1968-74.
Name Maher, Rev. Ken
Age 40
Congregation Christ Our Hope Lutheran Church, Collingwood, ON
District East
Occupation Pastor
Degrees B.A.(CUCA 1994), MDiv (CLS 1998)
Service Synod: Pastoral Advisor National LWML-C 2009-present; District:
Northlands Circuit Counsellor 2006-08, Chairman of Central District
Committee on Constitutions 2000-03, Pastoral Advisor Man-Sask District
LWMLC 2000-02; Congregation: Pastor; Other: Pastoral Care
Committee for CGM Hospital 2009-present.

D. 10
Name Nixon, Roberta
Age 48
Congregation Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Regina, SK
District Central
Occupation Administrative Assistant
Service District: Church Delegate – District Convention 2009 Congregation:
Outreach Team 2000-present LWML President 2009-present; Bible study
Leader; Other: Love Lives Here Bus Ministry; BC Mission Boat 2008;
China Mission Trip 2007
Name Pelzer, Cameron
Age 52
Congregation Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Regina, SK
District Central
Occupation Director of Planning, Evaluation and External Relations for
Saskatchewan Energy and Resources
Degrees Bachelor of Administration
Service District: Board of Mission and Congregational Services 2005-07, Salary
Review Committee 1985-90; Congregation: Elder 2009-present,
Evangelism Chair 1990-94, Congregation Chair 1983-87 and 1998-2000;
Other: Community soccer coach 1990-2008, Canvasser for MS, Cancer,
Kidney, Diabetes, Heart and Stroke
Name Quast, Rev. Jacob
Age 33
Congregation The Church of the Lutheran Hour, Fort Frances, ON
District Central
Occupation Pastor
Degrees B.A., M.Div
Service Synod: Worker Benefit Plans Restructuring Planning Committee 2010,
Published article for Canadian Lutheran 2009; District: Pastor-of-theweek
at Camp Aurora Summer 2008-present, LWML Peace Zone
Counsellor 2004-06, Speaker and Planning Committee member for ABC
District Conference 2006, Youth Retreat Planner/Leader 2004-08;
Congregation: Pastor, Chapel services at various lodges 2003-present ;
Other: Community Choir Member 2008-present, Fundraise for CLWR in
local Polar Plunge 2008-present, Parent Council Member at various
schools 2007-09, Assistant Soccer Coach, Alberta Heart and Stroke
Foundation Canvasser 2005-06.
Name Robins, John Ashley
Age 58
Congregation St. James Lutheran, Winnipeg, MB
District Central
Occupation Retired Police Officer/Officer Canadian Forces Reserves
Service Congregation: Usher 2010, Voters Committee 2010; Other: Royal
Winnipeg Rifles Regimental Senate 1995-present, Lay Minister St.
Andrews Anglican Church 2002-08, Monarchist League of Canada 1998-
02

D. 11
Name Roller, Ronald A.
Age 51
Congregation Walnut Grove Lutheran Church, Langley, BC
District ABC
Occupation Chartered Accountant
Degrees Bachelor of Commerce
Service District: Lay Delegate Convention 1997; Congregation: Leadership
Team Member 1995-05 & 2008-10.
Name Schallhorn, Rev. Paul
Age 49
Congregation Christ Lutheran Church, Sarnia, ON
District East
Occupation Pastor
Degrees B.A., M.Div
Service Synod: CLS Board of Regents Chair 2009-present, CLS Board of
Regents 2003-09 & 1996-02, LWMC National Pastoral Advisor 2003-06;
District: Circuit Counsellor 2004-06, LWMLC District Pastoral Advisor
1999-03 & 1995-97, Commission on Constitutions Chair 1993-95;
Congregation: Pastor; Other: Community Nursing Home Services 2004present,
Parent Council Local School Vice-Chair 2007-8, Soccer Coach
2000-05
Name Schneider, Marlene
Age 60
Congregation Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Calgary, AB
District ABC
Occupation Retired
Degrees BA in Education
Service Congregation: Confirmation Teacher 12 yrs, For Women Only Teacher 2
yrs, Sunday School Teacher 5 yrs, Lutheran Laymen’s League 17 yrs.
Name Siegle, Rev. Darren
Age 44
Congregation Christ and Redeemer Lutheran Churches, Barrhead, AB
District ABC
Occupation Pastor
Degrees B.A., M.Div
Service District: Circuit Counsellor 2005-present; Congregation: Pastor; Other:
Rotary Club of Barrhead 2005-present, President of Rotary Club 2009-
10.

D. 12
Name Stern, Rev. Neil D,
Age 44
Congregation St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Leduc, AB
District ABC
Occupation Pastor
Degrees B. Ed (U of C 1992), M.Div. (CLS 2000)
Service Synod: CHS Board of Governors 2007-present; Congregation: Pastor,
Field Work Supervisor for 4 Seminary students 2001-2008; Other:
Soccer Coach 2010
Name Syens, Rev. Roland
Age
Congregation Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church, Kitchener, ON
District East
Occupation Assistant Pastor
Degrees Associate of Arts, B.A., Dip. Christian Studies, M.Div. Master in
Theological Studies
Service Synod: LCC Missionary to Ukraine 1993-05; District: Evangelfest
Committee 2008-09; Congregation: Pastor; Other: Wagner Hills Farm
Chaplain 1991-3.
Name Timm, Wayne
Age 50
Congregation Zion Lutheran Church, Nipawin, SK
District Central
Occupation Electrical Engineer
Degrees BSc Electrical Engineer
Service Synod: CLTS Board of Regents; District: LLL Central District President
1995-00; Congregation: Elder (Zion) 2004-present, Elder (Estevan)
1994-97, President (Coronach) 1988-90; Other: Swim Club Official
2005-present, IEEE Hydroelectric Power Subcommittee 2004-present,
Coronach Recreation Board 1986-90.

D. 13
Name Visser Rev. Alan
Age
Congregation Vanderhoof Lutheran Church, Vanderhoof, BC
District ABC
Occupation Pastor
Degrees M.Div.
Service Synod: Synodical Youth Gathering 1987-89, Vicarage Supervisor 1997-
09; District: Circuit Counsellor 1999-03, Circuit Counsellor 2009present;
Congregation: Pastor; Other: Revelstoke Hospital Society 1994-
97.
Name Walrath, Paul A.
Age 29
Congregation Historic St. Paul’s Ev Lutheran Church, Kitchener, ON
District East
Occupation Software Developer
Degrees B. Sc (Honours Computer Science and General Mathematics)
Service Synod: Organist for Pres Bugbee’s installation service 2008, Convention
Reporter 2002; District: Organist for Convention worship service 2006,
Ventures in Outreach volunteer 1996-04; Congregation: Organist 2006present,
Website administrator 2009-present, Congregation Anniversary
Committee 2009-10, Sunday School Teacher 2008.
Name Wershler, Darcy Perry
Age 72
Congregation Saint James Lutheran Church, Winnipeg, MB
District Central
Occupation Retired
Service Synod: Committee for Nominations 1988; District: District Missions
1990; Congregation: Board of Elders 24 yrs, President 4 yrs 1980’s, Vice
President 1977-79(approx); Other: Coach and Referee for minor hockey
and football, Scout (Cub) Leader.

E. 1
REPORT 1: PRESIDENT OF LUTHERAN CHURCH–CANADA
Part 1
Whether you read these lines as a delegate preparing for
your work at Synod’s convention, or are one of those
good-hearted pastors or laypeople who won’t be in
Hamilton but have a real love for the welfare of God’s
church, I greet you in the Name of the Lord Jesus. I
have prepared this report in response to the Handbook
requirements that I do so; I also treasure this
opportunity to communicate with you about what the
Lord is doing in that corner of the Body of Christ we
have come to call “Lutheran Church-Canada.”
I will deliver in person the second part of my report to
the delegates in Hamilton. It will be published this
summer in the Convention Proceedings, so that anyone
who could not attend the convention is able to read it.
In Your Light We See Light
The theme of this year’s convention is not a slogan, but
a statement direct from God’s Word in Psalm 36:9.
Our world is a bewildering place. Communications and
technology have made Canada a land where news,
advertising, gossip and countless other messages are
constantly bombarding us. Only the light of God’s
Word can tell us what is light and what is darkness,
what is truth and what is falsehood, what is precious
and what is a waste of time.
It is imperative that we move beyond supposing that we
can be a faithful church because we have recorded all
the right and proper statements about the Bible’s
inspiration and authority in our constitution and other
public documents. The fact is that many people in our
congregations do not live immersed in God’s Word.
The spiritual climate around us is so challenging that a
shallow dabbling in divine things will not help much. It
won’t equip us to bring Christ to the unreached
Canadians who don’t know Him. Only God’s light,
transmitted to us in the Word, will help us see sin for
what it is, will help us treasure the saving love of our
crucified Lord Jesus, will help us overcome our
slowness to speak of Him, will help us develop His
loving heart toward non-believers, will help us want to
give sacrificially to His saving mission in the world,
will help us overcome the conflicts that tear up
relationships, sometimes even in Christian
congregations and active church families.
“In Your light we see light” is an alarm calling us to
turn away from any focus that is weak and hollow. At
the same time, it’s a warm and comforting invitation,
because we don’t have to flail around wondering where
help and strength come from. Light is there for us in the
Word that brings Jesus near. I hope this may provide a
focus, not only for our convention days in Hamilton,
but for the entire triennium soon to begin.
The Synod Today
It comes as no surprise that our life together is marked
by both frustrations and joy. Read the record of the
early Christians in the New Testament, or the story of
Luther’s Reformation, and you find much the same
thing. There are trends in our society and failures in our
own midst that cause us sorrow and shame. At the same
time, the redeeming grace of a forgiving God towers
over our sorrows. Time and again – even in spite of us!
– He keeps sounding the Good News of Christ crucified
and raised from the dead. People are moved to put their
trust in Him. God’s Spirit preserves many in this faith
and confession. Startling works of love bubble forth
when we didn’t expect them, but needed them so badly.
We are blessed beyond anything we deserve. In a
nutshell, that was Synod’s story in the past three years.
I thank God for the commitment to Scripture and the
Lutheran Confessions, not only spelled out in our
constitution, but also reflected in the real-life preaching,
teaching and pastoral work happening in our
congregations. Yes, there are places where individual
pastors and parishes need to grow in what this
commitment should mean. I am grateful for the work of
our district presidents Thomas Prachar, Donald
Schiemann and Paul Zabel, who are serious about
helping where there is weakness to be addressed. At the
same time, when I view the abandonment of the historic
Gospel of Christ and clear Biblical teaching in
countless religious groups in Canada and around the
world, I can only conclude that the Lord has preserved
a priceless treasure in our midst. May He give you the
strength to hold it fast! May He give you the right mix
of boldness and humility as you confess it! And may He
give you a heart that cares enough about your
neighbours to share it with them!

Our institutions of higher learning have had their
struggles in this triennium. Concordia University
College of Alberta (CUCA) is attempting to meet its
financial needs in a very competitive climate, and I
appreciate the sincere desire of its president, Dr. Gerald
Krispin, to preserve the Biblical Lutheran character of a
school which has changed radically since its founding
90 years ago. Proposals regarding the future of
seminary education in Lutheran Church-Canada are
perhaps arresting more attention than any other single
concern coming before this convention. I hope that
delegates and others will take the time to carefully
study all the literature here in the Workbook on this
subject so that they can give wise counsel as needed.
Our Worker Benefit Plans (WBP) managers and staff
people have been through a trying time in recent years
because of the economic conditions in our country,
which have put pressure on many pension plans as well
as our own. As I have watched these matters unfold, I
thank God for the willingness of pastors, deacons and
financial officers in local congregations and other
church-related agencies to provide valuable input and,
above all, to listen patiently. WBP leaders will be
addressing you in the course of our time in Hamilton.
We ask the Lord to use the talking and listening that
will take place in these days to help meet the needs and
concerns, both of workers and the congregations and
agencies which employ them.
Mission efforts continue to change as the years pass.
We don’t always have the resources of previous
generations to send many full-time Canadian
missionaries to foreign lands. At the same time, a
gracious God is bringing blessing out of what may
originally look like a disadvantage. As we focus more
on providing pastoral training for indigenous clergy and
deaconesses in places like Nicaragua, Thailand,
Cambodia and Ukraine, we help those churches to
mature, to take responsibility for making their own
decisions, and avoid a situation where they depend on
us to do their thinking for them, since they know their
languages and people better than we ever will. LCC
seminary professors, pastors, and members of Canadian
congregations have joined in, making short-term trips to
such countries to teach theology, to help with the
construction of simple churches, and to do “VBS-type”
work with children, especially in outlying areas. When
these helpers return to Canada, they frequently inspire
their home congregations to take an interest in these
mission fields, sometimes creating lasting partnerships.
Our LCC people often find that they themselves are the
first to benefit when they give time and treasure to
support faraway brothers and sisters in the Body of
Christ.
E. 2
One disappointment in the past triennium was having to
shelve plans for a national church workers’ conference
in 2010. Many have grateful memories of the last such
gathering a few years ago, and of the opportunity it
afforded for co-workers in the Lord to spend time with
others beyond the boundaries of their own district.
Because of funding challenges (and our reluctance to
impose additional financial burdens on congregations
through an assessment), this event did not take place as
hoped. At the same time, we are laying plans for a
Synod-wide outreach convocation in 2013 to mark the
25 th Anniversary of LCC. This convocation is being
scheduled in conjunction with the next National Youth
Gathering, so it will be a real inter-generational
celebration.
Some 2008 Resolutions
You find a listing of 2008 convention resolutions
following this report. That summary table indicates
what individual or entity was responsible for
implementing a given resolution; it may also note
action that has been taken to this point. Sometimes a
resolution is by nature ongoing and is still in process of
being carried out; in other cases, lack of funding made
it impossible to implement, causing the implementation
to be modified or scaled back if possible. In their
Workbook reports, various synodical entities furnish
detailed explanations on their handling of 2008
resolutions. As a result, I am making just a few brief
observations here:
Resolution 08.2.02a – To Establish a Chaplaincy
Service for the Care of Church Workers and Their
Families
I appointed a committee with representation from all
three districts to begin work on this resolution. The
group originally chose Rev. Mark Hartburg as its
chairman; when he resigned in 2010, he was succeeded
by Rev. Harry Haberstock, assisted by Rev. Sye
VanMaanen as secretary. Original proposals made by
this committee were hampered by insufficient synodical
funding for their plans. We’re grateful for the
willingness of six British Columbia circuits of the ABC
District to host presenters Rev. David Hilderman and
Rev. John Haycock, who addressed the subject of
affinity fraud utilizing “family systems” insights. These
consultants are also being invited to return to provide
seminars on “Healthy Congregations,” a program
designed and taught by Dr. Peter Steinke of The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Resolution 08.2.05 – To Provide Biblically-Based
Materials and Resources on Christian Discipleship
This resolution called upon the president to establish
another task force to develop the kinds of resources
indicated in its title. It has been neglected, largely

ecause of the time and effort needed to shepherd other
task forces forward during the past triennium. At its
February meeting, the Council of Presidents advised me
to proceed with the appointment of this working group,
even though it will carry over into the next term.
Although this resolution does not seem to address a
pressing “crisis” (the way some may perceive Worker
Benefits or seminary issues), I am persuaded that it
touches on an underlying challenge we need to face.
Nearly every major problem in the church can be traced
to a neglect of God’s Word; whether it is weakness in
stewardship, lack of a heart for outreach, or conflicts
within a congregation or among individual believers.
That’s really what this resolution is about, and I am
hopeful that time and concentration will permit me (and
us!) to move forward on this matter very soon.
Resolution 08.2.06 – To Strengthen the Diaconal
Colloquy Process
With the valued input of Dr. Paul Schoepp, Concordia
University College of Alberta (CUCA) has put in place
avenues to provide easier access to diaconal colloquy
course work. Not only does CUCA have an
understanding with the St. Catharines Seminary about
courses that could be applied to diaconal colloquy, but
CUCA’s cooperation with “CUEnet” (Concordia
University Educational Network, www.cuenet.edu)
enables Canadian students to enroll in LCMS-based
online coursework at reduced prices. In addition,
CUCA works with CCMS (that’s “Concordia Course
Management System,” not the “Commission on
Constitutional Matters and Structure” in this case!) to
provide online and hybrid course delivery for colloquy
students. Finally, the University offers independent
study coursework, and has had conversations with the
Edmonton Seminary about joint coursework that could
positively impact the diaconal colloquy program. Of
course, some of the most important follow-up on this
resolution will come when local congregations not only
encourage their non-rostered workers to seek colloquy,
but actually provide them with leave-time to attend
courses, and make financial support available.
Church Relations
International Lutheran Council (ILC)
This association, numbering over 30 church bodies, is
bound together by a commitment to the Scriptures as
God’s inspired Word and to the Lutheran Confessions
as the faithful exposition of Holy Scripture. It is not a
“communio” in the sense that all member bodies are in
full eucharistic fellowship with one another, but the
member churches do share basic convictions about
Biblical authority and the historic Scriptural Gospel of
Jesus Christ.
E. 3
The ILC is divided into five world areas: Europe,
Africa, Asia, North America and Latin America. One
member church from each of these areas is chosen to
have its president (or bishop) sit on the ILC Executive
Committee. Since Lutheran Church-Canada is the
representative for the North American world area, I
have held this seat since becoming LCC president in
2008. At its meeting last October in Wittenberg,
Germany, the Executive Committee also elected me to
serve as ILC’s Vice-Chairman. This post became
vacant when Bishop Hans-Jörg Voigt of the
Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church (SELK,
Germany) became Chairman, succeeding Dr. Gerald B.
Kieschnick, who was not re-elected president by his
church (LCMS, U.S.A.) in 2010.
Even beyond the chairmanship, it is a time of transition
in the ILC. The longtime Executive Secretary, Dr.
Samuel Nafzger (LCMS), resigned last fall. To fill the
remaining time until the next ILC World Conference in
2012, the Executive Committee turned to “our own” Dr.
Ralph Mayan, appointing him interim Executive
Secretary. Dr. Mayan had served a number of terms as
ILC Chairman and knows the organization in detail. In
addition, the ILC accepted LCC’s invitation to hold its
next World Conference in Canada (Niagara Falls, ON),
and Dr. Mayan’s Canadian roots will serve us all very
well in organizing that conference.
The ILC is considering moving to a full-time Executive
Secretary in the future. This could prove very timely,
since interest in the ILC is being expressed by a
growing number of Lutheran churches in Asia, Africa
and eastern Europe. A number of them are concerned at
the drift they perceive from historic Biblical teaching
and practice in some segments of the Lutheran world,
and are attracted to the strong confessional character of
ILC member churches.
In the past triennium, the ILC met for its last World
Conference in August, 2009, at Seoul, Korea, under the
theme, “In Christ – Living Life to the Full.” At that
time the conference published a statement entitled
Same-Gender Relationships and the Church, which was
at least partially occasioned by the decision of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to
approve same-gender blessings and the admission of
same-gender oriented candidates to the ministry.
The most recent ILC World Seminaries Conference
took place in June, 2010, at Concordia Seminary in Ft.
Wayne, Indiana/USA.
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
As mentioned above, the LCMS elected a new
President, Rev. Matthew Harrison, in July, 2010. We

are glad that he will attend our convention in Hamilton.
Because LCC is a “daughter” of the Missouri Synod,
we continue to benefit from the unique tie to our
“mother,” and thank God for the eucharistic fellowship
that has bound us together throughout our Synod’s
history. President Harrison’s Assistant for Church
Relations, Dr. Albert Collver, has been extremely
helpful to me and has given strong attention to the
relationship between our churches. We appreciate
particularly the opportunity to consult with these
brothers on mission planning and related issues in
world areas where both our synods have been active. I
hope convention delegates will welcome them very
warmly.
Europe
Many of you recall that we have established altar-andpulpit
fellowship agreements with the Independent
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Germany (SELK), as
well as with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of
England (ELCE). I have not had opportunity to attend
any formal gatherings in the SELK since I took office,
although I have had extensive consultations with
Bishop Voigt in Germany and North America. My wife,
Gail, and I were privileged to attend the annual
convention of the ELCE in October, 2010, at
Cambridge, England, where I preached also for the
installation of their new Chairman (President), The
Rev. Jon Ehlers. Two Canadian-born pastors continue
to make strong contributions to the life of the British
church, Rev. David Jackson of Borehamwood near
London, and Rev. Dr. Joel Humann of the Westfield
House seminary faculty in Cambridge.
Australia
Some years ago LCC signed a formal “Statement of
Relationship” with the Lutheran Church of Australia
(LCA). LCA President Dr. Michael Semmler is a
wonderful friend of our Canadian church. We were
happy he attended our last National Youth Gathering in
Edmonton in 2010, as well as for his consultation visit
to Winnipeg at the same time. We count it a deep
honour to have President Semmler serving as the
essayist for this convention. In 2008 members of the
LCC Council of Presidents traveled to Australia to get
to know our partner church there; as of this writing we
are beginning to make plans for the Australian district
presidents to come to Canada, perhaps in 2012. The
Australian church is also hosting an international
Theological Symposium this coming October on
hermeneutics (methods of Biblical interpretation), and
have invited two LCC representatives, Dr. Edward
Kettner and Rev. Warren Hamp, to participate.
E. 4
Nicaragua
I was a guest at the Second Convention of the “Iglesia
Luterana—Sinodo de Nicaragua” (ILSN) in
Chinandega in January, 2010, and took the opportunity
to spend a week visiting many congregations in the
country. After his retirement from the LCC presidency,
Dr. Ralph Mayan traveled several times a year to
Nicaragua, generally remaining there for months at a
time, putting his organizational talents to work and
serving as a caring spiritual father to the young synod.
ILSN President Luiz and his co-workers are steadily
growing in their leadership. Furthermore, the
Nicaraguan church is showing its mission heart by
reaching across its borders in both directions—to
Honduras in the north and Costa Rica in the south—to
found new congregations and to recruit pastoral and
deaconess candidates. Our partners in the Concordia
Lutheran Mission Society (CLMS) and the Marvin M.
Schwan Charitable Foundation have given strong
support to the training of new church workers, and to
provide continuing education for those already in
office. During the past triennium, the Executive
Director of Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR),
Robert Granke, visited our partners in Nicaragua; this
has solidified the welcome assistance CLWR has
provided for our educational and medical assistance
programs.
Ukraine
During this triennium I made two trips to Ukraine; the
first in January, 2009, for extensive visits with our LCC
missionary, Rev. Alexey Navrotskiy, and the work he
does through the “Alpha and Omega Christian Student
Society” in Dnepropetrovsk. My stay in that city also
gave me an opportunity to preach a Christmas message
(remember, Ukrainians celebrate it in January!) on
television. A second portion of the trip was devoted to
visiting pastors and congregations of the “Synod of
Evangelical Lutheran Churches of Ukraine” (SELCU).
Construction of the new Concordia Seminary in
suburban Odessa was often delayed due to shortage of
funds, but CLMS in Canada worked hard to overcome
the obstacles and hasten the dedication and resumption
of seminary classes.
This milestone occurred in August, 2010, when I
returned to Ukraine for just a few days for the seminary
dedication and the formal opening exercises of a new
academic year. I preached at the dedication, and at the
installation of Rev. Oleg Schewtschenko as pastor of
the local SELCU congregation in Odessa. Many LCC
people recall Pastor Schewtschenko from his three
years at our St. Catharines Seminary. Our Synod owes
deep gratitude to God for the consecrated service of a
number of pastors who have taught courses in Ukraine;

for this past triennium I want to mention especially Dr.
Norman Threinen, who serves as Seminary Rector
(President), as well as Pastor Albert Schmidt, who
returns to Odessa time and again as an instructor and
strong model for the students.
Thailand/Cambodia
The “Thailand Concordia Lutheran Church” (TCLC) is
a merger of no less than seven different confessional
Lutheran groups operating in various regions of that
southeastern Asian country. These groups included the
churches in the southern Takuapa area with whom LCC
has worked for years. LCC also has strong links to the
TCLC through the “Luther Institute—Southeast Asia”
(LISA), which offers pastoral training courses in
Bangkok. When our national Mission Executive, Dr.
Leonard Harms, retired in 2006, he and Carol moved to
Bangkok, where he became LISA’s Director. Since
then, Dr. Harms has retired—again!—from the LISA
directorship, but has downsized to a smaller apartment
and continues teaching and encouraging the Asian
churches.
Meanwhile, the “Evangelical Lutheran Church of
Cambodia” (ELCC) grew up, almost like a mushroom.
A number of Cambodian pastors, many independent
and unaffiliated, began attending LISA courses in
Phnom Penh, their capital city. As a result of their
deepening theological convictions, they took the
initiative and organized the ELCC in 2009. Since then,
they have sought and received official registration from
the Cambodian government as a licensed religious
organization, and they are ably served by a very
devoted young President, The Rev. Vanarith Chhim.
To fulfill my resolve to visit all our major mission
partners in this triennium, I traveled to Thailand and
Cambodia in January, 2011. Both TCLC and ELCC
have requested the establishment of a formal
relationship agreement with Lutheran Church-Canada.
This is not to be understood as full pulpit-and-altar
fellowship, but is our covenant to work together toward
the day when those churches and ours hopefully can
establish such fellowship with integrity. On March 1,
2011, our Commission on Theology and Church
Relations accepted my recommendation to enter into
these relationships.
Lutheran Council in Canada (LCIC)
The LCIC continues to meet annually to focus on a
limited number of cooperative endeavours: LCIC
relates to the Canadian Forces chaplaincy through Rev.
Hans Borch (ELCIC), to Correctional Services of
Canada through Dr. Garry Dombrosky (LCC), and to
Scouts Canada through Rev. Michael Diegel (ELCIC).
Regular members of the Council are based in Winnipeg
E. 5
to reduce expenses; the presidency of the Council
alternates between Bishop Susan C. Johnson of the
ELCIC and me. Currently serving as LCC
representatives with me are Dwayne Cleave, Synod
treasurer, and Rev. Cameron Schnarr of Winnipeg.
Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR)
You will find a report from CLWR elsewhere in this
Workbook. We continue to be grateful for the cordial
working relationship we have with Executive Director
Robert Granke, and appreciate the efforts of CLWR to
function as the social ministry arm of Lutheran Church-
Canada.
Statistical Trends
The last full year for which we have a report available
is 2009:
Congregations 319
Baptized Membership 68,735
Confirmed Membership 51,650
Pastors 397
Deacons 90
Children Baptized 724
Adults Baptized or Confirmed 217
Gains from Outside 513
Losses to Outside 510
Our statistical picture is only partial, however, since a
significant number of congregations have not submitted
up-to-date reports; in some cases the neglect has
stretched over a period of years. I take this moment to
encourage pastors and leaders in local parishes to help
with this matter. It does have an impact on some
planning and financial functions.
Decreases in membership “on paper” may or may not
be so significant in some cases. On the other hand, any
decrease in worship attendance will be a matter of great
concern and prayer to pastors and God’s people in
general. Since Jesus said, “My sheep listen to My
voice” (St. John 10:27 NIV) and that “Man [lives] …
on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (St.
Matthew 4:4), the gathering of Christians and their
constant listening to the voice and word of Christ are
crucial if faith is to survive and grow. If I may veer
away from statistics, it also lays upon preachers the
importance of saturating their preaching and teaching,
not only with touching stories or appealing humour, but
with content that is true to God’s Word as well as
applicable to your particular listeners.

In Memoriam
Since the holy writer directs us, “Remember your
leaders, who spoke the Word of God to you. Consider
the outcome of their way of life … and imitate their
faith” (Hebrews 13:7), we remember with thanksgiving
these servants of Christ called away from us since our
last convention:
Pastors
Rev. Carl Beiderwieden
Rev. James C. Bork
Rev. Arvids Celms
Rev. Richard Kraemer
Rev. Ernst Kroeger
Rev. Kwang Soo Kim
Rev. Ernest Mayan
Rev. Wolfgang Vieweg
Deacons
David Heimpel
Linda Nikolaj
Support for Our Work
For decades already, synods and districts (not only in
LCC) have struggled, since the Lord’s people often lay
larger gifts on His altar every Sunday morning with
each passing year, while more and more of these gifts
are kept at home and used for the program of local
congregations. Very few discussions or meetings of
synodical boards, commissions or special committees
take place without leaders being concerned over
whether sufficient funding can be found to carry out
everything we had hoped to do.
I am sincerely grateful for the goodwill of our three
districts, each of which works hard in its own way to
forward strong support to the national work we do
together. We treasure this sign of love, since we know
that the districts themselves don’t have it easy. I want to
encourage those local congregations who commit a
sacrificial portion of their local offerings to work
beyond the boundaries of their own parish. When we
hear of parishes striving to honour their commitments
to the church-at-large, even though it is sometimes a
struggle for them, or of congregations which resolve to
forward such support at regular, reliable intervals, it not
only encourages us in the leadership, but sets an
example to individual members of those congregations
how they may handle their own personal giving to the
ministry of Word and Sacraments.
Our auxiliary organizations—the Lutheran Women’s
Missionary League-Canada (LWMLC), the Lutheran
Laymen’s League-Canada (LLL), and the Concordia
Lutheran Mission Society (CLMS)—help the Synod
accomplish far more than could be done through the
E. 6
regular budget restrictions. I find their “loving
fingerprints” in so many places I travel, both in Canada
and on our foreign mission fields. Dear friends in those
societies, how we love you and thank God for you!
We also note the ongoing generous support from the
Marvin M. Schwan Charitable Foundation of St. Louis,
which has assisted us in all our major mission fields.
They are very supportive of the way Lutheran Church-
Canada attempts to strengthen developing indigenous
Lutheran churches in the world, and we could hardly
find the words to express how much their help has
come to mean to us.
Our Staff in Winnipeg
During the past triennium, Synod marked the
retirements of two co-workers from our national office
in Winnipeg: Helga Downey Cychmistruk had worked
in communications, statistics and with other projects
and left us in March, 2009; later that year, in
November, Inge Schroeder stepped down as director of
the Worker Benefit Plans. Inge had worked in the office
for over 20 years, beginning as an assistant to President
Lehman and holding other positions before assuming
leadership with WBP. Rhonda Buck, who was an
administrative assistant to the entire executive staff,
moved in June, 2010, to Alberta and is now doing
similar work at the Edmonton Seminary.
The story isn’t limited to farewells, however! We thank
God that Dr. Leonardo Neitzel, a native of Brazil and
former seminary professor in his homeland, accepted
our call to become Assistant to the President for
Missions and Social Ministry Services. His previous
congregation, Bethlehem, Vancouver, was gracious in
granting him a peaceful release, and hosted his
installation festival in October, 2009. When Synod
treasurer Dwayne Cleave began assuming leadership in
Worker Benefit Plans, we welcomed Jim Clarke in the
accounting department. After Rhonda Buck’s departure,
Iris Barta came to us from CLWR and has been a
conscientious member of the “team” ever since.
Others in the building carry on with uninterrupted
faithfulness: Cheryll Matthes, Janice Wiltshire and Lil
Kozussek, known to so many of you who telephone into
Worker Benefit Plans; Wanda Bychuk is in accounting,
and such an expert at the ins-and-outs of channeling
mission support to foreign countries. Dwayne Cleave is
busy both as treasurer and with WBP. Dr. Ian Adnams,
Director of Communications and Editor of The
Canadian Lutheran, continues to provide valuable
advice on so many areas of our life together. Margaret
Klatt staffs the national LWMLC office as a volunteer,
a very gracious addition to our “family” in the building.

On most workdays, we meet at 10:00 in the morning to
read and discuss Scripture, to sing, and to pray for
congregations, educational institutions, church-related
agencies, foreign mission partners, and other special
requests and needs that come our way. We’re happy
when you let us know of a challenge, a celebration, or
some other prayer concern so that we can join our
hearts to yours despite the distances in this vast land. In
this way, we seek to live out the guidance of St. Paul,
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who
mourn” (Romans 12:15 NIV). God has been kind in
providing harmony and a good working spirit among
our staff members. They are a tremendous
encouragement to me personally, and I treasure this
opportunity to thank them for everything.
A Few Personal Reflections
It is difficult to imagine that three years have passed
since the 2008 convention elected me to serve as
synodical President. This was quite an adjustment,
since I had spent 26 years doing the work of a pastor
and a preacher. My beloved former parish people at
Holy Cross Church, Kitchener, Ontario, were extremely
gracious through it all, and I will never forget their
kindness. Many of you who read these lines will know,
too, how my faithful wife, Gail, was given a diagnosis
of advanced cancer just six days before we moved to
Winnipeg. This was not a happy way to adjust to new
work in a new city, as she required two surgeries in the
early months after our move. I am grateful to report that
God has worked through her treatments, medications,
and the healing powers He placed in her body to bring
the disease under control for the time being. We can
never adequately thank people from all over the Synod
E. 7
who wrote, e-mailed, called, and prayed for our wellbeing
during these challenges.
My wonderful predecessors in this office have helped,
too, in a big way. I first met President Lehman when I
was a St. Louis Seminary student back in 1978, and he
has been a source of wisdom, experience, and realistic
advice ever since. And I cannot begin to recount all the
ways in which President Mayan worked for a smooth
transition of this work from his hands to mine. His
command of administrative detail is impressive, and his
willingness to explain (and re-explain!) many policies
and procedures during these past three years has saved
much valuable time. I am so proud to be able to tell
representatives of other churches how our retired synod
President poured so much of himself into the mission
work in Nicaragua since leaving office, and it’s a
blessing from God that Dr. Mayan will give interim
leadership to the ILC at this critical moment.
For everything in this office that was defective or
wrong during this past triennium, I take responsibility
and ask you to forgive me these many shortcomings.
For the good and sound things that happened during
this time, I credit them all to the patience and blessing
of God, Who crowns us each day with kindness
undeserved. We all do well to pray with Moses: “May
the favour of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish
the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of
our hands” (Psalm 90:17).
Your called servant in Christ,
Robert Bugbee, President

E. 8
2008 CONVENTION RESOLUTIONS AND ACTION TAKEN
Number Title Assigned Action Taken
08.1.02 To Refer the CTCR Document “The Public
Reading of Scripture in the Divine Service”
for Study and Response
08.1.03a To Encourage Christian Forgiveness and
Greater Use of Individual Confession and
Absolution
08.1.05b To Request a Study and Opinion from the
CTCR on Whether a Vicar May Celebrate
the Lord’s Supper in an Emergency
Situation
08.1.06 To Establish a Task Force to Review the
Vicarage Program
08.2.01 To Encourage the Ongoing Work of the
French Hymnal Project
08.2.02a To Establish a Chaplaincy Service for the
Care of Church Workers and Their Families
08.2.05 To Provide Biblically-Based Materials and
Resources on Christian Discipleship
08.2.06 To Strengthen the Diaconal Colloquy
Process
08.2.07 To Support the Synodical Training of
Deacons
President
COP
CTCR
District Presidents
Seminary Boards of
Regents
Committee on
Communication and
Technology (CCT)
Response published in the 2011
workbook.
Encouragement directed to
entities specified.
CTCR Document printed in the 2011
workbook.
President Task Force
Committee on
Worship and Music
CTCR
BOD
CTCR overture submitted to
2011 convention.
President Original proposals made by the
appointed committee were
hampered by insufficient
synodical funding for their
plans. Seminars held in Six BC
Circuits addressing the subject
of affinity fraud utilizing
“family systems” insights.
Consultants are being invited to
return to provide seminars on
“Healthy Congregations.
President Working group to be appointed.
Work to be continued into next
term.
BOR (CUCA) CUCA has put in place avenues
to provide easier access to
diaconal colloquy course work.
BOD Ongoing responsibility among
Synodical leaders, pastors,
school principals, church elders,
and appropriate congregational
boards.
08.3.01 To Move Bylaw 8.45(a) to Bylaw 5.51 Change Published in 2008
Handbook
08.3.02 To Amend Chapter VIII Change Published in 2008
Handbook; Commission on
Adjudication (to cover at its
08.3.03 To Support, Encourage and Assist
Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary,
St. Catharines
upcoming orientation).
BOD BOD support, encouragement
and assistance given.
08.3.04 To Implement a Cost Efficient Seminary BOD Task Force established; report

E. 9
Program for Lutheran Church-Canada received November 2010.
08.3.05 To Approve Appropriate Technologies for
Conducting the Business of Synod
CCMS Review ongoing.
08.3.06 To Waive LSO Charitable Status
BOD Charitable Status Requirements
Requirements for Lutherans for Life-
Canada
waived.
08.3.09 To Establish a Task Force on Cultural BOD Task Force established; report
Properties and Archives
received November 2010.
08.3.10a To Define the Role of Deacons in the CTCR
CCMS will review based on
Synodical Handbook
CCMS
pending CTCR repot.
08.4.03 To Celebrate the Silver Anniversary of LCC
Founding in 2013
BOD Plans ongoing.
08.4.04 To Encourage the Amalgamation of LCCFM Ongoing discussion between
Lutheran Church-Canada Central District
LCCFM management and
Church Extension Fund with Lutheran
Central District CEF
Church-Canada Financial Ministries
management. Substantial
benefit to amalgamate has not
been identified at this time.
08.4.05 To Receive the Three-Year Work Program BOD Received and assigned to
(Years Ending January 31, 2009 / January
Treasurer to prepare annual
31, 2010 / and January 31, 2011)
budgets
REPORT 2: SECRETARY OF LUTHERAN CHURCH–CANADA
Since the 2008 convention of Lutheran Church–Canada
the assignments given to the Secretary have been
carried out. These include recording the minutes of all
Board of Directors meetings, minutes of the Executive
Committee of the board, and the recording of the
minutes of the Commission on Constitutional Matters
and Structure. All correspondence from the board has
been sent to the appropriate recipients. Synod wide
notices have been sent out or published in The
Canadian Lutheran. The appropriate responses were
received and recorded.
Since this is my last term as a member of the Board of
Directors and thus as Secretary I would like to thank the
synod for the confidence shown in my meagre abilities.
I would also like to thank the members of the board for
their support and encouragement. President Bugbee and
the staff, including Rhonda Buck and Iris Barta, have
been especially helpful in assisting in my duties. It has
been an honour and privilege to have been of service to
our Lord, His Church and Lutheran Church–Canada for
the past six years. The synod can give thanks to God for
the dedication and devotion of the members of the
Board of Directors. I am blessed to have been a part of
it. Indeed as our theme for 2011 states, “In Your Light,
we see Light.”
May God bless our convention this year, and call forth
those He will place in positions of leadership.
To God be the Glory!
REPORT 3: TREASURER OF LUTHERAN CHURCH–CANADA
Over the past three years Synod has been thankful to
receive your offerings in response to the many gifts
God has provided. The Lord has blessed your offerings
in the work we do together in many ways. Such as:
Synod is carrying on meaningful mission initiatives in
Nicaragua, Ukraine, Thailand, and Cambodia. In
addition to the primary objective of gospel
proclamation in these areas we are blessed to share the
In His Service,
Rev. Dennis J. Putzman
Secretary
love of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ through the
endeavours of many social ministry programs.
Synod’s seminaries continue to train and form men for
the service of the Pastoral office in our home
congregations. Our Seminaries also provide
considerable support to the training and forming of
Pastors in our overseas mission fields.
Communication services are a very important
component of our work in Synod and the publication of

the Canadian Lutheran and other media continues to be
valued by our membership. Synod through Worker
Benefits administers the delivery of the pension and
benefit program to our Clergy and other Church
Workers. Your offerings help support the body of
Christ by providing for the well being of our workers
and their families.
Most of you are already aware of the significant
financial challenges we face as a Synod. Declining
church membership is having an impact on our finances
and our ability to carry on current mandates.
Historically low interest rates and volatile investment
markets are the primary catalysts for significantly
increased pension costs. Sustainability is a word we
have become all too familiar with recently, especially in
the area of benefit programs, higher education delivery,
and mission work. Despite these challenges our Lord
E. 10
LCC SYNOD FINANCIAL REPORT
Feb 1, 2008 – Jan 31, 2011
blesses our work by motivating us to work
harmoniously to find solutions. Harmony does not
come without necessary debate but it always seems to
be balanced with wisdom and understanding when we
trust in our Lord’s guidance.
The 2011-2014 Synod Budget and 2008-2011 Synod
Financial Report have been included in your workbook
with some commentary. It is important that delegates
are familiar with the budget in preparation for the
significant items of business before them where
decisions will impact finances. May the Lord bless your
service attending to our Church’s business as a delegate
at the 2011 convention.
In His Service
Dwayne Cleave
Treasurer
Lutheran Church Canada
2011 2010 2009 Total % Rev.
REVENUE Un-Audited Audited Audited Tri-annual Revenue
District Revenue:
District Contributions 1,390,701 1,388,290 1,409,400 4,188,391 56.17%
District Contributions 1,390,701 1,388,290 1,409,400 4,188,391 56.17%
Other Revenue:
Designated Mission Projects 740,000 774,729 682,162 2,196,891 29.46%
Designated Synod 85,632 157,876 252,492 496,000 6.65%
Communication Services 53,153 82,042 76,600 211,795 2.84%
Administration Recoveries 94,916 48,000 59,980 202,896 2.72%
Rental Revenue 30,200 30,200 30,400 90,800 1.22%
Other Revenue 15,089 29,646 29,276 74,011 0.99%
Investment Income 22,551 30,217 -57,480 -4,712 -0.06%
Revenue before Synodical
Events 2,432,242 2,541,000 2,482,830 7,456,072 100.00%
Synodical Convention 275,080 275,080
National Youth Gathering 171,275 171,275
LCC Open House 3,805 12,306.00 12,866 28,977
Total Synod Revenue 2,607,322 2,553,306 2,770,776 7,931,404

E. 11
EXPENSES 2011 2010 2009 Total % Exp.
Audited Audited Audited Tri-annual Category
Programs
Designated Mission Projects 740,000 774,729 682,162 2,196,891 29.00%
Core Synod Missions & Social
Ministry 246,933 345,034 321,555 913,522 12.06%
Higher Education 564,772 579,829 569,778 1,714,379 22.63%
Communication Services 203,932 240,992 221,158 666,082 8.79%
Presidents Office 125,306 113,317 131,593 370,216 4.89%
Parish Services 1,657 1,306 2,963 0.04%
Sub-Total 1,882,601 2,055,207 1,926,246 5,864,054 77.42%
Boards/Commissions
Board Of Directors 19,520 32,612 27,535 79,667 1.05%
Council Of Presidents 12,497 18,760 7,040 38,297 0.51%
Convention Task Forces 30,362 16,134 46,496 0.61%
Lutheran Historical Institute 15,000 15,000 15,000 45,000 0.59%
Theology & Church Relations 7,928 7,550 2,194 17,672 0.23%
International Lutheran Council 3,882 4,994 4,691 13,567 0.18%
Adjudication 4,523 4,523 0.06%
Sub-Total 89,189 95,050 60,983 245,222 3.24%
Operations/Administration
Salaries & Benefits 282,459 262,115 265,675 810,249 10.70%
Office Supplies/
Equipment/Services 111,185 98,883 96,361 306,429 4.05%
Property Operations 74,071 67,169 69,434 210,674 2.78%
Development Services -LCCFM 30,000 20,000 40,000 90,000 1.19%
Other Expenses 7,500 17,370 23,008 47,878 0.63%
Sub-Total 505,215 465,537 494,478 1,465,230 19.34%
Expenses before Synodical
Events 2,477,005 2,615,794 2,481,707 7,574,506 100.00%
Synod Convention 299,909 299,909
National Youth Gathering 190,959 190,959
LCC Open House 3,805 12,306 12,866 28,977
Total Expenses with Synodical
Events 2,671,769 2,628,100 2,794,482 8,094,351
Excess of Income over
Expenses (64,447) (74,794) (23,706) (162,947)

Treasurer Comments on Financial Results
E. 12
The three year work program was planned for a balanced budget. Actual result was a aggregate net loss of
($162,947). Primary causes of deficit are as follows:
Severance Arrangements/Pension Cost Increases $75,250
Investment Losses in 2008/09 $57,480
District Contributions less than expected $49,509
3 Synod Taskforces Expenses- no budget $46,496
Synod Convention 2008 Cost Overrun $24,829
NYG 2010 Cost Overrun $19,684
Total $273,248
Six significant bequest gifts in favour of Synod helped mitigate the impact of these negative occurrences. Total
bequest revenue received for the three year period was $496,000 which exceeded the budget expectation by
$106,000.
There was sufficient unrestricted asset capital from previous fiscal years to absorb the 2009 and 2010 operating
losses. However all unrestricted capital was exhausted as a result. The LCC BOD has authorized the treasurer to
write off the 2011 operating loss against internally restricted funds. This will reduce the internally restricted fund
balance from $120,000 to approximately $55,000.
The Eighth Convention of Lutheran Church Canada
was held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, June 5-9, 2008 under
the theme “Give Jesus Glory! His Calling – Our
Praise.” As of this writing, BOD membership includes:
Randy Stefan (Chairman), Rev. Dennis Putzman
(Secretary), Lorne Wirth, Anne Taylor, Arnold Drung,
Lynn Gergens, Rev. Dr. Karl Keller, Dwayne Cleave
(Treasurer), Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee (President), Rev.
Daryl Solie (First Vice-President), Rev. Robert Krestick
(Second Vice-President), and Rev. Thomas Kruesel
(Third Vice-President). Executive assistants to the
President, Dr. Ian Adnams (Communications) and Dr.
Leonardo Neitzel (Missions) are also regularly in
attendance at our meetings.
When the new Board of Directors met the following
September in Kitchener, Ontario, in connection with the
new president’s installation, these resolutions were
referred to the BOD:
08.2.07 To Support the Synodical Training of
Deacons
Ongoing responsibility among synodical leaders,
pastors, school principals, church elders and
appropriate congregational boards
08.3.03 To Support, Encourage and Assist
Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, St.
Catharines
REPORT 4: BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOD support, encouragement and assistance given
during past three years
08.3.04 To Implement a Cost Efficient Seminary
Program for Lutheran Church Canada
Task Force established and report received
November 2010; work ongoing to complete a
Memorandum of Understanding. Further report to
2011 convention
08.3.06 To Waive LSO Charitable Status
Requirements for Lutherans for Life-Canada
Charitable status waived
08.3.09 To Establish a Task Force on Cultural
Properties and Archives
Task force established and report received Nov
2010
08.4.03 To Celebrate the Silver Anniversary of
LCC Founding in 2013
Ongoing plans being made towards 2013
celebrations
08.4.05 To Receive the Three-Year Work
Program (Years Ending January 31, 2009 / January
31, 2010 / and January 31, 2011)
Received and assigned to Treasurer to prepare
annual budgets

The BOD was kept especially busy assessing the work
of three task forces, including The Vicarage Task
Force, Task Force on Cultural Properties and Archives
and the Task Force on Cost Efficient Seminary
Education. During the last triennium, LCC
congregations and pastors have certainly seen increased
financial demands resulting from required changes to
the worker benefits program, with even more changes
scheduled for the near future.
It has indeed been a pleasure working with newly
elected President Bugbee during the past three years.
The BOD extends thanks to Nolan Astley, Larry Lutz
and Dorothea Korcok who served partial terms during
the last triennium. Praise be to God for providing me
the opportunity to serve on the BOD these past twelve
years.
E. 13
The Board of Directors also extends thanks to those
who faithfully served as appointed on:
� Committee on Mission and Social Ministry
� Board of Managers of Worker Benefit Plans
� Lutheran Church Canada Financial Ministries
� Committee for Communication and
Technology Services
� Commission on Constitutional Matters and
Structure
We look forward to the Ninth Convention in Hamilton,
ON, under the theme “In Your Light, We see Light”.
Respectfully submitted,
Randy Stefan, Chairman
LCC Board of Directors
REPORT 5: COMMITTEE FOR MISSIONS AND SOCIAL MINISTRY SERVICES
Introduction
We begin this mission report on behalf of the LCC
Committee on Missions and Social Ministries
(CMSMS) with gratitude to our Lord God and Saviour
who has made the Light of His salvation shine in the
lives of many in Canada and around the world where
LCC has been actively developing God’s mission.
It is only by the Light of God’s Holy Spirit that we are
made able to see the Light – and what a great and
shining Light it is! It is the Light that brings forgiveness
of sins, life and salvation mercifully granted to us by
the all availing sacrifice, death and resurrection of our
Saviour Jesus Christ. We can’t attain or achieve this
Light on our own or with our own efforts. It comes
from outside of us, from above, from the Lord, based
on His eternal promises through the Prophets and on the
revelation of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. “The
people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them
has light shined.” (Isaiah 9:2). Jesus Himself comes to
us in His Gospel and says, "I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but
will have the light of life." (John 8:12).
As He has blessed us and brought us to His Light, He
has also commissioned us to let His Light be reflected
through our witness and deeds in our society and in the
world. In presenting this report we rejoice in witnessing
His church, His servants in many parts of the world as
they bring the Light of salvation through Jesus Christ to
many people. The Apostle Peter says, “You are a
chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a
people belonging to God, that you may declare the
praises of him who called you out of darkness into his
wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9
LCC in Canada and around the world – Reasons for
gratitude, praises and celebration to God
1. South East Asia: By God’s grace LCC has been
able to provide ongoing support for our partner
churches in SE Asia. President Bugbee visited this
mission field in January 2011 together with Dr.
Leonard Harms.
a. Cambodia: The Evangelical Lutheran
Church of Cambodia (ELCC) was officially
established in February 2010 and its Board
of Directors immediately decided to
forward to President Bugbee a signed
proposal partnership document to be
considered by LCC. Under the leadership of
Dr. Leonard Harms, Director of Luther’s
Institute for Southeast Asia (LISA) and
LCC’s mission volunteer for SE Asia
seventeen new Lutheran pastors were
received into the ELCC and eight
deaconesses were commissioned into the
service of the Gospel in the ELCC.
Concordia Lutheran Mission Society
(CLMS) and the Lutheran Women’s
Missionary League Canada (LWMLC) have
been instrumental in the development of
this mission as they have subsidized several
mission projects in that country in these
latter years.

. Thailand: Pastors Suchat Srikakahn and
Suchat Chujit continue their mission and
ministry in the southern part of Thailand.
There are several congregations and
preaching stations in the province of Phang-
Nga. According to a recent report from
pastor Chujit there are 100 members in his
congregations and about 150 with whom he
is in contact on a regular basis for the sake
of the Gospel.
2. Ukraine: The Seminary in Odessa was dedicated
in September 2010 and there are eight residential
students enrolled in the Theological Education
program under the leadership of Dr. Norm
Threinen as the Seminary Rector. LCC assisted in
providing theological education to pastor Ole
Schewtschenko who accepted a call and was
ordained to serve at a congregation in Odessa. Rev.
Alexey Navrotsky is the LCC missionary and
currently focusing on the ministry and mission
outreach in the area of Dnepopetrovsk. LCC has
supported several projects to the Synod of
Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine
(SELCU) through congregations, individuals and
the Concordia Lutheran Mission Society (CLMS).
Congregations and teams have developed shortterm
mission trips to Ukraine with their own
resources and with great blessings. LCC has
provided individual volunteers with small financial
support, however, not in the way it had been done
in the past due to shortage of funds and high cost of
air transportation and other related items. Even
being short-term mission trips costly for the Synod
and demanding of extra administration the
Missions Committee views them as a worthwhile
initiative as the Lord lays on the heart of His
servants to serve in the work of His kingdom at
home and abroad. The CMSMS would greatly
appreciate having a volunteer who would be
willing to take the responsibility of coordinating
teams based on LCC’s approach in the past.
Volunteer candidates may contact Dr. Leonardo
Neitzel at missions@lutheranchurch.ca for
information.
3. Central America: By God’s grace the LCC’s
mission and the Iglesia Luterana Sinodo de
Nicaragua (ILSN) continue their walk in the
mission frontier in Central America and harvesting
uncountable blessings for the sake of the Kingdom.
Dr. Ralph Mayan has served on a regular basis as
the LCC mission volunteer in overseeing the
mission in Central America. We thank the Lord for
such a servant heart. Mayan has completed his
commitment to LCC and the ILSN in December
E. 14
2010, but will continue to offer his service
seasonally as needed. When talking about
volunteer workers in God’s kingdom informing
that they would be finally retiring from their work
in LCC’s mission fields, President Bugbee likes to
mention that this attitude ‘is as trying to quit
smoking – you’re always tempted to try it again’.
You mention about stopping but never really stop!
What a blessing!
4. Nicaragua: In the latest statistical report there are
1511 members, 25 congregations, 14 pastors and
22 deaconesses. With the blessing of a grant from
Marvin Schwan Foundation a third Theological
Education Seminary for pastors and deaconesses
will start in September 2011. There are currently
32 candidates enrolled for the 2011-2012 Seminary
program: 14 candidates for the deaconess program
and 18 candidates for the pastoral ministry
program. The Continuing Education Program has
been another great blessing for continuing studies
and training of pastors and deaconesses of the
ILSN. The Schwan Foundation has blessed us
greatly in supporting this program as well. 2010-
2011 were very special years as we had the largest
number of teams and congregations (about 20 in
all) visiting Nicaragua on short-term mission
opportunities. There are around 1,000 children
enrolled in our Children’s Education Program in
Nicaragua. It has been one of the greatest children
and youth program in that region. The Lord has
blessed us through the Canadian Lutheran World
Relief (CLWR) as it supports us financially to
carry on this program. The medical and dental
clinic, the sewing school, the building projects,
VBS and all other special mission outreach
initiatives would need a special and long chapter
for themselves. The ILSN has put in place
(following in ‘mama’s steps perhaps) a Strategic
Direction plan for mission and ministry. Here it is:
Iglesia Luterana Sinodo de Nicaragua will,
through its members, proclaim the Gospel
of Jesus Christ so that by the power of the
Holy Spirit those who do not believe may
come to faith and that those who believe
might be strengthened in faith and life.
In carrying out this mission, the Synod set the
following goals.
1. By the grace of God, ILSN will work
to increase its membership by 100 persons
per congregation.
2. By the grace of God, each
congregation will work towards having
regular bible studies for women and men

with a goal of doubling their present
attendance.
3. By the grace of God, ILSN will seek
to prepare an equal number of musicians
for the church as there are pastors so that
the use of music in public worship might be
enhanced.
4. By the grace of God, ILSN working
with LCC Mission will strive towards being
an indigenous, self-supporting church body.
In order that the pastors and deaconesses of the
Synod might continue to grow in ministry, the
Synod also added the following goals:
1. By the grace of God, our pastors and
deaconesses will participate in 4 continuing
education programs per year. Although the
Planning Session requested that the Synod
Committee appoint a Continuing Education
Committee to work with LCC Mission-
Nicaragua in identifying course work that
would benefit the Church, several areas were
already identified by participants: Evangelism
Strategy; Ministering to the Abused; The
Christian Family; Managing time for work and
family; Pastoral Care; Congregational
Administration; A teaching practicum for
teachers. The arranging of these programs
remains the responsibility of LCC Mission-
Nicaragua.
2. By the grace of God, our pastors and
deaconesses will strive to develop a
disciplined devotional life. Both pastors and
deaconesses spoke of times when they lacked
in zeal for their work and often would not
complete their tasks. While they recognized
that some of this had to do with poor planning
(and so the request for assistance in time
management,) they expressed a greater
concern for their own “walk with God.” Zeal
comes from the Lord; He gives it through
Word and Sacrament. We need to be people
constantly in the Word.”
5. Honduras: Missionary Douglas Aguillar continues
to develop the mission in Olanchito under God’s
grace and guidance. There are special perspectives
coming up soon for this mission. One or two
students who are very involved with the mission in
Olanchito and Tegucigalpa will be studying in the
Seminary class starting now in September. The
church has bought a piece of land in Olanchito and
a new church building project has been approved
by the ILSN and the construction will be starting
soon. There are still some paper work or
documentation challenges to overcome, but the
E. 15
people are looking positively to the work ahead.
LCC missionary reported to Dr. Neitzel about the
blessings of the mission outreach in Olanchito,
Yoro, Honduras: There are three preaching stations
in the area; currently 23 baptized members – adults
and children; there are always between 10 and 30
people in worship services. He is currently
focusing on three major areas: Regular worship
services, Bible study groups, catechesis and
evangelism. One of the promising areas is reaching
out to families through children in Sunday school
and VBS.
6. Costa Rica: LCC started the mission in Costa Rica
in March 2006 when ILSN commissioned
missionary Pedro Quintero to the country’s capital
San Jose. Pastor Quintero worked in Costa Rica
until December 2010 when he accepted a call to
Nicaragua. His is presently serving a congregation
in the area of Chinandega. On May 23, 2009 Pastor
Edmundo Retana, a university professor, was
ordained after he completed his colloquy program
and has been involved in taking care of the LCC
mission in the greater San Jose capital as well as in
the province of Cartago, where missionary
Quintero had been working before. Pastor
Edmundo’s wife, Betty, has completed her
Deaconess program and her name has been
presented to ILSN to be considered as a candidate
for the deaconess work in Costa Rica. The twopoint
mission have about 60 people in attendance
(around 30 in each station), and around 40 children
enrolled in the Christian education program. There
are currently eight adolescents in confirmation
class. One of the challenges relates to the
leadership training for our mission in Costa Rica.
There are currently four candidates (two for
pastoral ministry and two for deaconess), who have
been working in the mission with missionary
Edmundo, but are unable to travel to the Nicaragua
Seminary in Chinandega for the intensive courses
due to their jobs and family care in Costa Rica. We
would need to look for alternatives with the ILSN
in a near future as some of our pastors trained in
Nicaragua could be prepared to assist in an
extension of the Theological training in Costa Rica.
7. PAT Program. Mission coming to our
doorsteps. By God’s grace there are ten students
enrolled in the PAT program and two of them will
be completing their studies and practices in 1½ to 2
years. The students are from the following areas in
Canada: Surrey (El Salvador and India: Spanish
and Punjab), Edmonton (Sudan: Sudanese),
Winnipeg (Ethiopia: Oromo), Toronto (India,
Pakistan, Haiti), Montreal (Malagasy). The

program is under the responsibility of the Council
of Presidents and the coordination of Rev.
Leonardo Neitzel. There is a PAT conference and
workshop being planned for the Fall of 2011 in
Winnipeg, which is dependent on funding. The
PAT program is not part of the core budget of
LCC; it relies on volunteer contributions to help
cover its expenses in several areas. Being as it is an
LCC approved program, well structured and
aiming at fulfilling major mission needs and
opportunities in several regions in our country we
would strongly encourage LCC individuals,
congregations and institutions to support the
program financially. We thank CLMS for its
decision is raising funds for the PAT 2011
conference in the Fall. We thank and much
appreciate the assistance from pastors in teaching
and mentoring these ministry and mission
candidates.
8. Oromo Outreach. Mission coming to our
doorstep. It has been a blessing to witness the
growth of the Lutheran presence and witness from
Ethiopia and Kenya in our country Canada. The
Oromo community is in dialogue with the LCC as
talks for formal affiliation to LCC take place. We
are pleased with the support that LCC has given to
their community and we look forward for our
partnership in the Lord’s mission. We witness with
gratitude as CLMS, Red River Circuit and others in
the three Districts are reaching out to the Oromo
community and supporting them in their decision
to join LCC. In Winnipeg a Van was purchased
and will help the Oromo community tremendously
to gather their people for church on a regular basis.
LCC Military Chaplains
Our Lutheran Church-Canada presence in Military
Chaplaincy has grown during the Triennium to four
Regular Forces Chaplains: Maj. Kevin Klein, CFB
St.Jean, PQ; Capt. Harold Ristau, Afghanistan (to be
posted to Chaplain School, CFB Borden, ON); Capt.
Jason Kouri, CFB Val Cartier, PQ; and Capt. Gerson
Flor, CFB Trenton, ON. We also have eight Reserve
Force Chaplains: Capt. Rod Buck, Capt. Ken Edel,
Capt. D.J. Kim, Capt. Tom Korcok, Capt. Greg Lutz,
Capt. Vic Morris, Capt. Neil Otke, and Capt. Sye Van
Maanan; Capt. John Estes and Capt. Al Lewis retired.
Our CMSMS Military Liaison, Rev. Maj. (Rtd) Chuck
Cooley, met with all Lutheran Chaplains (LCC &
ELCIC) and the LCIC Lutheran Representative, Rev.
E. 16
Maj. (Rtd) Hans Borch at the 2009 Chaplains
Conference in Cornwall, ON to present a draft of
Guidelines for Lutheran Chaplains. The Board of
Directors and Council of Presidents adopted Guidelines
for Recruitment of Military Chaplains. Regular Force
Chaplains must receive the recommendation of their
District President, satisfactorily complete Canadian
Military training, and are then called as Missionaries of
LCC. President Bugbee met with all our Military
Chaplains in 2010 to assure them of our support and
listen to their concerns. The Ottawa Valley Circuit of
the East District has been very supportive. Our
Chaplains have actively taken part in updating the
“Religions in Canada” in use throughout the
government. Our Chaplains also continue to provide
one of the few opportunities for on-going dialog with
Christian leaders and those of other faiths on the
centrality of Scripture and contemporary application of
the Lutheran Confessions. We thank God for their
faithful service.
Conclusion
We are grateful to the Lord of the Church for His
tremendous blessings on His mission fields, especially
where LCC has been present. We thank and
acknowledge the efforts of each LCC individual
member, congregation and organization for their
faithfulness, commitment and support of the Lord’s
mission and social ministry work in Canada and beyond
our geographical borders. We look forward for God’s
continuing blessings on our work together in the Lord.
We want to continue to reflect and to focus on LCC’s
Strategic Directions put in place in 2009. We especially
thank the volunteers who prepared the Bible studies
related to the Strategic Directions. We would like to
encourage all congregations to utilize these resources
and put them to service in their midst. The Lord has
sure been attentive to our prayers, has responded to
them, and we thank all volunteers who helped LCC
prepare the Mission Prayers of the Church since 2009.
Finally brothers and sisters, we always thank and praise
our Lord God and Saviour for your partnership in Him
– for your kindness and love in sharing His Gospel and
salvation to many.
To Him alone be glory, now and forever. Amen.
On behalf of the CMSMS
Rev. Leonardo Neitzel.

E. 17
REPORT 6: PASTOR AND DIACONAL COLLOQUY COMMITEES
The Pastoral and Diaconal Colloquy Committees of
Lutheran Church-Canada facilitate the certification and
rostering of professional church workers who desire to
join the ministerium and diaconate of LCC. The
Pastoral Colloquy Committee consists of Dr. Manfred
Zeuch of Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton; Dr.
Thomas Winger of Concordia Lutheran Theological
Seminary, St. Catharines; and Rev. Daryl Solie, of
Regina who serves as 1st Vice-President of Lutheran
Church-Canada. The Diaconal Colloquy Committee
includes, in addition to each of the above individuals,
Dr. Gerald Krispin of Concordia University College of
Edmonton, Alberta. Dr. Manfred Zeuch and Dr.
Thomas Winger share the role of Secretary of the
Pastoral Colloquy Committee and Dr. Gerald Krispin
serves as Secretary of the Diaconal Colloquy
Committee. Pastor Solie serves as Chairman of both
committees.
The main work of the Colloquy Committee is to
ascertain the credentials and determine the course work
required for those applying to be admitted into the
Pastoral and Diaconal Colloquy Program of Lutheran
Church-Canada. Normally, applications for colloquy
are received from the District Presidents along with
their recommendation for admission to the program. If
there are perceived weaknesses in the academic
program and/or life of the individuals desiring rostered
membership in Lutheran Church-Canada, direction is
offered by the Colloquy Committee for those involved
to improve their qualifications.
Pastoral Colloquy
The Pastoral Colloquy meets at least annually and on
other occasions as required.
During the past triennium the following individuals
participated in the Pastoral Colloquy Program:
a. Rev. Tsegaye Angassa (*)
b. Rev. Lawrence Brotherton (C)
c. Oscar Castillo (C)
d. Rev. Daniel Deyell (C)
e. Rev. Teemu Haataja (R)
f. Rev. Dennis Gray (**)
g. Rev. John Haycock (*)
h. Rev. Jef Kentel (**)
i. Rev. Greg Kjos (C)
j. Rev. Joon Soo Kim (R)
k. Rev. Kyusik Kim (R)
l. Rev. Gary Lissy (D)
m. James Luke (C)
n. Rev. Samuel Masih (*)
o. Rev. Norman Miller (C)
p. Rev. David Morton (*)
q. Rev. Stanley Park (*)
r. Rev. Rolf Preus (C)
s. Rev. Joseph Randrianasolo (*)
t. Re. Jeff Roy (**)
u. Rev. Manfred Schmidt (**)
v. Rev. Angus Schneider (C)
w. Rev. Brian Smith (R)
x. Rev. Mezgebu Tucho (*)
y. Rev. Peter Vankatwyk (C)
Diaconal Colloquy
The Diaconal Colloquy Program includes church
workers who apply for colloquy as Teacher or Directors
of Parish Services. Required course work is normally
completed through Concordia University College of
Alberta or, in some cases, by making use of distance
education opportunities made possible through CUEnet,
the Concordia University System’s online colloquy
program for teachers through Lutheran Church-
Missouri Synod. Some students have also received
credit for courses taken through Concordia, Ann Arbor,
MI, as well as through the seminaries.
The Diaconal Colloquy Committee also normally meets
annually and at other times as needed. During the last
triennium the following individuals participated in the
Diaconal Colloquy Program:
1. Directors of Parish Services
a) Gary Brucker (*)
b) Amanda Knodel (C)
c) Shirley Mellom (D)
d) Kristin Mohr (W)
e) Miriam Winstanley (C)
2. Teachers:
a) Valerie Beinert (R)
b) Corinne Coles-Mohns (Re)
c) Suzanne Eberhard (Re)
d) Julia Faust (R)
e) Helen Gagnier (Re)
f) Erica Heil (Re)
g) Lori Laszewski (Re)
h) Jeffrey Lutz (R)
i) Paula McAuley (nee Iverson) (R)
j) Sandra Miesmer (R)
k) Monica Steffen-Morin (Re)
l) Lisa Olding (C)
m) Lorilee Schelp (R)

Key:
* Accepted into the program and colloquy work still in
progress.
** Accepted into the program but not currently in
progress
E. 18
C Completed colloquy requirements
W Withdrawn from the program
R Removed from the program
Re Reinstated into the program
D Application denied or declared ineligible
REPORT 7: COMMITTEE FOR COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
What an exciting time to be in communications and
how blessed Lutheran Church–Canada is to have so
many opportunities to share the Gospel in so many
ways. While in the past we often heard concerns about
a lack of communication from LCC about what is going
on, we are now communicating more frequently and in
more ways than ever before. If people do not know
what is going on, they are not taking advantage of all
the ways information is made available.
When LCC brought a communications director on staff
in 1994, the main vehicle for distributing news across
the church was The Canadian Lutheran magazine. In
2011, the magazine is one of five key communication
vehicles, the other four being InfoDigest e-mail,
Facebook, Twitter, and canadianlutheran.ca. Each
reaches specific audiences with much of the same
information. For those not interested in reading a
magazine, they can read material online and vice-versa.
The motivation for increasing online material was to
keep those for whom online communication is second
nature engaged with the life of the church. They may
not be sitting in the pews every Sunday, however they
have an ongoing opportunity for encouragement in their
faith and retaining a church connection through their
online reading and activities.
The Canadian Lutheran (print edition)
The magazine moved from nine editions per year to six
editions per year in 2010, expanding each edition by 8
pages. The change was made to allow for expansion of
LCC’s use of online communication without increasing
the communication budget.
LCC distributes more than 20,000 copies of the
magazine to congregations free of charge. Once in the
parish, some congregations pro-actively distribute it via
member mailboxes or with the Sunday bulletin, others
place the stack on a table in the narthex for people to
pick-up. Unlike online media, we have no way of
tracking what happens to the magazine once it is in the
hands of the reader or even how many get that far. By
the time the printed magazine reaches the
congregations, most of the content has already appeared
online.
The Canadian Lutheran continues its membership in
the Canadian Church Press
Lutheran Church–Canada Online
The past-triennium has seen an explosion in online
communications. In the past three years, Facebook
grew from 132 million users in 2008 to 585 million
users in 2010. More than half of Canada’s population
(17.2 million) has a Facebook presence, and most of
them are between the ages of 18 and 34. Twitter grew
from 2.3 million users in 2008 to a projected 200
million in 2011.
www.canadianlutheran.ca
While it is difficult for some people to comprehend,
there is a growing group of Lutherans who will not read
a magazine but prefer to read their news and
information online. To ensure that group is served, and
to engage a younger generation in the life of the church,
LCC launched an online version of The Canadian
Lutheran, www.canadianlutheran.ca, in October. The
site welcomes an average of 150 visitors per day, with
that number more than quadrupling when InfoDigest is
sent out. The site posts stories or articles daily. When
something is posted, it also goes to
www.facebook.com/canadianlutheran and
www.lutheranchurch.ca as well as @lccinfotweet on
Twitter. Once posted on Facebook, people can then
share the information with their friends.
Our goal in the next year is to expand the audience for
the online magazine and encourage readers to share the
information with their own network of contacts within
the church. Ideally, every parish with an e-mail list
would forward InfoDigest to its members thereby
ensuring the communication reaches as broad an
audience as possible.
Youtube
In 2009 we produced a 3:50 video message by
President Bugbee entitled “Good News from the
Cemetery” and posted it on YouTube and
www.whatyoubelieve.ca. We also provided embedding
information which allowed congregations and districts
to place the video on their websites. Since April 2009
more than 7000 people have viewed the video and
heard the real message of Easter.

Another video, “Who do you thank at Thanksgiving?”
was uploaded to YouTube in 2009 and has garnered
more than 3,300 views.
Additionally we have mission videos on YouTube
including a report from Dr. Leonardo Neitzel recorded
and posted while he was in Haiti in September 2010.
We will continue to seek ways to use this medium for
outreach and information.
Webcasts
Lutheran Church–Canada launched its first webcast
Sunday, September 28, 2008 with the installation
service of President Bugbee in Kitchener, Ontario. The
webcast allowed 100 additional people to join the
service beyond the 525 in attendance at the church.
In 2009 LCC provided coverage of the East and Central
District conventions and the LWML-Canada
convention in Ottawa. Our initiative also led both
seminaries to begin webcasting their graduation
convocations. LCC Communications also facilitated the
online presentation for the Worker Benefits Plans’
focus groups. As funding allows our intention is to
increase the use of online video.
In cooperation with LCC, St. Matthew, Stony Plain,
Alberta shared its Christmas Eve service online in 2009
and 2010.
Hosting, websites etc
Since re-launching in September 2008, LCC’s website
www.lutheranchurch.ca has welcomed more than
85,300 unique visitors from around the world. More
than 36 percent found the site through Google.
Most people visit the site looking for information about
congregations. This emphasizes how important it is for
congregations to keep their websites current. An
increasing number of visitors to Sunday services are
reading and learning about congregations online before
deciding to attend. It is common to visit sites that list
special services for previous years. Like publishing the
Sunday bulletin, a church website should receive an
update weekly. In some ways the church website is
more important than the church sign.
In the convention report for 2008 we noted plans to
begin offering website hosting and website support.
This project was contingent upon LCC bringing on staff
an electronic media specialist. The Board of Directors
agreed in principle to adding this staff member,
however the financial resources were not available to
follow through. In fact, when the administrative
assistant for the Director of Communications, Helga
E. 19
Downey, retired in 2009, she was not replaced. Her
duties and responsibilities were added to those of the
administrative assistant for the president and mission
executive. Currently the communications area has one
full-time staff member.
Through LCC’s website, congregations can access
embedding information that allows them to place direct
links from their websites to key LCC websites such as
www.canadianlutheran.ca and www.lutheranchurch.ca.
We strive to keep our content as current as possible on
our websites. The site www.lccontheroad.ca posts
information from LCC executives or representatives
overseas. When Rev. Dr. Ralph Mayan was in
Nicaragua, he posted weekly updates from the field.
LCC executives also contribute regular posts to the site
as they travel. News reports and articles on
www.canadianlutheran.ca often refer to current events,
including film reviews and commentary.
In January 2011, with the launch of the film “The Rite”
which dealt with demon possession and exorcism we
posted an article on the site and used Facebook,
Twitter, and Google AdWords to direct people to the
site as well as statement and responses on
www.whatyoubelieve.ca. By mid-February, more than
2300 people had looked at the information on
www.whatyoubelieve.ca and almost 350 read the full
article. When Justin Bieber spoke out against abortion
in February 2011, a commentary on
www.canadianlutheran.ca affirmed his statement. By
the time The King’s Speech won the Academy Award
for best film, we had an article online which pointed out
the lessons preachers and listeners could learn from the
film.
Committee for Communication and Technology
The Committee on Communications and Technology
was established by the Board of Directors to provide
guidance on policy matters and to act as an advisory
group for the communications area of Synod. Its
members are Lynn Gergens (BOD-chair); Rev. Phil
Washeim; Rev. Alex Klages; Chris Bruer; Stephen
Klinck (LLL-Canada advisory). While it has not
physically met, it has conducted several telephone
conference calls to discuss and advise on the direction
of The Canadian Lutheran and Synod’s designated
Sundays. In addition, through e-mail discussion the
Director of Communications continues asking for
feedback and advice on various issues and ideas.
In the next year we will undertake a survey of
technology and Internet use in LCC parishes to update a
2006 survey.

Consultation
The Director of Communications has taken an active
interest in the development of social media and how the
church can use these new communication tools. In the
past three years he conducted seminars on social media
for the Int’l Lutheran Laymen’s League staff in St.
Louis; at two Int’l LLL conventions; ABC and East
District conventions; and the LWML-Canada
convention in Ottawa. He also provides ongoing
consultation with various groups to assist them in using
social media both organizationally and as an outreach
for the Gospel.
Public perception
As the distinction between the ELCIC and the Anglican
Church of Canada (ACC) continues blurring (ELCIC
and ACC announced a joint convention and are looking
into a joint HQ in Ottawa.) and the ELCIC wrestles
with whether to take new positions on human sexuality
and marriage, Lutheran Church–Canada is in a prime
position to distinguish itself as a conservative,
confessional, Christ-centred, biblically-based Lutheran
church body.
In secular terminology, this action of building a welldefined
identity is known as “branding.” LCC needs to
capture and cultivate the “Lutheran brand” in Canada.
We want people to think of Lutheran Church–Canada
when they hear or read “Lutheran” and bring to that
thought the understanding that LCC represents a branch
of the Christian church that is centred on Jesus and the
Word of God and not the fleeting whims of society.
Our internal research over the years has told us that our
own people see themselves as confessional Lutherans,
grounded in biblical doctrine, focused on the Gospel of
Jesus Christ and eager to share the Good News.
To provide a focal point for raising the visibility and
understanding of Lutheran Church–Canada we are
looking into creating a “tag line” that describes in a few
words exactly who we are, what we believe and Who is
the centre of our beliefs. The tagline would need to
resonate with both our own people and those outside
the church—believer and non-believer. For those who
are concerned about the theological drifting of their
own denomination, they can look to LCC and know
where we stand in a phrase or a series of words—short,
memorable and communicated quickly.
A tagline is very common, and can also be thought of as
a “slogan” although a tagline is less transient and more
descriptive. For example, the ELCIC has adopted “In
E. 20
mission for others” as its tagline. While not changing
their name or adding a tagline, the LCMS very subtly
changed the type on their business cards to read The
Lutheran Church, and in a sub-heading in a smaller
font: Missouri Synod.
The 2009 Strategic Plan has asked us to be more
upfront with the public on issues and to speak clearly of
our confessional stand. This is another step in working
to achieve those goals.
Communication Issues
We have not yet established a common Internet visual
identity across the synod between the national office
and the three districts. It is not a matter of will, but of
time to coordinate the process and place it on a higher
priority.
Although LCC announced in 1992 the correct
abbreviation of Lutheran Church–Canada is LCC, we
still see the abbreviation LC-C, which is incorrect. In
addition, the correct abbreviation for the Alberta-British
Columbia District is ABC not A-BC. It may be time to
take a look at the use of the dash in Lutheran Church–
Canada and simply begin adopting the name without
the n-dash (it isn’t a hyphen).
Conclusion
The goal of LCC’s communication area is to provide
members of Lutheran Church–Canada congregations
with material that is timely, relevant, inspiring and
informative. We also seek to model good
communication practices.
Within the next three years the information delivery
systems will change and we will assess and adopt those
which we believe best suit the purposes of the Lord’s
church.
It is our hope that individual members will see the rise
in social media and online contact as an opportunity to
show how their Christian faith impacts their life.
Sometimes that simply means telling someone they are
being prayer for, or by sharing a Bible verse, or
providing a link to an online source of good Lutheran
teaching.
For this opportunity to serve God’s people in such a
unique endeavour, I give thanks to God.
Respectfully submitted,
Ian Adnams, LittD (honoris causa)
Director of Communications

E. 21
REPORT 8: COMMITTEE ON WORSHIP AND MUSIC
The Committee on Music and Worship has gone
through many changes in the last three years. After the
launch of Lutheran Service Book, Dr John Hooper
stepped down from the committee and I, Allison
Wonnick, was asked to fill his spot. In October of 2009,
the committee was able to meet in person and we were
able to discuss the past work of the committee and look
towards the future. It was at this meeting Rev. David
Saar announced that he would also be stepping down
from the committee at the start of the new church year.
We were very grateful that Rev. Saar took the time to
bring us up to speed on the past work of the Committee
on Worship and Music and appreciate all the work he
did while serving on the committee. We are very happy
to have Rev. Kurt Reinhardt join us as the new East
District member.
Due to the personnel changes the committee has faced
over the past few years, we have acted mostly in an
advisory role. The committee has continued to provide
guidance and support to worship related issues
throughout Synod including individual worship related
projects, mission festivals, the launch of the French
Hymnal Litrugies et Cantiques Lutherines and many
others. Our latest project includes assisting with the
worship planning for the 2011 Synodical Convention,
in Hamilton, Ontario.
Going forward we want to direct our focus to the
education of individuals as well as congregations.
Throughout Lutheran Church-Canada there are many
people who have a great deal of skill and knowledge to
share in the area of music and worship. We are working
on connecting with as many of these individuals as
possible so that we may have a better idea of the
resources that exist. Currently we are working on redoing
our website and would like to have articles on
music, worship, church art, church architecture, etc
available as a resource to all of our congregations. As
music and worship conferences take place across
Synod, we would like to start broadcasting them on the
web, which would allow people across the country to
participate. If you know of events going on in your
area, please let us know.
Yours in Christ,
Allison Wonnick
Chair, Committee on Music and Worship
REPORT 9: COMMISSION ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS AND STRUCTURE
The members of the CCMS since the 2008 Convention
were Rev. Dennis Putzman, Rev. John Trembulak, Mr.
Gary Gilmour, Mr. Herb Doering, Rev. Dr. Steve
Chambers, Rev. William Ney and Rev. Robert Bugbee,
President (Advisory). While the work of the CCMS was
not as challenging as in the previous triennium when
the Handbook of Synod was in large part re-written and
a new Chapter 8 adopted, the Commission continued to
meet, discuss issues raised by members of Synod, and
make decisions. The following is a brief listing of the
major activities in which the CCMS was involved over
the past three years.
1. The By-Laws of the Central District of LCC
were reviewed and recommendations were
made for pertinent revisions.
2. The Commission ruled upon request by the
Synod Board of Directors that the Handbook
of Synod does not express any direct
connection between Concordia High School
(Edmonton) and Lutheran Church-Canada.
3. At the request of the Nominations Committee
of Synod the CCMS ruled that retired pastors
cannot serve on the Board of Directors of
Synod and pastors called to be emeritus within
a congregation are not considered “called”
pastors in the way that the Handbook of Synod
understands the term “called pastors”, that is,
as pastors still on the active (not emeritus)
roster of Synod.
Additionally, the CCMS was requested by the 2008
Convention to bring amendments to specific Bylaws of
Synod (2.101; 2.105; and 2.231) and that this should be
done in Consultation with the Commission on Theology
and Church Relations. At the time of the writing of this
report the CTCR, because of other pressing matters, had
not yet been able to conclude its study of the Diaconate
which the CCMS requires prior to any possible
recommended changes to the Handbook.
A meeting of the CCMS to review the 2011 Convention
Overtures is being held after the writing of this Report
at which time the Commission may be able to consider

and make the suggested Handbook changes requested
by the previous Convention if the CTCR Study has
been completed. Otherwise, the CCMS will plan to
tackle this directive of the Convention in the next
triennium after the CTCR document regarding the
status of Deacons has been received.
In conclusion I would like to thank the members of the
CCMS both present and past for their dedicated service
E. 22
to our Lord and to Lutheran Church-Canada over the
years during which I was privileged to be a part of this
hard-working group.
To God be the glory!
REPORT 10: COMMISSION ON THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS
For the past triennium members of the Commission on
Theology and Church Relations were Pastors William
Ney of Stony Plain, AB and Donald Schieman of St.
Thomas, ON; lay members Clifford Pyle of Regina, SK
and Allen Schellenberg of Richmond, BC; appointed
member the Rev. Warren Hamp of Kitchener, ON; and
seminary representatives the Rev. Dr. Thomas Winger
of St. Catharines, ON and the Rev. Dr. Edward Kettner
of Edmonton, AB. The Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee,
president of the Synod, is an advisory member and
serves as staff person for the commission. During this
triennium Rev. Dr. Edward Kettner served as chairman,
the Rev. Donald Schieman as vice-chairman, and Mr.
Allen Schellenberg as secretary. Rev. Schieman and
Mr. Schellenberg have served two full terms on the
commission, and are thus not eligible for re-election,
and Dr. Kettner has served the allotted three terms as an
appointee, and is not eligible for reappointment. The
commission thanks God for their faithful service.
The commission consists of two pastors elected by
convention, two laypersons elected by convention, one
representative from each of the seminaries elected by
their respective faculties, and one person appointed by
the president of the Synod in consultation with the
Council of Presidents.
The commission’s mandate from Synod is to assist the
president at his request in discharging his constitutional
responsibilities and to provide guidance to the Synod in
matters of theology and church relations (Bylaw 2.107).
During the past triennium the commission has worked
to fulfill its mandate as follows:
I Theology
The 2002 convention of Synod had asked the
commission for response and direction regarding the
question of pastoral responsibility for the public reading
of the word. This document was received by the 2008
convention for study and response. On the basis of
responses that have been received, the CTCR has
Rev. William R.A. Ney
Chairman
CCMS
prepared an addendum to the document, which has been
posted on the LCC website alongside of the document.
The 2005 synodical convention asked the commission
to study the nature of the call to a deacon for
submission to the Council of Presidents, to assist the
council in developing guidelines for such calls. This
document has been delivered to the CoP.
The 2006 convention of the Central District has asked
the commission to prepare a study document on the
issue of cremation. The commission has completed that
document, and it is included in the workbook, and also
placed on the LCC website for easy access.
The 2008 convention asked the CTCR to provide a
document dealing with the question of whether vicars
should preside at the Sacrament of the Altar. This
document has been prepared and is printed in the
workbook, and placed on the LCC website as well.
The workbook of the 2008 convention included a study
document entitled “Pastor and People in Christ’s
Church,” dealing with issues concerning the roles of
clergy and laity. Because this precipitated a discussion
on the place of C. F. W. Walther’s Church and Ministry
(Kirche und Amt), a document on the history of the
reception of this document in the Missouri Synod has
been prepared for the CTCR, and has been published in
this workbook.
Because confusion exists as to the status of CTCR
documents in the church, a statement on the subject has
been prepared for publication in The Canadian
Lutheran and for placement in the section of the
website that holds LCC’s theological documents.
II Church Relations
The commission at its meetings has received reports
from the president of Synod regarding events in world

Lutheranism, in contacts with the Lutheran World
Federation, with the International Lutheran Council (of
which we are a member), and in contact with various
Lutheran bodies throughout the world. The commission
has provided counsel in dealing with issues concerning
relations with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of
Cambodia and the Thailand Concordia Lutheran
Church, conversations with the Canadian Association
of Lutheran Congregations, conversations with the
Canadian conference of Oromo Lutheran Churches (of
Ethiopian background), and recommended the
appointment of Dr. John Stephenson as a participant in
the opening round of dialogue between The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod and the Anglican Church of
North America.
E. 23
President Bugbee and Rev. Warren Hamp represented
Lutheran Church – Canada at the Confessional
Leadership Conference sponsored by the Missouri
Synod CTCR in June 2010.
The president of Synod also has shared correspondence
and requested advice as has been prudent during the last
triennium.
Respectfully submitted,
The Commission on Theology and Church Relations,
The Rev. Edward G. Kettner, chairman
REPORT 11: COMMITTEE ON CULTURAL PROPERTIES AND ARCHIVES
The Committee on Cultural Properties and Archives
(CCPA) is responsible for providing oversight to
Lutheran Church–Canada’s Lutheran heritage
programs. It establishes overarching policies to which
the three district archives in Edmonton, AB, Regina,
SK, and St. Catharines, ON, adhere to provide some
level of uniformity across what are essentially three
district-based collections.
Members of the CCPA include the three district
archivists: Karen Baron (ABC District), Maxine Holm
(Central District) and Carol Nagel (East District); LCC
historian, Dr. Norman Threinen; Dr. Ian Adnams who
serves as LCC staff person; and Rev. Daryl Solie who
was appointed to serve as chairman of the committee
following the resignation of previous chairman, Larry
Lutz in 2010.
Taking the lead in the overall archival program,
because it is blessed with a full-time worker, is
Lutheran Historical Institute in Edmonton. Although it
primarily facilitates the preservation of materials from
the ABC District, Concordia University College of
Alberta and Concordia Lutheran Seminary, it has also
served as LCC’s archives since 1959 when the
Canadian districts of LCMS formed a federation.
In the latter part of the past triennium the main item on
the agenda for the CCPA was to provide a response to
the Task Force on Cultural Properties and Archives to
the Board of Directors prior to the BOD taking action
on the Task Force recommendations. The urgency in
providing a response was hastened with the decision of
the ABC District Board of Directors to cease funding
the Lutheran Historical Institute for fiscal 2011-12,
thereby placing in jeopardy LCC’s entire heritage
program.
Pending a resolution of this problem, the Board of
Directors has taken no action on the Task Force Report.
However, the BOD will continue to rely on the CCPA
to provide input and guidance on the report’s
recommendations so that future generations of
Lutherans and others have the opportunity to see the
evidence of God’s grace at work in and through His
people in Lutheran Church–Canada.
Submitted by Rev. Daryl Solie
Chairman
Committee on Cultural Properties and Archives

E. 24
REPORT 13 BOARD OF MANAGAERS WORKER BENEFIT PLANS
Our Mission: The mission of Worker Benefit Plans is to
serve members and employers by ensuring the
provision of sustainable benefits.
Our Vision: We will develop an efficient, innovative
and sustainable benefit plan with shared responsibility
among engaged stakeholders.
Board of Managers
The Board of Managers (BOM) has general oversight
responsibilities for the Worker Benefit Plans (WBPs)
and in that capacity oversees all aspects of the plans’
operations, including the selection and termination of
third party providers such as investment managers,
insurer’s, actuaries and other advisors. In addition the
BOM is responsible for setting strategies, overseeing
administration, setting pension related policies,
determining funding, establishing contribution rates,
investing assets and ensuring the plans are in
compliance with legislation.
The BOM has five members, four of whom are
appointed by the Board of Directors of Synod for a sixyear
term, and the Treasurer of Synod who is
automatically a member by virtue of his office. In 2009
when a vacancy occurred on the BOM, the Board of
Directors appointed a staff person from Concordia
University College of Alberta to the BOM, in
recognition of its large membership in the WBPs.
Because of the increased size of the pension assets and
the growing complexity of managing pension funds, the
Board of Directors, at the request of the BOM, has an
overture before the 2011 Convention recommending
increasing the size of the BOM to seven members.
One organizational change of note that occurred was
the retirement of the Director, Inge Schroeder at the end
of 2009. Inge worked for LCC for 21years, and served
as the WBPs Director from 2002 until her retirement.
The BOM thanks Inge for her many years of dedicated
service managing the Worker Benefit Plans. In early
2010 the Board of Directors, on recommendation from
the BOM, appointed Dwayne Cleave to take over as the
Executive Director in addition to his role as Synodical
Treasurer.
Highlights 2008-2010
Throughout the above period the BOM heard growing
concerns from employers about the increasing costs of
the Worker Benefit Plans and the impact this was
having on their operations. In order to gain an
understanding of the satisfaction with the plans, an online
survey was conducted of both members and
employers late in 2009 on a number of pension and
benefit issues including the importance of the plans,
plan funding/cost sharing and redesign changes. This
was followed up with a strategic planning meeting in
January 2010 which brought together various
stakeholders (employers, employees and retirees) to
articulate the mission, vision and values of the Worker
Benefit Plans and to develop a strategic framework to
guide the future direction of the WBPs. The mission
and vision developed at this meeting are printed at the
beginning of this report.
In response to this consultative process and in order to
keep our plans viable for the long term, during 2010 the
BOM proposed changes to the design of the plans. A
series of focus groups involving about 200 participants
(both members and employers) were held at various
places across Canada to provide input into these
proposed changes. Subsequently a number of plan
design changes were approved by the BOM and the
Board of Directors and are noted in the commentary
below.
Pension
External forces provided an extremely challenging
environment for the oversight of pension plans during
the period. By the end of 2008 the world was in the
worst financial crisis in recent history with a number of
investment banks collapsing along with weakened real
estate and insurance sectors. When stock markets
plunged so did pension portfolios and the portfolio for
the LCC Pension Plan was no exception, it was down
19.6% at the end of 2008. The BOM closely monitored
the portfolio and the market in general and had
numerous meetings with investment managers,
consultants and other experts over the period to
understand what was happening in the markets and to
be kept abreast of developments. Mid-way through
2009 the tide had turned in the markets and a recovery
began. Much of what had been lost in the markets was
recovered. In 2009 LCC Pension Plan had a return of
20.8% and in 2010 we saw a further recovery with a
return on the portfolio of 10.5%.
Notwithstanding the improvement in the markets,
Defined Benefit (DB) funding issues continue to cause
concern for all DB pension plan sponsors with the vast
majority of plans having solvency deficits (insufficient
funds to pay out all benefits owed to members if the
plan were to be wound up as of the valuation date). An
actuarial valuation of our Plan was conducted as of
December 31, 2009. The results indicated that the Plan
was only 75% funded on a solvency basis with a deficit
of approximately $ 22 million and 83% funded on a
going concern basis with an unfunded liability of about
$13 million. Lower than expected investment return

accounted for about half of our solvency deficiency.
Our expectation was that our assets would grow at a
rate of 6.25% per year from when the last actuarial
valuation was conducted at the end of 2006. The actual
rate of return from 2006 to 2009 was closer to 1%. The
other half of the deficiency resulted from substantially
increased liabilities because of larger than expected
salary increases, increases in life expectancy (which
affects how long pensions will be paid), members
retiring earlier than expected, and decreases in long
term bond yields. The latter are used to value the
liabilities and the lower the expected bond yields the
higher the amount of money that must be set aside to
fund the benefits. These higher liabilities along with
depressed markets resulted in higher pension
contributions for employers.
Normally we are required to pay off the solvency
deficit over 5 years with special payments. The Alberta
government (where our Plan is registered), in
recognition of the funding difficulties most pension
E. 25
plans are experiencing, enacted legislation to permit a
moratorium on these special payments until the end of
2012. However, special payments must be made
regarding the going-concern deficit and this
unfortunately triggered the need to increase rates to
employers. Pension contributions for employers
climbed from 10% of payroll in 2008 to 15 % by 2010.
The contribution rate was further increased to 16.6% in
January 2011.
In order to have a better idea of the longer term funding
requirements of the Plan, the BOM directed Towers
Watson to conduct an Asset Liability study in 2010 to
determine the potential contribution requirements for
the next 10 years. The study looked at the current Plan,
at a contributory DB where members pay part of the
cost, and at a Defined Contribution (DC) Plan, and
projected a range of outcomes. This information is
providing assistance in determining the future direction
of the Plan.

Members participating in the Defined Contribution
(DC) part of the Plan saw a number of changes to the
investment options offered in 2009. Because of both
historical underperformance and forward looking
(expected) performance, the Jarislowsky Fraser Bond
Fund, Balanced Fund, International and U.S.Equity
funds were replaced with TDAM Canadian Bond Index
Fund, Greystone Balanced Fund, MFS International
Equity Fund and Legg Mason Batterymarch U.S. Fund,
respectively. With the assistance of an external
investment expert, these funds were selected based on
criteria such as investment approach, organizational
strength, and historical performance. The bond fund is
now an indexed (passively managed) fund. In selecting
the Greystone Balanced fund, the expectation is for
more diversified sources of return. Specialist firms were
chosen for the US and International equities asset
classes.
As a result of the Plan design review the employer
match on the DC Plan was cancelled effective January
2011.
Group Benefit Plans
The flexible benefit plan has operated relatively
smoothly since its introduction on January 1, 2008
when it was introduced to provide employees with
flexibility in their benefit choices, allowing members to
tailor benefits according to individual needs. It also
provides a mechanism for cost sharing of benefit costs
between employees and employers. Continued fine
tuning of the flex administration occurred over the
period including such things as being able to elect the
DC pension on the Manulife website.
E. 26
In conjunction with generic drug legislation passed in a
number of provinces, health care plans for active and
retired members were amended January 1, 2011 to pay
for least cost alternative drugs only, unless a medical
reason requires the use of a brand name drug.
As part of the plan design review effective January 1,
2011 employees are required to pay the premium for
LTD benefits and will no longer receive employer
credits to pay for this coverage. Also effective January
1, 2011 eligibility for group benefits is set at 24 hours
per week for permanent part-time employees.
Over the past three years a review of the Post-
Retirement Benefits (PRBs) plans was undertaken to
determine the sustainability of the plans over the long
term. A study conducted by our WBP consultants,
Towers Watson, on the future PRB cost trajectory
indicated that costs would double over the next couple
of years and increase exponentially into the future.
After considering a number of alternatives the BOM
recommended that post-retirement benefits be
discontinued for all employees except for current
retirees and employees who retire before July 1, 2012
or employees age 60 with 15 years of service as of July
1, 2010. In addition premiums were introduced for all
current retirees along with a number of plan changes
designed to bring the retiree plan more in line with
active employees’ health and dental coverage.
Future Changes in 2011 and Beyond
The BOM is making recommendations to the Board of
Directors for fundamental changes in the Pension Plan,
likely to come into effect in 2013. Whatever the final
form of these changes, it will almost certainly involve

co-payment by members. It is no longer sustainable to
have a plan that is 100% employer funded.
As well, the Executive Director has been working to
reduce the administrative costs of the WBPs.
The BOM recognizes the importance of the pension and
benefit programs to members and their families. It also
recognizes the concerns of employers regarding
increasing costs. We feel that the decisions taken by the
E. 27
BOM over the last few years are fair and balanced.
They meet our goal and commitment of providing an
appropriate pension and benefits program that is valued
by members, affordable to employers and members and
sustainable over the longer term. This will continue to
be our goal when considering future changes.
Respectively Submitted,
Mrs. Lois Griffin
Chair, Board of Managers
REPORT 14: OF LUTHERAN CHURCH CANADA FINANCIAL MINISTRIES
(Lutheran Foundation Canada)
Introduction
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to
report to the convention on the activities of Lutheran
Church Canada Foundation Ministries over the past
three years. This past triennium, Lutheran Church
Canada Financial Ministries, carrying out work under
the trademark name of Lutheran Foundation Canada,
has focused on its primary task of developing planned
gifts within LCC’s membership. The membership of
LCC has responded in a significant way, predominantly
with the promise of planned future estate gifts, but also
with current gifts of shares and outright gifts of cash, all
in support of the on-going mission and ministry of the
church. In the last three years, just over $13,866,000
has been reported in planned giving pledges, shares and
cash. It should be noted that close to 85% of this
amount are planned future gifts, to be received from the
settlement of a donor’s estate. Once received, the funds
will be distributed to the congregations, organizations,
or endowments as stipulated by the donor.
Foundation Overview
Lutheran Foundation Canada is established as a
corporate entity and is registered as a public charitable
foundation. Lutheran Foundation Canada is comprised
of four members; Lutheran Church Canada, and the
three Districts of our Synod. Each of the districts
nominates two individuals to serve on the Foundation’s
Board of Directors, and the synod nominates three
individuals. The Foundation’s Board of Directors is
responsible for corporate governance in areas such as
strategic planning, developing and monitoring policy
guidelines, overseeing Foundation activities, and for
investing both endowment funds and custodial funds
held by the Foundation. All Foundation activities
previously undertaken by the districts are now being
managed by Lutheran Foundation Canada, and their
invested funds have been transferred into custodial
accounts held by the Foundation.
The gift development activities of the Foundation are
carried out by Gift Coordinators working within the
three Districts of Synod. At present there are two fulltime
gift coordinators: Alfred Feth continuing to serve
within the East District and from September 2008,
Allen Schellenberg serving within the ABC District.
Just prior to Allen joining the Foundation, Brian
Wonnick retired in June 2008 after serving with the
Central District Foundation for 10 years. Currently, the
Foundation has not hired a full-time Gift Coordinator
for the Central District, but rather, is providing
development services to them through a partnership
agreement with CLWR and their Gift Coordinator Tom
Brook. This arrangement, while very cost effective,
imposes significant time constraints, and is therefore
not producing the same level of results experienced by
the other two Districts who employ full time
coordinators. The Foundation is currently investigating
future staffing strategies to improve effectiveness. We
are very grateful for the positive development work Mr.
Brook is doing on our behalf in the Central District.
In mid-2010, due to Dwayne Cleave taking on the role
of Director of Worker Benefits, while also continuing
as Treasurer of Synod, the Foundation’s Board asked
Allen Schellenberg to step in as Executive Director,
maintaining his role as Gift Coordinator for the ABC
District and as Director of Marketing. Dwayne will
continue to provide financial coordination on behalf of
the Foundation as a part of his Synod CFO function.
The Foundation’s operations are primarily funded by
contributions received from the three Districts, Synod,
Lutheran Laymen’s League - Canada, and our two
seminaries. Additionally, the Foundation also generates
operating income from administration fees charged for
managing the endowments (a 1% service fee) and the

custodial funds (a 0.5% service fee) within the
Foundation’s investment portfolio.
At present there is approximately $10 million invested
in either endowments or custodial accounts.
Endowments are individual funds established for a
minimum of 10 years from which the earnings are used
to support one or more specific ministries, as stipulated
by the organization or individual donor(s) who created
the endowment. For improved economies of scale, and
lower management costs, custodial funds are held by
the Foundation on behalf of other organizations,
invested per established guidelines.
Gift Planning Services
Whereas a significant focus of the Board in the
previous triennium was related to administrative and
consolidation activity to facilitate the merger of all
District foundations into Lutheran Foundation Canada,
this past triennium has seen a significant focus on
planned giving activities. Over the next 15 years,
significant wealth, the bounty of God’s worldly
blessings, will transfer from one generation to the next.
Planned giving is simply using the worldly resources
the Lord has blessed us with, to meet the needs and
expectations of family, while also including a gift for
the ongoing mission and ministry of the church. For
many, there is a great satisfaction to realize the
financial support they’ve provided throughout their life
to the ministries for which they have a passion, may
continue after they die, while still taking appropriate
care of family.
The Foundation’s Gift Coordinators provide
informative seminars on Christian estate and Will
planning to the membership of LCC: at congregations,
organization meetings, conventions, and at circuit
forums. Although the Foundation’s primary purpose is
to speak to individuals on the benefits of planned
giving, these seminars also cover a range of other topics
related to estate planning: wills, health care directives,
powers of attorney, funeral arrangements, and issues
related to the transfer of assets from one generation to
the next.
Additionally, the Gift Coordinators provide individual
services to our congregational membership, assisting in
structuring the gift to the donor’s best advantage,
E. 28
providing needed information to the donor’s
professional advisors, and ensuring the gift is directed
to the appropriate organization(s) per the donor’s
desired use of the funds.
Gifts
As stated earlier, the majority of gifts are designated
from the assets of an estate, and if the donor is married,
the gifts are normally given from the assets of the
surviving spouse’s estate. This acknowledges the need
to provide for the surviving spouse, allowing for the
unknown financial needs that may be required as the
surviving spouse advances in years. Although, for those
that are financially quite wealthy, with few concerns of
meeting the financial needs of a surviving spouse,
opportunities exist that provide significant tax savings
that can be used during the donor’s lifetime, rather than
receiving all the tax credit within the estate. Gifts can
include: insurance policies, RRSP/RRIF investments,
stock, real property, vehicles, and of course, cash.
Over the last three years, using the earnings from our
invested endowments, the Foundation was able to make
disbursements totaling $184,435 to the congregations
and organizations as originally decided upon by the
donor, and stipulated within each of our endowment
agreements. These disbursements were as follows:
2008 - $14,283 2009 - $81,702 2010 - $88,450
May God be praised!
The table below shows the future distribution of the
$13,866,852 developed as planned gifts over the last
three years, allocated per the wishes of the individual
donors. Not surprisingly, and as evidenced within the
table, when donors leave a planned gift within their
estate, most leave a gift to their home congregation
first, and then as able, also consider other beneficiaries.
Without exception, donors are excited that the
ministries they’ve supported throughout their life will
continue to be supported by their planned gift after they
have been called home to be with their Lord and
Saviour. In the same way individuals invest savings
throughout their life in order to reap the benefits for
many years once retired, it is expected these planned
gifts will provide ongoing financial resources to the
ministries of LCC for many years to come.

E. 29
Lutheran Foundation Canada - Planned Giving Gift Summary
Beneficiary
2008 Gift
Total
2008
% Dist.
2009 Gift
Total
2009
% Dist.
2010 Gift
Total
2010
% Dist.
3 Year Total
ABC Cong's $143,650 4% $292,270 13% $706,010 9% $1,141,930 8%
Central Cong's $428,600 11% $70,000 3% $95,310 1% $593,910 4%
East Cong's $623,750 16% $261,000 11% $1,007,568 13% $1,892,318 14%
ABC District $100,000 2% $165,000 7% $650,000 9% $915,000 7%
Central
District
$168,025 4% $0 0% $46,000 1% $214,025 2%
East District $440,000 11% $290,000 13% $213,358 3% $943,358 7%
Synod $473,892 12% $392,100 17% $670,000 9% $1,535,992 11%
CLS $285,000 7% $157,500 7% $1,009,025 13% $1,451,525 10%
CLTS $35,000 1% $85,600 4% $247,710 3% $368,310 3%
CUCA $0 0% $10,000 0% $273,000 4% $283,000 2%
LLL-C $160,000 4% $38,200 2% $778,600 10% $976,800 7%
LWML-C $0 0% $20,000 1% $204,360 3% $224,360 2%
CLMS $100,000 2% $40,000 2% $86,333 1% $226,333 2%
LSO’s $13,500 0% $160,575 7% $248,920 3% $422,995 3%
CLWR $632,800 16% $20,000 1% $1,122,196 15% $1,774,996 13%
LCCFM $402,000 10% $280,000 12% $200,000 3% $882,000 6%
Unspecified $0 0% $20,000 1% $0 0% $20,000 0%
% of
Total
Gifts
Total Gifts $4,006,217 100% $2,302,245 100% $7,558,390 100% $13,866,852 100%
Respectfully submitted,
Allen Schellenberg
Executive Director - Lutheran Foundation Canada

The Council of Presidents of Lutheran Church-Canada
is made up of the three District Presidents, each of
whom is elected at his respective District Convention;
the Synod President; and the three vice-Presidents of
Synod who are elected at the Synod Convention. Each
LCC District is represented by a vice-President.
In 2008, the COP membership included newly-elected
Synod President Rev. Robert Bugbee; First vice-
President Rev. Nolan Astley (ABC District); Second
vice-President Rev. Daryl Solie (Central District);
Third vice-President Rev. Robert Krestick (East
District); ABC District President Rev. Donald
Schiemann; Central District President Rev. Tom
Prachar; and East District President Rev. Alan Maleske.
One year later, Rev. Maleske retired and was replaced
by the newly-elected East District President Rev. Paul
Zabel. In 2009, Rev. Astley accepted a call to the East
District and he was replaced by Rev. Tom Kruesel to
represent the ABC District.
The Council of Presidents - “COP” - provides a venue
in which the Synod President can advise and counsel
his representatives in the Districts and where, in turn,
the District Presidents can offer their counsel to the
Synod President. COP meetings often deal with
questions of casuistry which are of such a nature that
they impact the whole church in one way or another.
From these discussions often come congregational
guidelines to assist congregations and church workers
as they deal with congregational and pastoral practice.
The members of COP often provide counsel to one
another and to the Church on matters relating to the
doctrine and administration of the Synod and its
Districts. And just as church workers provide mutual
support, encouragement and care in their circuit
meetings, COP meetings provide a similar opportunity
for Synod President, vice-presidents and District
Presidents.
Much of the work of the COP deals with the official
roster of LCC. The COP serves officially as the Board
of Assignments for the first call of candidates to the
pastoral office and to other church worker offices in the
church.
For those church workers who have ceased serving in
an active capacity in the church and are not of
retirement age - formally called “on Candidate Status” -
the COP annually reviews that status and, as
appropriate, provides one year extensions of Candidate
Status.
E. 30
REPORT 15: COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS
From time to time, former rostered church workers
apply for reinstatement to the roster of Synod. The COP
receives those applications and determines whether or
not to grant approval. In the last triennium, two former
pastors applied for reinstatement. Of the two requests,
one was granted.
Colloquy is a process in which pastors from other
church bodies apply to be pastors in LCC and is also a
process for prospective Deacons (Directors of Parish
Services, Lutheran Teachers) to receive the training to
be rostered and eligible for a call. The Colloquy
Committee reports regularly to the COP to assist the
Council as it carries out its responsibilities as the Board
of Assignments. Rev. Daryl Solie, first vice-president
of Synod, sits on the Colloquy committee as a
representative of the COP.
In recent years, there has been growing unrest in the
ELCiC, precipitated in large part by the growing
support within that church body for the ordination of
practicing homosexuals and the blessing of same-sex
unions. District Presidents report that they continue to
receive inquiries from pastors and congregations in the
ELCiC about the possibility of joining LCC. The COP
has encouraged the Colloquy Committee to work with
ELCiC pastors in such a way that, on the one hand we
do not compromise our confessional integrity nor the
integrity of our ministerium, and on the other hand not
to put unnecessary obstacles in the way of pastors who
are drawn to LCC because we are a confessional church
body. In the last two years, five ELCiC pastors have
joined LCC by colloquy and there are more to come.
The COP has also worked closely with the Colloquy
Committee to facilitate the process to receive several
teachers at First Lutheran Academy in Windsor,
Ontario. The interest of the COP process was not only
for the sake of the teacher roster of Synod, but also as
part of the responsibility given to it by the 2008 Synod
Convention to strengthen the Diaconal Colloquy
process.
In recent years a number of additional areas have been
assigned to the Council of Presidents including the
administration of a national Continuing Education Fund
and the oversight of the “Pastors with Alternate
Training” (PAT) program. In the past triennium, the
COP has developed the necessary guidelines for the
administration of the PAT program and Rev. Leonardo
Neitzel, the Synod’s Mission Executive, serves as the
staff person for the program. Several communities of
faith have been identified as PAT sites and from these
sites several men have been identified and enrolled in

the PAT program and are taking courses designed to
lead to ordination.
Because of our close relationship with sister churches
like the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the
Lutheran Church of Australia, the COP corresponds
regularly with its counterparts in those church bodies on
matters of mutual interest. In February 2008, our COP
met with the College of Presidents of the LCA and in
February 2011, our COP met with the COP of the
Missouri Synod. The Chairman of our LCC COP will
have the opportunity to meet with our Australian
counterparts again in August 2011 to discuss further
matters which are of mutual interest and/or concern.
Although Both LCMS and LCC each have their own
seminaries for the training of pastors, from time to time
graduates from LCMS seminaries are commended to
LCC for placement and visa versa. The COP of both
church bodies included the clarification of this
placement process on the agenda in order to prevent
misunderstandings or disappointments on the part of
ministerial students. Our COP has also prepared a
Guideline for U.S. students coming to Canada.
Another matter of mutual interest for LCC, LCA and
LCMS has been how to respond to the growing
pressure in society to approve homosexual lifestyle. As
Scripture clearly identifies homosexuality as sin, the
question is how best to communicate that message and
E. 31
how best to equip and support our churches to give
public witness to the truth. This will be an ongoing
challenge as homosexuality becomes more and more a
part of the mainstream of society.
The COP is responsible for the implementation of
Synod resolutions assigned to it. The 2008 Synod
Convention approved the development of a chaplaincy
service for the care of church workers and their
families. The responsibility for the implementation of
this resolution was given largely to the COP.
Implementation was severely hampered by the lack of
funds. While the development of a chaplaincy service
has not come to fruition, the focus on the care of church
workers has not diminished as each District President
has sought ways to strengthen and provide care for the
church workers. This has happened at conferences,
workshops and materials that have been provided. It
will continue to be on our radar, so to speak.
The COP sees its work as an essential part of “being
Synod” - of walking together. It is the prayer of all
members of the COP that God will bless the work we
do for the sake of His Church.
REPORT 16: ALBERTA BRITISH COLUMBIA DISTRICT
“Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the
glory because of your love and faithfulness.”
Psalm 115:1
The Constitution and bylaws of Lutheran Church-
Canada mandate that our Synod must meet in
Convention every three years. One year later, the three
Districts of LCC will meet in Convention, also
according to the Constitution and bylaws of Synod.
Why is so much energy spent in exercises such as
these? Of course, the business of the Church belongs to
the Church and Conventions provide the opportunity
for the Church to gather together to consider those
matters which pertain to the work of the Kingdom.
Conventions also provide us the opportunity to receive
reports about the work we do together and then to
rejoice and thank God for what He has done among us
and through us. So what do we report concerning the
Alberta-British Columbia District?
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. Donald Schiemann, Chairman
Council of Presidents,
Some things remain relatively constant. Pastors have
received and accepted calls to other fields of service.
Young men have graduated from our Seminaries and
have been called into the holy ministry by
congregations. The number of rostered teachers in our
Lutheran Schools has grown. So also the number of
Directors of Parish Services.
And in our congregations, where “the rubber hits the
road,” the Holy Spirit continues to work through the
means of grace to bring people to faith, equip them for
a life of joyful service and keep them in faith unto
eternity.
According to the 2009 statistics of LCC, our ABC
District consists of 131 congregations and 3 preaching
stations. In these churches, there were 27,134 Baptized
members and 19,932 Communicants. There are 178
pastors, of whom 97 serve congregations. In addition,
67 rostered Deacons serve in various called capacities
in our District - as Lutheran School teachers and as
Directors of Parish Services.

In the last triennium, a number of new mission
endeavours have been undertaken. Pastor Jay Holdner
is the missionary in South Calgary as a growing number
of people are drawn together in a new congregation
know as Cross Pointe Lutheran Mission. Redeemer
Lutheran Church with its Pastor, Rev. Rob Mohns has
been instrumental in helping to develop a new mission
start in Airdrie, Alberta. Zion Lutheran Church in
Cloverdale, BC has undertaken to support a core group
of Lutherans seeking to reach out in what is known as
the “South Surrey Mission.” Pastor Vic Esperanza and
Christ the King Lutheran Church in Edmonton have
started a new church plant in northeast Edmonton
which is worshiping in a public school building.
Foothills Lutheran Church in Calgary continues to work
at planting a church in the Tuscany area of Northwest
Calgary. At its Convention in 2009, the ABC District
resolved to call a missionary-at-large for the City of
Vancouver.
We also see the desire to be active in missions evident
in individuals. Pastors in our District have been active
in theological education efforts in Thailand, Ukraine
and Nicaragua. Parishioners have helped out in our
foreign mission fields in brick and mortar projects as
well as helping local congregations in these areas with
outreach efforts such as VBS, youth gatherings etc.
Many of our youth and adults have become involved in
mission servant events closer to home. Every year,
through the BC Mission Boat Society, many of our
members share the Gospel with remote communities
along the BC coast.
Perhaps the most visible of our outreach efforts took
place in Vancouver at the 2010 Olympics. Through the
organization “More Than Gold”, several of our
congregations were actively involved in Christian
witness to the athletes and spectators that gathered from
around the world to participate in this event. In
addition, our District was involved through the
provision of resources and in single-minded prayer,
asking God’s blessing on our outreach efforts.
Canada is devolving from being a “churched culture” to
being a “post-church” culture. Stats Canada reports that
“in 2004 over half of Canadians aged 15 to 29 and
almost 60% of all British Columbians either had no
religious affiliation or did not attend any religious
services.” (“Who's religious?” by Warren Clark and
Grant Schellenberg in Canadian Social Trends Summer
2006 Statistics Canada pages 2-9). As this transition has
taken place, pastors and congregational leaders have
struggled to adapt and are becoming frustrated as they
see their worship numbers decline and the numbers of
unchurched people growing.
E. 32
The ABC District Board of Directors is responding to
this missional challenge with the implementation of
“Transforming for Missions” (T4M) which is a threefaceted
process that involves:
1. missional learning communities for church
workers
2. weekend consultations that focus on helping
congregations develop a mission mindset and
outreach strategy, and
3. providing ongoing coaching to those
congregations that adopt the consultation
report.
At the time of this writing, three learning communities
are meeting regularly with a fourth learning community
starting soon; three congregations have gone through a
T4M weekend consultation with two more scheduled in
the Spring; and three coaching relationships have been
established as a result of congregations adopting T4M
consultation weekend reports.
The overarching goal of Transforming for Missions
(T4M) is to have pastors, DPS workers, and lay people
see themselves as missionaries to their “neighbours”
and their congregations as missionary communities sent
by God to share the Gospel of Christ through word and
deed with people in their community who do not yet
believe in Jesus Christ as their Saviour.
In the area of Christian education, greater resources and
encouragement have been devoted toward the
development of Lutheran pre-schools. Where a
Lutheran school exists in the area, a pre-school
becomes an important feeder to our schools. The faith
that is planted in these toddlers continues to be nurtured
as they move on to the primary grades of our Lutheran
schools.
Also recognizing the importance of supporting
Lutheran Schools as ministries of the congregations, a
much greater level of funding assistance has been made
available to our schools. Given the limited funding
available through government grants and tuition, this
funding has greatly enhanced the viability of some of
our schools as well as helped to cover the resource costs
for the schools.
Overall, our Lutheran Schools remain relatively healthy
as extensions of the congregations to which they are
connected. One of our schools - Hope Lutheran
Christian School in Port Coquitlam - has approved the
beginning of a high school program and is introducing
one new grade each new academic year.
An important aspect of the focus of our District in the
last several years has been the need for Biblically-based
peace-making resources and training. Ambassadors of

Reconciliation - Canada has hosted a number of events
across Lutheran Church - Canada in the past 2 years.
The Board of Directors of AoR-C is primarily made up
of people from the ABC District at the present time, but
is seeking to expand membership to the rest of LCC.
Currently, AoR-C is able to offer seminar opportunities
as well as provide resource materials to members of
LCC. Within the ABC District, the number of seminar
offerings increases each year, with 6 taking place in
2010. Seminars typically follow one of a couple Bible
study formats on peacemaking and are designed to fit
the particular needs of congregation, board or
committee, mission and ministry team, or Bible study
group.
The “AoR-C” Bookstore has grown its inventory
through gifts and grants, one such grant by way of the
Parish & School Services Department of the ABC
District. Many peacemaking and reconciliation
materials are now readily available without the
complications of cross-border purchasing.
As congregations of the ABC District become more
familiar with the teaching, training and resource
availability, it is hoped that local reconciliation teams
will become reality within each congregation.
Individuals from these congregations with peacemaking
gifts and abilities are encouraged to take further training
as it becomes available.
In the area of Financial Ministries, the ABC District
continues to be blessed by our good and gracious Lord.
The District has weathered the recent financial storm
and although all congregations felt the “pinch” of the
last few years, we are happy report that the majority of
our congregations are coming out the other side in good
condition.
The ABC District Department of Stewardship and
Financial Ministries continues to develop and support
the Free and Joyous Response Stewardship initiative.
The initiative is a stewardship education program based
on God's grace and our response as stewards of God's
gifts to make a faith commitment in giving. It is a
program focused primarily on spiritual growth through
Biblical teaching. Free and Joyous Response
encourages joyful giving rather than fund- raising to
meet a budget.
The statement “Christian stewardship is the free and
joyous activity of the child of God and God's family,
the church, in managing all of life and life’s resources
for God's purposes” has been officially adopted as the
District's definition of stewardship. Free and Joyous
E. 33
Response is a suitable stewardship initiative that is
faithful to this definition.
In 2011 Church Extension Fund will celebrate 90 years
in the Alberta-British Columbia District. In addition,
ABC District Investments Ltd, our registered company
will celebrate 14 years of service to the members of our
ABC District congregations. God continues to bless the
ministry of Church Extension in not only the growth of
the fund itself, but the work that is being done because
of the fund.
The need for new, renovated and expanded ministries
continues in the ABC District. Over the past three years
we have also seen an increased requirement for the
funding of much needed repairs to existing buildings
that were showing signs of aging. Whatever the need,
CEF and ABC District Investments Ltd have been
blessed to support these projects. As of December 31,
2010, $103 million is currently loaned to the various
ministry entities in the ABC District.
Over 5,000 faithful investors have chosen to support the
ministry of Church Extension Fund and ABC District
Investments Ltd. with a portion of their savings. The
CEF fund has grown over the years so that today over
$96.7 million is invested in term and savings account
and over $27.7 million is invested in RRSP, RRIF and
TFSA products through ABC District Investments Ltd.
A major social ministry endeavour, best known as
“EnCharis,” has seen stable growth. Within the past
year the Prince of Peace Senior Housing project,
located just east of Calgary, has expanded to include a
30 room addition to the existing Manor and a separate
32 room Dementia Care Centre, called “The Harbour.”
The need for Seniors’ Housing is growing rapidly and
EnCharis is endeavouring to expand its Prince of Peace
Christian Community site to assist with this growing
need. Along with the growth of the housing need the
need to minister to seniors grows as well and to that end
EnCharis, is excited to announce the addition of a
Lutheran Chaplain to its staff. Pastor Jim Schulke
joined the Prince of Peace Manor and Harbour family
on November 1st of 2010.
There has been substantial growth in the area of
specialized ministries in recent years in the ABC
District. The number of reserve military chaplains and
pastors involved in emergency services chaplaincies
(police, fire, ambulance, etc.) has grown steadily. Our
District has resolved to provide ongoing resources to
help equip our pastors in these areas.
Beyond chaplaincies, the number and size of team
ministries continues to grow. Immediately preceding

our District Convention in 2009, our District sponsored
a Team Ministry Workshop. Subsequently, at our
Convention, delegates voted “that the ABC District
Board of Directors ensure the development of
resources, ongoing training, and responsibility for
congregations with multiple staff ministries.”
Church Worker and Family health has always been an
important focus that begs attention as church workers
and their families deal with the stress of serving in
ministry. We continue to work closely with the Synod
Committee responsible for this and continue to look for
areas where we can strengthen our church workers. We
will be exploring the possibility of providing retreats
for the spouses of church workers.
Beginning in the fall of 2010, our District Office
revamped the way in which we communicate with
people in our District. We began publishing a weekly
newsletter which is sent to all of our congregations and
church workers and to anyone else who wishes to
receive it. It has proven to be a much more timely and
efficient way of sharing important information
throughout our District.
A common message that we are hearing from pastors
and deacons is that so many in our church today are not
as Biblically literate as they once were. Our ABC
District has focused intentionally on enhancing Biblical
literacy in our church. Even Church Extension Fund has
gotten on board with this one as they have developed
and provided through the KIDS savings program a
package of resources to help children understand and
memorize passages of Scripture. Recognizing God’s
Word as a means through which the Holy Spirit works
to create, sustain and nurture faith, we affirm the
importance of teaching God’s Word and recognize that
through the power of His Word, as we read it “front to
back,” the Spirit work to change people from the
“inside out” and that God’s people, so empowered, can
turn the world “upside- down” for Christ. So we strive
for a Biblically literate membership.
The ABC District has also developed a partnership
arrangement with the New South Wales District of
Lutheran Church of Australia. Recognizing that we
share many of the same mission and ministry
challenges, our District in Convention resolved to:
1. Strengthen the bonds of Christian fellowship
between our respective churches;
2. Enhance our Christian outreach in our Districts by
praying for one another, by sharing ideas and
resources (including workshops/conferences), and
by sending short-term mission teams to participate
in outreach efforts in one another’s Districts;
E. 34
3. Inspire our people to get a broader mission
perspective;
4. Support one another in ministry as pastors/lay
leaders and engage one another in “partnerships” for
the purpose of praying for one another, sharing
ideas, and even filling pastoral supply needs.
We are looking at ways to expand this partnership to
the congregational level in our churches and so one
initiative is to invite pastors from each District to join in
a learning community via Skype. In addition, Rev.
Mark Lieschke, President of the New South Wales
District, visited our District and met with our Circuit
Counselors and District Departments and had the
opportunity to visit a number of our pastors and
congregations. Our own ABC District President will
have that same opportunity in Australia in August 2011.
In recent years, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Canada (ELCiC) has raised at its conventions the
possibility of blessing same-sex marriage. Lutheran
Church-Canada views homosexuality as a sin and
would not even consider blessing homosexual activity.
Rather, we believe that our ministry to the homosexual
is one of Law and Gospel. We seek to lead those caught
up in that sin (and in any sin, for that matter) to
repentance for the forgiveness of sins and for the new
life in Christ that God desires for all to know. We
support marriage as the union of one man and one
woman - to the exclusion of all others. We confess with
the Scriptures that this estate of marriage is a holy one
and a picture of the relationship of Christ (the heavenly
bridegroom) and His church (the bride of Christ).
However, support in the ELCiC for blessing same-sex
unions and even the ordination of gay pastors appears
to be increasing. In the United States, both the
Episcopalian Church and the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America have formally approved these
controversial rites. Their actions have resulted in an
ongoing realignment and the establishment of new and
more conservative denominations. Needless to say, this
has had a spillover effect in Canada.
In the midst of all this controversy, congregations,
pastors and lay people of the ELCiC have been
contacting the District Office in all three of our
Districts to inquire about membership in LCC; and, if
not membership, support while they transition out of
the ELCiC to as yet undefined relationships with other
conservative and confessional church bodies. Several
ELCiC pastors have now joined LCC in our District
through colloquy and there are congregations inquiring
about membership also.

Individuals from our ABC District have met in
unofficial gatherings with representatives of the
Confessional Ministerium, Solid Ground Ministries,
Canadian Association of Lutheran Churches and
members of the ELCiC to discuss where we have
common ground and to determine what future
relationships might be. In the midst of this, we seek to
assist them in ways where neither they nor we are
compromised in our confession of faith.
The focus of the ABC District is to support and
resource the various ministries and missions which
happen through local congregations. As we look at the
Our Mission
To support and encourage the congregations, pastors
and deacons of the Central District in bringing lost
souls into heaven through the proclaimed message of
Christ and Him crucified.
District Convention
Since the last Central District convention in Regina,
April 27-30, 2009, the district has served Christ and His
church under the theme, “Give Jesus Glory—Tell
Everyone What He Has Done.” Guest speaker, Dr.
Gene Edward Veith, spoke on how we can give Jesus
glory, as well as tell others of His love, by living out
our vocations.
Who We Are
The Central District is comprised of 95 congregations,
80 pastors (of whom 20 are “Emeritus” status), and 7
deacons.
The district staff is composed of two full-time workers:
the District President and his Administrative Assistant,
Maureen Wiskar. Wally Dressler, District Treasurer and
Executive Director of the Central District Church
Extension Fund, is in the office three days a week, and
Mary Kroon serves when needed as a receptionist and
bookkeeper. Rev. Sye Van Maanen, Assistant to the
President, took a call to another district in 2010. Due to
budget cuts for 2011, that position has been left
unfilled.
Financial Resources
In 2002 the district received $1,030,596 from
congregations through mission giving. In 2010 the
district struggled to meet a budget of $850,000. The
district is considering an assessment to congregations
that would be applied only to its operational budget. A
congregation’s Mission Goal would then be received
strictly for district and synodical missions. Around 48%
E. 35
REPORT 17: CENTRAL DISTRICT
broader panorama of various types of ministries in our
District and the commitment of church workers and
laypeople to the work of the Church, we must give
thanks to our gracious Lord “...who is able to do
immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
according to his power that is at work within us, to him
be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all
generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians
3:20-21)
Rev. Donald R. Schiemann
President
Alberta–British Columbia District
of the district’s total budget is sent to the synod. Of
necessity, such generosity may need to change in the
future.
Of particular monetary concern to the district: how can
we do more with less? Do congregations (and pastors)
need further sound stewardship education? How can the
district motivate congregations to give offerings that
travel beyond their four walls? How do we balance
funding for new mission opportunities, while at the
same time providing money to declining congregations
that still feel they are viable? How can we assist
congregations that can no longer financially support
their pastor? How is the increase in Worker Benefit
costs affecting the call process? How can we convince
congregations who no longer have a pastor to realign
with other congregations in a new parish situation?
How can the district assist the growing number of
multiple-point (three-plus congregation) parishes, as
well as the pastors who serve them?
In the spring of 2010, the district published its first
Annual Report, detailing activities in the district for
2009. The report was well received.
Governance
During the recent triennium, the district Board of
Directors has implemented the “Relationship”
governance model proposed by Rev. Les Stahlke.
Under this form of governance, the board designs
structures and processes to accomplish the work of the
district; constantly updates the strategic plans in light of
the vision and mission statements; delegates
management authority and responsibility to the District
President and Executive Director; monitors risk,
measures outcomes, and exercises other board
responsibilities. Board meetings now focus on “the big
picture” and do not become bogged down on details.

Meetings finish on time or ahead of schedule, require
less paper, and are filled with meaningful discussion.
Missions
Work continues among First Nations’ people in La
Ronge, SK. Pastor Wayne Olson and his congregation,
La Ronge Lutheran Fellowship, received a DPS intern
who was subsequently called to assist in areas of
visitation and youth. Great work is being done with
youth in the community! The Central District continues
to subsidize the work in La Ronge believing that the
congregation, pastor and deacon are vital in
proclaiming the Gospel to that community and the
surrounding reserves.
The Central District continues to support a Street-Reach
Ministry spearheaded by Lutheran Community Care
Centre in Thunder Bay. Rev. Neil Otke not only works
directly with people who stop by the storefront location
for a coffee or just a chat, but he also coordinates
special events and congregational volunteers to serve at
the storefront.
The district had hoped that one of our existing
congregations in Winnipeg would provide the anchor
for developing a new subdivision in the south-west area
of the city, but to date nothing has been arranged. Also,
the district could not afford the high cost of purchasing
land in the area.
Also in Winnipeg, Rev. Richard Beinert has been
instrumental in cementing relations between our district
and an Oromo congregation that hopes to join LCC
very soon. Rev. Beinert has been mentoring that
congregation’s PAT (Pastors with Alternate Training)
candidate, Assefa Aredo. Immanuel congregation in
Winnipeg has been assisting Assefa in fulfilling his
“field work” requirements. Also meeting at Immanuel
is an Anuak Association. Anuaks are an African group
(around 95 people in Winnipeg) originating from the
border region of Ethiopia and Sudan. The goal of the
president of this group is to gather this community into
a cultural as well as worshiping community under LCC.
With the help of Rev. Beinert, the district is also
investigating the establishment of a mission to German
immigrants currently living in Steinbach, MB. German
immigrants are also meeting at Trinity, Winkler, MB.
In Brandon, Rev. Edmund Mielke continues his work
with Spanish-speaking immigrants. The Central District
supports his work by supplying funds in order to
provide music for their worship services.
Hospital chaplaincies are being funded by the district in
Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and Thunder Bay.
E. 36
In the last triennium, the district called Rev. D. J. Kim
to begin a street ministry in Regina, using the contacts
he makes with his work as a chaplain to the Regina
Police Services. At this time, the district is only able to
provide 60% of his salary. In his first six months, Pastor
Kim has made important contacts with First Nations’
leaders and people. The district will need someone to
help coordinate and promote Pastor Kim’s work.
Central District Office Building
The Central District office has been housed for the last
fifty years in an “L” shaped bungalow in a residential
area of south Regina. Because of the type of clay soil in
that area of Regina, our building is currently sinking at
opposite ends causing large cracks in the ceilings and
walls. The basement floor is heaving; doors and
windows do not close properly; there are abundant
leaks due to heavy rains or melting snow; there are
street parking issues, especially in the winter.
The Board of Directors considered the options:
renovations to the existing building; renting or leasing
other facilities in Regina; building a new structure;
moving the office to Winnipeg. Despite the gracious
offer to move into the synodical building in Winnipeg,
the Board of Directors decided that such a move
resulted in more concerns than benefits. Of the current
four staff, only one was willing to move, primarily due
to family considerations. Corporation issues, identity
concerns with the synod, as well as the fact that 2/3 of
the district’s congregations are located in Saskatchewan
mean that, for now, we will be remaining in Regina.
Renovating would be costly, and does not answer
concerns of parking and zoning restrictions. We have
yet to find office space large enough (almost 2000
square feet) that would house our office and the district
Archives. As of this writing, we are pursuing the
possibility of a small addition to an existing church
building in Regina, while sharing some of their
facilities (meeting room, kitchen, etc.). The cost would
be covered by funds in a property fund, as well as the
sale of the current building.
Congregational Services
For many years, the Central District has offered
theological training for lay people who felt they had
more to offer their congregation, or who simply wanted
personal enrichment. Because of busy parish life,
pastors often do not have the time to offer extra
courses, or they do not have the expertise to teach
certain topics. In the past triennium, lay training in the
district morphed into what has now become known as
the Central District Theological Lay School. The most
exciting component of this education process is that
Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton has become

our partner by offering courses for lay students. Rev.
Mark Dressler coordinates the school with able help
from long-time promoter and former student, Brian
Wonnick.
Each year the district hosts an orientation session for
new pastors, deacons, vicars and DPS interns, those just
beginning their service to the Lord and His church.
A district Youth Gathering was held in 2008 in Regina
with around 75 youth participating.
Student aid continues to be provided for those entering
full time church work vocations.
Communication continues to be a challenge for our
district. No matter how much is communicated, it never
seems to be enough.
Programs for strategic planning, governance consulting,
stewardship, evangelism and conflict resolution were
made available to district congregations.
Funding has been provided for ministry to the hearing
impaired in two district congregations.
E. 37
The district Archives continued to be funded and
housed at the District Office in Regina. Maxine Holm
volunteers her time to re-house and electronically
catalogue archives, as well as providing research for
individuals and congregations.
REPORT 18: EAST DISTRICT
Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Saviour,
Jesus Christ. A melancholy spirit sometimes overtakes
us as we look back over the past years and contemplate
what has taken place during those years. It is impossible
to turn the pages back to relive, except in memory, any
of the moments that have passed. I found myself doing
exactly this, as I began gathering information for
inclusion in this East District Report for Lutheran
Church-Canada as it meets in convention. In looking
back over the past triennium, I also found myself
wondering as to what the future might bring.
Pondering the future — have you ever seen or do
remember the film entitled: “Back to the Future?” In
this movie, Michael J. Fox plays a teenaged boy who
uses a machine to journey back to his hometown, as it
was in the 1950’s, before he was born and before his
parents were married. What happens in the movie from
that point on is very humorous. For all of this movie’s
warm humour, however, it did ponder one serious
theme: “How possessing knowledge of the future
creates an awesome responsibility for how we live in
the present!!”
In the past triennium, more than $2.6 million in loans
has been provided by the Central District Church
Extension Fund to over a dozen congregations and six
synodical organizations.
Milestones
Since we last gathered for convention, thirteen of our
Central District congregations celebrated significant
anniversaries. In fact, six of those congregations
celebrated 100 years of service to Christ and His
church! We humbly thank God for His rich and
undeserved blessings!
Our Work Goes On
Despite the challenges that our district faces, God’s
Word continues to be proclaimed faithfully, and His
Sacraments properly administered, all for the spiritual
health and growth of His people. Our Lord has called us
not to produce more converts or congregations, but to
be faithful in proclaiming His message of salvation. We
trust His Holy Spirit will bring about results in His time
and in the manner He desires. Until then, we “Give
Jesus Glory—Tell Everyone What He Has Done.”
Peace in Christ,
Rev. Thomas E. J. Prachar
President, LCC Central District
On the day of the Transfiguration our Lord transported
three of His disciples Peter, James, & John forward in
time, by giving to them a glimpse of His glory — that
same glory that they would experience one day when
they would be with Him forever in heaven. The truth of
the matter is, however, that on the Day of the
Transfiguration when Jesus revealed His glory to these
three disciples — the future had been glimpsed, but
there was still the responsibility before our Lord’s
disciples to yet live out their lives on this earth until the
glimpse of the future that they had seen would come to
fruition.
To be sure, knowing the future carries with it a
tremendous responsibility to live our lives in the
present, and to do all that we can to prepare ourselves to
embrace what is yet to come. So, permit me then to
return to the purpose of compiling this report – “To
give Jesus the glory and not ourselves” (Based upon
our synod’s theme for this triennium that began with
the last convention that was held in 2008). As you read
in this report, a review of the work being done in the
East District — never forget that all of the activities and

work being carried out in the East District reminds
every single one of us that we are “redeemed saints of
God!!”
The East District currently consists of 104
congregations served by 73 pastors (of a total of 96
active pastors). These congregations include 22,800
baptized souls. The mission of the district is, by God’s
grace, to provide support and encouragement to its
congregations and church workers as they carry out our
Lord’s command to make disciples of all nations. To
accomplish this mission the district seeks to establish
and maintain vibrant and growing congregations that
vibrantly and joyfully endeavour to reach all with the
Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Once every three years the district meets in convention
to provide an opportunity for worship, nurture,
inspiration, fellowship, and the communication of vital
information. The district convention is the principle
legislative assembly, which approves amendments of its
Constitution and Bylaws, considers and takes action on
reports and overtures, handles appropriate appeals,
establishes positions and policies, provides overall
program direction and priorities, and evaluates all such
positions, programs, policies, directions and priorities
in order to provide responsible service for and on behalf
of its members.
The East District gathered in convention during this
current Synodical Triennium on May 10-13, 2009 at the
Holiday Inn Select in Windsor, Ontario under the
theme: “Give Jesus Glory, Our Body-His Temple,”
based upon I Corinthians 6:19-20. During this, the 8 th
Regular Convention of the East District, the following
resolutions were adopted that established the goals for
the Board of Directors, the Departments, and the
Committees of the District for this triennium:
09-1-1 To Support Life Issues Within Our
communities (Overture 09-1-1)
09-1-3 To Affirm “Both/And” Principle of the
District’s 2008 Strategic Plan (Overture 09-
1-3)
09-1-6 To Follow up on stewardship initiative
“Echo God’s Love” (President’s Report E4 -
#3)
09-1-7 To Retain a full-time staff position in the
area of missions for the East District
(Overture 09-1-5)
09-2-6 To Clarify the role of Deacons in the
structure of the East District (Overture 09-2-
3)
09-2-13 To Implement the Strategic Plan (Overture
09-2-11)
E. 38
09-3-3 To Create a Fund Primarily for the Support
of Francophone Mission and Ministry
(Overture 09-3-7)
09-3-9a To establish a CEF investment account in
the District’s name which reflects the
District’s original investment in the CEF
plus interest.
09-4-3a To have the East District of Lutheran
Church – Canada study “Church and
Ministry” by C.F. W. Walther to better
understand our practice and polity.
09-4-4 To Work Toward a Uniform Practice of
Closed Communion Throughout the
Congregations of the East District
(Overtures 09-4-6, 09-4-3)
The Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of the East District is composed
of ten members: Rev. David Bode, Chairman and also
1 st Vice President of the District; Reg Tiegs, Secretary;
Rev. Paul Zabel President; Rev. Ron Mohr, Second
Vice President; Mrs. Lois Griffin, Director; Rev.
Warren Hamp, Director; Dr. Naomi Klages, Director;
Mr. Paul Otterman, Director; Mr. Paul Schultz,
Director; Mr. Ray Taylor, Treasurer of the District.
The Board meets three times a year to exercise its
responsibility for the general management and
supervision of all business affairs of the District
according to the District Handbook.
During the current triennium the Board of Directors has
resolved to prioritize two aspects in its role as the
governing body of our District on the basis of the
governance model implemented in 2009. The two
aspects of the governance model to be focused upon are
1) To assist the District Staff and Departments to
develop action plans for each of the strategic directions
with SMART (specific, measurable, attainable,
realistic, timely) goals and outcomes; and 2) To
annually review and update strategic directions based
on current outcomes and future development plans. In
addition, the Board of Directors has begun to set into
motion, a plan for each of the Directors to make visits
to the congregations of the District between Board of
Directors meetings.
Circuit Counsellors/Praesidium
The East District Circuit Counsellors meet three times a
year to discuss issues that arise among
church workers and congregations in our nine Circuits
of the District. Convention Resolution 09-4-4: “To
Work Toward a Uniform Practice of Closed
Communion Throughout the Congregations of the East
District,” has been highlighted in each of the Circuit
Counsellors’ Meetings following the May 2009 East
District Convention. On this topic the Report of the
Commission on Theology and Church Relations of the
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod entitled: “Admission

to the Lord’s Supper” was reviewed. In addition a
paper entitled: “A Pastoral Response to the Challenge
of Closed Communion,” was prepared and presented by
Rev. Dan Abraham. As a number of the Circuit
Counsellors serving in the East District are new to this
position during this triennium, emphasis has been
placed on the duties and functions of this office as well
as the direction being given for the Circuit Counsellors
to be diligent in their role in visiting the congregations
of their circuits.
Department for Outreach Department for
Outreach:
Three Years of Transition
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end;”
(Lamentations 3:22)
Many changes marked the triennium 2008 – 2011
within the East District of the Lutheran Church-Canada.
However, throughout the past three years, we again are
witnesses to the steadfast love of God for us in Christ
Jesus. He never changes and his mercies never come to
an end. We are the recipients of His grace and mercy.
Thanks be to God!
The most significant transition within the district was
the retirement of Rev. Al Maleske as District President.
In advance of this change, the Assistant to the District
President, Rev. Mark Hartburg who was the full-time
staff person working with the Department for Outreach
received a call and left the position vacant. We give
thanks to God for the service of these two men and the
work God did through them in our midst. Thankfully,
the Lord continued to provide for His people through
the members of the Department for Outreach of the
East District who took on many of the tasks that were
previously done by the administrative staff of the
district. In addition, Rev. Gilvan de Azevedo, remained
in the position of chairman for the Department for
Outreach, which also continued to give continuity to the
nine members of the department.
Just as changes were affecting the Department for
Outreach, so also changes occurred in various outreach
initiatives and their relationships with such entities as:
POBLO (People of the Book Lutheran Outreach)
ministry; the partnership that was formed with the
English District of the LCMS working in the Greater
Toronto Area (GTA) and the Windsor-Essex County
Lutheran Outreach (WECLO) endeavours. If these
changes were insufficient in themselves, the economic
changes of 2008-2009 threw yet another opportunity to
rely on the “steadfast love of the Lord.” God utilized
the changes for our good and enabled us to make
transitions which kept His goals front and centre.
E. 39
1. The Transition of the District President
Three significant actions pertaining to the Department
for Outreach also occurred during the past triennium
with the transition of a newly elected president for the
East District. These actions included.
A. The Last Doctrinal Unity Conference needed to take
place in our District which was significant from
Department’s perspective because it was entitled:
“Pastor and People together… in Mission.” Rev. Dr.
Neitzel, the new LCC Mission Executive was the
presenter at this conference.
B. The past East District President, Rev. Al Maleske,
was available to be called as a Missionary-At-Large
to Kingston. An action that was taken by the East
District Board of Directors.
C. And thirdly, the new District President required
time to evaluate the needs of the District, especially
as it concerned the position of Mission Executive.
2. POBLO Ministry
People of the Book Lutheran Outreach (POBLO) is a
LCMS recognized mission society. This Ministry over
the past triennium has provided many lay ministers who
have a South Asian background and who are now
serving in the East District. However, the official
relationship between POBLO and the East District has
been transformed to the degree, that there are no longer
any ties existing between the East District and POBLO
per se. However, many of those that were identified as
POBLO missionaries in the East District are now
candidates in the Pastors with Alternate Training
(PAT’s) program, now being supervised by LCC
Mission Executive, Rev Dr. Leonardo Neitzel and
under the auspices of the Counsel of Presidents (COP)
of LCC.
3. English District Cooperation
Initially an advisory group was formed between English
District and East District for coordination of the GTA
Missionary and all activities. Due to the financial crisis
in late 2008 and its greater impact on the US, alongside
the changes occurring in our own District, the English
District re-evaluated it ability to participate.
Throughout this time, the English District remained a
valuable partner in the Windsor Essex County Lutheran
Outreach (WECLO) ministry. This has now enabled us
to currently re-establish our relationship with the goal
to re-invigorate the ministry potential in the GTA.
4. Inter-Cultural Ministry
Late in 2008, it became clear that sustaining full-time
ethnic work was not working and needed review. As
such we began to focus not on single culture/language
ministry but rather intercultural work. For example,
Hispanic ministry and Korean ministry were not each
able to support a full-time pastor. It was decided to

oaden the mandate of such pastors to a view of
intercultural ministry. Two positions were created: The
National Capital Region (NCR) missionary and the
GTA missionary. Eventually, both these called pastors
left their positions and a re-evaluation took place. The
goal has now become, to bring people of differing
backgrounds and cultures under the “one roof” of the
One Holy Christian Church so that we all together
praise our One Lord. This intercultural approach must
utilize patience, flexibility, along with a good measure
of love – so that the language, culture, and music can all
be shared and preserved among those ethnic people
who have difficulty with the transition to English.
In order to assist our churches and church workers with
this process we have joined the Central and ABC
Districts in attending and taking part in the LCC
Intercultural Conferences. In 2009, the East District
hosted one of these conferences. Also, to provide
strategic direction, the East District has had to revisit its
intercultural outreach endeavors on a regular basis, so
that even at the writing of this report we are revisiting
our approach to the GTA Intercultural work that must
be accomplished.
As a result of this, the Department for Outreach
recommended that the Board of Directors of the East
District call Rev. James Luke to the position of GTA
Intercultural Missionary. In this position, Rev. Luke has
been busy working throughout the GTA. To aid him in
his outreach endeavors, He has brought in speakers to
draw attention to the Gospel in an intercultural way.
One such speaker was Rev. Chehab, a “Muslim
terrorist turned Lutheran Pastor” who spoke
throughout the GTA, St. Catharines, and Windsor.
In addition, there has continued to be interest from
Quebec and the GTA to be involved in the PATs
program which will provide further consideration as to
the delivery of the course material, and the purpose for
which the new applicants become PATs students.
Recently, a new radio ministry has also begun out of
the intercultural work being done in the GTA. A PATs
candidate, Javed Akhter (Redeemer Lutheran Church,
Hamilton), began a radio program to reach out to Hindi,
Punjabi, and Urdu speaking people in the GTA (and
around the world via internet). The program is called,
“HAMD-O-SANAA.” In addition to Javed Akhter, this
radio program regularly features Rev. James Luke, the
GTA Missionary, and Joseph Singh, a PATs candidate
from Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Etobicoke.
5. Mission Executive
At the beginning of 2009, the Assistant to the President
of the East District received and accepted a call to a
E. 40
congregation. As a result, the Department for Outreach
prepared an overture to the 2009 East District
Convention, regarding the desire to once again call an
individual to this position, who could once again focus
on the Mission Work of the East District and its
congregations. While encouraged by the resolution
approved at the 2009 East District Convention, the
focus on securing a staff position to fill this position
was placed on hold until the new District President was
in his position for a while and could evaluate the need.
The end result, was that the members of the Department
for Outreach along with the East District President
began to look at and reevaluate the job description of
the East District Mission Executive and then develop a
time line to call such a person. The Department for
Outreach did come to the conclusion that information
was important in making wise decisions regarding
missions, and as such the Mission Executive position
was critical for the volunteer members who serve on the
Department for Outreach. To strategically indicate the
Mission focus of this position, the District President
expressed his desire that this position be changed from
Assistant to the President to Mission Executive of the
East District and the Department of Outreach made the
proposal that this position fall under the mission budget
of the district. The Board Directors of the East District,
at the time of this writing, has issued a Solemn
Appointment to an individual to fill this position.
6. New Ministry during the Triennium
� New exploration in Quebec City, QC leading to
Recognized Mission Status for Quebec City
Mission.
� Development of a Lutheran School in Moncton,
NB called Shelaine Clasper, DPS to develop the
school in 2010.
� Francophone Training of PATs by Rev. Dr.
David Somers
� Began work in Hamilton, ON to bring the
Sudanese community into Pilgrim Lutheran
Church – Hamilton, Ontario by MAL Rev.
Peter Gatluak
� Encouraged work in various cities throughout
Quebec by MAL Dr. David Somers through the
use of the 125 th Thank-offering Fund.
� 125 th Anniversary Grants for 2009 Summer
Vicar at Good Shepherd – Moncton, NB and
follow-up with Charlottetown, PEI in 2010.
� Mission start granted to begin Grace Lutheran
Church – Strathroy, Ontario as a daughter
congregation of Faith Lutheran Church –
London, Ontario
� Recognized Mission Status for Our Saviour
Lutheran Church, Kingston

� New exploration in Guelph, Ontario leading to
Recognized Mission Status for Word of Life
Lutheran Church, Guelph, Ontario
7. Continued Work Throughout All Transitions
The Missions Committee
The Department re-affirmed the Partner-to-PartnerPlan,
whereby congregations can partner with specific
District assisted ministries ‘over and above’ their
regular missions offerings. Coupling this program with
the 125 th Thank-offering ministry has enabled
ministries to be continued and even expanded over the
triennium.
At the same time, however, the department for
Outreach has realized the need to prioritize its outreach
activities and the work it does according to the past
District Convention’s resolutions and the new
opportunities that are presented to it, in order for the
district’s limited resources to be utilized effectively.
Our District Convention affirmed the “Both/And”
principle – which indicated a desire to balance
sustaining current ministries while taking advantage of
new opportunities the Lord provides. Throughout the
triennium we continued to work in partnership with the
LWMLC Canada, LWML Ontario District and the
LWML Laurentian District on mission development
opportunities within the East District.
In addition, the Missions Committee also. . .
� In April 2008 held one of its meetings in
Timmins and Sudbury, and aims to hold one
of its meetings in Quebec in 2011
� Will re-initiate the Missionaries Conference
for all District pastors of assisted
congregations
� Assisted seminary students from CLTS in the
Evangelism course through financial aid as
they travelled to assisted congregations to
gain experience.
� Continues to oversee the pastoral care of
small remote congregations
� Recognizes the need to review the policy and
procedures manual regularly
� Continues to set and review the priority for
the work and types of work for Mission
Outreach within the East District.
The Social Ministry Committee
Has set goals to. . .
� Develop a website to connect churches in the
East District, offering idea exchange and
questions in the area of youth work and to
E. 41
allow LCC congregation members a place to
seek or offer employment.
� Promote the formation of Social Ministry
Committees in congregations across the
District, to create a manual with a needs
assessment format, and to present the ideas
and materials at Winkels and wherever
possible.
� Find ways to reach out to aboriginal peoples;
asking the Lutheran Church of Australia for
their experiences and research opportunities
� Compile a list of Christian Marriage
Counselors for lay people and possibly also
for pastors, and to interview each of them.
� Conduct a survey of the East District to
understand and identify the social ministry
initiatives being done in the congregations.
The Evangelism Committee
Has set out the following objectives. . .
� To conduct Apologetics 3:15…. The weeding
through all the internet material available to
not duplicate efforts to create a potential list
of topics with the goal to have short folders
on different topics with a Bible Study
available to utilize.
� To broaden the Evangelism Committee to
include members from the “Evangelism Task-
Force” which came to conclusion. Seek out
new members.
� To guide congregations to encourage youth to
faithful participation in Divine Service and in
serving both within and without the
congregation.
� To request assisted congregations to supply
the District with collects for use on Sunday
mornings throughout our congregations.
Department for Parish Services
The Department for Parish Services consists of either a
lay or clergy representative of each circuit in the East
District. The committees often are drawn from
additional lay members, pastors, and deacons from
around the district. Chair for this department is Mrs.
Doris Schaeffer.
The Standing Committees and Their Liaisons Are:
East District Lutheran Young Adults – Mr. Nathan
Krey, chaired by Ms. Ruth Pollex
Lutheran Schools – Ms. Kim Pfeffer
Youth Committee – Rev. David Smilek
Family Life Education – Rev. Adrian Toms
Worship Committee – Rev. Kenneth Voege
Recruitment Committee and Student Aid – Ms. Sharon
Mills

Stewardship – Specialized Ministry – Mrs. Doris
Schaeffer
Older Adult Ministry (chaired by Ron Fischer)
Confirmation Camp (chaired by Rev. Paul
Pollex)
Children Ministry –
Sunday School Teacher’s Workshop,
newsletter (Mrs. Doris Schaeffer)
Caring Ministries – Nursing, Stephen Ministry (When
needed)
The Department for Parish Services in its strategic
review continually evaluates the purpose and mission of
each of the standing committees.
Some of the Highlights of Committees Work
Includes:
� Thirteen confirmands attended the
Confirmands Camp at Camp Pioneer. Each
received a Grant for attending.
� The Worship Committee held a liturgy
workshop for pastors at the Sunday School
Teacher’s Workshop held on October 30,
2010 at Grace Lutheran Church in Kitchener,
ON. A Reformation Service followed the
workshop. An Organ Bursary Award
continues to be handed out each year.
� The East District Lutheran Young Adults
(EDLYA) had a successful summer weekend
event in Fisherville. Their next event was
January 28-30, 2010 at Messiah Lutheran in
Kitchener. July 29th -August 1st will be the
EDLYA Summer retreat with a Fall Retreat
being planned by Nov. 4-6, 2011.
� Youth Spring Retreat had 25 youth in
attendance. This event was held in St.
Catharines with the object to educate youth in
world mission. Quite a few Youth attended
the National Youth Gathering in 2010. Plans
are underway to hold a Youth Leader
Weekend on February 18-19, 2011 at Paradise
Lake, YMCA Camp in St. Clements, ON.
Theme: “Souls in Transition.”
� Family Life Education had their initial
meeting on February 13, 2010. They are
planning a family camp weekend to be held in
2011.
� Both East District Youth and Young Adults
are planning a retreat for April 29 to May lst
at Paradise lake YMCA Camp in St.
Clements.
� The Department is also responsible for
“Evangelfest 2011.” This is being held at
Grace Lutheran in St. Catharines on May 13-
15, 2011. Speakers are Rev. Scott Snow and
E. 42
Rev. Paul Zabel. Theme: “Inside-Out.” This is
an opportunity to grow in faith and service in
the area of “inreach” and “outreach” together
with fellow members of the East District.
� Student aid went to five students at Concordia
Seminary in St. Catharines. Grants from the
125th Anniversary Fund went to students at
Concordia Seminary in need of finances other
than tuition.
� School Grants from the 125th Anniversary
Fund went to Good Shepherd Lutheran
Christian School Daycare in Amherstburg,
First Lutheran Christian Academy in
Windsor, and Concordia Academy of Good
Shepherd Lutheran Church in Moncton, NB.
This money was used for special events and
special pamphlets mailed out.
� Older Adult Ministry Event in 2010 had an
attendance of 42 seniors. This year’s the event
will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran in
Stratford on October 5, 2011. The theme will
be “Dementia and Alzheimers.” Seniors will
see “Camelot” at the Festival Theatre in
Stratford after the roast beef dinner.
� The Sunday School Teacher’s Workshop is
being revamped. No workshop is being
planned for 2011. In its place a newsletter will
be sent out this year.
Department for Finance
While supervising the East District’s finances, the gifts
of God’s people, the Department for Finance of the East
District is responsible to ensure that receipts and
disbursements are handled appropriately; to ensure that
these gifts are used as intended; and to encourage and
enable our membership in giving bold witness by word
and deed to the love and work of God the Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit. Chaired by Mr. Robert Klages and
assisted by staff members, Mr. Darryll Holland and
Mrs. Marjorie Wilde, the East District Department for
Finance also assists the Board of Directors by preparing
a Mission and Ministry Work Program budget with
input from the Department for Outreach and the
Department for Parish Services.
While mission and outreach opportunities and needs
continue to increase, the Department for Finance has
struggled to balance the work program budget in light
of declining contributions by member congregations
who continue to struggle as well in meeting their own
commitments. The department has made significant
budgetary cuts in its operating budget and will continue
to explore other cost cutting measures in an effort to
minimize the expenses as much as possible.
The Department for Finance has also been empowered
to make minor changes in the investment of assets

enabling it to increase the overall return on investment.
This stewardship practice will provide an increase in
funding that can be applied towards the Mission and
Ministry Work Program. The Department for Finance
will continue to maximize this approach without
increasing the risk of the of the East District’s assets.
However, without the continued and increasing support
of member congregations, the department may be
required to make significant cuts to the budget across
all departments and committees in the future. The
prayer is that this will not be necessary and that our
departments and committees of the East District can
continue to broaden their work within the district.
While our fraternal support of Synod has not decreased
– the ability to continue financially supporting Synod in
the same way as in the past has changed. Historically
the East District has committed a fixed amount on an
annual basis with a small percentage of increase each
year. However, with the East District’s gifts slightly
declining over the years it has become increasingly
difficult to continue dedicating financial support to the
Synod in the same way it has been done in the past
without impacting the work that is done at the District
level. The East District Department for Finance
therefore has adopted a new policy, whereby an annual
fixed percentage, 40% of our unrestricted gifts, are
given to Synod. The financial support given to LCC by
the East District therefore varies, depending upon the
level of unrestricted gifts received by the District in any
given year. As gifts increase, so too, the contributions
of the District to Synod increases – and conversely, as
gifts decline to the District, so too, the contributions of
the District to Synod.
The Department for Finance does recognize the
importance of supporting the Synod and its ability to
spread God’s Word nationally and internationally. In
light of this need, the East District’s Synodical support
continues to be a major part of the overall budget.
With the foresight of Synod, Lutheran Foundation
Canada has encouraged the three Districts of our Synod
to support an additional staff position, a “gift planner”
or “gift coordinator.” In the East District, Mr. Alfred
Feth holds this staff position and works out of the East
District Office.
The mission of Lutheran Foundation Canada is to
empower God’s people to respond to His grace, by
encouraging financial responsibility and accountability
through the demonstrating of Christian stewardship of
God’s gifts and consideration of future generations. Mr.
Feth has been active in assisting our East District
Congregations and donors in the planning and
E. 43
establishing of their legacies, bequests, and
endowments that are to be received for the benefit of
Lutheran Church-Canada. In addition, the Foundation’s
role has expanded to provide these services nationally
to all of the LCC auxiliaries, listed service
organizations, and the members of CLAIM within the
Synod. He continues to present Christian Wills and
Estate Planning seminars to congregations within the
East District and certainly encourages all members to
consider how God has truly blessed them, and in
thanks, include a planned gift within their estate to the
ministries of Lutheran Church-Canada.
The Department for Finance of the East District also
oversees the Church Extension Fund (CEF) of the East
District. The CEF has undergone a review process and
has developed a strategic plan ensuring the fund’s
sustainability and viability for future generations. From
this plan, a new vision has been defined: “To support
mission and ministry of the East District of Lutheran
Church-Canada through mortgages, loans, grants and
funding.” Also from this plan, new strategic directions
have been identified: to expand opportunities for
financing, to expand investment opportunities, and to
facilitate support for mission and ministry and advocate
this vision to its members. While the CEF continues to
be a healthy fund, it recognizes that awareness of the
fund and its purpose has diminished over the years.
Increased communication and awareness of this fund
and its purpose has been generating favourable results.
Through convention resolution, changes to current
investment strategies have also enabled the CEF to
reposition itself in the market place.
Conclusion
On the one hand, we must never forget that we are
mortal – for a report such as this, also points out to us
and reminds us of our sins, our shortcomings, and those
places in our church and spiritual life that could be
greatly worked on and improved upon. On the other
hand, through those things that we have done and
continue to do in our church, we can also celebrate our
life, not only as we live it now in the present, but also
our life in the future that is yet to come. For through our
Lord’s victory over sin, death, and the devil — He
allows us to look back on the past, to celebrate our life
here and now in the present, and to continue to prepare
for that day in the future, when believing in Him as our
Lord and Saviour from sin, we will find ourselves ever
safe and secure in His loving arms and in His glorious
presence forever. In His Light - we see Light!!
Respectfully Submitted,
Rev. Paul Zabel
LCC East District President

E. 44
REPORT 19: CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ALBERTA
Introduction
Concordia University College is a confessional
Lutheran liberal arts institution that values and upholds
the ecclesiastical bond it shares with Lutheran Church-
Canada. It was founded as a junior college of the
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in 1921, and like
Lutheran Church-Canada, has evolved since that time,
having now become a fully integrated university in the
Campus Alberta post-secondary system. This
integration began in 1967 when Concordia began to
offer first-year university courses in affiliation with the
University of Alberta. Today Concordia offers its own
undergraduate and graduate university degrees,
including Bachelor of Arts, Science, and Management
degrees, a Bachelor of Education (After Degree), a
Bachelor of Environmental Health (After Degree),
Masters’ degrees in Information Systems Security
Management and Information Security Assurance
Management, a Master of Arts degree in Biblical and
Christian Studies, as well as extensive professional and
continuing education programs, including those that
serve Lutheran Church-Canada through its Pre-
Seminary, Director of Parish Services and Parish
Nursing programs.
Throughout its history, Concordia has remained
grounded in the belief that the Christian faith gives
purpose to this life and eternal life to all who hold fast
to this faith. The entire educational experience at
Concordia is built on a foundation of the Christian faith
and intellectual integrity characteristic of a Lutheran
university, where people of various beliefs and
backgrounds are in dialogue in a common pursuit of
understanding and truth that ultimately leads to
wisdom. That is what is meant by our motto: Initium
Sapientiae Timor Domini – The fear of the Lord is the
beginning of wisdom.
In order to vouchsafe that Concordia remains true to its
history, confession, and mandate, the Board of Regents,
in its August 2010 meeting, approved a
Mission/Vision/Values Framework. This framework
can be viewed on Concordia’s website, but in summary
states the following:
MISSION
Concordia University College of Alberta is a
community of learning grounded in scholarship,
freedom, and the Christian faith, preparing students to
be independent thinkers, ethical leaders, reflective
servants in their occupations, and citizens for the
common good.
VISION
Concordia University College of Alberta will be
recognized nationally and internationally for its
graduates' knowledge, skill, integrity, and wisdom.
VALUES
1. Concordia is seeking an institutional reputation and
profile both locally and nationally as an excellent
smaller Christian university true to its mission and
vision, and a good choice for all students seeking
to enrol in its programs.
2. Concordia maintains its mission as a Christian
university serving the public.
3. Concordia seeks to respond to the expanding
expectations of a diverse population of students,
faculty, and staff with various worldviews and
experiences, varied generational attitudes, various
accommodation requirements, and with a growing
sense of the necessity of equal treatment in
Canada’s pluralistic society.
4. Concordia seeks out faculty who support
Concordia's mission.
5. Concordia seeks to recruit, retain, and train
administrators and staff who contribute to its
mission, and also to put in place appropriate human
resource planning to support the ongoing mission
in spite of the constant challenges of competition
for scarce human resources.
6. Concordia seeks collaborative opportunities with
community partners and other educational
institutions which make sense and allow it to
enhance its mission, without placing undue
hardships on our institution brought about by such
arrangements.
This report also seeks to highlight the success that
Concordia has had in meeting its fiscal and institutional
goals. In the face of significant cuts to operations,
Concordia managed a positive cash position in the last
fiscal year; in the face of external challenges that might
have significantly eroded its student base, Concordia
maintained consistent enrolments; and in the face of a
crisis of identity in a changing post-secondary
environment in Alberta, Concordia has embarked on the
most ambitious program of institutional transformation
in its history. In short, Concordia continues to maintain
its service to the church while overcoming the
challenges it faces from many quarters. This has also

led to the necessity of voluntarily embracing several
government-initiated mandates beyond the framework
of the legislated Post-Secondary Learning Act that
authorizes Concordia to operate as a university in
Alberta. In short, precisely because of Concordia’s
experience is borne of being one of the oldest postsecondary
institutions in the province, it also
understands the need for consistent institutional reform
to address the demands of the present while meeting the
challenges of what may be anticipated in the future. In
this context it needs be mentioned that the Board of
Regents, after a long consultative process and with the
aid of expert legal and consultant advice, has, in
keeping with the Concordia University College of
Alberta Act (1995), enacted new Bylaws, drafted with
specific adherence to the Albert Public Agencies
Governance Act. After due consultation with Synod’s
Board of Directors and CUCA’s advisors, the Board of
Regents voted to establish the new Bylaws which call
for an expanded Board of Governors (in which
Lutheran Church-Canada retains its historic place both
in terms of process and membership), yet facilitates the
addition of members drawn from industry, business,
and community leaders. These members will be
solicited and vetted according to a Board-approved
competency matrix by the current Board, and after
approval, will enable Concordia to meet its challenges
more effectively and actually excel as a smaller worldclass
university in Canada. As this report demonstrates,
Concordia has the will and determination to accomplish
all this and more, despite the constrictions imposed by
limited resourcing and external challenges.
Concordia’s Board of Governors, along with its
President and Vice-Chancellor, are therefore committed
to Concordia’s advancement as a superior smaller
Christian university in Alberta by maintaining efficient
and effective operations and actively seeking and
embracing change for the better; they are committed to
remaining responsive and collaborative partners with
Lutheran Church-Canada while fulfilling our
responsibilities as a key member of Campus Alberta;
and they are committed to maintaining Concordia’s
unique mission, vision, and values: all in order to
provide exceptional educational opportunities and
ultimately the foundation for a meaningful life for all
our students, from within the church and without, for
the benefit of Lutheran Church-Canada, Edmonton,
Alberta, and the world.
E. 45
Major Events since the Last Synodical Convention
Capital Initiatives
While Concordia is not in a fiscal position to expand
physically, it was able to meet some of its significant
infrastructure deficit in the past three years.
A number of facility improvements were enabled as
result of the federal government’s Knowledge
Infrastructure Program. The federal government
provides 50% of the funding needed for an assortment
of 18 maintenance upgrades and renovations on the
aging Concordia Campus; the balance was funded
through $900,000 of capital loans and roughly
$100,000 in donations from sundry sources. Total
project cost is $2,034,930.21. The entire project was
substantially completed ahead of schedule and under
budget by September 30, 2010.
Highlights of the Knowledge Infrastructure Program are
as follows:
� Schwermann and Guild Hall window
replacements
� Biology greenhouse renovation
� Chemistry wet lab expansion
� Chemistry new wet lab construction
� Biology field work safe storage
� Library new flooring, shelving and seating
� Library HVAC replacement
� Library roof replacement
� Hole Academic Centre HVAC air flow
improvements
� Computer Services air conditioning upgrade
� New seating and flooring in the Auditorium
� New special needs testing centre construction
� Fire alarm system upgrade
� Security camera upgrades
In addition to these capital expenditures for the KIP
program, a further $729,684 was allocated for
furnishings, fixtures, equipment, campus technology,
library books and other renovations.
Operational Reform
In the fall of 2009 Concordia embarked on the most
ambitious operational restructuring project of its
history, initiated by the President and guided by the
input of the university consulting firm “Leading-By-
Design.” The goal was to review the entire operation of
Concordia in order to develop deliberate and directed
plans for more efficient operations and establish the
means by which Concordia will become the kind of

university it is mandated to be. Fittingly, this project
has been entitled: “Concordia Tomorrow”
Concordia Tomorrow is a new way for us to tackle the
challenges we face. Concordia Tomorrow is a type of
distributed management model which will allow us to
get things done more quickly and efficiently. As a
smaller institution, we have the advantage of agility: we
can be nimble in changing how we do what we do, and
such a structure works well for us to accomplish our
tasks expeditiously. Consequently, these groups are
small to keep their work focused, and to be task driven
and accountable for getting work done.
Concordia Tomorrow is led by two key leadership
teams:
The first is the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). This
group makes decisions on the strategic direction for
Concordia, what broad issues we face, and the
composition of sub-groups which will tackle some of
these issues.
The second key group is the Project Planning and
Assessment Team (PPAT). Comprised of deans and
directors throughout Concordia, PPAT represents the
specific operational components of Concordia.
Accountable to the Executive Leadership Team, this
group also guides and vets smaller sub-teams which
will be “doing the work.”
Project Teams are assigned by the Executive
Leadership Team and are accountable to the Project
Planning and Assessment Team. At this point, there are
7 Project teams, each responsible for assessing,
planning, and accomplishing tasks within their project
group. Group members are chosen because of their
roles within Concordia, and also for their core
competencies, skills, and expertise.
The net result of this effort will be the following:
Concordia University College of Alberta will realize its
vision through discerning, innovative, and flexible
planning.
Internally, Concordia will develop well-grounded
undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs
that meet the needs of its students through flexible
learning opportunities. It will maintain and increase
opportunities for research and scholarship to enhance
its academic reputation and with it the quality of
instruction and potential for student satisfaction in all
programs. Concordia will also redesign and realign its
governance, operational, administrative, and policy
structures to create efficient and cost-effective
processes that give students the best university services
and experience. Innovative and flexible planning in
E. 46
these areas should increase Concordia’s student
population to 3000 FLE in ten years.
Externally, Concordia will collaborate with other
academic institutions on judiciously selected scholarly
and research initiatives, and similarly cooperate with
relevant industries at local, national, and international
levels. Concordia’s reputation for providing superior
education in top-quality programs will enhance its
visibility and distinctiveness, as its graduates enter
graduate studies and post-graduate programs within
Campus Alberta, the AUCC, and the Association of
Commonwealth Universities, and as they contribute
professionally and economically within Alberta and
Canada. Concordia will consequently be identified as a
university built on a solid foundation of academics and
faith with an open door to higher learning, as well as a
dynamic institution proceeding with purpose and focus
by implementing best practices and anticipating future
trends.
Church-Related Initiatives
Concordia remains firmly committed to its service to
Lutheran Church-Canada on a variety of fronts. As an
open university, Concordia has indirectly become a rich
mission field, where young people from diverse
backgrounds (including Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and other
world religions) are exposed, perhaps for the first time,
to the gospel of Jesus Christ. At Concordia, many
students have either come to faith or been confirmed in
the faith that they already have, precisely because of the
conscious commitment to what we believe, hold, and
confess as a Lutheran university. One baptism was
actually administered during the current academic year.
On the more formal side, Concordia has pursued a
number of initiatives that are meant to assist in
providing spiritual formation not only to pre-seminary
or DPS students, but all Christian students who want to
serve. I name but a few examples:
Concordia’s annual Mission Trip is in its 9th year. In
each of these nine years 12 – 29 students have gone out
to experience life in communities that need the hope
that only the gospel can instill. Some 200 of our
students have spent time among the native communities
at Ahouset, Klemtu, Bella Bella, Kingcombe Inlet, and
Hartley Bay on Canada’s West Coast. Others have
spent time on the Mission Boat, while still others have
gone east to Saskatchewan to native communities such
as those at La Ronge. In order to do this work, students
themselves raise approximately $20,000 a year to cover
travel costs and expenses. A special thanks to
congregations and organizations that have continued to
support this program over the years!

It also may be mentioned that a great number of the
alumni of these mission teams are now serving as
Pastors, DPS workers, or are active and engaged lay
people in congregations. Still others have gone on to
more intensive mission work in other countries of the
world. As mentioned, Concordia has been a major
source of summer workers for the BC Mission Boat and
some alumni of the Mission Boat now hope to return to
some of these small towns as teachers once they
complete their education here.
Concordia students are also engaged locally.
Concordia’s mission focus has motivated several dozen
students to take part in activities such as the Inner City
food and support program known as “The Rock,”
currently sponsored by Bethel Lutheran Church in
Sherwood Park. As part of this Inner City outreach,
some of the students are involved in an initiative called
Monday Night Kids, where inner city youth are
engaged in meaningful activities in conjunction with
Bible Studies and fellowship opportunities.
On the Concordia campus, a conscious effort has been
made to establish a Pre-Seminary support group that is
meant to encourage young men as they work through
their vocational planning, especially among those who
are considering the pastoral ministry.
Also, several Bible and Faith study groups are now
active in the newly established Chaplaincy Centre,
which also serves as a drop-in centre for Lutheran
students (and others) who have questions about the
faith, or who simply want to discuss faith-related issues.
The Chaplaincy Centre is rapidly becoming the nexus
of Spiritual Life on campus, guiding and resourcing the
Vice-President of Christian Life of the Concordia
Student Association with activities on campus. Among
these are student-led weekly Bible studies, including
E. 47
several well-attended studies that are part of dorm life
here at Concordia.
Spiritual Life is especially evident with our attendance
at daily chapels. Although chapel attendance is
impacted by changing schedules each semester, our
attendance remains a daily average of 60 to 70 students
and staff. We are especially happy with the chapel
service that we share with Concordia Lutheran
Seminary every Monday at CUCA. Seminarians (and
faculty) have the opportunity to connect with our
student body, and the bond to LCC is highlighted
through this mutual devotional time. Chapels have
come to include the increasing number of talented
musicians who add their talents to the worship.
Overall, Concordia is becoming a gathering place for
active young Christians who not only want an
outstanding education, but who want to serve their Lord
now and in the future. And it is in this context that I
need mention our key initiatives as they relate to
Christian education:
Church Work Programs
All are aware of the DPS, Teacher Preparation, and
Parish Nursing Programs that continue to be offered at
Concordia. Of these, the DPS program is the longest
running, celebrating 20 years at Concordia. The charts
below illustrate how these programs have developed
and what they have contributed to the ministry of the
church over the past 13 years. What these charts make
clear is how Concordia continues to make a significant
contribution directly to the ministry of the Christian
church in general (as through the Parish Nursing
Program), and the Lutheran Church in particular
(through the DPS and Teacher Certification programs).

Religious Studies, Pre-Seminary, and Master of Arts
(MA) in Biblical and Christian Studies
Aside from the Applied Programs outlined above,
Concordia’s commitment to the overall education in the
fields of Christian Theology, World Religions, and now
on the Graduate level with our first MA remains strong.
Of these, the MA in Biblical and Christian Studies is
the most recent, only in its second year, but already has
12 students enrolled, of which one pending graduate
will pursue PhD studies in the coming year. The chart
below combines our BA in Religious Studies
concentration and majors’ enrolment parallel to our
E. 48
Applied Programs above, i.e., those currently enrolled,
and the total over the past 3 years. Please note that the
Pre-Seminary Program is technically a subset of the
Religious Studies concentration and should be added to
the total for Religious Studies. Finally, please note also
that the Applied Religion enrollment in DPS programs
is an actual accounting of DECLARED minors in
Church Work Programs relative to the overall Religious
Studies program at Concordia (and it needs be
emphasized that there are many more students
interested and attending these courses in an optional
capacity):

Enrolments
This brings us to enrolments at Concordia overall,
which has a bearing on our cash-flow and operational
health. Please note that enrolments continue to decline,
E. 49
despite our best efforts, with the establishment of
excess number (and significantly less expensive)
university study seats at the University of Alberta and
the newly minted MacEwan University, as the
following chart illustrates:

Clear is that the trend in the last few years is downward,
which is reflective of current economic realities and
demographic trends, as well as the above-cited
competitive insurgency of other post-secondary
institutions. Concordia is consequently ever more
deliberate in making itself the school of first choice for
post-secondary students in the capital region. On the
positive side, it is notable that 157 (10.4%) of our
student body (i.e., of the total student number) is
E. 50
declared Lutheran (i.e., of all synods), which is
significantly higher relative to the population overall
(i.e., Lutherans as a percentage of the total population
in the capital region and the country). This means that
Concordia remains the University of First Choice for
Lutherans in particular! The following pie graphs
reflect distributions among these Lutherans in real
numbers and percentages:
LUTHERANS ATTENDING CONCORDIA AS HEADCOUNT

E. 51
Financial Resourcing
Concordia receives funding for its operations from a number of sources, outlined below. Please refer to the CUCA
website for our full Annual Report, including the Audited Financial Statements.
Sources of Revenue 2010/11 Budget % 2009/10 % 2008/09 %
Government of Alberta
Grants
Gifts, Grants, and
Deferred Capital Grants
$ 11,496,392 47% $11,899,449 48% $11,450,106 47%
596,060 2% 490,515 2% 941,329 4%
Tuition & Fees 10,660,977 43% 10,107,303 42% 9,868,589 41%
Auxiliary Enterprise &
Student Activities
1,835,728 7% 1,825,068 6% 2,019,553 8%
Investment Activities 85,000 1% 57,201 .5% (132,099) -1%
Miscellaneous 254,365 1%
The direct funding of $153,000 that Concordia receives
from Lutheran Church-Canada is included within the
“Gifts” line above and totals .6% of CUCA’s
operational budget.
What might also be articulated is that Concordia
receives significantly less in constituency support than
other Independent Academic Institutions in the
province. Each of these institutions (such as The King’s
University College, Ambrose University College, et al)
Concordia therefore faces the challenge of competing
against well-endowed and fully supported institutions.
But as indicated, an aggressive recruitment strategy has
$ 24,674,157 $24,633,901 $24,147,478
supplements the operational differential (which has the
government provide only 70% funding for each student
who attends at Independent Institutions such as
Concordia) with constituency funding that in some
cases exceeds 30% of operational costs. The chart
below also illustrates the overall limited role that gifts
and grants play in the operation of Concordia, though
we are grateful for every dollar that is received that
makes the work of CUCA possible.
met with some success, and despite the setbacks
outlined above, Concordia continues to maintain itself
as a solvent and excellent small university; this despite

the fact that the next 2 years are subject to budget
restraint in post-secondary spending in Alberta, where
Concordia’s operational grants have been reduced by
some $403,057. This reduction has served to exacerbate
the gap in funding between Concordia and other publicfunded
institutions and to place tremendous stress on
Concordia’s capacity to maintain access and full
programming in the next few years.
Despite all this, Concordia ended its last financial year
in the black, with excess revenue over expenditures of
$368,008.00. The result of extreme measures such as
E. 52
lay-offs, hiring freezes, and limiting of operations, this
surplus is expected to be swallowed up in the current
year which is now expected to end with a ca. $500,000
deficit; this is as a result of the above-mentioned cuts in
government funding, higher pension and benefit costs,
and lower enrolments. Nevertheless, Concordia remains
in a relatively strong financial position, confirmed by
the willingness of the Bank of Montreal to remove from
Concordia’s Credit Facility the $16.7 million Letter of
Undertaking underwritten by LCC.
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ALBERTA
Concordia continues to be well governed with foresight and insight by a Board of Governors that has committed
itself to the success and growth of Concordia. The chart below summarizes the current Board membership with
respective terms of the incumbents.
Membership Category
Members
By Virtue of Office Dr. Gerald Krispin, President and Vice-
Chancellor
Rev. Don Schiemann, ABC District
President
Rev. Tom Prachar, Central District
President
Josey Hitesman, CSA President
Quinn Moerike, GSA President
Stakeholder
Dr. John Woollard, CUCA Faculty
Representation Dr. Joanne Neal, CUCA Faculty
Selected by the Board Dr. Martin Mueller, Fort Saskatchewan AB
Dr. Merv Fingas, Edmonton AB
Stewart Maschmeyer, Bruderheim AB
Nominated Heritage
Rev. Mark Danielson [LCC]
Members
Rev. Ken Eifert [LCC]
Al Gerdung [ABC]
Rev. Mark Hennig [LCC]
Don Hindle [ABC Deacon]
Cam McNeil [LCC]
Curtis Schafer [LCC]
Gordon Toole [LCC]
Norma Wynn [Central]
Vacant [ABC]
Although faithful to our heritage and remaining firmly
in a bond of ecclesial fraternity with Lutheran Church-
Canada, Concordia has become an essentially publicly
Current Term
2011 2012 2013 2014
funded post-secondary institution in Alberta with
corresponding accountabilities. As such it has become a
very significant part of Alberta’s post-secondary

university system in which faith-based institutions are
enshrined in legislation. It is also the fourth largest
resident university in the province (i.e., excluding
Athabasca University), to a large degree because the
province has seen in the work of Concordia an
important contribution to the exercise of educational
choice for Alberta citizens. Unfortunately, the funding
accorded to Concordia from all sources does not keep
Concordia abreast with inflation. Consequently, without
the support of the members of Lutheran Church-
Canada, who also recognize the work of God that is
done by Concordia on behalf of the church and the
world, Concordia would face even more difficult
E. 53
challenges than those outlined above. Lutheran Church-
Canada’s continued support in prayer and financial
resources is therefore most appreciated by all the
students, faculty, and staff at Concordia.
Commending all we are and have to the mercy of God,
Concordia gratefully acknowledges the partnership in
the gospel that is ours as fellow members of Lutheran
Church-Canada.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Gerald S. Krispin,
President and Vice-Chancellor
REPORT 20: CONCORDIA LUTHERAN SEMINARY, EDMONTON, ALBERTA (CLS)
A. INTRODUCTION STATEMENT
Grace and peace be to you in the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ from President Dr. Manfred Zeuch, the
Board of Regents, faculty, staff, students, and
volunteers of Concordia Lutheran Seminary,
Edmonton.
1. Summary of mission and purpose
Mission
“Concordia Lutheran Seminary forms servants for
Jesus' sake”
The Founding Task Force shaped Concordia Lutheran
Seminary to be theologically sound, academically
strong, and financially viable. Four original goals were
to teach the required knowledge for the pastoral
ministry, to teach the necessary skills, to help students
gain ability in human relationship building and to help
them grow in faith. These remain the abiding goals of
the Seminary! We have nevertheless broadened our
goals to include theological and spiritual formation for
all who seek our seminary for pastoral ministry in and
outside of LCC and our lay people as well. God
continues to bless the LCC through Concordia Lutheran
Seminary and its called faculty, dedicated staff, and
students.
Vision
- To provide confessional Lutheran theological
formation for students, pastors and laypeople.
- To graduate pastors to serve Lutheran Church—
Canada, and other Churches, who are qualified,
adaptable, and committed to being servants.
- To instil in students a desire to reach out with the
Gospel.
- To utilize a variety of educational delivery systems.
- To foster communication between the Seminary and
the Church
- To increase the financial vitality of the Seminary.
Values
- The Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions as
the Seminary’s source and norm for teaching and life.
- Our unique context as a seminary of Lutheran Church-
Canada.
- A positive relationship between the seminary, the
Church, and the wider community.
- The special mission given to the seminary by God and
the Church: to carefully and faithfully prepare pastors
for ministry, and lay people for leadership.
- The gifts, talents, and qualifications present among the
Seminary’s students, faculty and staff.
- Life-long learning by the Seminary’s students, faculty
and staff.
- Relationships nurtured and shaped by Law and
Gospel.
- Opportunities to provide confessional Lutheran
theological education for the Church and throughout the
wider community.
- The opportunity to provide theological formation in
the Canadian context.
Brief History
This is the twenty-seventh academic year for Concordia
Lutheran Seminary. In 2009 we celebrated our 25 th
Anniversary, a special worship service hosted by
Redeemer Lutheran Church in Edmonton. Founded in
1984 by synodical decision, Concordia Lutheran
Seminary is a seminary of LCC chartered to give the
Master of Divinity degree by virtue of an Act of the
Legislature in the Province of Alberta. Also, it is an
independently accredited seminary, granted initial
accreditation by the Association of Theological Schools
in May, 1998. The Association of Theological Schools
voted Concordia Lutheran Seminary a full five-year
accreditation (until the Spring 2003), approving both
degree (M.Div and MTS) programs, without
reservation. In Spring, 2004 the second Seminary
accreditation visit occurred. The Seminary’s M.Div
program was accredited for ten years, and the MTS was

discontinued for its small “student body” (at that time,
there was only one student enrolled). Accreditation is
good for the students, for the church, and for seminary
supporters. It is good for students because they will
have recognized degrees by the major accreditation
agency for theological schools in North America. It is
good for our church because she owns a seminary
which grants accredited degrees, as do the best schools
in North America. It is good for our supporters because
an outside, independent source has declared that the
seminary is a financially viable and academically sound
institution providing quality theological education. The
financial situation of both seminaries has changed – to
different degrees and causes – in the last few years,
which is also true for LCC as a whole.
2. Major Events since Last Convention
a) In September 2009 CLS celebrated a joint worship
service combining the opening of the 26 th academic
year, Founders day, and the 25 th anniversary. Guest
preacher was former president Dr. M. Rudnick, and
former president Dr. D. Hempelmann brought personal
greetings as well. A thankful audience praised God for
the blessings bestowed upon the seminary and through
the seminary to LCC.
b) On October 2008 CLS opened the first of a 10-year
series of special celebration of the Reformation, in a
countdown to the 500 years of the Reformation in 2017.
First guest speaker was Dr. Robert Rosin, from
Concordia Seminary, Saint Louis, MO, who gave two
lectures on Luther and preached at the CLS
Reformation service. We had a cultural presentation on
Lutheran hymnody by Dr. Joy Berg, Rev. Lorne
Manweiler and the CUCA choir that year. In 2009 we
received Rev. Gerson Linden, STM, director of
Seminario Concordia, Sao Leopoldo, Brazil, as our
guest speaker. His theme was Lutheranism in Brazil,
and he also preached at the Reformation service. In
2010, remembering Luther’s trip to Rome in 1510, we
had as guest the Rev. Dr. Donald Bolen, bishop from
Saskatoon, talking about the relation between Roman
Catholics and Luther in our days in North America.
Preacher that year was Dr. S. Chambers, from CLS.
Plans for the 2011 Reformation activity are being made.
c) In May 2007 CLS faculty started a comprehensive
work of curriculum review, which took two and a half
years. The new Master of Divinity curriculum was put
into effect in the Fall of 2009. Students are right now in
the transition period between the two curricula. The
academic dean, Dr. Kettner, wrote in behalf of CLS the
following rationale for the new curriculum: “How can
we prepare the best possible pastors for Lutheran
Church – Canada? What should we be doing that we
E. 54
have not previously been doing? What have we been
doing intuitively that we need to do more intentionally?
What important traits – character traits and Gospelcentred
aptitudes – do pastors need today that perhaps
they may not have needed twenty-five or fifty years
ago? These are questions that the faculty of Concordia
Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton has asked itself over
the last three years as it has undergone an extensive
curriculum evaluation and revision, in order to prepare
the best possible pastors for today’s challenges and
opportunities.
“After extensive study, the seminary inaugurated a new
curriculum this past fall. This of course raises a number
of questions in the minds of the people of Lutheran
Church–Canada. Why? What is new? What was wrong
with the old one? These are all legitimate questions.
Let me give you some answers.
“Just as the church always needs to go back to its roots,
the Holy Scriptures, and work to reform itself, so also
seminaries need to examine themselves continually to
determine how well they are fulfilling the mission that
God through His church has laid upon it. This is first
and foremost the preparation of pastors, but also the
preparation of lay people who can provide
knowledgeable leadership in their congregations as
well.
“What was wrong with the old curriculum? In terms of
theological content, absolutely nothing! The Scriptures
as the Word of God written, the Lutheran Confessions
as a true exposition and exhibition of that Word, and
the proper distinction between Law and Gospel have
always been and will continue to be central to teaching
at the seminary. Students continue to learn the skills of
preaching, teaching, counselling, and evangelism in
order to be able to relate to the people they will be
called to serve. Students continue to engage in contact
with the church through field education experiences in
area congregations.
“Yet, while the basics remain and the eternal Gospel we
are called to preach remains the same, there is much in
the surrounding culture that has changed. We have the
need to present an unchanging Gospel to what has been
called a “fast-changing world.” In the last generation
we have moved from a culture that has been at least
nominally Christian to one that is purposefully multicultural.
With this change a perception has arisen that
religion is a private matter of one’s own choice rather
than something that should be based on the inherent
truth of God’s activity, specifically His activity in
redeeming the world through His Son Jesus Christ. This
calls for a need for greater cultural awareness, and an
education which prepares for speaking and confessing

the Gospel to a culture that is increasingly indifferent to
or even hostile to the Gospel.
“There is also a need to pay heed to new methods of
delivering this education. With instantaneous
communication and live streaming, we are now able to
invite people into our courses who can listen to lectures,
participate in class discussions, and do assigned work
while living at a distance from the seminary. While we
recognize that education takes place best in a
community of Christian scholars based on campus,
distance education provides a means of extending our
reach, and provides a means by which people can test
the waters, so to speak, to see if they have the requisite
aptitude for seminary study and for the office of the
public ministry.
“While we recognize the merit of the traditional
division of the curriculum into the fields of exegetical
theology (in-depth study of the Bible in the original
languages), systematic theology (study of the doctrinal
base of the Christian faith), historical theology (the
study of the expression of the faith in historical context
down through the ages) and practical theology (study of
putting the faith into practice through the development
of pastoral skills), we have also noted that the division
is somewhat fluid, that all of these areas overlap in
many ways, and that the curriculum needs to reflect
this. For example, a sermon needs to be relevant to the
people and well-delivered (practical), but it needs to be
based on a thorough study of the text (exegesis), and
reflect the truths of the word of God that have been
proclaimed down through the ages in His church
(doctrinal and historical). For this reason, what used to
be called “practical theology” is now called “theology
in praxis,” as we recognize that all theology is intensely
practical, since it relates to the salvation of sinners and
prepares the potential pastor and leader to bring the
Gospel to bear on the lives of the people in the pew and
in the culture. Some courses have become explicitly
trans-disciplinary and are team taught in order to clearly
demonstrate the importance of integrating the entire
discipline of theology into a unified entity.
“One further major change takes place outside the
classroom. Since the formation of theologians (in the
sense of those involved in the study and proclamation
of a Word from God) involves the development of
aptitude and character and well as mind, we have set up
a set of ‘co-curricular units” to help us intentionally
equip and evaluate our students in non-academic but
nevertheless essential areas. Students earn these units
through their participation in field education,
attendance and workshops and seminars, and
participation in other events which are conducive to
spiritual and personal growth. These include
E. 55
participation in events in which a sense of servanthood
is developed, areas of specialized ministry, pastoral
skills, worship skills, and life skills in general.
“Through the curriculum and co-curriculum, our
students grow in learning, in doing, and in character so
that when they leave the seminary they are wellrounded
individuals ready to serve God through the
congregations to which they will be called. They learn.
They grow. They serve. They mature into true “servants
for Jesus’ sake”!
d) In April 2010 the Missionary Study Centre, through
its director, Rev. James Avery, organized, with
churches and other organizations, a Mission
Symposium, hosted by Bethel Lutheran Church. The
experience was positive and should be repeated. The
MSC also funded five students as they went with Dr.
Kettner to Thailand and Cambodia, observed the church
at work there, and participated with the theological
education of pastoral and diaconal students in Southeast
Asia.
e) Love Life conferences: CLS has been a co-sponsor
of these conferences since the first one was held in Feb
2006. Together with CUCA and Lutherans For Life-
Canada, the seminary has now been involved in
organizing, promoting, and leading five such
conferences. All except the first have been held in
November. Although attendance has not grown as
quickly as organizers have hoped, about 70-80 people
have been attending most years.
Every year the organizing committee seeks a balance
between Lutheran and other Christian speakers, in order
to appeal to the widest possible audience. The first
conference set this tone by featuring as its main
speakers Dr. James Lamb, the president of Lutherans
For Life (USA) and Dr. Stephen Genuis, a local
obstetrician/gynecologist. Since then, three CLS faculty
members have led workshops (Drs. Zeuch and Kettner)
or, in the 2010 conference, served as a main speaker
(Dr. Chambers). Dr. Chambers also served as chairman
of the organizing committee for the conference’s first
four years (2006-2009).
The seminary has contributed tangible support in other
ways too. Every year, the CLS Guild offers a tasty and
much-appreciated lunch to conference attendees.
Seminary staff and students volunteer to photocopy
publicity materials, and stuff and address envelopes.
For the last two years, students who attend the
conference can apply to receive “Co-Curricular
Credits” toward their pastoral program, recognizing the
pedagogical and formative value the conference offers.

B. BOARD OF REGENTS
The Board of Regents is the body charged by the
church with oversight of Concordia Lutheran Seminary.
Currently on the board are the following members:
Rev. Nolan Astley was a chair of the BOR until he
accepted a call to Kitchener in 2009.
Mrs. Rhonda Buck was vice-chair until May 2010,
when she moved to Alberta and was hired as the
administrative assistant to the president in July 2010.
- Chairman Rev. Paul Schallhorn, 2011, East District
clergy representative
- Vice-chairman Mr. Christopher Klarenbach, -
Calgary, Alberta (2011, ABC District lay
representative)
- Mrs. Roberta Nixon, appointed until the 2011
convention as Central District lay representative.
- Secretary Rev. Robert Mohns, Didsbury, Alberta
(2014, ABC District clergy representative)
- Rev. Donald Schiemann, Stony Plain, Alberta (ABC
District president)
- Mr. Jonathan Mayan, Surrey, BC (2014, ABC District
lay representative)
- Rev. Mark Dressler , Saskatoon, SK (2014, Central
District clergy representative)
- Rev. Thomas Kruesel, Campbell River, BC (2011,
third vice-president of LCC and representing the
synodical president).
With the new elected members of the BOR, CLS will
offer, via In Trust, a board orientation in the Fall 2011
in Edmonton, in the patterns of ATS.
Among the major decisions of the board there was the
approval the new curriculum, and the agreement of
cooperation signed with the Institute of Lutheran
Theology, from the US. Plans to call a 5 th faculty
member, urged by ATS for several years now, had to be
put on hold, for financial reasons.
C. PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
The Student Body counts 23 students today, having 15
in the Master of Divinity program. Other students are in
the Open Studies and Colloquy program. We have three
pre-enrollment inquiries, but in times of (a now long)
institutional incertitude in LCC as a seminary and its
future, we can’t anticipate anything in terms of
enrollment for the Fall.
Institutional Personnel Faculty, staff, and students
have a distinct and expressed understanding of the
seminary’s task and role, and pursue that task with
vigor, even in times of the already mentioned
E. 56
incertitude. This understanding and action is lived out
day-by-day as we gather corporately in chapel and
individually within the community. That the seminary
community is guided and empowered by the force of
God’s mission is evident in all that the seminary does.
"Proclaim Christ’s peace – near and far” is the theme
for this academic year. This is what we do within our
walls and teach our students to do in their lives,
wherever and to whatever office God may call them
later.
Our faculty and staff personnel has been renewed in the
sense that we have a new administrative assistant to the
president, since July 2010, Mrs. Rhonda Buck, and a
new secretary to the Development office, Mrs. Sandra
Esperanza, since June 2008. Also, Mr. Ray Smith, our
former treasurer, retired in November 2010 and Mrs.
Caroline Moore came on board as our treasurer,
working one day a week at CLS.
In whatever form CLS will survive as a school, or
whatever school continues on in LCC for forming
pastors, our vision is that LCC should not lose the
threefold vocation of a quality Theological School (as
any quality graduate school or university):
1. TEACHING
Master Of Divinity
A fully accredited four year program, which offers a
full foundational theological and formational
curriculum for our LCC pastors (and students from
other denominations). See above regarding the new
curriculum. Our degree allows for 1/3 of the courses to
be taken via distance education technology; the year
before and after vicarage must be taken on campus in
its entirety. The formational aspect of our seminary
education is a high value, and in the new curriculum we
incorporated a program of required Co-Curricular Units
(CCUs). The student must take a minimum of 600 units
(roughly 1 hour for 1 unit) of learning and activity
outside of class, which are divided into three areas
(with some flexibility in the composition but a
minimum required in each category):
1) Personal Growth
a. Character formation
b. Health and life skills
c. Servant-leadership
d. Aesthetic sensitivity
2) Pastoral skills
a. Social & Cultural issues
b. Specialized ministry contexts
(history, theology, praxis)
c. Worship-leading (at fieldwork
congregation and in CLS chapel)
d. Other pastoral skills

3) Uniquely Lutheran Contexts
a. (specific theological lectures and
symposia)
For students not seeking ordination or seeking
certification in other church bodies, the total number of
CCUs – as well as the minimum requirements in each
category – are developed by the Director of Field
Education in consultation with an appropriate
representative from that particular church body.
Regarding vicarage CLS has struggled more than once
with a situation where students were put into a working
context that certainly required pastoral service in the
church, to the specific congregation(s), but that was not
ideal for a vicarage, which is a learning experience, due
to the fact that the mentor was not on site and
mentorship was a struggle. CLS has sent a formal letter
to the Council of Presidents, in January, in order to ask
for consideration of changing this practice. For vicarage
we need, first of all, a strong mentor, who is a partner
with the CLS faculty, and in the context of his
congregation may accompany and help form and shape
the pastoral soul and practice of our student. We are
studying to offer a more formal orientation (theological
and practical) to potential or future mentors, with a
formal program of assessment during vicarage.
Pastoral Diploma
A Theological Diploma, developed for Lutheran
Church-Canada and sister churches’ pastoral
candidates, is linked to the M. Div. It has specific
courses and the required field work and vicarage for
ministry in LCC and partner churches. The CCUs are
also a partial fulfillment of the Pastoral Diploma.
Graduate Certificate of Theological Studies
The GCTS is awarded after successful completion of 24
credits in the Open Studies program. A minimum of 18
credits must be completed at CLS. Courses and must be
completed in at least three of the four theological
disciplines (Exegetical, Systematic, Historical, and
Practical). The GCTS can be completed in one year, or
up to eight years, and can serve as a bridge between
Open Studies and a Master’s degree program at CLS or
another ATS-accredited seminary. Contact the Registrar
for program planning advice. Graduate Certificates in
Theological Studies are awarded at the first Sacred
Convocation following the semester in which the
requirements are completed.
Open Studies Program
The Open Studies Program provides learning
opportunities for those who do not wish to enter a
seminary degree program, or do not qualify for a
seminary degree program for non-academic reasons.
Open Studies students are permitted to register in credit
E. 57
courses, but are not admitted to a program leading to a
degree or diploma. Though credits taken while admitted
to the Open Studies program may be counted toward a
subsequent degree program, Open Studies students are
not considered to be on the ‘ordination track’ in LCC.
Students whose ultimate goal is to obtain a degree are
encouraged to contact the seminary Registrar or an
advisor at the appropriate institution for detailed
program advice. The selection of courses available to
Open Studies students includes courses in all
disciplines.
PAT program
Over the last years CLS has started offering a PAT
formation for some men the church who are eligible for
it. Dr. Glenn Schaeffer has been responsible for the
national PAT formation, and since the summer of 2010
this responsibility was transferred to LCC Mission
Executive Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel.
Colloquy Program
CLS has ongoing candidates for the colloquy program,
and a number of them have been certified for ministry
in LCC after completing the requirements.
Certification Route or Diploma Route
A proposal has been sent to the Council of Presidents
asking for approval of this formation route, already in
practice at CLTS St. Catharines. The rationale follows:
Lutheran Church–Canada needs pastors to lead its
congregations, particularly in smaller, rural areas that
are in “perpetual vacancy” situations. Lutheran
Church–Canada needs students to fill its seminaries, to
make seminary education viable for the church so that it
can prepare the best pastors possible. It is also a fact
that there are men “out there” who have the spiritual
qualities desirable in a pastor, the leadership skills as
well as the intellectual gifts to be excellent pastors, but
who do not yet have the academic qualifications
necessary to enter the Master of Divinity program of
our church’s seminaries and are in a situation where it
would be difficult, if not impossible, for them to get a
bachelor’s degree before coming on to seminary. These
would include people in various ethnic groups, and
people who have reached a later stage in life—people
whose life experience would make it possible for them
to engage in the intellectual rigor of seminary education
without having the baccalaureate degree. The people
involved in this program would be able to meet higher
standards than those in the PAT program, and would
benefit from the greater rigor of a fuller education.
Thus, it is not meant to supplant the PAT program, but
to provide another option for qualified individuals.

Our seminaries, following ATS standards, are allowed
to admit students without a baccalaureate degree for
study in the M.Div. program, up to a total of 10% of the
student body. This, however, means that, given the size
of our seminaries, only one or two students in this
position may study at each of our seminaries at any one
time. By developing a certificate program which would
be independent of the M. Div., more students will be
able to study at one time. Concordia Lutheran
Theological Seminary in St. Catharines has such a
program listed in its calendar and has been running it
for some years. We believe that this needs to be
regulated by the church as a legitimate alternative for
some individuals.
A.T.S. makes it clear that those who study in this sort of
program will not have as rigorous course requirements
as those in the M.Div., since they are not studying on
the graduate level. Nevertheless, they could take the
same courses and attend class with the M.Div. students,
since the requirement that only 15% of any given class
may be non-baccalaureate, once part of the standards,
has been removed.
This program would be open to just a few students at
one time, since we most certainly do not want to
diminish the academic rigor which takes place when
pastors are formed for the church. But it would be there
as an alternative for those who could not become
pastors otherwise. It is clear that this type of program
would benefit the church.
Bachelor Equivalence
CLS has the right, granted by ATS, to establish, on
special cases, a “bachelor equivalence” for a student
showing evidence of experience and a certain amount
of higher education courses in his school history.
2. RESEARCH AND PUBLISHING
A graduate school and professors at this level have also
the vocation of studying, interpreting and recreating
knowledge in the area, for peers and the wider public.
Each year, CLS faculty members have a research
project approved in this sense. Publications have been
products, and this year we have the following projects:
a) Dr. Edward Kettner: Anthropology and Sin, a
volume of the Confessional Lutheran Dogmatics,
published by Luther Academy. This work will be a
basic work in systematic theology looking at
anthropology and hamartiology as presented in the
Scriptures and the Confessions, with reference to
the expression of the doctrine in the 20th century
by those outside of the Confessional Lutheran
tradition.
E. 58
b) Dr. Stephen Chambers: Archaeological
research. Since 2006, CLS has taken part in
archaeological research at Hippos, Israel, in
conjunction with Concordia University-St. Paul,
Minnesota.
The project as a whole began in 2002 under Dr.
Mark Schuler, and has focused primarily on “The
North-East Church,” which was probably built in
the 5th century and was destroyed in a massive
earthquake in 749 AD. In the last few years, the
excavation has expanded beyond the church itself,
and is now focusing on determining the type and
extent of the relationship between the church and
neighbouring buildings. One of these, a luxurious
mansion, has attracted a great deal of attention
within the archaeological community because it is
one of a very small number of Roman-style villas
found in urban contexts, anywhere in Israel.
CLS is involved in this research on several levels.
Most broadly, the seminary welcomes anyone from
Lutheran Church-Canada, or even beyond, to join
the group of volunteers which it organizes every
other year (2006, 2008, 2010, and hopefully 2012
as well). To date, 20 people have taken part: 1
professor, 7 seminary students, 1 LCC pastor, 1
LCC deacon, 9 LCC laypeople and 1 person from
the wider community.
Besides doing the archaeological work itself, each
group of volunteers travels as widely as the
schedule allows, especially to nearby sites around
the Sea of Galilee. A weekend trip to Jerusalem
takes place every year. In 2008, a three-day trip to
Jordan was also included.
Seminary students who take part in this project
benefit in additional ways, most obviously by
taking a standard-length academic course, “Field
Archaeology,” along with the trip itself. This
course exposes them to basic archaeological aims
and methods, and prepares them to understand
more fully the geography, culture, society, and
religion of the areas they will visit. This academic
knowledge, along with the diverse on-site
experiences they acquire in Israel, in turn prepares
them more fully for their further Biblicaldepartment
courses at the seminary. Later, they and
their parishioners will continue to reap the benefits
of their involvement in this project for years to
come.
As the (unofficial) co-ordinator of CLS’
archaeological program, Dr. Chambers is quite
heavily involved in the entire program, from year

to year. He promotes and publicizes the program
both within CLS and within LCC, and makes most
of the arrangements for each group of volunteers,
including preparing them both practically and
theoretically for the archaeological work. Before,
during, and after each dig, he works closely with
Dr. Schuler (from Concordia-St. Paul), managing
the field-work, studying its finds, and thinking
about its results. As time and opportunity permit,
he eagerly accepts invitations to speak about the
work and share its value within the wider church
community.
This archaeological program has given Dr.
Chambers the opportunity to pursue two distinct
lines of research. One is tracing the history of the
community of Christians who made Hippos an
exceptionally well-church city between the 5th and
8th centuries. Thus far, Dr. Chambers’ research on
these topics is only partially complete, and thus has
been shared primarily with trip participants and
through talks in the church community. He hopes,
however, to publish more widely as this research
continues.
The other line of research focuses more narrowly
on the fragments of ancient glass that have been
found in and around the North-East Church since it
began to be excavated in 2002. Dr. Chambers
began this study in the fall of 2009, and devoted
much of his time to it while on sabbatical (July-
Dec 2010). First, he narrowed the field to include
about 950 glass fragments that could be identified
by vessel-type and/or function. Further study on
each of these is seeking to identify them further,
and to discern patterns in their distribution. The
overall goal is to use these fragments to help
understand the life of the people who built and
used the North-East Church.
In all of these ways, CLS’ archaeological program
has provided tangible, significant, and irreplaceable
benefit to a wide range of participants, both within
and beyond the seminary community itself. Equally
important, the cost to CLS is virtually nil, apart
from a modest amount of financial aid to
participating seminarians, since all other volunteers
pay their own expenses in full.
c) Prof. Jonathan Kraemer. Doctoral dissertation
on Psalm 119. It will argue the psalm is a prayer
with elements also of meditation. Form critical
approaches have pitted wisdom and lament aspects
against each other resulting in a deficit in the
reading and interpreting of the psalm. The form of
the psalm does not signal that this is a lament
E. 59
psalm, but a wisdom/torah psalm. The content,
however, signals this is a prayer to Yahweh for
help.
This dissertation will seek to be a corrective to the
current scholarship which has rigidly applied form
criticism in the interpretation of this psalm.
Recently the horizons of form criticism have been
broadened to incorporate a broader understanding
of the study of forms and this study seeks to
capitalize on these advancements. Doing so will
lead to an interpretation that best draws together
the various elements of this psalm and will help the
interpreters of this age read the psalm more
profitably.
The objectives of this study are to complete a
dissertation on the subject which enriches and
furthers psalm research not only in regard to Psalm
119, but to underscore a new application of form
criticism. The project aims completion of the Ph.D.
program at Concordia Seminary, Saint Louis, MO.
3. EXTENSION
As a serious graduate school CLS understands itself
also as a resource and a think tank for the church at
large. The contact and outreach to lay people,
congregations and church workers is a very high
priority for us as well, and CLS has been working out –
with its limited resources – a comprehensive program
of extension, where we offer theological reflection and
training in different settings and in a variety of learning
experiences, such as continuing education programs,
lecture series, special events, and certification. Our
program comprehends:
Quest Course
Quest is a continuing education program presented by
Concordia Lutheran Seminary. Each series offers
lifelong learning classes especially for lay people. The
topics address every follower who needs to better
understand his and her personal faith and religion.
Seminary faculty and guest speakers present a short
series of classes on subjects relevant to the day-to-day
faith living of contemporary Christians. The classes are
designed to be informative and enlivening,
comprehensible and relevant, compact and budgetpriced.
Evening non-credit classes are scheduled in the
Fall and the Winter. Themes have been presented like
Christian arts and worship, daily ethics, world cults and
religions, Christian life and prayer, and Lutheran
identity, all presented by faculty and guest pastors.

Deployed Quest and continuing education for lay
people
CLS faculty started travelling and offering these Quest
courses in other locations. Dr. Kettner presented in
Mount Olive, SK, and he and Dr. Zeuch are scheduled
to teach in Winnipeg, MB and Thunder Bay, ON,
respectively, for the Theological Lay School of the
Central District. Dr. Zeuch has taught at this school in
May 2010 in Saskatoon, for a group of lay men and
women. The participation of the seminary is very much
appreciated and valued in the church.
Timothy Lectures
The Timothy Lectures are presented to the Seminary
students and open to the community. Each year a
seasoned and effective pastor shares his experience
from pastoral life for the benefit of students. The
Lectures provide sound, challenging, practical insight to
ministers-in-the-making. Pastors speak in personal and
candid ways about their lives in the parish. Each
Timothy Lecture takes place over one or two days
giving participants the opportunity to focus on one topic
quickly and in-depth. Generous anonymous donations
have made it possible to offer the Lectures free of
charge. We had as guests pastors David Hilderman on
family systems counseling, William Ney on the
changing face of ministry in Lutheran Church—Canada
over the last thirty years, and Dr. James Nestingen on
private absolution in the life of the church.
Convocation schedule
Several times a year CLS offers convocations on
several subjects, held by a variety of scholars and
pastors. The yearly Reformation Convocation in
October is included here. Here is also included the
activity of the Missionary study Centre, with its
Missionary for Lunch, and others.
Continuing education for pastors and deacons
CLS is providing two specific activities for the church
workers, each year:
- Starting in 2010 we offer a pastoral gathering
at the seminary, in the Spring. This is an
afternoon meeting where we discuss together
matters related to church, ministry and pastoral
formation. The discussion is based on theses
submitted by pastors and faculty on a given
theme. In 2010 the theme was the relation
E. 60
between pastors in a ministerium. In 2011 the
theme will be “Pastor and Synod”, and it will
be held in May 17, 2011, from 1:00 – 4:00 pm.
- Starting in 2011 CLS will offer again a
Sabbatical study week for pastors and
deacons. This year: “How do you present and
defend your faith today in a skeptical
environment? A course on Christian
Apologetics” Instructor: Prof. Dr. Jonathan
Strand, CUCA, on .June 27-30, 2011. All
Pastors, Deacons, DPS, and Teachers are
welcome to attend.
Special Convocation Schedule
CLS will offer regularly open lectures on the most
varied subjects in theology, church, religion and
society. The Luther 2017 Countdown lectures are part
of this program. Also, this semester inaugurated the
regular bi-weekly open lectures on “Spirituality”, which
are part of the new course PRX 250 Spirituality, a
required course in the M.Div program. The schedule
and speakers, on Thursdays, from 1-3 pm (web cast and
recorded as well) are:
� January 27: Spirituality and Human Strife:
Dr. Colleen Hammermaster, Counselling
Psychologist
� February 10: Spirituality and Musical Arts:
Dr. Joy Berg and Dr. John Hooper, School of
Music, Concordia University College of
Alberta
� February 24: Eastern Christian Spirituality as
expressed by Ukrainian Catholics in Canada.
Father Greg Faryna, Ukrainian Catholic
Cathedral, Edmonton, AB.
� March 17: The pastor and Prayer. Rev. Dr.
Robert Bugbee, LCC president
� March 31: Aboriginal Spirituality and
Christian Faith in Canada. Dr. Patricia
McCormack, Faculty of Native Studies,
University of Alberta.
� April 14: Elements of a Lutheran Spirituality.
Dr. Manfred Zeuch, president of CLS.
Respectfully submitted,
Prof. Dr. Manfred Zeuch
President

E. 61
REPORT 21: CONCORDIA LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
St. Catharines, ON (CLTS)
History and Purpose
In the past year our faculty have worked hard on the
self-study required for our application for full
membership in the Association of Theological Schools
(more below). In the process of researching our own
history we came to a more acute understanding of the
unique purposes for which this seminary was
established.
The 1975 LCMS convention authorised the
establishment of a branch seminary in eastern Canada.
The convention allowed the Ontario District to
determine the most appropriate site for the seminary.
Among the factors that led to the choice of St.
Catharines were nearness to the Lutheran centres of
eastern Canada, the possibility of affiliating with Brock
University, and a location near the U.S. border (which
enabled LCMS students to study here).
CLTS was chartered in November 1976. Classes were
already underway in the basement of Resurrection
Lutheran Church. (The seminary would move into its
new building on the Brock campus in 1983.) The
seminary began as an extension campus of Concordia
Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, and for its first five
years used that seminary’s curriculum and faculty. Rev.
Roger Humann was the sole full-time faculty member,
with three local pastors serving as part-time instructors,
and a regular stream of visiting professors coming up
from Ft. Wayne. But this situation would not prove to
be best for the three federated districts that would
shortly become LCC. Chief among the reasons for the
establishment of a seminary in Canada was the desire to
train pastors for the unique nature of pastoral ministry
in this country. This entailed a revamped curriculum,
and faculty that were either Canadian or who had
significant experience of ministry in Canada—a goal
that was attained in stages from 1981-86.
In the years that followed, leading up to the 1989
founding convention of LCC, the student body reached
its zenith of some 50 students, the faculty peaked at
five, and a building fitted for some 80 students was
erected and paid for. By the early 1990s, the “1000
Club” had successfully established a seminary
endowment fund that exceeded $1 million for general
operating expenses alone, and with the help of a
government matching scheme, the student endowment
fund was built up to a similar level. The addition of a
major bequest from the LCMS left CLTS with a
foundation holding some $2.8 million.
In the past decade some of these stable features of the
seminary’s establishment have been eroded, particularly
by smaller enrolments and a decline in returns on
investments. The administration have responded
appropriately to bring the budget in line, to pay down
long-term debt, and to maintain a modest but highly
competent personnel. We pray that the Lord would
move the members of His church to continue
supporting the seminary for the sake of the church’s
mission, and particularly to lead men towards the holy
ministry.
The purpose of CLTS and the passion to achieve its
goals remain undiminished. As our name constantly
reminds us, we are dedicated to the doctrine and
practice of the confessional Lutheran Church. We are
centred on the Word of God, which we study in the
original languages, savour, ponder, preach, and teach.
We worship together on a daily basis, so that our
experience of God’s Word and sacraments would not be
through head knowledge alone. The faculty act as
pastors to their flock of students, and the staff as
Christian brothers and sisters. Local congregations are
drawn into the experience through field work, and area
pastors visit for preaching, teaching, and counsel. In
this way, men are moulded into pastors through
immersion in the ministry. The seminary is a true
“seedbed” where pastors are grown, not a factory where
they might be manufactured.
Thus, CLTS is a part of Lutheran Church–Canada, and
fully dedicated to serving her. Although we place great
value on academic integrity and rigour, and thus have
one foot in academia, our weight is shifted decidedly
onto the foot that stands in the church.
Students and Graduates
In her 35 year history CLTS has produced 195
graduates. Of these, 18 are lay men and women who
have attained to the Master of Theological Studies
degree. The remaining 177 graduates entered the
pastoral ministry through ordination, 175 into the
Lutheran Church, and 2 into other confessions. In
accord with our history, a minority of our graduates
have entered into service in the Missouri Synod. Some
serve sister churches and missions abroad. The vast
majority serve in LCC—including a significant number
of Americans, who chose to receive a call to a Canadian
parish at graduation.

After 35 years, it is natural that many of our graduates
would no longer be in active service. Of our 177
pastoral graduates, 133 remain in active ministry, while
25 continue to serve on a part-time basis as ermeriti or
candidates for the ministry (CRM). The remaining 19
are deceased, resigned, or untraceable.
Active
ABC District 10
Central District 16
East District 56
LCC total 82
LCMS in Canada 4
LCMS in USA 38
World Lutheranism 4
Other churches
Inactive
5
CRM 15
Retired 10
Resigned 12
Deceased 4
Whereabouts unknown 3
Total 177
We give thanks to God when we observe the role that
CLTS has served in the development of LCC, noting
that about one third of all her active pastors are
graduates of St. Catharines. In the East District the
proportion is significantly higher. We might also note
that two of the four regular faculty members of CLTS
are graduates of the institution.
The present study body is somewhat lower than it
reached in the peak years of the 1980s and early ’90s.
In the past triennium, the number of men in training for
the holy ministry has been, each year respectively, 27,
23, and 22. In addition, we currently have 2 students in
the M.T.S. degree, and two regular auditors. We
regularly note that the most significant support that
members of LCC can offer to the seminary is to
encourage young men to enter the ministry.
Throughout her history, CLTS has been particularly
international and mission-oriented. Four CLTS
graduates are currently serving abroad. A quick look at
the multi-ethnic composition of our student body shows
that this is likely to continue (and that we are well
equipped to serve ethnic groups within Canada). The
current student body is composed roughly in equal
thirds of Canadians, Americans, and overseas nationals
(e.g., Brazil, China, Korea, India, and Ethiopia), with
additional Canadian-born students who speak such
native languages as Finnish and Greek. Secondly, the
faculties of both LCC seminaries provide the backbone
of teaching staff for LCC’s mission work abroad
E. 62
(Ukraine, Thailand, Nicaragua, and England), and do so
largely at their own expense. Thus mission and
seminary are virtually inseparable.
As a seminary of the church our functions extend far
beyond preparing pastors. Firstly we have had a steady
stream of male and female students, mostly but not
exclusively from within the Lutheran Church, who have
studied theology for diaconal service or for the sheer
joy of it. The Master of Theological Studies degree is
available to qualified students not headed for
ordination. We have also recently re-launched our
evening classes for lay studies. Secondly, our faculty
serve as a significant theological resource to the rest of
the church, sitting on the CTCR, lecturing to pastors’
conferences and circuit events, teaching at workshops,
preaching and serving vacancies, advising church
leaders, and writing theological books and articles. The
seminary also regularly hosts church, university, and
community events (e.g. concerts), lifting the church’s
profile in the world.
Faculty and Staff
Since the last LCC convention the faculty and staff at
CLTS have remained stable. Dr Thomas Winger,
serving since 1999 as tutor at Westfield House,
Cambridge, England (as a deployed member of the
CLTS faculty), took up a residential position in St.
Catharines in August 2006. He serves as Academic
Dean and Dean of Chapel, and since February 2008 has
been Acting President. His teaching specialty is New
Testament and Liturgics. Dr John Stephenson, now in
his third decade on the faculty, is its senior member. He
teaches historical theology, and serves as Registrar and
Director of the Library. Dr William Mundt, active as a
part-time instructor in the seminary’s early days, has
served full-time since 2000. He brings a speciality in
the history of missions, and teaches dogmatics and
evangelism, as well as being Dean of Students and
Director of Development. Rev. James Keller, originally
called to direct Christ Academy North, has
supplemented the regular faculty in the past triennium
in practical theology and world religions, as well as
serving as Director of Recruitment. He is currently on a
half-time contract. The faculty is supplemented by
adjunct professor Rev. Duane Peters (dogmatics), and a
number of area pastors.
Since 2008 CLTS has not had a full-time Development
Officer, but has relied on an External Relations Team
consisting of Dr Mundt and other staff members. We
have also co-ordinated our development work as much
as possible with Rev. Daniel Deyell of CLS, Edmonton.
Thus, for example, we now hold a joint “Seminaries
Sunday” with common materials used across synod. In
addition, we rely greatly on the staff of the LCC

Foundation, who conduct workshops and visits on our
behalf to encourage and aid members to plan gifts and
bequests for seminary work. All CLTS staff work parttime,
and we are thankful to them for providing a great
service to the seminary in limited hours for modest
reward. The following staff members constitute roughly
3 full-time equivalents: Mike Bauer (Business
Manager), Linda Lantz (Administrative Assistant),
Deaconess Bonnie Stephenson (Registrar’s Assistant),
Christel Haeck and Sarah Cavanaugh (librarians), Scott
Allen (Bookkeeper), and Carlos Figueroa (Custodian).
In addition we are grateful for a half dozen or so
volunteers who work mainly in the library, as well as a
dedicated team of mailing volunteers, and the faithful
golf tournament committee.
Major Events in the Past Triennium (2008-11)
We cannot point to a public conference on the scale of
the Sasse Symposium (1995), the C. S. Lewis
Symposium (2006), or the Paul Gerhardt Symposium
(2007); however, we look forward to a modest
conference on the state of Scandinavian Lutheranism,
which launches on the Monday following this
convention. The featured guest is Rev. Juhana Pohjola,
Dean of Luther Foundation–Finland, and pastor of a
Helsinki congregation aligned with the confessional
mission province. Pastor Pohjola is resident in St.
Catharines from January 2011 till July 2012 to work on
his doctorate and serve as a visiting scholar. In
September 2011 we will also welcome Pastor Wilhelm
Torgerson of Wittenberg, Germany, a retired pastor of
the SELK who began his ministry in Canada. He will
serve as a visiting professor, with full financial support
from the Schwan Foundation.
The majority of the past triennium has been occupied
by two large tasks. Firstly, we have worked with the
Task Force on Cost-Efficient, Sustainable Seminary
Education, providing the data they needed to complete
their report. Our seminary faculty’s response to their
proposals is available on our website, and should be
read in conjunction with the report. Although we are
thankful for the task force’s sensible defence of the
two-seminary system, we believe their proposals for
change are not in the interest of high quality seminary
education, and will diminish further the number of
students willing to study for the ministry in Canada. We
hope that the synod will consider carefully the
alternative proposals contained in our response.
The second major task has been our application for full
membership in the Association of Theological Schools
(ATS). Many seminaries use ATS accreditation of their
degrees to help them gain accreditation through their
regional accrediting agency. Since CLTS’s two degrees
are granted by Brock University, we had never pursued
E. 63
ATS accreditation, but have been content with associate
membership. Some years back we were informed that
this category would be phased out, and that we were
required to pursue full accreditation or lose our
affiliation with the ATS. In 2009-10 the faculty
undertook a major self-study, leading to a 100-page
report that was submitted in November 2010. The ATS
Commission on Accreditation have accepted our selfstudy,
and have scheduled an on-site visit for April
2011. We anticipate a successful outcome.
Through emeritus professor Roger Humann, CLTS
continues to take responsibility for the pastoral
education programme of LCC’s mission in Nicaragua
(now constituted as the ILSN). Since classes were first
held (June 2000), approximately 85 pastors and
deaconesses have graduated and are serving more than
25 congregations and missions in Nicaragua, as well as
missions in Honduras and Costa Rica. We have
received word that the Schwan Foundation will fund the
next cycle of courses. The first classes will begin in
October, with Dr Humann teaching New Testament
Introduction, and Rev. Dr Ralph Mayan teaching
Christian Doctrine I. In addition to participants from
Nicaragua, there will be students from Honduras and
Costa Rica. The LCMS may also channel a few
students our way. With the assistance of a number of
groups visiting from LCC, the 250-seat chapel at the
mission centre and seminary has been finished. A
stained-glass window in the form of Luther’s Rose was
made by volunteers from Resurrection, St. Catharines.
Governance and Accreditation
Serving on the CLTS Board of Regents in the past
synodical triennium were: Rev. Robert Krestick,
chairman (2011); Rev. James Heinbuch, vice-chairman
(2011); Rev. Brian Dunlop, secretary (2014); Mr Peter
Dobias (2014), Rev. James Scholz (2014), Mr David
Schutz (2011), Mr Wayne Timm (2011), and Rev.
Allen Maleske (ex officio). In 2009 Rev. Maleske was
replaced by Rev. Paul Zabel in his capacity as East
District President. Mr Peter Dobias resigned in 2010,
owing to work obligations, and has not been replaced.
Rev. Dr Thomas Winger, Acting President, is the
board’s executive officer.
CLTS is an Associate Member of the ATS, seeking full
accreditation in 2011 (see above). Concordia’s two
degrees, M.Div. and M.T.S., are granted by Brock
University, of which CLTS is an affiliate graduate
college.
Finances
The seminary’s long-term debt has been an item of
deep public concern in LCC since the last convention.
$405,000 owed to LCC and financed by the East

District CEF, represents the accumulation of many
years of small deficits from the early 1980s to 2002. In
a brief period of time, from 2006-08, an additional
$400,000 was added to the debt through a combination
of factors, including budgets with expanded
programmes and unrealistic expectations of income,
declining student enrolment, and the stock market crash
that decimated our endowment income.
Over the past three years we have taken strong action to
bring our expenses into line with our income. From a
peak of $1.1 million, the budget has been reduced to
$740,000. At the end of the 2009-10 fiscal year we
reported a deficit of only $28,000. In the present fiscal
year (2010-11), owing primarily to the grace of God in
providing a series of unexpected bequests totalling
some $160,000, and a gift from our Foundation, we
anticipate a surplus of $200,000. The result is that we
will likely arrive at the 2011 convention with our longterm
debt reduced to about $570,000.
It is important for the members of LCC to understand
the seminary’s funding and income streams. Of our
current $740,000 budget, the income very roughly
breaks down as:
� 28% ($205,000) from LCC subsidy (
“missions” giving at the congregational and
district level)
� 20% from student tuition fees
� 25% from unrestricted gifts (donation
campaigns)
� 8% from Foundation interest
� 9% from bequests (on average)
� 10% from restricted gifts, sales, and fund‐
raising activities
We are enormously grateful to LCC for the generous
support we receive through both our subsidy and
private donations. However, we also note that only a
very small portion synod’s members donate directly to
either seminary. There is much room for growth in
financial support.
Looking Ahead
The Task Force report has provided LCC with a
persuasive argument that the present system of two
regionally-based seminaries is best for the future of our
synod. While it might in the short run be cheaper for
LCC to run just one seminary (or none, and to rely on
LCMS seminaries), what is good in the short term can
be devastating in the long. The two pillars on which the
synod stands, her founding purposes, are seminary
education and mission work, doing together what
congregations cannot do alone. The synod’s long-term
strategy cannot be to save money at any cost, but to
produce sufficient pastors to fill the needs of the
E. 64
church’s parishes and missions. We pray that the
synodical delegates will see the wisdom in maintaining
the present system of doing this crucial synodical work
in the present eastern and western locations, with coordination
from the centre.
In our seminary faculty’s response to the Task Force
report, we provided a series of proposals to do this
work more efficiently, and to improve the two
seminaries’ future.
(1) We believe that we should not so quickly accede to
the belief that the members of our church “cannot
materially increase their support of the seminaries”.
God has richly blessed our members in this, one of
the world’s richest countries. With good
stewardship, faithful preaching of Law and Gospel,
and a concentrated synod-wide effort to raise
money for the support of theological education, the
small gap between income and expenses at our
seminaries can be met. Such a campaign, if it is to
have lasting effects, should include erasing the
seminaries’ debts and building up their endowment
funds.
(2) We need to consider alternatives to our present
voluntary system of supporting synodical work. If
seminaries and missions are the fundamental
purposes for the existence of the synod, then
support for this joint work ought to be shared
equally and with obligation among all members of
synod. Some synodical expenses (such as
conventions) are already handled through
congregational assessment; it is worthwhile at least
considering an extension of this system. Shared
equally, the cost of the two seminaries is extremely
small.
(3) LCC’s two seminaries are committed to joint
efforts in areas that will bear the most fruit. We
have proposed that development and recruitment
be centralised and be conducted jointly. In this way
the members of synod will be encouraged to think
of theological education as one task conducted
through two seminaries.
(4) We believe that the quality of pastoral education
and formation should not be sacrificed to save
money. A high-quality faculty is the heart of the
seminary. We are prepared to reduce costs in many
areas of seminary operations, but reducing the size
of the faculty will not help the seminaries to
produce good quality pastors or to attract new
students.
(5) While extensive use of distance education
technology is not well suited to pastoral formation,
it has its place in classes with a highly academic
content. We are already using video
teleconferencing to share some classes with our

sister seminary in Edmonton, and intend to
increase this co-operation. We also hope to offer
pre-seminary and “taster” classes to potential
students through the internet.
(6) The Boards of Regents, faculty, and students of
LCC’s two seminaries are committed to growing
together through the kinds of joint efforts discussed
above. Though it is impractical, we believe, to
merge the two seminary institutions, we intend to
work towards greater operational unity, with the
hope also of fostering unity and understanding of
one another in the synod.
(7) We believe that a student residence is vital to a
bright future for our seminary. Having our own
residence will improve enrolment, as potential
students always ask about a place to live. A
residence will also improve the seminary
community, and help develop the students’ human
skills. We have located a site near the seminary
that is ideal for such a residence, and has the space
and potential for a retirement home as an ancillary
project. The two building projects together would
have significant financial benefit for the seminary.
FACULTY
E. 65
Institutional Reports
1. Regular current academic faculty, full-time total
Male
Female
% Professors
% Associate Professors
% Assistant Professors
% Instructors
The perceived crisis of seminary education in LCC can
be a self-fulfilling prophecy. We believe that enrolment
has declined partly because of students’ uncertainty
over the seminaries’ future. We hope and pray,
therefore, that this convention will offer its full support
to the seminaries, putting in place a sound plan for their
future, and enabling the church to unite in supporting
the crucial work of studying God’s Word and teaching
its preachers.
We must not forget in the end that the primary mandate
of preparing men for Christ’s office in His church
continues unabated at Concordia. The Word of God is
taught and proclaimed. And as it is likewise taught and
proclaimed in LCC, we believe that your support for
our work will also continue unabated as the Lord gives
us all strength for our labour.
CLS
Edm
3
3
33%
33%
33%
% With earned doctorate (post-secondary faculty) 66%
% With M.A. plus (post-secondary faculty)
% With less than M.A. (post-secondary faculty)
Average years of service to college or seminary
% with synodical education or colloquized
2. Part-time faculty
3. FTE of part-time faculty
33%
12
100%
5
1
Thomas M. Winger
Acting President
CLTS
St Cath
3.5*
4
25%
50%
25%
75%
25%
13
100%
8
1.4

E. 66
4. Number of regular faculty released since last convention
5. Number of regular faculty added since last convention
6. Number of professional (FTE)[e.g. devel/recruit, etc.]
7. Number of other support staff [e.g. cleric/maint, etc.]
STUDENTS
1. Full-time Current Student Enrollments
High School
First Year (college or seminary)
Second Year (college or seminary)
Third Year (college or seminary)
Fourth Year (college or seminary)
Special Programs
% Male
% Minority
% In Church Work Program
Grand total enrolment (headcount)
Total full-time equivalent (FTE)
% Increase or (decrease) from last year in FTE's
2a. Origin of students at colleges
% from LCC congregations
% from other Lutheran churches
% from other Christian churches
% from other religions
% unchurched or unknown
2b. Origin of students at seminaries
% from LCC colleges
% from other Lutheran colleges
% from other public institutions
CLS
Edm
1.2
3
15
6
2
5
5
3
100%
5%
21
(4)
80%
13%
CLTS
St Cath
0
0
0
7
18
6
6
4
3
7
96%
27%
100%
26
20
(4)
0
4%
96%

% from other church-related schools
3. Financial Aid for Students
E. 67
% of students receiving aid (all forms, including loans)
Average amount per recipient from college/seminary, district and/or
Synod
Ratio of this aid to current annual tuition
4a. Placement figures for colleges: Graduates eligible for church work
positions (include college transfers to seminary) in the most recent
year
Number in pastoral ministry
Number in teaching ministry (include DCE’s) (DPS's)
Number in other church work categories
% increase or decrease from last year
Number completing colloquy over the past three years (total)
4b. Placement figures for seminaries in the most recent year
Number to parishes
Number to colleges
Number to Synod or district
Number to missions
Placement deferred
5. Student Services provided
% of students in residence
Number of resident counselors provided
Number of intercollegiate sports for men
Number of intercollegiate sports for women
Total number of intramural sports offered
FINANCES: (last complete fiscal school year)
1. Operating income, restricted and unrestricted, (bottom line) for
last year in millions to the nearest tenth
% of E & G income supplied by synodical subsidy
CLS
Edm
7%
67%***
8,600****
1.47:1
3
+50%
3
.72
12%
CLTS
St Cath
0
87%
$5 055
66%
4
.86
28%

E. 68
CLS CLTS
Edm St Cath
% of E & G income in tuition and fees 5% 20%
% of E & G income from development
2. Capital expenditures since last convention
Number of new buildings added
Number of old buildings renovated
Total cost of major capital expenditures to nearest tenth of a
million since last convention
3. Current fund balance (or deficit) form most recent audit to
nearest tenth of a million
4. Current indebtedness to nearest tenth of a million
Capital (if any)
(Operating (if any)
5. Current level of endowment funds to nearest tenth of a million
Restricted
Unrestricted
PHYSICAL FACILITIES:
1. Total acreage of campus (owned and rented/leased)
2. Total number of buildings (owned and rented/leased)
3. Total square footage of buildings to nearest hundred thousand
(owned and rented/leased)
4. Current total estimated dollar value of campus land and
buildings (to the nearest tenth of a million)
5. Number of athletic and recreational fields
ACCREDITATION (Yes or No)
1. Provincial level
2. Regional
3. National, of at least one programme
4. Year of most recent accreditation visit
5. Year of next scheduled visit
68%
-0.88
3.30
3.37
3.17
1
1
0.12
1.7
38%
$37 059
0
0
0
-0.78**
0.8**
0
0.8**
2.44
1.06
1.38
1
1
0.15
1.4
0
No
No
No
2011

E. 69
*One regular faculty member is currently on a half-time contract while he completes his doctorate.
**These figures represent the CLTS deficit/debt as of 30/06/10. By the end of the current fiscal year,
the debt will be significantly lower.
***Open Studies students do not qualify for internal financial aid.
**** We do not keep complete records of district and synod aid.
REPORT 22: INTERNATIONAL LUTHERAN LAYMEN’S LEAGUE
(Lutheran Hour Ministries)
Introduction
The International Lutheran Laymen’s League (Int’l
LLL) has been focused on its mission of Bringing
Christ to the Nations – and the Nations to the Church
for over 90 years. As a grassroots auxiliary of nearly
100,000 volunteers of the Lutheran Church – Missouri
Synod and Lutheran Church – Canada, LHM’s primary
purpose is to share the Gospel of Jesus where He is
needed most, often in ways that the organized church
cannot. Because of God’s great blessings and the
success He granted through The Lutheran Hour radio
program, in 1992 the Int’l LLL captured the essence of
our ministry by adopting the title Lutheran Hour
Ministries (LHM) to better describe our outreach
ministries. Thus, the International Lutheran Laymen’s
League is the corporate name under which we do
business; Lutheran Hour Ministries is what we do.
Lutheran Hour Ministries operates with three initiatives
statements in mind. We:
1. Powerfully proclaim Christ’s love in the public
arena so the unchurched can, by God’s power,
come to know and respond to Christ’s love.
2. Equip Lutheran Church members worldwide
with adequate skills and a passion to share
their faith and welcome the unchurched.
3. Engage Lutheran Church congregations
worldwide in a commitment to reach all
nations, all peoples, all in Christ.
In pursuit of these initiatives, LHM uses various
Christian media outreach tools to support churches
worldwide in their efforts to nurture those in the faith,
and reach the hurting and lost of the world with the
Gospel of Jesus Christ. LHM produces Christian radio
and TV programming, Internet outreach, new
communications technologies and print
communications, dramas, music, to reach unchurched
people in the U.S. and over 30 countries around the
globe.
By God’s grace, millions of people have been touched
by LHM programming and outreach tools each year and
many thousands are referred to churches around the
world where they can be trained in their faith and
engaged in Christian service.
All ministry activities of LHM are funded solely
through the generous contributions of our loyal
supporters who believe in our mission of reaching the
lost with the Gospel.
God’s Blessings to LHM’s Outreach in the Past
Triennium
LHM conducted an evaluation of all programming and
outreach offerings to assess their effectiveness and
adherence to the primary mission of the organization.
Below is a summary of God’s blessings in key
ministries programs during the past triennium:
� The Lutheran Hour - LHM's flagship
program has aired since 1930 and is the
world’s longest-running Christian outreach
radio program. Now aired on more than 1350
stations in North America, on Sirius XM
Satellite Radio, on the American Forces
Network, the Lutheran Hour is available
anytime for download on computer or Ipod.
Pastor Kenneth Klaus retired at the end of
2010 but will continue to provide limited
services to LHM. Rev. Greg Seltz was
selected as new Lutheran Hour Speaker in
January and brings much experience and
excellent skills to the office. We praise God
for these two servants. Para el Camino is the
Spanish version of The Lutheran Hour heard
in the U.S. and several Spanish speaking
countries and is also available on the Web with
over 2,300 downloads weekly.
(www.lutheranhour.org)
� Woman to Woman – The Woman to Woman
radio program was reinstated in 2008 to
promote women’s well-being and spiritual
growth through in-depth discussions of
women’s issues. The program is broadcast on
nearly 300 radios stations - most of which are
secular – and is available on the Internet and
for podcast downloads.
(www.womantowomanradio.com)

� Men’s NetWork – The focus of this new
men’s ministry is to provide men with
resources and opportunities to grow in faith
and to learn - through service, fellowship and
leadership – how to be what God has called
them to be in their families, churches and
communities. Video-based Bible studies of
various topics have been very popular
resources. By God’s grace, this program could
well be a catalyst for rebirth of young men’s
involvement and engagement in the church.
(www.lhmmen.com)
� Project Connect - An indispensable outreach
booklet ministry resource for churches and
business that uses displays featuring 55 topical
LHM booklets, written from a Christian
perspective, to help church members in their
daily challenges and to share Christ with the
lost and hurting.
(www.lhm.org/projectconnect)
� Mission U –Lutheran Hour Ministries’ new
witnessing-training program is designed to
provide lay people with the tools and training
needed to confidently share Jesus Christ with
people in diverse settings. Mission U provides
a number of course options addressing topics
that meet a individual and congregation’s
specific witnessing-training needs.
(http://www.whatsmissionu.com)
� five14 - A community where teens and young
adults communicate online and in person to
make a life-changing impact on their
generation with the love of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 5:14 says, "You are the light of the
world." five14 is a place to learn how to shine
bright for Christ in the lives of friends and
classmates. (http://www.whatsfive14.com)
� Global Work & Witness – Mission trips offer
cross-cultural volunteer opportunities to
churches, schools, and other groups to share
Christ’s love in foreign fields. Projects
include construction, children’s events, and
medical clinics in partnership with LHM’s
international ministry centers.
(www.lhm.org/globalmission)
� JCPlayZone.com – A safe, Christian Web site
for children which features interactive games,
animated Bible stories, crafts and more.
JCParentZone.com is a companion site
which provides resources and ideas for parents
E. 70
in addressing common family concerns.
(www.jcplayzone.com) and
(www.jcparentzone.com)
� Daily Devotions – Provided in written and
audio form to offer comfort and spiritual
insight for daily living.
(http://www.lhm.org/dailydevotions.asp).
LHM also provides special online devotionals
during Advent and Lent.
� International Ministries – Working in over
30 countries, LHM has established ministry
centers manned by nationals from those
countries to serve the spiritual needs of the
people of these cultures. Tools used
extensively include: Bible Correspondence
Courses, prison ministry, youth ministry,
music and drama, holistic ministry as well as a
variety of media tools. Involvement in these
international ministries provides local
congregations opportunities to learn of, and
engage in worldwide Gospel outreach.
(http://www.lhm.org/intlportal/default.asp)
The Results of God’s Blessings:
By God’s grace, LHM’s various programs as outlined
above have result in over 1,000,000 Gospel message
touches each week in the United States. Outreach
through our international programs has, by the power of
the Holy Spirit, netted nearly 570,000 responses,
52,000 referrals to congregations and 12,750
connections to in those churches annually. At any one
time, over 250,000 people are engaged in Bible
correspondence courses offered through our
international ministry centers to introduce people to
Jesus and Biblical principals of our faith. God has truly
blessed the work of Lutheran Hour Ministries.
Actions to Change Governance and Structure
Significant structural changes were approved at the
2010 Convention of the Int’l LLL. Beginning in 2012, a
new smaller policy-based Board of Directors will take
charge of the organization, their selection based on
specific skill sets determined to be most desirable for
visionary leadership. Policies are now being developed
to support this new governance structure. Although the
representation by regional governors will be absent,
districts, zones, groups and other ministry communities
will continue to function in support of the mission of
LHM.
The Int’l LLL’s first biennial convention will be held in
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan July 24 – 31, 2012. LHM
Regional Outreach Conferences were initiated through
2011 as opportunities for training and encouragement

of God’s people to be mission-minded witnesses for
Jesus Christ, ready and able to speak His truth to
struggling souls. These events are being held at
convention and resort sites in the U.S. and Canada and
are designed to take the story of what God is doing
through the ministries to a local level and offer ministry
opportunities to a new audience, building grassroots
excitement, engagement and support.
(http://www.lhm.org/roc)
The Future:
By God’s grace, LHM will continue to serve the
LCMS, LCC and its partner churches around the world
E. 71
through vibrant domestic and international ministry in
general, with focus especially on these core areas: The
Lutheran Hour, the Men’s NetWork and
International Ministries. LHM will also continue to
develop, enhance, promote and lead evangelism
outreach training which engages Lutheran laymen in
witness opportunities, and by the power of the Holy
Spirit, integrates those who respond into active and
committed life in the church.
Submitted by Michael Onnen
President
REPORT 23: LUTHERAN WOMEN’S MISSIONARY LEAGUE – CANADA
The 2009-2012 triennium began with strategic planning
and resulted in the adoption of new mission and vision
statements. The mission of Lutheran Women’s
Missionary League–Canada is:
To Equip, Motivate and Encourage Women to Grow in
God’s Word; Serve God’s people; and Share God’s
Son.
The Vision Statement is:
Ignited by the grace of God, members of Lutheran
Women’s Missionary League–Canada are actively
encouraging women in the study of God’s Word so they
are passionate in sharing the Gospel through word and
deed.
Growing in Faith Seminars
For the first time since the formation of LWML–
Canada, a leadership training seminar will be held
bringing together current and future leaders. Chosen
Servants...Shine Like Stars, prepared by members of the
League, will be held October 27-30, 2011 in Edmonton,
Alberta. Purpose statement: to equip and encourage
women to be comfortable and competent in using their
God-given gifts so that they lead in the way God has
called them. Keynote speaker: Dr. Mary Hilgendorf,
Professor of Education, Concordia University
Wisconsin. Following the seminar in October, materials
will be used in the Districts.
An inspirational seminar was written and distributed to
LWMLC Districts in February of 2011. Good Lord,
What Do I Do? (God’s Direction – Your Decisions) is
based on Proverbs 3:5-6. Purpose Statement: Through
God’s Word women are: * empowered for God
pleasing decision making * enabled to trust God in all
circumstances *equipped to support others. LWMLC
members were encouraged to make these seminars
available to all women of Lutheran Church–Canada and
women in their communities.
Lutheran Women…Together in the Word
Considering our mission and vision statement and the
2012 convention theme, Hold Fast to the Word, a plan
to bring all women of LCC together to study God’s
Word was presented to and approved by the LCC Board
of Directors. The LWMLC Christian Growth
Committee will oversee the plan which will be ready in
the fall of 2012.
LWML–Canada Sunday
Is a special day of thanksgiving and information which
will continue to be part of LWMLC plans. Although a
full service and sermon will no longer be provided,
resources including a litany for mission grants, a video
highlighting the activities and mission of our league and
service ideas for LCC congregations will be produced.
Encouraging One Another in Faith
LWML–Canada uses a variety of media to share God's
Word, encouraging women to grow in God's Word,
serve God's people and share God's Son. Print media
includes Tapestry, a magazine for today's Christian
woman filled with inspirational articles, Bible studies,
ideas for service and encouragement. A quarterly
newsletter aimed at encouraging and equipping
LWMLC leaders, Get Connected, is provided both in
print and online. LWML–Canada Update and LWMLC
News, both online and available at no cost to
subscribers, provide news and information in a more
timely fashion than print allows. Much information and
many resources can be found on the LWML–Canada
website, www.lutheranwomen.ca. A page on Facebook
provides a means of holding conversations of matters of
faith with Lutheran women.
Although societies and zones are, at times, struggling to
find leaders, new plans have been put in place to assist

them with structure. The emphasis is placed not on
numbers, but rather on purpose and carrying out the
mission of the league. Encouragement is given to
remain connected to LWML–Canada and to invite and
involve more LCC women in events that will give them
opportunities to work together in fulfilling the mission
of the church.
Working Together in Faith
The LWML–Canada 8 th national convention will be
held July 5-8, 2012, under the theme Hold Fast to the
Word based on 1 Corinthians 15:2. Keynote speaker
will be Dr. Mary Hilgendorf. Plans are also in progress
to bring two mission speakers to the convention. Other
events will include interest sessions, a mission walk and
servant events.
Members of LWML–Canada through societies, zones
and districts continue to remain active in mission
E. 72
service projects including: gathering kits and quilting
for CLWR, serving in their congregations and
communities, joining mission teams and in numerous
ways reaching out with hands and hearts to share God’s
love.
Putting Faith into Action
$343,708.97 of the League's $401,225 budget was
received and disbursed in the 2006-2009 triennium. All
financial responsibilities were met. Grants paid totalled
$99,500, with $500 of the Mission Opportunity Fund
not dispersed as no further requests fitting the criteria
were received.
The adopted 2009-2012 Mission Program of
$421,092.00 includes a Mission Grant goal of
$125,000. Mission Grants were selected by the voting
body and, as of December 2010, the following have
been paid:
Sewing School Support, Chinandega, Nicaragua $12,000 Completed
Mission Bus, La Ronge, Saskatchewan 18,000 Completed
Mission Supplies, Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine 6,000 Completed
Training of Deaf Leaders (pastor & deaconess) 13,000 3,000 Paid
Women Evangelists, Thailand 6,000 Completed
Mission Outreach, Costa Rica 35,000 Completed
Mission Opportunity Fund 35,000 12,000 paid
MOF requests submitted and paid to-date
CLTS students to SE Asia 5,000
Female Evangelist and Missionary Support 7,000
Total $125,000
Paid to-date $92,000
Our gracious God has blessed us richly as He grants us
strength and joy to serve Him; wisdom as we grow in
His Word; and compassion and love to reach women
around the world with the message of His Salvation
through Christ our Saviour.
REPORT 24: CONCORDIA LUTHERAN MISSION SOCIETY
Partners in the gospel
The gospel was first preached in Europe when God
called the missionary/apostle Paul from Asia to
Macedonia in a vision. Paul first stopped in Philippi, a
Roman colony and preached the gospel to a group of
women by the river. Paul records that the resulting
congregation sent him aid again and again when he was
in Thessalonica. Years later when Paul was in prison in
Rome he wrote to them after they had again sent him
aid and one of their members, Epaphroditus. He calls
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Grande, President
those from Philippi “partners in the gospel” because of
the support they gave to his ministry.
Philippians 1: 3-5 I thank my God every time I
remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always
pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel
from the first day until now.
Philippians 1:5 is the theme verse of CLMS. It is our
pleasure to provide this report of what God is

accomplishing through our ministry by the support of
our partners in mission who fund the projects God has
led us to accept over this triennium.
Projects:
Ukraine Seminary
The project that received the most prayer and focus this
triennium was the construction of the seminary building
at Usatua, a suburb of Odessa, Ukraine. In 2008 we
reported that the funding sent that year should complete
the building. The super inflation rate in Ukraine at that
time did not allow the building to be completed and two
projects appeared on our list in 2009 for this seminary
building totaling $40,000.
Thanks to the generous support of our mission partners
and a mission festival organized by President Bugbee
this amount was sent along with over $20,000 in donor
initiated funds that came primarily from Holy Cross,
Kitchener. This funding allowed the completion of the
first two floors. $15,000 of this funding was reserved
for the installation of the gas service to this building.
The two floors that were completed provided adequate
classroom and library space, a dining room, kitchen and
faculty suite on the first floor and dormitory rooms on
the second floor. These areas needed to be completed
before the next set of seminary classes could start.
In August of 2010 the building was dedicated with two
board members of CLMS present – Rev. Dr. Norman
Threinen and Rev. Albert Schmidt. Seminary training
for eight new pastoral candidates began in September of
2010 with Dr. Threinen leading the first two sessions.
As I write this Rev. Schmidt is in Ukraine leading the
third session. We, along with the Ukraine church
(SELCU), rejoice and give glory to God for this
building that will become the foundation building for
this new Lutheran Synod.
During early construction a third floor was added to the
plans. This area was “roughed in” during construction
and remains to be completed. For now the Ukraine
Church is setting construction aside at this site to
concentrate on other ministry priorities. The completion
of the third floor will no doubt appear as a project some
time in the future.
The project budgets for CLMS were $116,050 in 2008,
$120,000 for 2009, and $129,000 for 2010. In 2008 all
projects needs were funded. In 2009 all project needs
were funded with the use of accumulated surpluses.
Also some project requirements changed requiring less
funds to meet the needs of the project.
Trends in donations
In 2010 our projects income dropped from $125,122 in
2009 to $101,645; a 19% reduction. We were $27,355
E. 73
short of our projects budget. We speculate that the large
number of appeals in 2010 for natural disaster relief
resulted in donor fatigue. By the use of all remaining
undesignated surpluses all projects except two were
funded. Project 1019 (Ukraine {Pervomaisk} Church
Construction) was partially funded and is on our list for
2011 at an amount less the portion funded in 2010.
Project 1015 (Winnipeg Oromos outreach van) was not
funded and will appear again in 2011. CLMS has an
internal policy that once a project is accepted it will
remain on our list until funded as long as the project
need does not change. A large portion of the 2010 funds
were not able to be sent to Synod office for
disbursement until after our board meeting in February
2011 where decisions were made on how available
funding could be best disbursed. While it was
disappointing to carry projects over to the next year for
the first time, we also rejoiced in the 17 projects that
our mission partners were inspired to fund.
Operational costs for seminary programs
The operational costs of the previous two Ukraine
seminary programs at Kamenka were funded by grants
from the Schwan Foundation with CLMS fundraising
for the costs involved for the volunteer professor’s
travel and living expenses. In 2010 LCC applied to the
Schwan Foundation for a grant for operational costs for
the seminary programs in Ukraine, Nicaragua and
Thailand/Cambodia. Unfortunately there were not
enough funds available for all three programs and the
Ukraine program was not funded. In 2010 CLMS was
able to fund the seminary costs in Odessa since only
one semester was being taught (two six week sessions).
For 2011 the cost for the whole year will be almost
$40,000. This amount is beyond the capability of
CLMS to fundraise for as a single project. A single
$40,000 project would leave many other mission
project needs unmet.
The installation of the gas to the seminary building was
delayed again and again by external circumstances and
as seminary classes entered November a decision was
made to purchase some coal fired boilers that could be
used as back up units since the price of gas in Ukraine
is quite unstable. The units were purchased with donor
initiated funds from Holy Cross, Kitchener. When the
grant request to Schwan was not accepted discussions
were held with the leaders of SELCU. A decision was
made to abandon the gas project altogether and use the
funds held in reserve for the operation of the seminary
program in 2011 along with a request to CLMS for a
project to fund raise for the remainder that would be
required. LCC will again approach the Schwan
foundation for funding for the 2012 program. We
commend this future application to the prayers of the
church.

2011 CLMS projects
After prayerful consideration the following projects
were accepted for 2011:
� Project #1101 Seminary Training, Odessa,
Ukraine - $22,000.
� Project #1102 Vacation Bible School,
Nicaragua - $6,000.
� Project #1103 Children’s Christian Education,
Costa Rica - $6,000.
� Project #1104 Missionary Rev. Suchat Chujit,
Thailand - $8,500.
� Project #1105 Children’s Christian Education,
Nicaragua - $7,500.
� Project #1106 Orphans and Sick Children,
Ukraine - $2,420.
� Project #1107 Orphans, Aged and Prisoners,
Ukraine - $2,750.
� Project #1108 PAT Program, Canada -
$16,673.
� Project #1109 Deaconess Support, Nicaragua
- $4,500.
� Project #1110 Summer Bible Camp, Ukraine -
$6,050.
� Project #1111 Lutheran Literature, Ukraine -
$2,200.
� Project #1112 New Mission Rent, Sabaco,
Nicaragua - $1,200.
� Project #1113 Rental of Facilities, Costa Rica
- $6,700.
� Project #1114 Rental of Facilities, Rivas,
Nicaragua - $5,500.
In addition to the above projects, portions of two
projects were carried forward into 2011 from 2010:
� Project #1015 Van for a Mission to Oromos,
Winnipeg - $16,890.
� Project #1019 Construction of a Church,
Pervomaisk, Ukraine - $3,082.
Total cost of all 2011 Projects is $117,963 with $97,991
dedicated to new projects. Unfortunately that left nine
project requests, totaling almost $50,000 that we are
unable to fund this year. This is hard for our mission
society to do but our projects goal for 2011 is more than
$16,000 higher than our income for 2010. The setting
of our projects goal is done only after sincere prayer
seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Detailed
project descriptions can be found on our website at
www.concordiamission.org.
Communicating the good news of missions
What is surprising, as you move about our Synod, is the
number of people who are not aware of the tremendous
blessings God has showered on our Synod’s overseas
mission work over more than a decade. This is despite
E. 74
the great work Synod’s communications committee is
doing with the internet.
Also, many have never heard of CLMS despite having
our publication, the Mission Advocate, inserted into
The Canadian Lutheran twice a year for more than a
decade. CLMS continues to work on mission education.
With the reduction of publications of The Canadian
Lutheran we now only have one issue of The Mission
Advocate inserted annually. These inserts feature
mission articles from our missionaries and the many
volunteers who travel to our mission locations as
educators, builders, VBS leaders and the like. The
inserts also bring news from CLMS, project updates,
and other mission articles. We also continue to maintain
and upgrade our website – concordiamissions.org –
where we provide a wealth of information about our
projects, including updates; about our history, board
members, resources for congregations, and an archives
section. In 2010 a “donate now” button was added to
our website to accommodate the increasing number of
web savvy individuals who prefer this method of
donating. We also attempt to attend as many
conventions in the Synod as we are able without airfare
expense. We have a display board and power point
presentation to bring our mission story to
conventioneers. We also produce some resources for
congregations to use on CLMS Sunday in May each
year. These resources do not include any appeals.
Direct donor requests
Our development committee now uses three mail
appeals and one appeal in the issue of the Mission
Advocate as our main fundraising vehicles. We are also
working on other vehicles such as bequests. A brochure
for bequests was created in 2009. We have also created
a new “CLMS Brochure” and are also seeking ways to
increase the number of names on our mailing list. Our
donors represent only a very small percentage of LCC
families. If you are reading this and are not on our list, I
invite you to fill out the form at our booth at the
convention. We are sure there are a great many other
mission-minded individuals who would greatly enjoy
the opportunity to participate with us as mission
partners in our ministry.
Ministry and Projects
Our Ministry & Projects committee solicits project
proposals primarily from Synod’s mission executive but
also from our missionaries, from the emerging church
entities, and occasionally from District mission
executives and from sister Synods of ILC. We intently
seek God’s guidance as we prioritize projects and set a
projects budget. It is our ongoing desire to be lead by
the Spirit in this work. The Ministry & Projects
committee also attempts to get follow up information

on funded projects in order to provide feed back to our
mission partners.
CLMS board working together
CLMS meets only once in person annually. We rotate
through the three districts seeking a host congregation
for our annual meeting. This triennium we had our
annual directors meeting and annual meeting at First
Lutheran Church of Windsor, Ontario in 2009 with
Oleg Schewtschenko as our speaker. In 2010 our
meetings were held at Zion Lutheran Church of
Yorkton, SK. A mission festival was added to the
annual meeting with Rev. Robert Bugbee preaching. In
2011 our meetings were held at Prince of Peace
Lutheran Church and School in Calgary, AB. A mission
festival was also included after the annual meeting with
Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel as the preacher.
Our sincere thanks to the congregations and pastors
who have hosted us this triennium and our speakers
who have brought news of our churches mission
endeavors. The board also has one teleconference
meeting annually, and operates a virtual year round
meeting via email. Without email the work we do
would be much harder and much more expensive.
More than 1500 emails are circulated annually enabling
the board members from across Canada to remain in
constant contact.
2011 Board of Directors
Terry Goerz of High Prairie, AB (President)
Rev. Cliff Haberstock of Edmonton, AB (Vice
President and Director of Development)
William Andrew of Campbell River, BC (Treasurer and
Assistant Director of Development)
Anne Taylor of Ottawa, ON (Secretary and Assistant
Director of Mission Education)
Charlene VanderGriendt of Kitchener, On (Director of
Mission Education)
Rev. Albert Schmidt of Edmonton, AB (Director of
Ministry and Projects)
Greetings in the name of Christ our Lord.
E. 75
Marilyn Swain of Winnipeg, MB (Assistant Director of
Mission Education and Assistant Director of Ministry
and Projects)
Dr. Francisco Moro of Windsor, ON. (Assistant
Director of Development)
Rev. Dr. Edwin Lehman continues to serve as an
advisor to the board of directors.
These directors, with the assistance of some other
committee members, carry out all the work of the
society. We have no paid staff, and we work hard at
keeping our operational costs to a minimum. If funds
are received designated for a mission project no
deduction is made for operational expenses, the entire
amount is sent on to the project. Operational expenses
are primarily covered by donations specified for
operations, with small amounts occasionally required
from funds directed to “wherever needed”.
As Paul did in his letter to the Philippians I must
convey our sincere thanks to all those who have
partnered with us in supporting the mission outreach of
our Synod. I am confident that as Paul prayed for the
people of the church in Philippi, the recipients of the
gifts that have been send are also praying for those who
sent them.
We will have a display booth at the convention. Drop
by our booth to see our material and talk missions. We
will have book marks for all and we will have the best
candies!!
Our Vision
Empowered by God's own mission to save the world,
the mission of Concordia Lutheran Mission Society, an
Auxiliary of Lutheran Church Canada, is to enlist the
prayers, gifts, and energies of God's people in Lutheran
Church–Canada to share the gospel of Jesus Christ
wherever God provides opportunity.
REPORT 25: CANADIAN LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF
As Executive Director of Canadian Lutheran World
Relief, it is my pleasure to present this brief report to
the Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) Synod
Convention.
International community development work continues
to be a central focus of CLWR. As I write this report,
we are in the midst of Year 3 of a five-year agreement
Respectfully submitted:
Terry Goerz, President
with the Canadian International Development Agency
(CIDA). The agreement acts as a blueprint for our
ongoing community development work in five
countries: Bolivia and Peru in Latin America,
Mozambique and Zambia in Africa, and India. Over
this five-year period, CLWR, along with its partners, is
implementing programs that are helping families to
feed themselves, providing healthier living conditions,
raising awareness of HIV and AIDS, enhancing
education and training, and improving gender relations.

The total budget for this program is $12 million, 25
percent of that being provided by CLWR and the
balance by CIDA.
In addition to community development work carried out
under the CIDA agreement, CLWR is proud to be
partnering with Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) to
support community development projects of the Iglesia
Luterana Sinodo de Nicaragua (ILSN). One example of
this partnership is CLWR’s continuing support for a
scholarship component of ISLN’s Christian Children
Education Program. The scholarship provides for the
required school uniform, shoes, backpack and school
supplies that many parents are not able to afford. There
are over 750 children enrolled in the program. CLWR
has provided support for about 250 children.
CLWR is also helping to fund a medical and dental
clinic operated by ILSN. The medical clinic, which
began operations in May 2009, sees patients every
Thursday, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and remaining open
until all have seen the doctor. The clinic is staffed by
qualified medical personnel who see an average of 40-
45 patients each week. In treating a whole range of
concerns, the clinic provides the most common types of
medication prescribed as many of the patients are
unable to afford the medication themselves. In
November 2010, I was blessed with the opportunity to
personally visit the clinic and some of the ISLN schools
to witness first-hand the needs that are being met by
this valuable mission project.
Other ongoing and noteworthy community
development work includes several food security
projects in Ethiopia and Zambia that are being carried
out by CLWR through its membership in the Canadian
Foodgrains Bank as well as assistance for programming
at the Augusta Victoria Hospital in East Jerusalem and
at the Beit Hanina and Ramallah campuses of the LWF
Vocational Training Centre.
In 2009, CLWR celebrated its 30th year of participation
in Canada’s Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program
(PSRP) as a Sponsorship Agreement Holder. During the
last two fiscal years, CLWR has helped congregations
and groups in submitting refugee applications for 446
persons and preparing for the arrival of 75 newcomers
to Canada.
June 2010 was particularly exciting for a committed
and determined team of volunteer members from
Calgary’s Foothills Lutheran Church as they welcomed
a refugee couple from Ethiopia. Since 1979, CLWR has
assisted Lutheran sponsorship groups across the country
in bringing close to 10,000 refugees to Canada. Despite
these efforts, the need for refugee sponsorship
E. 76
initiatives remains critical. Some 43 million persons
worldwide remain forcibly displaced from their home
countries.
In order to better serve sponsorship groups, CLWR
maintains refugee offices in Vancouver and Toronto. In
2010, the Toronto office was relocated to Our Saviour
Lutheran Church. We are grateful to the congregation
for making space available in its building for our
Eastern Canada office staff.
Natural disasters disrupt the lives of hundreds of
thousands of people around the globe each year, many
of whom have little capacity to rebuild their
communities and livelihoods. CLWR offers its
supporters a means of responding to many of these
emergencies through its membership in the ACT
Alliance (Action by Churches Together). ACT Alliance
member agencies, including the Lutheran World
Federation, respond with immediate aid as well as
programs to assist with recovery over the longer term.
Between May 2009 and April 2010, CLWR supporters
responded generously to appeals for victims of flooding
in Burma, tropical storms and tsunamis in Southeast
Asia, a humanitarian crisis in the Gaza strip and
earthquakes in China, Indonesia and Haiti. The
response to the January 2010 Haiti quake was
especially moving with $1.2 million being donated in a
two-month span. Some of these funds were allocated to
the Haitian Lutheran Mission Society to assist with the
distribution of tents to provide temporary shelter to
some of the thousands of families whose homes were
destroyed.
The “We Care” donated commodities program
continues to gain momentum. Since May 2009, eight
shipments, with a combined weight of 78,000 kg, have
left Canada destined for places such as the West Bank,
Nicaragua, Mauritania, Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia.
These shipments included nearly 27,000 quilts and
blankets, 22,500 We Care kits and 6,200 baby layettes.
The Nicaragua shipment also marked the beginning of a
new partnership between CLWR and International
H.O.P.E. Canada, a Winnipeg-based organization
devoted to distributing surplus medical equipment and
supplies to the developing world. Along with thousands
of kits and quilts, the Nicaragua shipment included
hospital beds, x-ray machines, wheelchairs, bandages,
pneumonia vests and a dentist’s chair, all destined for
the ISLN medical clinic in Chinandega.
While this report was being prepared, our warehouse
staff was busy preparing for a special shipment of We
Care school packs for Haiti. We extend our
appreciation to the many LCC congregations that
participated in this project, including St. John’s

Lutheran, Nelson, BC, and Ascension Lutheran,
Montreal. A portion of the shipment will be received
and distributed by Reverend Revenel Benoit and the
Lutheran Church–Haiti.
Through our international volunteer program, CLWR
has been able to place volunteers with the Augusta
Victoria Hospital in each of the past two fiscal years:
Dale and Donna Finch in 2008-09 and Gil and Fran
Schultz in 2009-10. CLWR support also enabled a
placement for Heather Pryse as a volunteer with the
Lutheran World Federation’s Department for World
Service in Geneva during 2009-10. Heather extended
her stay with the LWF and is now gaining experience
from a field posting in Ethiopia. Similarly, Gil and Fran
Schultz have committed additional time to the hospital
in 2010-11.
I want to conclude by expressing my sincere
appreciation for the growing financial commitment of
Mission
Working together to make God’s love in Christ known
through serving , building relationships, and personal
growth.
Vision
Connecting people in coastal British Columbia
communities with God’s love.
E. 77
LCC members to the work of CLWR as well as for the
valued support and guidance provided by LCC
members serving on the CLWR Board of Directors.
Currently giving of their time and talents are Rev. Dr.
James Dimitroff (Vice President), Rev. Gerald Wilch
and Ms. Deanna Friesen. I also express my sincere
gratitude to LCC President Rev. Robert Bugbee and his
colleagues at the Synod office for their collegiality.
May God continue to bless the work of CLWR, its staff
and supporters, and the people around the globe whom
we serve together.
REPORT 26: B.C. MISSION BOAT SOCIETY
What has been accomplished in 2008-2010?
We have seen people’s feelings and ideas about First
Nation’s people and communities changed. We have
heard people tell us they are going home to their own
communities with changed hearts, faith restored or
renewed, committed to serve, committed to change
what they are doing in their daily life and/or
congregational involvement. We have heard from the
communities of the value they place on these visits.
This has been expressed by individuals, in terms of
support, encouragement, faith received, friendships
built, opportunities to be heard and accepted or
understood, as well as by the way our teams continue to
be welcomed. We have been invited to join as family in
many celebrations and turning times of loss as well. An
extreme example of this is how Marcus Huff, our
Executive Director, was formally adopted into a First
Nation family in the community of Klemtu.
We have also had the privilege to work with 4 different
education institutions: Concordia High School
Respectfully submitted
Robert Granke
Executive Director
Canadian Lutheran World Relief
(Edmonton, AB), Concordia University College of
Alberta (Edmonton, AB), Concordia Theological
Seminary (Edmonton, AB), and Canadian Lutheran
Bible Institute (Camrose, AB). These partnerships and
relationships have played a vital role to the unique and
varied role of each of our mission trips, while stretching
us as a ministry to meet the needs and opportunity each
group has brought. Though each relationship has been
impactful, our longest mission team relationship has
been with Concordia University College who has come
for 8 consecutive reading breaks!
Some additional highlights in 2008 - 2010
� We reached over 1100 children from the ages
of 5-12 with our children’s ministry!
� We reached over 600 youth and others through
special event ministry!
� We were able to pray and visit with countless
individuals in their homes!
� We reach over 1000 people through church
services, fellowships, and sing-a-longs!
� We had 429 mission field volunteers in First
Nation communities for a total of 460 days of
ministry!
� We had the privilege to lead and go on 77
mission trips in 2008 - 2010!
o 14 teams were from Canada
congregations
o 11 teams from Concordia University
College of Alberta.

o 1 team from Canadian Lutheran Bible
Institute
o 2 teams from Concordia Theological
Seminary in Edmonton, AB
o 1 team from Concordia High School
in Edmonton, AB
o 28 teams were staff based,
supplemented with volunteers from
congregations.
o 20 teams were boat teams made up of
people from congregations across
Canada, USA, and Mexico.
This coming year…
At the close of 2010, the Board of Directors made a
decision, based on a proposal by the Executive
Director, to focus the ministry of the BCMBS and for
the year of 2011 to not lease a specific boat for the
summer season of ministry. This decision was formed
based on a number of opportunities, including: working
with the changing desires and interest of our mission
volunteers to spend more time in one specific coastal
community, to continually be good stewards to the
donors and supporters who financially support this
E. 78
ministry for the best opportunities to share God’s love,
to provided better year round ministry to Klemtu,
Ehattesaht, Kyuquot, and Kingcome, and by doing all
of this in accord to the calling and direction that we see
God calling this ministry. At the end of 2011 the Board
will evaluate this transportation change and discuss any
new opportunities for sharing God’s love. We continue
to be dedicated to reaching the lost and captive and will
continue to seek whatever means of transportation is
necessary to do this during our year round ministry!
We continually give thanks for this mission!
To God for the gift of his leading and guidance.
To all who have been open to this, to enable this
mission to be birthed and continue.
To all from Lutheran Church-Canada for your
continued support of, and being part of our mission to
share God’s love
In the Love of Christ,
Marcus Huff
Executive Director
REPORT 27: L.A.M.P.
- LUTHERAN ASSOCIATION OF MISSIONARIES AND PILOTS, INC. – CANADA
- L’ASSOCIATION LUTHERIENNE DES MISSIONAIRES ET AVIATEURS INC.
LAMP MINISTRY INC. - U.S.A.
… taking the LIGHT of the WORLD to the ends of the earth for 41 years
LAMP is…
The official title of our organization is referenced in
the Letters Patent, registered with the Deputy
Registrar General of Canada, signed and dated in
Ottawa on July 9, 1976. We are L.A.M.P. –
LUTHERAN ASSOCIATION OF MISSIONARIES
AND PILOTS, INC. and
L.A.M.P.–L’ASSOCIATION LUTHERIENNE DES
MISSIONAIRES ET AVIATEURS INC.
LAMP Ministry Inc. was incorporated in Oshkosh,
Wisconsin, USA and received 501(c) 3 from the IRS in
2003. LAMP and the airplane logo are our registered
trademarks in both Canada and the USA.
LAMP-Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots
4966 – 92 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB T6B 2V4
1-800-307-4036
LAMP Ministry Inc.
Box 480167
New Haven, MI 48048
1-800-538-9648
www.lampministry.org
office@lampministry.org
LAMP offers exciting and strategically planned crosscultural
mission opportunities.
LAMP is committed to provide…
� Spiritual witness and nurture within remote
northern communities
� A spiritually enriching experience for
donors and volunteers
In partnership with LAMP…
Sending Churches
� Create renewed mission awareness
� Help prepare members for mission work
� Become prayer partners for the missionaries
Missionary Volunteers
� Grow in personal faith, witnessing skills,
leadership skills and cross-cultural
understanding

Donors and Prayer Partners
� Become partners by financially and
prayerfully supporting cross-cultural
ministry
� Are an integral part in the mission as they
pray and share financial resources
� Become encouraged as they hear faithbuilding
stories of how God is working
through people’s hearts and lives
Communities
� Work towards developing local Christian
leaders
� Implement Christian education through
VBS, youth and sports programs, Bible
study and worship
� Foster cross-cultural relationships and grow
in personal faith
The needs of people in the North are many…
� Poverty and social problems have taken a
toll
� Suicide, drug and alcohol rates are high
� Very few churches are staffed
� Sunday school and regular church programs
are rare
E. 79
LAMP missionary volunteers and staff from Canada
and the United States…
� Provide Vacation Bible Schools and Christcentered
sports camps
� Minister to people in the North on a daily
basis while on site
� Continue to minister to people in the North
through technology such as Facebook,
Skype and chat rooms
� Pray for the First Nations people
� Generously contribute financially
� Experience cross-cultural missions
� Prepare for a lifestyle of mission work at
home and abroad
We believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ can heal and
transform people and communities. Through LAMP,
you can help.
LAMP’s Vision
We anticipate gathering together on the last day,
when we will behold “a great multitude that no one
could count, from every nation, tribe, people and
language, standing before the throne and in front of
the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:9)
Highlights from 2010
2010 has been an absolutely outstanding year for
LAMP in every respect.
LAMP is just completing their most successful year
in ministry. New staff members have joined the
LAMP team, a rebuilt aircraft is in the process of
being redeployed into the mission field, and God has
provided the full amount of funding necessary to
complete this year’s work. We take this opportunity
to praise God!
As we look back over the 40 years of ministry, it is
obvious that God has provided all that LAMP has
needed to carry out the work He has called us to
do.
It seems an almost impossible task to reach these
people who live in one of the harshest climates and in
one of the most remote areas of the world, but God
has called us and He is faithful.
We go forward in confidence. As one donor
reminded me: “God has never let us down and I
don’t suppose He ever will.”
He will do it—and the amazing thing is that He
chooses to use you and me to carry out that work! I
am privileged and humbled to be a part of it. I pray
that you also see your support of the work of LAMP
as a great calling; one that we can only accomplish
together with God’s help.
Specifics:
� Ministered in 52 communities; 5 new
communities were added (and new teams
were added to minister in these villages
� Numbers were up all around with many
more adults, youth, children ministered to
than in 2009
� Many teams are including some kind of
sports program to keep the youth involved.
� Volunteer missionaries are able to become
more involved on a weekly basis throughout
the year as youth and adults use Facebook to
interact and continue relationships
established on the mission field.
� More children continue to become informed
about and involved with LAMP through
“Fueling the Mission” program being
offered by Sunday Schools and Vacation
Bible Schools.
� Communities are being visited more than
once a year by several teams.
Spiritual witness and nurture within communities:
LAMP has turned 40. The difference we have made
in people’s lives and in whole communities over the

years is something to celebrate. We have made a
difference! I see the difference!
Communities are changing. One community that was
cited in a TV documentary as being among the worst
in Canada now welcomes us. Christians gather in
newly-built community churches and Christian
morals are evident as this community has been
literally transformed by the Gospel.
Community leadership is changing. Band councillors,
pastors, police officers, teachers and nurses that have
participated in our Vacation Bible Schools as
children are now assuming roles as Christian leaders
in their own communities.
Families are changing. Recently I visited with a
young man who attended LAMP Vacation Bible
School, taught by two loving grandmothers, for ten
years. This man is living a moral, productive life. He
is responsible for ensuring there is safe drinking
water in the community he was raised in. In addition,
he is bringing his children to Bible School. Recently I
was able to help him connect with his VBS teacher
from long ago. As they spoke on the phone, he fondly
called her “Grandma.” He shared his life with her and
asked her to come and visit again to see what a
difference she had made in his life.
Youth are different. Young people who once
vandalized vehicles and experimented with drugs and
alcohol are coming to Christian youth events. They
receive the Gospel and respond with prayer and
worship. Some who contemplated or attempted
suicide now have hope because of Jesus, their
Saviour.
Children are different. In some areas, LAMP
Vacation Bible School is the only Christian teaching
received all year. It’s exciting to see children readily
sharing their faith in Jesus with their family and
friends. The past several years, teams have been
using a “Prayer Box,” which encourages the children
to pray for their needs and others. The missionaries
and children pray over the requests together, learning
to trust that Jesus hears them and will answer their
prayers.
E. 80
You have made a difference. We know that God has
used you in partnership with LAMP to help take the
love of Jesus to the ends of the earth. You have made
a difference in the history of LAMP’s ministry, and
you can be a part of what the Lord is yet to do.
Spiritual witness and nurture with volunteers and
supporters:
Ministry to volunteer missionaries is of vital
importance. It must happen year-round.
Communication must be personal and it has to be
excellent quality. LAMP serves over 500 committed
and effective volunteer missionaries. Vanessa
Moerike is our new Director of Mission
Opportunities. She is well qualified and eager to get
to know each volunteer.
We also made a very concerted effort to reconnect
with valued supporters from the past years. Many
supporters came out to celebrate with us at our six
40 th anniversary celebration banquets.
Canadian Board:
Mr. Keith Bohlken – Condor, AB
Mr. Olaf Gunderson – Sexsmith, AB
Mrs. Melanie Will, Ottawa, ON
Mr. Hans Lung – Sherwood Park, AB
Rev. William Ney – Stony Plain, AB
Mrs. Christine Pollex – Kanata, ON
Rev. Ted Radke – Mitchell, ON
U.S. Board:
Mr. Walt Hamilton – Fullerton, CA
Mr. Don Hill – Northfield, MN
Dr. Kent Kaiser – St. Paul, MN
Rev. Patrick Lovejoy – Port Angeles, WA
Mrs. Patricia Reck – Redmond, ORRev. Neale
Thompson – Northfield, MN
Thank you for helping LAMP to be the light of Christ
in northern Canada.
*Financial statements available upon request
Submitted by Ron Ludke
Executive Director

E. 81
REPORT 28: LUTHERAN BIBLE TRANSLATORS OF CANADA
Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada Inc. is an
independent, Lutheran mission organization, a
Registered Canadian Charity and LCC Listed Service
Organization.
The Mission of Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada is
to help bring people to faith in Jesus Christ by making
the Word of God available to those who do not yet have
it in the language of their hearts.
In pursuit of this Mission LBTC seeks to achieve the
following.
1. The Bible is translated into the languages of
people’s hearts.
2. Translated Bibles are used for worship, spiritual
growth and evangelism.
3. Speakers of host languages share ownership of and
responsibility for the mission.
4. The supporters of LBTC share ownership of and
responsibility for the mission.
Some 2010 highlights:
Scripture Use: We continued Oral Scripture use among
the Kwanja in Cameroon. This included the audio
recording of the complete New Testament as well as
some Old Testament portions. A New Testament
recording was done in partnership with Faith Comes by
Hearing. Martin and Joan Weber took Old Testament
portions they had recorded earlier on cassette and put
them on small digital players about the size of a cell
phone called MegaVoice Players. The Kwanja
Language team is training people how to use these
devices and distributing them for use.
Project Management: LBTC continued to manage all
LBTC/LBT work in Cameroon. A new LBT family, the
Fays, will be placed in Cameroon by March of this year
to take up the Nizaa New Testament project. In
addition, a Cameroonian national, Aubert Kpengapse,
will complete a Masters degree in Theology and Bible
Translation by this summer. He will return to
Cameroon to begin a revision of the New Testament in
One Family – 1 John 1:1,3
his Doowaayo language and then translate the Old
Testament.
Missionary Candidates: One of the most exciting things
for LBTC is that we have new missionary candidates
who will begin linguistic training in June, Rev. Mike
and Kara Kuhn of Calgary. Initial training takes 10
months at the Canada Institute of Linguistics in
Langley, BC. After training and Partnership
Development, the Kuhns could be placed in a
translation project sometime in 2013. Another applicant
is in the process of discerning God’s call and will
hopefully complete the application process early this
year.
Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada, along with LBT
US, fulfills a unique role in the world of Bible
translation in that we intentionally work within the
structure of Lutheran Church bodies. At their invitation,
we partner with Lutheran churches to equip them with
God’s Word, the Means of Grace. Translation and
Scripture Engagement projects thus begin in
coordination with the National Church based on their
desire for the translation and their plan to use it.
Like all charitable organizations, LBTC depends on the
prayers and financial support of Lutherans throughout
Canada. We thank all of you for your many years of
support for this ministry. And we ask you, as pastors,
teachers and leaders of the Church to continue to
promote this vital ministry. You can inspire young men
and women to consider this worthy missionary
vocation.
Thank you and the Lord be with you!
REPORT 29: LUTHERAN BRAILLE WORKERS-CANADA
“That which was from the beginning, which we have
heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we
have looked at and our hands have touched-this we
proclaim concerning the Word of life…so that you also
Rev. David Maffett
Executive Director
Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada
137 Queen St S
Kitchener, ON N2G 1W2
www.lbtc.ca ; director@lbtc.ca
1-866-518-7071; 519-742-3361
have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the
Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.”
The mission of Lutheran Braille Workers-Canada is to
bring the Bible and the Lutheran doctrine, as subscribed
to by Lutheran Church – Canada and Lutheran Church-
Missouri Synod, to blind and visually impaired persons

throughout the world. This is accomplished by the
volunteer work done in centres in Canada and the US.
The braille books are mailed FREE to all recipients and
organizations requesting the materials.
The above scripture was the theme for the 17 th Annual
meeting of Lutheran Braille Workers-Canada held on
May 22 nd , 2010 at Pilgrim Church in Hamilton. Only
three of the eight work centres were represented; a
lower number than any other year. The fact that it was a
holiday weekend may have had some bearing on the
low attendance. Hamilton Work Centre #158 celebrated
their 25 th Anniversary of producing Braille. Praise God.
LBW-C was blessed to have Rev. David Andrus, a
blind pastor working with the Lutheran Blind Mission
in Missouri, as the special guest speaker. With his
wonderful warm sense of humour he shared his life and
ministry to the blind with the group.
During this period, apart from the Annual meeting,
LBW-C held four Board meetings. In June it was a
combined meeting and BBQ held at the home of Board
member at large, Joan Fast. Board members were
treated to the grilling skills of husband John Fast.
In 2003 LBW-C had ten centres in operation. Then the
Windsor centre closed in 2004 due to lack of volunteers
after only a five years of operation. A search for a new
home was unsuccessful. Work Centre #121, in Oakville
closed in 2009, after thirty years of producing braille,
and the search began for a new home for W.C. #121. In
2010 the prayer was answered and W.C. #121
relocated to the LC-C East District office in Kitchener,
ON under the Co Leadership of Rev. Walter Hambrock
and Darryll Holland, treasurer for LBW-C. It had been
the goal to find homes for both centres but plans to do
E. 82
this have been laid aside for now until LBW-C has the
assurance of funds to support all ten work centres.
At our February 2010 Board meeting a Donation
subcommittee was formed. It is the God given desire to
keep the ministry to the blind and vision impaired in
Canada alive and well. The committee will explore and
present the Board with new ways of fund raising as a
Board while at the same time raising awareness of
Gods’ ministry to the blind and vision impaired. The
work centres are encouraged to be self- supporting but
realizing this cannot always happen, all donations go
into the one pot to keep all the centres in operation.
LBW in Canada is an organization, strictly volunteer
run, and all monies is used to keep the work centres as
well as the organization in operation. All purchasing of
supplies i.e. machinery, paper, cartons, zinc plates,
spirals for the Canadian Work Centres is purchased
from the generosity of the donations made by Canadian
donors. Without the prayer, volunteer and financial
support this ministry cannot survive. LBW-C is facing
the reality now that machinery that has been around for
25 and 30 years will need to be replaced. It is also
hoped that in creating more awareness of the ministry
of LBW-C the need for volunteers will arouse interest
for an influx of new volunteers. The volunteers, like the
machinery, is aging and disappearing at a rapid pace.
The motto, “Bringing Christ to Those in Darkness” has
been changed. Lutheran Braille Workers-Canada, in
keeping in step with Lutheran Braille Workers, Inc .,
adopted their new motto of:
“Helping People Touch the Promises of Jesus”
To God be the Glory.
Judy Obelnycki,
LBW-C Board President
REPORT 30: LUTHERAN HOSPITAL MINISTRY OF NORTHERN ALBERTA
The Lutheran Hospital Ministry of Northern Alberta,
which began 9 years ago is alive and well, and still
engaging in its stated priorities:
� to develop operating systems for recruiting,
training, supervising and continuing education
of hospital visitors.
� to involve individuals and congregations in
active support of its hospital visitation
ministry.
Presently we have 8 trained individuals who visit
weekly in the following hospitals in the Edmonton area:
� The Misericordia Hospital
� The University Hospital
� The Grey Nuns (Millwoods) Hospital
� The Royal Alexandra Hospital
� The Sturgeon Hospital (St. Albert)
We have just trained four new hospital Visitors with a
25 hour training course, and they will begin their
visitation in the University Hospital, the Grey Nuns
Hospital, the Glenrose Hospital and the Royal
Alexandra Hospital in January of 2011.
We are solvent and ended the year in the black last
year, thanks to our individual supporters in the various
congregations and congregational budget support that
we receive from district churches.

We conducted a three-day hospital visitation seminar in
Red Deer this past year, and 32 committed lay people
took part in the lectures, the discussions and the role
playing.
This past year, we began a process of networking with
our sister society, the Lutheran Hospital Ministry of
Southern Alberta. We jointly made a project proposal to
the LWML (ABC District) and were successful in
obtaining a small grant to fund a retreat of ministry
participants that will take place in the near future.
E. 83
Our volunteers have visited Lutheran Patients from as
far away as Victoria in the West and Toronto in the
East.
If you would like us to visit anyone in the hospitals
mentioned above, call 780-426-3216. The Board for the
LHM of Northern Alberta covets your prayers and
support for our important ministry of visiting and
praying with those going through the crisis of
hospitalization.
REPORT 31: LUTHERANS FOR LIFE – CANADA
Lutherans for Life – Canada continues to slowly move
forward with information on life issues. Several
significant events have transpired since our last LCC
National Convention. At that time we were accepted as
Listed Service Organization (LSO) of LCC. This has
helped us to gain the confidence and trust about the
message on life issues from our Lutheran
congregations. We thank LCC for its support and
prayers.
A significant achievement has been our working
arrangement with “Word of Hope”, a pregnancy crisis
centre with a toll free helpline in St. Louis, MO. for
women who have an unplanned pregnancy or are
dealing with post abortion syndrome, or suffering
abuse. The toll free number, 1 888 217 8679 can now
be used in Canada. The director, Grace Kearns, has
reported that she is receiving calls from people that she
and her staff have been able to help. We have received
funding from LWMLC groups to help in this endeavour
and have begun an extensive advertising campaign. We
encourage all congregations to make this information
available to our members in their bulletins, local
newspapers, etc.
Our board works to promote all life issues and works
with politicians on the national level. One of our board
members has attended the Parliament Pro-life caucus
(PPLC). LFL-C supported our MPs in trying to pass
Roxanne’s Law, a law to prevent a woman from being
coerced into having an abortion. Even though the bill,
C-510, failed to pass, there was tremendous support
from our federal MP’s. We also encouraged the defeat
of Bill C-384, a bill which would have legalized
euthanasia in Canada. We thank our fellow Lutherans
for contacting their MP to make their views known on
these bills.
Rev. Dr. Harold H. Witte, Chairman
Rev. Ken Rodeman, Chaplain
We continue to support the work of Dr. Glenn
Schaeffer to organize the “Love Life” conferences he
organizes annually in Edmonton. Last year’s
conference was successful in bringing top notch
speakers to the Edmonton and Calgary area.
We thank Historic St. Paul’s, Kitchener, ON for
bringing Dr. Lamb to celebrate their 150 th anniversary
and allowing us to share him as our AGM speaker.
LFL-C focuses on education and brings Biblical
information to our fellow Lutherans. We have a display
table and information at the conventions of LLL,
LWML-C, District and national conventions. We were
most fortunate to be able to have an interactive display
at the National Youth Gathering in Edmonton in July
2010. The result was great. It is important to reach our
youth with information on life issues.
Our main focus is to educate our fellow Lutherans, an
enormous challenge. We do work with other pro-life
groups. We as Lutherans are gaining a lot of respect
with other denominations because of our strong Biblical
pro-life stand. Our message brings God’s Word into a
world that lacks Biblical truth.
Lutherans for Life Canada – Board of Directors
Cliff Pyle President, Saskatoon SK.
Linda Welke Life Ministry Coordinator, London, ON
Rev. Ron Mohr Past President, Tillsonburg, ON.
Berta Bruer Member at Large, Orangeville, ON
Marian Obeda Secretary, London, ON
Rev David Mellecke Member at Large, Luseland, SK
Rev. Richard Juritsch Treasurer, St Catharine’s, ON.
Pastoral Advisor Rev Robert Bruer Orangeville , ON.
Submitted on behalf of the Board of Directors

The Malabar Mission Society, formed in 1988, provides
financial support to the Gospel Workers for their
outreach ministry among the people along the Malabar
coast in Kerala State, India. The Gospel Workers,
pastors and evangelists, are part of the India
Evangelical Lutheran Church (IELC). The Gospel
Workers, along with the churches and mission stations,
form the Malabar Mission Circle. Our 20 th Anniversary
included a Donor Appreciation Supper on February 27,
2010 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Saskatoon, SK.
The fellowship evening included a brief history of the
MMS by the Rev. Dr. Roland Miller, a report of a
recent visit by Rev. Carlton Riemer, Project Officer and
a power point presentation by Mark Dickinson.
Recently “Your Entry to a World of Service” was
published to illustrate the work and activity in Malabar
and beyond. Dr. Miller has written a history of the
Malabar Mission Society to be published in the coming
months.
The Malabar Mission Society assists the Gospel
Workers in sharing the Good News of Jesus in their
communities. The Gospel Workers and Evangelists
reach out to the Hindu and Muslim people through
Vacation Bible Schools, Bible correspondence schools,
Reading Rooms and Medical institutions at Wandoor
and Malappuram. Since the IELC has limited funding
the Malabar Mission Society provides a small salary
subsidy for the Gospel Workers and assists them with
outreach activities in their villages. In recent years
some funding was provided to repair some church
facilities. Recently the Gospel Workers of the Malabar
Mission Circle formed the Malabar Gospel Mission
Society to “undertake evangelistic work in the Malabar
area”.
The opportunities to share the love of Jesus are great!
The Open Door (for men), a student library and reading
room in Kannur, was established in 2001. Since 2004
the Vanitha (women) Friendship Center, including a
Chapel, Reading Room, residence for staff, Conference
Room, literature storage and kitchen, was established in
E. 84
REPORT 32: MALABAR MISSION SOCIETY
Kannur. Daily the Friendship Centre provides an
opportunity for many college students to visit this
centre and learn about Jesus. Soosan and Lizy, the two
female workers, greet and assist the students to find
materials and share their love of Jesus. An ESL
(English as a Spoken Language) was conducted in 2007
and 2009. The annual costs for operation are $7,675.00.
Future funding for this project is needed.
In 2010 there were 24 Vacation Bible Schools held with
1,363 students (580 Hindus, 239 Muslims and 544
Christians). Praise God!
Anantapur, in nearby Andhra Pradesh State, has seen
tremendous growth with many Muslims and Hindus
baptized. The 23 Gospel workers visit several hundred
villages and freely distributed about 50,000 Gospel
portions and 70,000 tracts and booklets every few
months. St. Armands Key Lutheran Church, Sarasota,
Florida has provided significant support for this mission
outreach. Additional support is needed.
The new mission station at Naduvil is progressing very
well under God’s blessing. The new congregation also
sponsors an outstation at Chengalai, where a Canadian
businessman assisted with constructing a new church
building.
The Rev. Dr. Roland Miller, missionary from 1953 to
1976 in Malappuram, Kerala, India, served as Project
Officer from 1988 until January 31, 2008. The current
Project Officer is Rev. Carlton Riemer, former
missionary in India, from Stillwater, Oklahoma. He
communicates regularly with Rev. T. Joy, current India
Program Director, and Rev. K.M. Victor, our past India
Agent, who supervise the work and distribution of
funds. Annual visits are made to the Gospel Workers
and churches of the Malabar Mission Circle. We give
thanks for the faithful prayer support and financial
support for this outreach ministry in India.
Rev. Howard Ulmer, President

E. 85
REPORT 33: THE ROCK LUTHERAN INNER CITY SOCIETY
This is the 15th year for The Rock Lutheran Inner City
Society. What began as an outreach by St. Peter’s
Congregation has now become a stand alone Ministry
associated with Lutheran Church Canada.
The Rock Ministries is dedicated to meeting the needs
of people in Edmonton’s inner city neighbourhood of
Boyle-McCauley and Norwood. It is supported by
people who have a heart for issues of the inner city.
The Rock offers programs both independently, and in
collaboration with other agencies. It is the Rock’s
mission to raise the standard of living as well as the
hopes and expectations of those who are caught in the
downward spiral of poverty and need.
People on the street refer to the breakfast program as
The “Breakfast Club,” which began in the fall of 1996,
serving oatmeal, toast, coffee and juice to the homeless
and poor every Tuesday and Thursday, more recently
Wednesday was added. As support for the program
expanded, so did the menu which now includes pastry,
For we are fellow workers for God; you are God’s
field, God’s building.
I Corinthians 3:9
Introduction
Last year we saw our dreams become reality with the
announcement that government infrastructure dollars
would help us totally transform our Children’s Mental
Health Center on Benjamin Road in Waterloo. The
announcement was made with great fanfare, a news
conference was held, T.V. cameras, reporters and many
others were present. After explaining that Lutherwood’s
work is really about bringing hope back into the hearts
of young lives that often have little left, one of the
reporters asked if she could see where the children
lived. One of our young boys happily volunteered to
show the reporters his room.
I had no idea what was in store for us.
As we entered his room, our eyes took in a heartwarming
display that I will never forget. Since this
resident had no home to go to at Christmas, he decided
Christmas should come to him. He had decorated his
bedroom from top to bottom. Dozens of snowflakes,
each painstakingly cut from scraps of white paper, hung
from the ceiling by threads. On one wall, coloured
pieces of paper were cut and folded to represent a
REPORT 34: LUTHERWOOD
pancakes and syrup as well as snacks for the children to
take to school.
The average attendance is between 300 and 350
breakfast guests. Every Monday evening local kids
come to the Rock’s Monday Night Kids program for a
nutritious meal, Bible stories, recreation, crafts and the
building of relationships. The age range varies from
five to fifteen, and all are welcome.
The program attendance is between 25 to 30 kids. A
mother and tots program is also offered.
The programs are made possible by God’s goodness, by
many dedicated volunteers who come from local
congregations, and friends of The Rock. The Rock
Breakfast Club is motivated by God’s directive:
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.”
Matthew 25;35
Barrie Reeder
President
fireplace, a mantelpiece and a stocking. His worn
sleeping bag was stretched out like a rug in front of a
hand-drawn fire. In the corner of the room, a three-foot
tall, green construction paper cone represented a
Christmas tree. The sides of the cone were decorated
with paper ornaments and at the foot was a paper tree
skirt.
Strikingly absent was any representation of presents.
I will never forget his beaming face as he proudly
provided the visiting politicians and reporters with an
impromptu description of the days of work he put into
transforming his room. He spoke fervently of his belief
in Christmas and how much it meant to him, while
several of us stood amazed, fighting back emotion, and
rendered speechless by lumps in our throats.
To some, it might seem as if he had nothing – to him,
he had so much. His room demonstrated what he had in
his heart – hope.
Mental Health Services
Forty years ago, the Lutheran Church helped us open
our doors. Since then, we have provided hope,
perspective and solutions for thousands of children
struggling with mental health challenges. Early last

year, we began building the addition and revitalizing
other areas of our aging Children’s Mental Health
Center. Upon completion we will have a more modern
building with a new heart that will provide easier access
to therapy rooms, meeting facilities and recreational
areas, with less disruption to classroom activities. The
expansion will provide additional space for music and
art therapy programs, create an environmental
classroom, help youth transition back into the
community, and help teenagers develop employment
skills. It will also house a new family resource center
and provide a welcoming environment for families of
children struggling with mental health issues. This
investment in the future of mental health services in our
community will ensure continued excellence in service,
and create a legacy to serve future generations of
children.
Families who have complex and sometimes multiple
needs are better served when they can access help at a
central location instead of being sent to multiple
agencies and forced to describe the difficulties they are
having over and over again. To address this community
need, we have opened a new location, “Front Door”
Center For Children and Families in partnership with
local agencies where we cooperate in serving the clients
together. Children and families experiencing mental
health problems are now seen by staff members in a
warm, inviting environment which is central to the
Waterloo-Kitchener-Cambridge public transit corridor.
There is a link between mental health problems in
today’s youth, and gang membership. Lutherwood,
together with the five community partners, developed a
gang prevention proposal which received $3.4 million
in funding over a three-year timeframe. Using
evidence-based approaches modelled after successful
projects in Canada and the United States, the Street
Gang Prevention Project is a proactive strategy to offer
positive alternatives for youth at risk of entering gangs,
as well as those looking to exit gangs. Once
implemented, it will provide mental health, substance
use, education, employment and family supports along
with mentorship and recreational opportunities as
alternative directions for their time and energy. The
strategy is in keeping with our belief that prevention
and treatment - rather than punishment - is the best way
to reduce gang-related crime.
Employment Services
In early 2010, our primary funder of employment
services, the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and
Universities completed an overhaul of its employment
services delivery model. We were honoured to hear that
it identified Lutherwood as one of the main providers of
employment services in our area that will continue to
E. 86
receive funding. Being selected as one of the ongoing
service providers is a testimony to the hard work and
effort of so many of our staff. The Ministry’s funding
will support nearly 4,000 job seekers annually, which is
a sad reflection of how heavily our region was hit
during the recession, due to a past reliance on a
manufacturing-based labour market. The new model
enables us to offer a more streamlined and targeted
service to people who turn to us for support in finding
meaningful employment.
Last year we also purchased a building in Cambridge
(downtown Galt), which we have developed into a
bustling center for employment and mental health
services for children and families. This center has
become an important resource to Cambridge families
requiring help from Lutherwood.
One means of finding meaningful employment may be
found in a three-year pilot program we recently
launched. Transitioning in New Times is designed to
address the disproportionate levels of unemployment in
Waterloo Region. By developing partnerships with
technological and other local major employers, we
intend to help highly motivated manufacturing workers
find jobs in local sectors that are experiencing growth,
such as high-tech, insurance and food processing. By
working directly with these companies, we can develop
specific training programs that address the skills gaps
experienced by laid off youth, immigrants and older
workers, and offer realistic opportunities for future
employment. Our hope is to develop a model that can
be replicated across Ontario.
Seniors’ Services
Twelve years ago, Lutherwood opened a retirement
community. Luther Village on the Park is a unique
blend of social enterprise and an extension of our
mission to serve others. Last August our assisted living
services for seniors received the highest accreditation
award possible from CARF (Commission on
Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) International
Accreditation. This was the first time we sought
accreditation and this achievement is the result of
collaboration amongst our staff, residents and their
family members to review standards, implement new
systems, and integrate new procedures into our work
with seniors. In their report, CARF stated, “Your
organization should take pride in achieving this high
level of accreditation. This achievement is an indication
of your organization’s dedication and commitment to
improving the quality of the lives of the persons
served.” We do take pride in our work, because we care
about people.

Conclusion
As we see the difficult effects of today’s world manifest
themselves in the personal struggles of those around us,
it is important to offer people perspective and hope.
Like the young boy residing at our Children’s Mental
Health Center at Christmas, we should give thanks for
our blessings.
At Lutherwood, we believe that hope forms a
foundation for our work of strengthening the lives of
vulnerable seniors, people experiencing homelessness,
Bethany Pioneer Village began in 1956 as a housing
project for seniors in rural Saskatchewan. While the
work of the organization was housing for seniors the
purpose of the organization was to give glory to God
through this work. With donations and low cost loans
from Lutherans throughout the Man/Sask district and
the Lord’s blessing this wonderful project began and 30
self contained suites with modern plumbing and heat
were constructed.
The demand for the four room suites fell off creating a
number of vacancies. In 1987 the Board began a
program of converting the one bedroom suites into two
bedroom suites for which there has been great demand.
Before the housing suites were completed the need for
housing with a care component was seen and a 35 bed
hostel was built in 1959 alongside the housing suites.
Bethany became one of the first privately run nursing
homes in the province.
As needs increased so did the project and soon Bethany
was operating a 56 bed nursing home serving a large
area of our province.
In 1981 the government of Saskatchewan developed
new standards for care homes and so a new 36 bed
special-care home was opened in 1985. The old Hostel
was renovated and we pioneered what we call an
Assisted Living Home.
One special feature is that the Assisted Living Home is
linked to the special-care home allowing husbands and
wives to remain close together when one required
professional care. This is very important in the rural
area where one spouse often would have to be in
another community.
While the Assisted Living Home fills a huge gap in the
provincial health care system it operates without any
government funding.
E. 87
REPORT 35: BETHANY PIONEER VILLAGE
children coping with mental health problems, and
people searching for employment and families
struggling with strife. In fact, that is what is so
rewarding for all of us at Lutherwood. We go home at
the end of the day knowing that, by giving people hope,
we make a difference in the world.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. John A. Colangeli
Chief Executive Officer
Bethany Pioneer Village is situated just outside the
Village of Middle Lake, population about 250. Our
nearest city of about 5,000 is 30 miles away and
Saskatoon about 150 miles. While rural Saskatchewan
is declining we expanded our Assisted Living Home
from 28 beds to 41 beds in 2000.
What a blessing to have a continuum of care,
independent living housing, assisted living and specialcare
all on the same property and right beside a scenic
lake and Regional park.
Sometimes one can get caught up in their work.
Thankfully we have not forgotten that our purpose is to
give glory to God. We have changed our Mission
Statement, which is printed at the end of this report;
however, we remain true to our purpose.
Church services from Faith Lutheran Church in Middle
Lake are transmitted and broadcast throughout the
home. The pastor from Faith is our Chaplain and
conducts worship services twice during the week. We
also are served by the Catholic Church with services
once per week.
The formal church program only serves as the
foundation for a Christ centered culture. Staff are
permitted and even encouraged to pray with residents
and provide whatever spiritual comfort they can.
We are pleased that we have discovered a way that we
can publicly display out faith. We have published a
belief that “staff and board members are empowered by
the Holy Spirit to provide care in Christian love.” We
have developed a ceremony asking the Lord’s blessing
on our work. Participants are presented with symbol
such as a burning candle (actually it is a baptism
candle) as a physical reminder of the blessing.

This ceremony is conducted during our Bethany Day
worship service for which the whole community is
invited.
Even a small light can shine brightly. We pray that the
Lord will continue to allow us to glorify His Holy
name.
Mission Statement
Preamble:
Because a number of Lutheran Christians in
Saskatchewan united behind the purpose of giving
glory to God by providing care in a residential setting
for those with special needs, Bethany Pioneer Village
was created. By continuing, in Christian love, to
provide the best possible residential and institutional
care for those with special needs, Bethany Pioneer
Village shall remain faithful to the mission of our
original founders. We invite all people to respond to
God’s love by joining us in carrying out this purpose.
Preamble
Bethany Pioneer Village Inc. is dedicated to: serving,
as the Lord taught us, elderly persons and others with
similar needs by protecting and nurturing their sense of
home and personal identity while providing the best in
supportive and restorative care – spiritually, physically,
mentally and emotionally.
E. 88
This Mission shall be carried out by:
1. Encouraging all residents, their families, staff
members, volunteers and board members to
love and serve one another, as Christ taught us.
2. Fostering a secure and stimulating Christian
atmosphere which enhances dignity, promotes
companionship and provides challenge for
residents and staff.
3. Planning and carrying out programs and our
duties from the perspective that we are the
guests and servants in the home of the
resident.
4. By ensuring safe and appropriate service.
5. Developing creative programs which involve
the residents, their families and the
community.
6. Providing opportunities which promote the
education and personal development of staff,
volunteers and board members.
7. Securing sufficient financial resources to
maintain building, grounds and equipment to
adequately carry out the above mission.
Administrator: Glenn McDougall, Bethany
Pioneer Village, Box 8, Middle Lake, SK S0K 2X0
Phone (306) 367-2033 Fax (306) 367-2155
Email bethanyv@sasktel.net
REPORT 36: LUTHERAN COMMUNITY CARE CENTRE
The Lutheran Community Care Centre is a social
ministry organization of the Lutheran congregations in
the Thunder Bay area. In 2008 we launched a new
auxiliary called Community Care Volunteers to lead
both the special events we host for people supported by
the agency and our fundraising events.
In 2009, our 30 th year of operation, the Lutheran
Community Care Centre set forth this Vision
Statement:
“With compassion, the physical, spiritual, emotional,
social and economic needs of individuals and families
in northwestern Ontario are met, enabling them to
develop to their full potential.”
An Anniversary Year can be an opportunity to have
some fun. We brought in the Christian comedian, Judy
Savoy, with her act “Get Me Back to the Garden, I’m
Chokin’ on the Weeds” in April. With singing,
impersonations and hilarious props Judy both amused
and inspired the audience.
In 2010 the Care Centre took steps to cultivate a more
diversified base of financial support for Pastoral Care
Services and Street Reach Ministries by hiring a
Development Officer. Alexandra Luczak started in
June, 2010 with the position funded in part by an
internship grant from the Northern Ontario Heritage
Fund Corporation.
Street Reach Ministries, now in its sixth year of
operation and led by Pastor Neil Otke, is challenging us
all to think differently about sharing our faith with
some of the most marginalized people in our society.
Our volunteers who mostly come from the
congregations realize the importance of a welcoming
heart, a listening ear and hands ready to serve. About
100 different people come to our Resource Centre each
month, with 56% being of aboriginal descent and 14%
being youth. The Central District, individuals, groups
and businesses all support this special ministry allowing
us to provide much appreciated stability in the lives of
people coming in off the street as well as demonstrate
God’s love for them.
Coordinating Pastoral Care to Lutherans in the hospitals
and long term care facilities of Thunder Bay is a long
time program of the Care Centre that is made possible
with the support of the local congregations, the

Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and the Central
District. Our two part-time Pastoral Care Workers,
Audrey Kahkonen and Edith Repo make an average of
98 visits per month. They work closely with 50
volunteers and the Lutheran clergy to bring 15 worship
opportunities each month to residents in 9 different
facilities.
The Lutheran Community Care Centre continues to
play a significant role in the delivery of services to
adults with a developmental disability. In November
2010, the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social
Services chose the Lutheran Community Care Centre to
become the Northern Region Application Entity. The
new Application Entities, one for each of the nine
regions of the province, will put a face to the
transformation of adult Developmental Services in
Ontario that has been in the works for several years.
Under the authority of the new Services and Supports to
Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with
Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008 the Application
E. 89
Entities will be formally designated on July 1, 2011.
They will provide information, confirm eligibility for
services, determine support needs, link people to
services and supports in their community and
administer direct funding when that feature of the
transformed system becomes available.
For the Lutheran Community Care Centre this means
establishing offices in Dryden, Sault Ste. Marie and
Sudbury, growth in our staff complement, building our
capacity to provide service in the French language, and
changing the geographic qualifier in our vision
statement as our service area now extends from the
Manitoba border to Sudbury and from north of the
French River to Hudson Bay.
I invite you to follow our progress and visit us at
www.lccctbay.org.
REPORT 37: ENCHARIS COMMUNITY HOUSING SERVICES (ECHS)
ECHS incorporated in 2006 to provide seniors’
housing, on a foundation of Christian love, to all
people. ECHS operates Prince of Peace Manor and
Prince of Peace Harbour as part of the Prince of Peace
Christian Community. The community is located just
outside of the eastern boundary of Calgary, AB.
Prince of Peace Christian Community consists of Prince
of Peace Manor and Harbour, Prince of Peace Lutheran
Church and School, and Prince of Peace Village.
Together, the community has a population of nearly
1,000 people ranging in ages from 6 years into the 90’s.
ECHS also provides management services to The
Shepherd’s Village in Valleyview, AB. Shepherd’s
Village consists of a seniors’ housing development with
approximately 80 residents.
The Manor has approximately 160 residents living in a
variety of studios and suites of different sizes and
amenities. Typically, our residents come to us when
they find it more difficult to live independently. They
receive personal care services and healthcare services
with doctor visits; all meals prepared by a full
complement of chefs and served in a central dining
room; full housekeeping services; and a variety of
recreational and physical activities.
The Harbour has 32 studios to provide full living
accommodation and safety to residents diagnosed with
Michael Maunula
Executive Director
dementia. There seems to be an ever increasing need to
provide care and safety for people with dementia who
are no longer able to care for themselves or be cared for
by their families.
Recently we were able to receive the services of a
retired LC-C Pastor who does Bible Studies, visitations
to all residents, and spiritual counseling to residents and
staff. Until now, the Pastor of the Prince of Peace
Lutheran Church provided the support in these
functions.
The Pastoral services are the most visible form of our
ministry. However, we also subsidize rents for people
who are of lesser financial means, and the staff show
their love daily for the residents in many different ways.
A very special bond forms between our staff and the
residents. Finally, the “business” is run by prayerfully
seeking God’s wisdom in balancing the needs of the
stakeholders.
Going forward, it is our desire to provide love, home,
care, compassion and hope to more people, as God may
enable us.
Respectfully submitted,
Marvin Mutschler
Executive Director, ECHS

E. 90
REPORT 38: HAITI LUTHERAN MISSION SOCIETY
In a report of Jan. 19, 2011, Rev. Revenel Benoit,
President of l’Eglise Lutherienne d’Haiti (the Lutheran
Church of Haiti, LCH), expressed his great “joy and
contentment”: “On behalf of the Lutherans of the LCH,
I sincerely want to thank our Lutheran brothers and
sisters in Canada for having so generously helped the
Haitian people after the earthquake of Jan. 12, 2010!
With the prayers and financial support from North
America, Haitian Lutherans were able to stand up from
the enormous losses from the murderous earthquake
that caused the death of more than 150,000 people and
left 2,000,000 homeless. Thanks to your support, we
were able to provide in thirteen welfare missions
medical, food, water, sanitation, and spiritual aid to
65,000 survivors in three regions of the country. We
appreciate ever more the efforts of our Lutheran
brothers and sisters in Canada who have blessed us to
accomplish this task. Without your continuous prayers
and financial help, we could not know how to
accomplish this enormous service to relieve the misery
of our brothers and sisters in Haiti!”
The triennium 2008-2011 has been both the most
dramatic and the most blessed period in the history of
both the HLMS and the LCH. In 2008, four hurricanes
battered Haiti and brought extensive flooding,
particularly to the city of Gonaives, damaging the
buildings and equipment of the LCH’s various projects,
including churches, bakery, homes for street boys and
the elderly, and computer school. The great destruction
brought Rev. Benoit to the point of despair. However,
with the help of generous donations in both funds and
goods, the HLMS could help the LCH restore all their
losses.
Then, the massive 2010 earthquake destroyed about
90% of the buildings in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and
nearby cities, disrupting to this day the country’s major
operations. But, with Gonaives unharmed and with aid
through HLMS, the LCH could carry out relief
missions, which included 160 large, 8-person tents
funded by HLMS and CLWR. In the last several years,
HLMS collected donated goods and sent them crammed
in two 40-foot containers each year, but the donations
were so great that three containers were shipped in
2010, providing a tremendous blessing for earthquake
victims. In the Summer of 2010, Hurricane Tomas
brought renewed flooding, followed by a severe cholera
outbreak that took thousands of lives. HLMS responded
with funds for the purchase of cholera medication that
was dispensed in clinics of the LCH.
Despite the catastrophes, l’Eglise Lutherienne d’Haiti
was enabled by the Holy Spirit to establish eight new
congregations in 2009-2010, bringing their total to 197,
which are served by 140 lay pastors and 60 preachers.
Assisted by major gifts from HLMS, such as a
bulldozer, a front-end loader, a truck motor, truck tires,
and generators, the LCH continues to operate their
profit-making ventures, principally a stone quarry and a
rubble-removal project. The latter is financed by the
LCMS’ Department of World Relief and Human Care.
Thus, they are now 80% self-sufficient in providing
salaries for their church workers, teachers in their 150
elementary schools, and 60 employees. These are
assisted with a $2,500 monthly subsidy from the
HLMS. LCH also paid back a loan from an HLMS
member to purchase and renovate a guest house.
Because 55 of the LCH’s churches were destroyed by
the massive earthquake, HLMS began a “Church
Rebuilding Campaign” to restore 20 of them at $3,000
each. By late Fall, 2010, the goal was already reached.
But, since contributions have continued to come in,
including $26,000 from Bethel Congregation in
Kitchener, the total reached $94,153 in February, 2011.
Instead of structures of poles holding thatched roofs and
walls, at least 30 congregations now have churches of
concrete blocks and tin roofs, solidly built by LCH’s
Star Construction Co. HLMS has also sent 348 new
French hymnals through a grant from the Ontario
District LWML, and $5,000 to purchase 1,000 Creole
Bibles for people who lost theirs in the floods and
earthquake. In 2010, $11,606 was donated for the
Trinity/Hope School Food Program (“Kids Feeding
Kids”), bringing the total of donations last year to
$339,834.86. This compares to the amount of
$119,395.75 in 2009, which includes major donations
from two HLMS members to construct a large church
in Poto near Gonaives. Mission expenses of HLMS in
2009 were $177,012.46 and $319,610.65 in 2010.
Because HLMS works only with volunteers, operating
expenses in 2009 were only $3,664.18 and $8,600.96 in
2010.
At this point of writing in February, 2011, it is worth
mentioning the planned trip of eleven members of our
Dashwood, ON, congregation, including Pastor John
Trembulak, to assist l’Eglise du Foi (Faith
Congregation) in Gonaives with the construction of
their new church. They not only paid their own
expenses but raised about $27,000 besides for building
materials. They are accompanied by Wally and Howard
Bogusat of Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, the two most
involved volunteer members of the HLMS Board of
Directors. For the first time, HLMS was to hold their
Annual Mission Festival in BC, April 30-May 5, 2011.

Rev. Benoit was to speak in LCC congregations in
Cranbrook, Vernon, Kamloops, Parksville and Surrey.
HLMS is most grateful for the trustworthy dedication
and leadership of President Benoit. He recently stated
the goals of the LCH being:
1. Spreading the Gospel
2. Administering the Word and Sacraments
faithfully
3. Equipping and training the church workers
4. Becoming financial independent
Wagner Hills Farm Society is a healing Christian
Community with Lutheran roots, serving people with
harmful addictions.
Having begun in 1981 with the use of a 45-acre farm in
Langley, BC, God has expanded this ministry, serving
both men and women, to multiple locations in BC, and
also used it to influence Christian addictions ministry in
BC and Canada.
Wagner Hills Farm itself has served over 4000 men
since 1981 on a working farm located in Langley BC.
Wagner Hills Farm is currently able to accommodate up
to 50 residents, in addition to 20 servant leaders and
staff members, with plans to grow to 100 residents plus
staff in 2012.
In 2005, a sister ministry called SCARS (Society for
Chemical and Alcohol Rehabilitation Services) was
begun at Peace Vale farm near Ft. St. John, BC.
SCARS has served over 100 residents since 2005,
utilising 4 houses on a working farm. SCARS can
accommodate up to 15 people at a time in its healing
Christian Community.
In 2008, House of Hope for Women became the 3 rd
Wagner Hills ministry site. This working farm in South
Langley is a healing Christian community for up to 14
women plus staff and servant leaders. Construction will
begin in 2011 on a new facility to expand operations at
HoH and accommodate up to 22 women residents.
Wagner Hills Ministries has been instrumental in
assisting similar addictions ministries with their
beginnings: ARK in Creston (Addiction Recovery in
the Kootenays) and Liberty House Society in Quesnel,
BC.
Wagner Hills has been able to provide some
encouragement, support and leadership to other
Christian groups serving the area of addictions, as a
E. 91
REPORT 39: WAGNER HILLS FARM SOCIETY
5. Caring for widows, orphans and the brokenhearted.
HLMS is thankful for the opportunities to serve them
and members of LCC in channelling our gifts to our
Lutheran brothers and sisters in Haiti.
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. John R. Wilch
Chairman, Haiti Lutheran Mission Society
founding member of CCAMP: the Canadian Christian
Addiction Ministry Providers.
Our focus is biblical, bringing people beyond addictions
recovery to discipleship with Jesus. The year long,
residential Christian program involves daily prayer,
worship, teaching, work, service, community outreach
and recreation, all led primarily by people who have
themselves come out of addictions. We are seeing lives
changed, men and women who are becoming servant
leaders, who want to pass on what God has done in
their lives. These servant leaders continue to be
mentored and to grow in Christian maturity and in their
service. As a result, we have become a growing
Christian community that is multiplying into different
locations, as God has opened doors and provided
opportunities.
Wagner Hills Farm Society is a Listed Service
Organization, in partnership with Lutheran Church
Canada. The Lutheran Church Canada Foundation
stewards the original 45 acre farm property called
Wagner Hills Farm in honour of Wes Wagner and has
leased this land to the Society in a renewable lease until
at least 2030.
We praise and thank God for the changed lives that are
staying changed by the grace, mercy and power of God.
Without God’s daily miracles coming through faithful
lives and prayer, Wagner Hills would not continue.
May God continue to bless Wagner Hills Ministries and
Lutheran Church Canada, in this God-honouring
partnership that is resulting in lives filled with the love
and hope of Christ. May many more thousands of
people dealing with addictions in BC, Alberta and all of
Canada, come to experience Jesus’ life-changing
presence in their lives.
Helmut Boehm
Executive Director

Treasured friends in Christ Jesus,
E. 92
REPORT 40: LUTHERAN COUNCIL IN CANADA
The Lutheran Council in Canada (LCIC) is a
cooperative agency relating to the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) and Lutheran
Church-Canada (LCC). The two member churches
appoint representatives to the LCIC on the basis of
their own criteria. The Council focuses its work on
a fairly limited scope of issues, which include the
following:
� Lutheran chaplaincy to the Canadian
Forces;
� Lutheran chaplaincy under the
Correctional Service of Canada; and
� Scouts Canada.
The Rev. Hans J. W. Borch (Elmira, ON –
ELCIC) has served as the LCIC’s representative
on the Interfaith Committee on Canadian Military
Chaplaincy since late 2008. The Rev. Dr. Garry
Dombrosky (Edmonton, AB – LCC) represents the
Council to the Interfaith Committee for
Chaplaincy in the Correctional Service of Canada.
Finally, The Rev. Michael Diegel (Rosthern, SK –
ELCIC) represents us with Scouts Canada.
The Council meets once each year to receive
reports and consider various items for action. In
addition to the more routine updates from the three
areas of its primary responsibility, the Council is
considering establishing an electronic Lutheran
directory to replace the printed inter-Lutheran
directories that were published years ago.
This project has been inactive for a time, but the
communications directors of both member
churches have been asked to pursue it in the
coming year.
There has also been interest in petitioning Canada
Post to issue a commemorative stamp for the 500 th
Anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation in 2017.
The Council learned that representatives of the
Lutheran World Federation (of which the ELCIC
is a member) and the International Lutheran
Council (in which LCC holds membership) will
consult in 2011 about international plans for this
same anniversary.
The Council is currently comprised of six
members, most of whom are from the Winnipeg
area, in order to save on meeting costs, since both
churches maintain national offices there. The
ELCIC has been very ably represented by National
Bishop Susan C. Johnson, and The Rev. Dr. Leon
C. Gilbertson. After The Rev. Paul Johnson
completed his work in the ELCIC national office,
he was replaced as a Council representative by
The Rev. Andre Lavergne. LCC representatives
include President Robert Bugbee and Mr. Dwayne
Cleave, the church’s national treasurer. When The
Rev. Rod Buck followed a call to Alberta, he was
succeeded by The Rev. Cameron Schnarr.
By common consent, the presidency of the
Council alternates between the leaders of the two
participating church bodies. I will conclude my
current term at the end of 2011. I take this
opportunity to thank the members of the Council –
and the churches they represent – for their
willingness to work together in areas where,
despite differences between the churches, inter-
Lutheran cooperation is needed and beneficial.
Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee,
President
Lutheran Council in Canada

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F. 1
Overture 1.01 To Establish A Sanctity of Life Sunday in LCC
WHEREAS Lutheran Church–Canada has, since its founding, repeatedly expressed the biblical truth that
life is sacred, a gift from God (Cf. Resolution 88.3.04: "We consider the unborn to be persons
in the sight of God, and since abortion is the taking of a human life, it is not a morally
justifiable option except to preserve the life of the mother, in which case it becomes a choice
between the lesser of two evils. The church must offer alternatives to abortion, as well as
compassion and forgiveness to those affected by it.); and
WHEREAS we continue to see our society showing a disregard and denial of the clear teaching of the
Holy Scripture regarding the sanctity of all human life; and
WHEREAS Scripture encourages us to "Open your mouth for the speechless, In the cause of all who are
appointed to die." (Proverbs 31:8 -NKJV); and
WHEREAS The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has designated the third Sunday of January as “Sanctity
of Life Sunday”; and
WHEREAS the designation of such a date on the LCC calendar would encourage pastors and
congregations to consider the importance of life issues; therefore be it
RESOLVED that Lutheran Church–Canada designate the same third Sunday in January as "Sanctity of Life
Sunday"; and be it finally
RESOLVED that the pastors, congregations, teachers, and lay leaders of Lutheran Church–Canada be
encouraged to make use of appropriate materials available from Lutherans for Life to educate
and inform the people of Lutheran Church–Canada about life issues, that we may give a clear
witness to the world regarding the sanctity of life.
Voters' Assembly of Faith Lutheran Church, London, ON
Mike Fonger, Chairman Lisa Baldock, Secretary Dan Johnston, Elder
Rev. David M. Bode, Pastor Rev. Oscar Castillo, Pastor
Overture 1.02 To State LCC Position on Stem Cell Research
WHEREAS medical research continues to generate new advances that create ethical questions which prior
generations did not have to face, and
WHEREAS stem cell research, in particular, offers the promise of delivering cures to debilitating diseases;
and
WHEREAS LCC is not opposed to all stem cell research as a means of seeking alleviation for disease; and
WHEREAS the Biblical position supports adult stem cell research, which does not involve the destruction
of human life and has been utilized in treatment of maladies such as multiple sclerosis,
Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, sickle cell anemia, stroke, limb gangrene, corneal
regeneration, heart damage, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injury; and
WHEREAS the pro-life position opposes embryonic stem cell research which destroys human life in order
to obtain embryonic stem cells for research and has so far shown no success for treatment in
humans even though touted in the media as the source of great cures in the future; and
WHEREAS there are calls across the nation by many for government funding of embryonic stem cell
research; and

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WHEREAS the Scriptures are replete with references showing that God cares for and defends the weak
and the fatherless (Deuteronomy 10:18; Psalm 68:5, Psalm 10:14) and furthermore, that we
are to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves” (Proverbs 31:8-9, NIV) and
WHEREAS Christians are to let their light shine in this dark world regarding this type of ethical dilemma
and since LCC takes a strong and clear pro-life position; therefore be it
RESOLVED that in our preaching and teaching we emphasize that it is God alone Who gives life and Who
is to take human life; and be it further
RESOLVED that the Synod urges its members to give public witness against the destruction of human life
in embryonic stem cell research, and be it finally
RESOLVED that the 2011 LCC convention make known its support of adult stem cell research and its
opposition to embryonic stem cell research which involves the taking of a human life.
Identical resolutions submitted by:
London Circuit - Rev. Dan Abraham, Circuit Counsellor
Ottawa Circuit – Rev. J. Kuhl, Circuit Counsellor
Voters’ Assembly, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Moncton, NB
Overture 1.03 To State Lutheran Church–Canada Position on Stem Cell Research
Background
Medical research continues to make new advances in adult stem cell research. Many people are not aware of
the difference, between adult stem cell research and embryonic stem cell research (ESCR)
The Carnegie Stages of Human Development, a universal system for staging and comparing embryologic
development, states that “human development begins at fertilization”, which marks the beginning of each of us
as a unique individual. There are many Biblical references to the fact that we are a human being from the time
of conception. Therefore even the science world acknowledges that ESCR destroys the life of a baby.
Lutherans for Life - Canada would like the membership of Lutheran Church–Canada to be made aware of the
fact that embryonic stem cell research destroys the life of a baby whereas adult stem cell research does not take
a life, and ASC has achieved many breakthroughs.
WHEREAS medical research continues to generate new advances that create ethical questions which prior
generations did not have to face; and
WHEREAS stem cell research, in particular, offers the promise of delivering cures to debilitating diseases;
and
WHEREAS LCC is not opposed to all stem cell research as a means of seeking alleviation for disease; and
WHEREAS the Biblical position supports adult stem cell research, which does not involve the destruction
of human life and has been utilized in treatment of maladies such as multiple sclerosis,
Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, sickle cell anemia, stroke, limb gangrene, corneal
regeneration, heart damage, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injury; and
WHEREAS the pro-life position opposes embryonic stem cell research which destroys human life in order
to obtain embryonic stem cells for research and has so far shown no success for treatment in
humans even though touted in the media as the source of great cures in the future; and
WHEREAS there are calls across the nation by many for government funding of embryonic stem cell
research; and

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WHEREAS the Scriptures are replete with references showing that God cares for and defends the weak
and the fatherless (Deut 10:18; Ps. 68:5, Ps 10:14) and furthermore, that we are to “speak up
for those who cannot speak for themselves” (Prov. 31:8-9, NIV); and
WHEREAS Christians are to let their light shine in this dark world regarding this type of ethical dilemma,
and since LCC takes a strong and clear pro-life position; therefore be it
RESOLVED that in our preaching and teaching we emphasize that it is God alone who gives life and who
is to take human life; and be it further
RESOLVED that the Synod urges its members to give public witness against the destruction of human life
in embryonic stem cell research; and be it further
RESOLVED that the 2011 LCC convention make known its support of adult stem cell research and its
opposition to embryonic stem cell research which involves the taking of a human life.
Saskatoon Circuit
Rev. R. Heide, Circuit Councillor
Overture 1.04 To State LCC Position on Stem Cell Research
Background
The media has recently reported that doctors have begun treating a patient using stem cells derived from the
killing of innocent human beings. Medical research continues to make new advances in adult stem cell
research. Many people are not aware of the difference between adult stem cell research (ASCR) and embryonic
stem cell research (ESCR).
The Carnegie Stages of Human Development, a universal system for staging and comparing embryologic
development, states that “human development begins at fertilization”, which marks the beginning of each of us
as a unique individual. There are many Biblical references to the fact that we are a human being from the time
of conception. Therefore even the science world acknowledges that ESCR destroys the life of a baby.
Lutherans for Life - Canada would like for the membership of LCC to be made aware of the fact that embryonic
stem cell research destroys the life of a baby whereas adult stem cell research does not and has been successful.
WHEREAS medical research continues to generate new advances that create ethical questions which prior
generations did not have to fact,” and
WHEREAS stem cell research, in particular, offers the promise of delivering cures to debilitating diseases;
and
WHEREAS LCC is not opposed to all stem cell research as a means of seeking alleviation for disease; and
WHEREAS adult stem cell research is not contrary to scripture and does not involve the destruction of
human life and has been utilized in treatment of maladies such as multiple sclerosis, Chron’s
disease, rheumatoid arthritis, sickle cell anaemia, stroke, limb gangrene, corneal regeneration,
heart damage, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injury; and
WHEREAS the pro-life position opposes embryonic stem cell research which destroys human life in order
to obtain embryonic stem cells for research and has so far shown no success for treatment in
humans even though touted in the media as the source of great cures in the future; and
WHEREAS there are calls across the nation by many for government funding of embryonic stem cell
research; and

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WHEREAS the Scriptures are replete with references showing that God cares for and defends the weak
and the fatherless (Deut 10:18; Ps. 68:5, Ps 10:14) and furthermore, that we are to “speak up
for those who cannot speak for themselves” (Prov. 31:8-9, NIV) and
WHEREAS Christians are to let their light shine in this dark world regarding this type of ethical dilemma,
and since the LCC takes a strong and clear pro-life position; therefore be it
RESOLVED that in our preaching and teaching we emphasize that it is God alone Who gives life and Who
is to take human life; and be it further
RESOLVED that the Synod urges its members to give public witness against the destruction of human life
in embryonic stem cell research, and be it further
RESOLVED that the 2011 LCC convention make known its support of adult stem cell research and its
opposition to embryonic stem cell research which involves the taking of a human life.
Toronto Circuit Forum
Rev. Gregory Johnson, Circuit Counsellor
Overture 1.05 To Withdraw the CTCR Document “ The Public Reading of Scripture
In the Divine Service” From LCC For study and Response
.
WHEREAS Lutheran Church–Canada in its Sixth Convention (2002) held in Kitchener received Overture
1.16 which requested in three resolves that the "public reading of God's Word in the worship
of the Christian Church be performed with dignity and reverence"; that such reading "not be
delegated to men who are ill-prepared or to women whom the Bible prohibits from such
public reading"; and that such reading "be conducted by men only who are able to perform
this duty with dignity ... subject to the pastor's oversight and ultimately the responsibility of
the office of the public ministry"; and
WHEREAS the 2002 Convention in resolution 02.1.04 referred overture 1.16 to the CTCR for response
and direction; and
WHEREAS the CTCR presented the document "The Public Reading of Scripture in the Divine Service" to
LCC in Convention in 2008 and the Convention referred the document to the Synod for study
and response (08.1.02); and
WHEREAS the teachings of our Synod are to be based on clear passages of Scripture and the Scriptural
argument presented in the document is one of two legitimate interpretations of what Paul
meant when he told Timothy to "devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture" (1 Tim.
4:13, ESV); and
.
WHEREAS the document presents a very one-sided argument and ignores the history of the office of
lector and evidence printed in doctrinally reviewed materials including our hymnals (LW and
LSB), other CTCR documents and journals; therefore be it
RESOLVED that the Synod withdraw the document for study and response by the Synod until such time as
it develops a more accurate and complete study of the topic.
Identical resolutions submitted by:
Bethel Lutheran Church Sherwood Park, AB; Marc Berner, Chairman
Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church Rocky Mountain House, AB; Larry Russell, Executive Director

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Overture 1.06 To Clarify the Doctrinal Basis of Lutheran Chruch–Canada
WHEREAS the doctrinal basis of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) was established in 1988 at
the constituting convention and set down in Article II of the Handbook of Lutheran Church–
Canada. This doctrinal basis of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions is the same as our
parent Synod, The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS); and
WHEREAS LCC has always stated its unity in doctrine and practice through its ongoing altar
and pulpit fellowship with the LCMS; and
WHEREAS both LCC and the LCMS allow for doctrinal resolutions and statements to clarify
the Biblical and confessional teaching on certain topics in their Bylaws (LCC
1.03 and LCMS 1.6.2); and
WHEREAS the LCMS adopted many doctrinal resolutions, especially in its Commission on
Theology and Church Relations documents, and four doctrinal statements
(Church and Ministry, 1851; "Thirteen Theses on Predestination," 1881; the
"Brief Statement," 1932; and "A Statement on Scriptural and Confessional
Principles," 1973); and
WHEREAS at the 1988 founding convention of LCC it was clearly stated that the doctrinal
basis of the LCMS would be the doctrinal basis of LCC, although this sentiment
never became a part of any overture or resolution; and
WHEREAS the 1990 convention of LCC held in Winnipeg clarified some of the confusion
when it and "resolved that Lutheran Church–Canada receive the documents of the
Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) of The Lutheran
Church-Missouri Synod as part of its heritage; and be it further resolved that Lutheran
Church–Canada continue to refer to these documents for reference and guidance and/or for
study in accord with their mode of adoption by The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, in
regard to matters of doctrinal content, and in practice, insofar as they are applicable to the
Canadian scene (90:1.2); and
WHEREAS the doctrinal statements of the LCMS have never been officially adopted by LCC
in convention, although resolutions 73.2.12 (To Understand Article II of the
Synod's Constitution as Requiring the Formulation and Adoption of Synodical
Doctrinal Statements) and 73.3.01 (To Adopt "A Statement") were clearly
adopted to state that Synod adopted these four doctrinal statements as the official
teaching of the LCMS; and
WHEREAS there is some confusion in LCC regarding the status of these four doctrinal
statements therefore be it
RESOLVED that Lutheran Church–Canada thank God for our forbearers in the faith who
clearly taught the Word of God in its truth and clarity; and be it further
RESOLVED that Lutheran Church–Canada accept Walther's Church and Ministry, his
"Thirteen Theses on Predestination," the "Brief Statement," and "A Statement on
Scriptural and Confessional Principles" as doctrinal statements which are in
accord with the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions and shall be 'accepted
and used as helpful expositions and explanations" (FC SD Rule and Norm, 10); and be it
further
RESOLVED that all pastors and teachers of the Synod publicly teach on the basis of these
doctrinal statements; and be it finally

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RESOLVED that those who dissent from these doctrinal statements follow the Handbook's
procedure for dissent (Bylaws 1.01.c.8-10 and 1.21.e).While retaining the right to
dissent all are to "continue to honour and uphold publicly the statement as the
doctrinal position of the Synod ... “(Bylaw 1.01.c. l0).
Identical resolutions submitted by:
Bethel Lutheran Church, Sherwood Park, AB, Marc Berner, Chairman
Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rocky Mountain House, AB, Larry Russell, Executive Director
Overture 1.07 To Reaffirm the Qualifications of the Office of the Holy Ministry
WHEREAS Scripture’s qualifications for the Office of the Holy Ministry as clearly described in 1
Timothy 3:1-7 require a candidate for the office of overseer to be “above reproach,” “the
husband of one wife,” and “have a good reputation with outsiders,” and
WHEREAS this demands that the character and personality and mental health of each candidate for the
office must be of the highest level, and
WHEREAS 1 Corinthians 6:18 identifies sexual sins as sins of the worst kind, and
WHEREAS Romans 1:27 identifies homosexual sin as depravity, and
WHEREAS our Confessions speak again and again about the sinful nature not being removed from us in
this life (FC SD 1:5; FC SD 11:8 {Tappert 537-84, 85} 1 FC Ep V: 8), hence it follows that
the altered sexual nature of homosexuals (attraction to the same sex) will not be removed
from them in this life, and
WHEREAS other Lutheran synods and church bodies have openly embraced society’s acceptance of same
sex marriage and the homosexual lifestyle in clear contradiction of Scripture, and
WHEREAS the ELCA and others have gone even further away from the Word of God and have approved
the ordination of people in “committed same-sex relationships,” and
WHEREAS our Lutheran Church–Canada’s public response, circulated to pastors and others and
subsequently “clarified” and published in the September 2009 issue of The Canadian
Lutheran containing the statement “Those who may have such inclinations and who struggle
against them are welcome in our churches, will receive the forgiveness of their sins, and may
serve in the office of the ministry” clearly violates the standard of “above reproach” and
“have a good reputation with outsiders,” and gives the impression that homosexual ordination
of some sort is acceptable, and
WHEREAS Courts and Human Rights Tribunals have a history of interpreting statements such as “may be
considered” in the widest possible way, and
WHEREAS the terminology “homosexual inclinations” as used in the Canadian Lutheran is ambiguous,
and
WHEREAS true repentance and saving faith do indeed bring forgiveness, life and salvation, they do not
take away the “this world” consequences of sin, they do not remove the altered sexual nature
1 Tappert 534/68 – But since in this life we have received only first fruits of the Spirit, and regeneration is not
as yet perfect but has only begun in us, the conflict and warfare of the flesh against the spirit continues also in
the elect and truly reborn.

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(attraction to the same sex) (Tappert 534/68 and 480/4) 2 , nor do they bring an individual to
the level of “above reproach,” and
WHEREAS we could easily be setting up a person for failure in the ministry if we don’t take into account
the ongoing personal struggles that the candidate may have, and
WHEREAS there is an important trust issue in regard to the plight of possible abuse victims, and
WHEREAS we need to give a clear and precise witness to Scripture on this issue, therefore be it
RESOLVED that we reaffirm our commitment to uphold the Scriptural requirements for the holder of the
office of the ministry as described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and be it further
RESOLVED that we reject the practice of the ordination of men with a history of homosexual behaviour,
and be it further
RESOLVED that we reaffirm our rejection of same-sex marriage, as contrary to the Word of God
concerning marriage, and be it further
RESOLVED that we reject the world’s idea that homosexuality is the natural way some people are and
therefore should be accepted, and be it further
RESOLVED that we are committed to the clear teaching of Scripture that homosexual behaviour is truly
sin, (regardless of whether it is inborn or learned), and be it further
RESOLVED that we are committed to the proper use of Law and Gospel as it applies to sexual sins and
sexual addictions to the end that we may offer the hope and power of the Gospel to overcome
it and be it finally
RESOLVED that we are committed to supporting those who are committed to overcome their homosexual
inclinations, that by God’s grace and through repentance and faith, they too can receive the
forgiveness of sins, may be welcomed in our churches and partake of the Lord’s Supper for
the strengthening of their faith, but they may not become pastoral candidates, nor be ordained.
Voters Assembly of Christ Our King Lutheran Church, Mississauga, Ontario
Mark Verlinden, Chairman
Anita Anderson, Secretary
Ottawa Circuit
Rev. J. Kuhl, Circuit Counsellor
2 Tappert 480/4: For although they are indeed reborn and have been renewed in the spirit of their mind, such
regeneration and renewal is incomplete in this world. In fact, it has only begun, and in the
spirit of their mind the believers are in constant war against flesh (that is their corrupt nature and kind) which
clings to them until death. On account of this Old Adam, who inheres in people’s intellect,
will, and all their powers, it is necessary for the law of God constantly to light their way lest in their merely
human devotion they undertake self-decreed and self-chosen acts of serving God. This is
further necessary lest the Old Adam go his self-willed way. He must be coerced against his own will not only
by the admonition and treats of the law, but also by punishments and plagues, to follow the spirit and surrender
himself a captive. I Cor 9:27; Rom 6:12; Gal 6:14; Ps 119:1; Heb 13:21.

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OVERTURE 1.08 To Clarify our Synod’s Position on Same Gender Issues in Relation to
Church Life and Practices
WHEREAS it is the position of Lutheran Church–Canada that Scripture is the inspired, inerrant
Word of God and only source and norm for doctrine, practice and teaching; and
WHEREAS Scripture condemns the sin of homosexuality in both the Old and New Testaments; and
WHEREAS marriage is defined in Scripture as the lifelong union of one man and one woman, based on
their common consent, freely given; and
WHEREAS we are called by God to remain faithful to His Word even in the face of societal pressures to
the contrary; and
WHEREAS there have been numerous legal challenges against other religious organizations with regard to
this issue; therefore be it
RESOLVED Lutheran Church–Canada state publicly in Convention that its pastors will not perform samesex
marriages; and be it finally
RESOLVED that the Council of Presidents of Lutheran Church–Canada, in consultation with legal counsel,
develop policies with regard to matters such as the usage of church facilities and hiring
practices so that our public teaching regarding the sin of homosexuality is not compromised.
Lutheran Church–Canada
Board of Directors
Randy Stefan, Chairman
Rev. Dennis Putzman, Secretary
OVERTURE 1.09 To Expand the Eligibility of Retired Pastors for Service in Synodical
Boards and Commissions
WHEREAS LCC is blessed with many pastors who have served faithfully in the church for years; and
WHEREAS these men have amassed a valuable wealth of experience in life and ministry; and
WHEREAS LCC will be experiencing an increase in retirements over the next 3 decades; and
WHEREAS Article II (Synodical Organization) section 2.105 (Membership) states, “The Commission on
Theology and Church Relations shall consist of seven voting members, to be selected as
follows:
a. The Convention shall elect two pastors serving congregations and two laypersons.” and
WHEREAS Article IX (Board of Directors) article 11.02 states, “11.02 Directors shall be elected at
conventions in accordance with the Synodical Bylaws, and shall include twelve (12) members
namely:
- the president;
- the three (3) vice-presidents;
- six (6) individuals, two (2) from the confirmed members of congregations in each district,
provided that such individuals are not pastors and further provided that not more than one (1)
of such individuals may be a deacon; and
- two (2) pastors serving congregation(s) elected at-large.”; and

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WHEREAS the insistence in the Constitution and Bylaws of Synod that pastors elected to these positions
must be currently serving in a called position in a congregation has eliminated the possibility
of tapping into this wealth of experience in these critical positions of leadership; therefore be
it
RESOLVED that Bylaw Article II, section 2.105 be amended to remove the words “serving congregations”
from the section; and be it further
RESOLVED that Article IX, section 11.02 be amended to remove the words “serving congregations” from
the section; and be it finally
RESOLVED that we thank God for the work and ministry of our Emeritus pastors and their willingness to
continue to serve Him and His church.
Lutheran Church–Canada
Randy Stefan, Chairman
Rev. Dennis J. Putzman, Secretary
Overture 1.10 To Receive the CTCR Report on Cremation
WHEREAS cremation has traditionally caused concern among Christians because of its association with a
denial of the resurrection of the body; and
WHEREAS the practice of cremation has become increasingly common in Christian circles in recent
times; and
WHEREAS the Central District in Convention in 2006 requested the CTCR to study the issue of
cremation; be it
RESOLVED that the CTCR document “Cremation and the Christian” be commended to the Synod for
reference and guidance.
Commission on Theology and Church Relations
Edward G. Kettner, Chairman
Overture 1.11 To Receive the CTCR Report on Vicars Celebrating the Sacrament in
Emergency Situations
WHEREAS there has been inconsistent practice in LCC regarding the giving of permission to vicars to
celebrate the Sacrament of the Altar; and
WHEREAS the 2008 convention of Lutheran Church–Canada asked the CTCR to prepare a document on
the question of vicars celebrating the Sacrament of the Altar in emergency situations;
therefore be it
RESOLVED that the convention receive the document “May a Vicar Celebrate the Lord’s Supper in an
Emergency Situation?” for reference and guidance; and be it finally
RESOLVED that the Council of Presidents act in accordance with the instructions put forth in this
document.
Commission on Theology and Church Relations
Edward G. Kettner, Chairman

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Overture 1.12 To Ask for Clarification of Catechism Changes
WHEREAS Luther's Small Catechism is most important in our instruction as Lutheran Christians; and
WHEREAS questions and proof passages have been developed to center our attention on the truths of our
confession; and
WHEREAS changes to those questions should be explained to the church-at-large; and
WHEREAS the last two catechisms of Synod have included a rather interesting new question, that is
Question #271 under the study of The Office of the Keys; and
WHEREAS this question and answer states: "How is the Office of the Keys related to the proclamation of
the Gospel?" "The Office of the Keys is a special God-given way of applying the Gospel to
the individual. God is surpassingly rich in His grace: First, through the spoken Word, by
which the forgiveness of sins is preached in the whole world. This is the particular office of
the Gospel. Second, through Baptism. Third, through the Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Fourth,
through the Power of the Keys. Also, through the mutual conversation and consolation of
brethren" (Smalcald Articles III and IV); and
WHEREAS The Small Catechism defines the Keys as the Gospel in Word and Sacraments, the means to
open the Kingdom of Heaven. The Office or "Ministry" is the "peculiar" or unique authority
from God to use the Keys; and
WHEREAS the answer to Question #271 refers to the Office of the Keys as one of many "applications" of
the Gospel; and
WHEREAS many may claim a "broad" and "narrow" definition is used here but serious questions arise:
1. Is the Office of the Keys given to all Christians as Dr. Walther claimed?
2. Is the Office of the Keys primarily given to the Local Congregation as the 1943 Catechism
claimed?
3. Is the Office of the Keys and passages like Matthew 28:18-20 granted only to the pastoral
office as many today claim?
4. More subtly, is the Office of the Keys given to the whole Church but only administered by
the called ministers? and
WHEREAS the debate on this subject has caused another change in the Catechism, changing the historical
six chief parts into seven, separating confession, which is given to the Church at Large and
the Office of the Keys which some claim belong only to the clergy. Therefore be it
RESOLVED that Lutheran Church–Canada in convention ask the CTCR to explain these confusing
changes found in our Catechism and give us direction on the Office of the Keys and its
application in our church body.
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
Yorkton, SK
Todd Haas, Chairperson
Overture 1.13 To Remove the Study Document “Pastor and People Together in
Christ’s Church” from the LCC Website
WHEREAS the 2005 convention of LCC adopted resolution 05.1.04a which asked the CTCR to prepare a
study document which dealt with the matters of church discipline (dealing with matters like
intrusion, the lesser ban, etc.) and pastoral care; and

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WHEREAS the CTCR responded in 2008 with the document “Pastor and People Together in
Christ’s Church”; and
WHEREAS the 2008 LCC convention commended it to the Synod for study; and
WHEREAS some in the Synod view this document as diminishing the role of the priesthood of
all believers and almost pitting pastor and people against one another; and
WHEREAS the Synod has added this document on its website as a study document and by this
addition it may lead some to think that it is an official teaching of the Synod, therefore be it
RESOLVED that in order to reduce confusion the document, “Pastor and People Together in
Christ’s Church” be removed from the LCC website; and be it finally
RESOLVED that the CTCR revise “Pastor and People Together in Christ’s Church” to reflect
the historic teaching of LCMS/LCC (C. F. W. Walther) of pastor and people
working side by side in the work of the church.
Identical resolutions submitted by:
Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church
Rocky Mountain House, AB
Larry Russel, Executive Director
Bethel Lutheran Church
Sherwood Park, AB
Marc Berner, Chairman
Overture 1.14 To Return the “Pastor and the People Together in Christ’s Church”
Document
WHEREAS the doctrine of Church and Ministry is most important in the proclamation of the Gospel and
has been controversial among Lutheran historically and also in Lutheran Church–Canada; and
WHEREAS the CTCR document "Pastor and People Together in Christ's Church" deals with this most
important subject; and
WHEREAS the Holy Scripture of the Apostle Peter (1 Peter2:9) in which the Apostle under verbal
inspiration speaks of the "royal priesthood" sometimes called the "priesthood of all believers"
and where the apostle compares all believers to the priesthood of the Old Testament, the
priests who were public ministers in the Church of Jesus Christ; and
WHEREAS the document states bluntly: "WHEREAS the work of the pastoral office is primarily
"sacramental" (from God to man), the vocation of the spiritual priesthood, the baptized people
of God, is essentially "sacrificial"; and
WHEREAS the priesthood of the Old Testament was not primarily "sacrificial" but "sacramental" was
"Christocentric" not "anthropocentric" (man-centred); and
WHEREAS the blood sacrifices of the Old Testament were not just a walk of Christian life but rather a
proclamation of the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the free forgiveness
He offers; and
WHEREAS St. Peter is not calling all Christians pastors but does give all Christians God's grace to give
and share to a dark world; and

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WHEREAS the pastoral office is not to be honoured at the expense of the priesthood of all believers but as
the document states: "Pastor and People together in Christ's Church". Therefore be it
RESOLVED that the document "Pastor and People Together in Christ's Church" with its confusion of Law
and Gospel dealing with the Priesthood of All Believers be returned to the CTCR and
removed as a study document of Lutheran Church–Canada.
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
Yorkton, SK
Todd Haas, Chairperson
Overture 1.15 To Encourage the Congregations of LCC to be Proactive in
Leading People into Bible Study and Confessional Study
WHEREAS Dr. C.F.W. Walther declared, “To the ministry of the Word, according to divine right, belongs
also the duty [Amt] to judge doctrine, but laymen also possess this right” (Thesis X on the
Ministry); and
WHEREAS the duty to judge doctrine carries with it the obligation to know that doctrine; and
WHEREAS it is the Scriptures and the Scriptures alone which give us that Good News which makes us
wise unto salvation, and the Book of Concord which faithfully bears witness to that Gospel;
and
WHEREAS commitment to the Scriptures as the written Word of God and the only rule of faith and
practice, and to the Book of Concord as a true and unadulterated exposition of the Word is a
condition of membership in Lutheran Church–Canada; therefore be it
RESOLVED that Synod in convention remind the members of Synod (pastors, deacons, and congregations)
of the commitment to the Scriptures and Confessions that they have made; and be it finally
RESOLVED that the members of Synod in convention encourage one another to recommit themselves to
the study of the Scriptures and of the Confessions on a regular basis, both publicly in their
congregations and privately in their homes.
Commission on Theology and Church Relations
Edward G. Kettner, Chairman
Overture 1.16 To Encourage Pastors, Deacons, Congregations and Schools to Nurture
a Missional Mindset and Develop a Missional Plan for Community
Outreach to the Lost
WHEREAS God has given to His Church His gifts of Word and Sacrament to “declare His glory among
the nations, his marvellous deeds among all peoples” (Psalm 96:3; cf. Matthew 28:18-20; 1
Peter 2:9-10); and
WHEREAS Lutheran Church–Canada has always understood the need to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ
with all people, but especially with those who are spiritually-lost (Constitution Preamble, No.
3; Article III, 2, 3); and
WHEREAS “In His Light, we see light” (Psalm 36:9) and in turn we are “to let our light shine before men,
that they may see our good deeds and praise our Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14); and

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WHEREAS during the past 50 years, Canada has devolved from being a “churched culture” to being a
“post-church” culture with Stats Canada reporting that “in 2004 over half of Canadians aged
15 to 29 and almost 60% of all British Columbians either had no religious affiliation or did
not attend any religious services.” (“Who’s religious?” by Warren Clark and Grant
Schellenberg in Canadian Social Trends Summer 2006 Statistics Canada pages 2-9); and
WHEREAS some congregations and church workers in Lutheran Church–Canada have begun to respond
to this missional challenge by becoming involved in what is called, “Transforming for
Missions” which is a three-faceted process that involves: 1. missional learning communities
for church workers; 2. weekend consultations that focus on helping congregations develop a
mission mindset and outreach strategy; and 3. providing ongoing coaching to those
congregations that adopt the consultation report; therefore be it
RESOLVED that we give thanks to God for the privilege He has bestowed upon every Christian of being
participants in His mission of seeking and saving the lost; and be it further
RESOLVED that every congregation and school of Lutheran Church–Canada be encouraged to “be
courageous enough to use every resource that God has given her to ensure that others will live
with him forever” and to “engage the world in such a sacrificial manner that the unbelieving
world will look upon its dying and say, ‘This truly is the Bride of the Son of God!’” (From
Convention Workbook, “A Mission Plan for the Twenty First Century” LCC 6th Convention,
Kitchener, June 6-10, 2002, page G-24); and be it finally
RESOLVED that each District of Lutheran Church–Canada set as a priority and provide the resources for
the nurturing of a missional attitude and lifestyle among God’s people by implementing a
Biblical and missional focus like “Transforming for Missions,” replete with missional
learning communities for church workers, consultations for congregations and schools, and
ongoing coaching for church workers and lay leaders for the expressed purpose of equipping
all God’s people to be missionaries in their respective communities and within their
vocations.
Board of Directors
Alberta-British Columbia District
Overture 2.01 To Provide a Cost-Efficient Seminary Education
WHEREAS the Synod in convention in 2008 adopted resolution 08.3.04 “To implement a cost efficient
seminary program for Lutheran—Canada.” The Synod’s Board of Directors established a
“Task Force on Cost-Efficient, Sustainable Seminary Education” which reported to the Synod
on December 1, 2010; and
WHEREAS the Board of Directors established a Task Force to investigate possibilities and give a report
on the recommendations they suggested. It is our opinion that the task force did not
demonstrate how their recommendation of maintaining two campuses was more cost-efficient
and sustainable than any of the alternatives. In fact, the report never gives any financial
information as to why other alternatives are not as good as the one recommended; and
WHEREAS the cost savings of the suggested solution is roughly $300,000 per year. This would still leave
a projected cost of providing seminary education at about $1.46 million because of the cost of
providing for two separate buildings and the minimal staffing needed. The $300,000 saving to
give a net budget of $1.46 million is minimal and unsustainable in view of the start up costs
for distant education (e.g. extra IT support), legal fees, and other expenses; and

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WHEREAS there seems to be some concern about not recouping the dollars that have been placed into the
current buildings. In financial terms sometimes losing an asset up front is cheaper than
maintaining it longer than can be afforded, i.e. the first loss is the cheapest; and
WHEREAS the report mentions only in passing the theological divide of the two seminaries. This
theological divide, specifically on the issue of church and ministry, if left unchecked, will
undoubtedly grow and continue to foster further division between the seminaries and within
the Synod. This reality is never dealt with in the report which recommends the continuation of
two seminary sites; and
WHEREAS the report’s emphasis upon delivering the seminary curriculum by distance/online delivery
will not adequately form quality candidates for pastoral ministry which require extensive
formation and mentoring. In addition, the suggested institutional structure and mode of
curriculum delivery will not sustain and attract quality candidates to serve as faculty.
Therefore be it
RESOLVED that in the interest of good stewardship of the Lord’s money and the formation of pastoral
candidates Lutheran Church–Canada provide seminary education out of a single site in
Edmonton by the start of the 2013-2014 academic year. To achieve this goal it is understood
that the combined assets of both seminaries would be consolidated at the one site in
Edmonton. The reason for the Edmonton site is that LCC presently owns the land on which
the seminary is established, the fact that Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton has already
achieved accreditation and degree granting status, the close proximity to and relationship with
Concordia University College of Alberta and all its resources, the availability of field work
congregations in the Edmonton area, and the greater donor base.
Wetaskiwin Circuit Forum
Rev. Allen Lewis, Circuit Counsellor
Overture 2.02 To Establish a Single Site Seminary Education in Lutheran Church–
Canada
WHEREAS the Synod in convention in 2008 adopted resolution 08.3.04 "To implement a cost
efficient seminary program for Lutheran Church–Canada"; and
WHEREAS the Synod's Board of Directors established a "Task Force on Cost-Efficient, Sustainable
Seminary Education" which reported to the Synod on December 1, 2010; and
WHEREAS the task force did not show how their recommendation of maintaining two campuses was
more cost-efficient than any of the alternatives; therefore be it
RESOLVED that in the interest of good stewardship of the Lord's money that Lutheran
Church–Canada provide seminary education out of a single site by the start of the
2013-2014 academic year; and be it finaIIy
RESOLVED that the single site be determined by the Board of Directors in the best interest of
the whole Synod.
Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church
Rocky Mountain House, Alberta
Larry Russell, Executive Director
Chris Richardson, Secretary

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Overture 2.03 To Amalgamate Seminary Education on a Single Campus
WHEREAS the Final Report of the Task Force on Cost-Efficient, Sustainable Seminary Education
contains serious inaccuracies with respect to both Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmont6n,
and Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, St. Catharines; and
WHEREAS the Final Report fails to show a significant financial benefit to its central rrecommendation,
namely that both Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton, and Concordia Lutheran
Theological Seminary, St. Catharines, be maintained as twin campuses of a single merged
seminary; and
WHEREAS the model of merger which the Final Report advances gives inadequate consideration to the
pastoral and pedagogical drawbacks to distance education, while nevertheless promoting its
expansion as a key feature of this two-campus model; and
WHEREAS the Final Report's model of a single, merged administration for the two campuses lacks
sufficient consideration of the human and fiscal costs which such an arrangement would
entail; and
WHEREAS the Final Report fails to adequately consider the financial, administrative, and human-resource
advantages that would come from operating just one seminary on a single campus; and
WHEREAS there would be significant benefits, largely undiscussed in the Final Report, to forging tighter
ties between the synod's seminary program and Concordia University College of Alberta,
including potential cost efficiencies, strengthened ties between CUCA and the synod, and
greater integration of the synod's pastoral- and diaconal-education programs; therefore be it
RESOLVED that Lutheran Church–Canada, in convention, decline to adopt the "two campuses with one
administration" model advanced in the Final Report of the Task Force on Cost-Efficient,
Sustainable Seminary Education; and further be it
RESOLVED that Lutheran Church–Canada, in convention, delegate to its Board of Directors the
responsibility for amalgamating all of its seminary operations on a single campus; and further
be it
RESOLVED that this amalgamated seminary program be operated in the closest possible form of structural
association with Concordia University College of Alberta; and further be it
RESOLVED that the Board of Directors plan and enact this amalgamation through an implementation
committee which must include significant representation from the faculties and Boards of
Regents of Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton, Concordia Lutheran Theological
Seminary, St. Catharines, and Concordia University College of Alberta; and finally be it
RESOLVED that this implementation committee present a detailed plan for amalgamation to the Board of
Directors by 1 September 2012, with the goal of enacting the new seminary program by 1
September 2013.
Bethel Lutheran Church
Sherwood Park, Alberta
Marc Berner, Chairman

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Overture 2.04 To Declare and Support Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton the
Only Site for Seminary Education in Canada for Lutheran Church–
Canada
WHEREAS the Lord has blessed Lutheran Church–Canada with two fine seminaries for many years; and
WHEREAS godly stewardship demands that the people LCC prayerfully consider the management of
God's gracious resources relative to seminary education; and
WHEREAS recent financial developments have prompted an examination of future seminary Education
for LCC; and
WHEREAS God has blessed Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton with financial stability, formal
accreditation, a beautiful and fully functional facility and the blessings of historic Concordia
University College of Alberta; therefore be it
RESOLVED that Lutheran Church–Canada declare and support Concordia Seminary, Edmonton as its only
site for seminary education in Canada.
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Edmonton, Alberta
Keith Kruse, Executive Director
Overture 2.05 To Decline the Plan Proposed by the Task Force on
Cost-Efficient, Sustainable Seminary Education
WHEREAS the Task Force on Cost-Efficient, Sustainable Seminary Education established by the Board
of Directors of LCC submitted their final report to the Synod on December 1, 2010, and
WHEREAS this Report proposes a dramatic change to the Synod’s system of seminary education that
claims to effect significant cost savings for the Synod but does not provide a detailed analysis
of such savings especially as they relate to the IT services required, and
WHEREAS the report does not fully consider the impact of the proposed changes on the nature of the
formation of future pastors; therefore be it
RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of Lutheran Church–Canada not implement the plan proposed by
the Task Force on Cost-Efficient Sustainable Seminary Education at this time; and be it
further
RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of Lutheran Church–Canada ask the Task Force to prepare a
detailed analysis of the cost savings they believe their plan will accomplish; and be it finally
RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of Lutheran Church–Canada, before taking any action on the Task
Force recommendations, consult more thoroughly with the faculties of both seminaries
regarding the possible adverse effects of the proposed changes to the quality and nature of
future seminary training.
Voters’ Assembly, Grace Lutheran Church
Edmonton, AB

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Overture 2.06 To Consolidate Seminary Education at One Site
WHEREAS it is imperative that the church continue to deliver theological education and formation of the
highest quality for our seminarians and church workers; and
WHEREAS the Taskforce on Cost-Efficient, Sustainable Seminary Education has presented a plan for
reducing costs by eliminating the duplication of administrative staff and faculty; and
WHEREAS eliminating one geographical location would likewise further reduce overall costs; and
WHEREAS operating one seminary on two campuses would seriously impact the formation of
seminarians and church workers since formation involves more than just the imparting of
information but is relational, involving community and face to face interaction; and
WHEREAS many of the positions involved in the formation of seminarians and church workers require
personal face to face interaction (such as the dean of students, chaplain, etc.); therefore be it
RESOLVED that the members of synod are made aware of the necessity of continued quality education that
the increase their support for seminary education and formation; and be it
RESOLVED that Synod close one geographical location; be it finally
RESOLVED the remaining seminary maintain or increase as need be a full compliment of faculty and staff
for the continued offering of quality education and formation of pastors and church workers.
Riverbend Lutheran Church
Edmonton, AB
Overture 2.07 To Develop a School that Trains Men and Women as Missionary
Evangelists
WHEREAS our Lord called people like Jonah, Paul, Peter, Barnabas, Philip, Priscilla, and Aquila to be
missionary-evangelists to their own home communities and sometimes to distant
communities; and
WHEREAS our Lord continues to call women and men to serve as missionary-evangelists to their own
communities and sometimes to distant communities; and
WHEREAS our Lord says through St. Paul, that He has gifted His Church with “apostles, prophets,
evangelists, pastors and teachers…” (Ephesians 4:11, emphasis added); and
WHEREAS the need is greater than ever in Canada to have people trained as missionary evangelists and to
be trainers of other missionary evangelists; and
WHEREAS the two Lutheran Church–Canada seminaries and Concordia University College of Alberta do
not offer a missionary-evangelist training program; therefore be it
RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of Lutheran Church–Canada appoint an ad hoc committee
consisting of the Lutheran Church–Canada Mission and Social Ministry Executive, the
District Outreach Executives, and other members as needed to develop a “Concordia Lutheran
Missionary Training Centre”; and be it further
RESOLVED that this committee develop and present to the Board of Directors of Lutheran Church–Canada
for their evaluation an implementation design plan which includes a budget and curriculum

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and consideration of formal certification of missionary-evangelists as part of the LCC
Diaconate; and be it finally
RESOLVED that the missionary-evangelist training program be implemented before the next LCC
Synodical Convention.
Board of Directors
Alberta-British Columbia District
Overture 3.01 To Provide for Uniform Recognition of Church Workers
WHEREAS men, women, and children in all levels of society have been recognized for their
accomplishments, and
WHEREAS Lutheran Church–Canada – East District has established a policy of recognizing faithful full
time church workers, and
WHEREAS these full time church workers include both those ordained into the holy ministry as well as
those who are “CALLED” into full time church work (Parish Assistant, Director of Christian
Education, Parochial School Teacher, etc.), and
WHEREAS this policy recognizes those who have served faithfully for twenty-five (25), forty (40), fifty
(50), or more years, and
WHEREAS the East District is the one district in Lutheran Church–Canada with such a policy of
recognition of service of its full time church workers, and ‘
WHEREAS full time church workers are “CALLED” from time to time to serve in the Central and
Alberta-British Columbia Districts, and
WHEREAS these districts currently do not have such a recognition policy in effect. Therefore be it
RESOLVED that Lutheran Church–Canada in convention applaud the East District for their policy of
recognition of its full time church workers, and be it further
RESOLVED that Lutheran Church–Canada in convention encourage the Central and Alberta-British
Columbia Districts to establish their own policies of recognition of full time church workers,
and be it finally
RESOLVED that the Central and Alberta-British Columbia Districts be encouraged to model their policies
to coincide with the policy established and active in the East District and thereby establishing
a uniform policy of recognition throughout Lutheran Church–Canada.
Messiah Lutheran Church
Waterloo, Ontario
Rev. Kevin Walrath, Pastor

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Overture 3.02 To Evaluate the Circuit Forum and Consider Alternatives
WHEREAS it is getting increasing difficult to get pastors and congregational members to attend circuit
forums.
WHEREAS the function of communication served by the circuit forum in the past is more efficiently
accomplished through the various media vehicles available today.
WHEREAS low attendance at forums make the prescribed district and synodical business difficult to
accomplish. Therefore, be it
RESOLVED that LCC endeavour to evaluate the continuing usefulness of circuit forum and decide upon
how best to do the business of the forum in a more efficient manner.
Messiah Lutheran Church
Waterloo, Ontario
Rev. Kevin Walrath, Pastor
Overture 3.03 To Implement Sections of the 1996 Report of the Task Force on The
Nature and Structure of the Synod
(Ref. Convention Workbook of the Fourth Convention May 30 – June 3, 1996 Appendix 4 pp. G.35- G.45)
WHEREAS the 1993 Synodical Convention appointed a Task Force on the Nature and Structure of Synod
(93.3.09) which was received and acted upon in 1996 (96.3.03A); and
WHEREAS the 2002 Synodical Convention overlooked the merits of the report of the Task Force and
therefore declined overture 3.10 (“TO EXAMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF THE PRESENT
STRUCTURE OF LUTHERAN CHURCH–CANADA”) due to a lack of time (02.3.14); and
WHEREAS the 1996 Report of the Task Force on the Nature and Structure of the Synod has listed their
recommendations and reasons for changes to the structure of the Synod; and
WHEREAS the present organizational structure does not resolve the question of frequent uncertainty as to
where responsibility for a particular function should properly rest between the Synod and
districts. Although the LCC constitution and bylaws has a clear model, the way the church
functions is more like a federation of districts. The CCMS raised these same concerns in its
report to the 1993 convention. The present structure allows for potential conflict to arise
which would be undesirable and against God’s good pleasure and would not benefit the
spread of the Holy Gospel. The line of accountability between Synod and districts needs to be
clear; and
WHEREAS the new structure would bring greater financial stability and unity within LCC; and
WHEREAS in many ways the District Conventions have become redundant; and
WHEREAS there is duplication in boards and services to the congregations that could be rectified with a
different structure which would allow for better stewardship of personnel and money, thereby
enabling the church to direct more funds with less personnel to the proclamation of the
Gospel; and
WHEREAS under the present organizational structure, any one district could cripple LCC by withholding
contributions to the church, for whatever reason; and

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WHEREAS there needs to be a clear direction of responsibility and authority to carry out the work of the
church and to eliminate confusion; therefore be it
RESOLVED that the Synod strike a task force to investigate the merits of the changes recommended in the
1996 REPORT OF THE TASK FORCE ON THE NATURE AND STRUCTURE OF THE
SYNOD (Ref. Convention Workbook of the Fourth Convention May 30 – June 3, 1996
Appendix 4 pp. G.35- G.45) and work toward implementation.
Identical resolutions submitted by:
Christ Lutheran Church
Langenburg, SK
Waren Kotzer, Chairman
Connie Werschler, Secretary
Our Saviour Lutheran Church
Fort Qu’Appelle, SK
Mort Johnston, Chairman
Diane Quickfall, Secretary
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Overture 3.04 To Have Synod Study Its Structure
Emmanuel Lutheran Church
Moose Jaw, SK
Blair Kardash, President
Lynda Anderson, Secretary
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Saskatoon, SK
Vern Affeldt, Assisting Executive Director
Karen Walsh, Secretary
WHEREAS Lutheran Church–Canada is a much smaller church body than our mother church, the
Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, and
WHEREAS all three districts together have a comparable membership to some of the LCMS’s districts,
and
WHEREAS there is a high degree of duplication of services in all three districts, and
WHEREAS monetary resources are increasingly tight across synod, be it
RESOLVED that the synod study the structure, in order to better synchronize resources and advance the
mission of the Church, and be it further
RESOLVED that the plan from the 1996 synod convention be considered as a guide to said amalgamation,
and be it further
RESOLVED that the results and recommendations of the study be presented at the next Synodical
convention.
Central District Board of Directors
Rev. Michael Keith, Secretary
Overture 3.05 To Make Deacons Eligible to Represent their Parishes as Voting
Delegates
WHEREAS under the current bylaws of Synod deacons (deaconesses) are ineligible to represent their
parishes as voting lay delegates, and
WHEREAS deacons (deaconesses) serve the church as professional church workers but are not ordained
members of Synod, and
WHEREAS deacons ( deaconesses) are members of their congregations, therefore be it

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RESOLVED that the bylaws be changed to make deacons (deaconesses) eligible represent their
parishes as voting lay delegates at Synod conventions.
Northlands Circuit - Central District
Rev. Robert J. Grout, Circuit Counsellor
Overture 3.06 To Amend Bylaw 4.11 - Nomination and Election of Circuit Counsellor
WHEREAS the circuit counsellor is "the principal officer of the circuit" (bylaw 4.03a); and
WHEREAS the circuit counsellor deals not only with member congregations (bylaw 4.17) but
also with pastors (bylaw 4.21); and
WHEREAS only voting congregations nominate candidates for the office of circuit counsellor;
thereby effecting their election (bylaw 4.11); and
WHEREAS the election of other synod officers are accomplished by both lay and clergy
representation; therefore be it
RESOLVED that the first sentence of Bylaw 4.11 be amended to read: "Every voting
congregation and every voting pastor of the circuit shall nominate as candidates
for the office of circuit counsellor two men from among the pastors of
congregations of the circuit or from among the emeriti who hold membership in
one of the member congregations of that circuit."
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
Gowanstown, Ontario
Mr. Peter Keil, Chairman
Mrs. Janette Felkar, Secretary
Rev. Kurt Reinhardt, Pastor
Overture 3.07 To Increase the Size and Shorten the Term of Office of Board of
Managers, Worker Benefit Plans
WHEREAS the existing Board of Managers Worker Benefit Plans, consists of 5 members; and
WHEREAS there has been a significant increase in the size of the assets the Board is responsible for since
its inception; and
WHEREAS the management of pensions and benefits has become increasingly complex; and
WHEREAS the present 6-year term is a detriment to attracting people to serve on the Board of Managers;
be it therefore
RESOLVED the size of the Board of Managers, Worker Benefit Plans, be increased from 5 members to 7
members and the term of office be reduced from 6 years to 3 years; be it further
RESOLVED Section 2.231 of the Synodical Handbook be amended to read as follows:
"The Board of Managers - Worker Benefit Plans shall be appointed by the Board of Directors
of Lutheran Church–Canada and shall be composed of seven persons, at least five of whom
shall be communicant members of member congregations of the Synod, as follows:
a. one active pastor
b. one retired pastor

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Lutheran Church–Canada
Board of Directors
Randy Stefan, Chairman
Rev. Dennis Putzman, Secretary
F. 22
c. three lay persons each of whom shall have experience in either human resources, pensions,
health benefit programs or investment management
d. one person from a Lutheran Church–Canada higher education institution
e. the treasurer of the synod.
The term of office shall be (3) three years. A member, with the exception of the treasurer
cannot serve beyond three (3) successive three-year terms. All appointments shall be
staggered, with 50% of the Board being appointed following each Convention."
Overture 3.08 To Authorize the Service of Retired Pastors
WHEREAS in times past men entered the pastoral ministry with the understanding that they
would remain in office for the rest of their lives, and
WHEREAS when it became to difficult for them to continue with the full time duties of their
Pastoral office, another clergyman would assist with some of the duties until the pastoral
office was vacated by reason of death, and
WHEREAS with the advent of the pension system clergymen began retiring from full time pastoral
ministry to enjoy some retirement years without the responsibilities and duties of the
pastoral office, and
WHEREAS the church has provided recognition of men entering the pastoral office by authorizing
the ordination of qualified men and their subsequent installation into the pastoral office of a
“CALLING” congregation, and
WHEREAS the men entering the pastoral office under the blessings of the church have the
authority to “publicly teach or preach or administer the sacraments in the church” (Article
XIV of the Augsburg Confession) and
WHEREAS this authority to “publicly teach or preach or administer the sacraments in the
church” ceases when the clergyman retires since he no longer has “a regular call” to serve a
specific congregation of believers (Article XIV of the Augsburg Confession) and
WHEREAS this lack of official recognition by the church of the retired clergyman by which they
could authorize him to “publicly teach or preach or administer the sacraments in the
church” (Article XIV of the Augsburg Confession) creates confusion in the minds of retirees
as to what their “official” role is in the church and how they may continue to provide
valuable service to the church in retirement, therefore be it
RESOLVED that Messiah Lutheran Church, Waterloo, Ontario memorializes the Lutheran Church–Canada
at its 2011 convention to provide a mechanism for the uniform recognition of the status and
service of retired pastors; and be it further
RESOLVED that a “diploma” or “certificate” be devised to formally authorize retired clergymen to
publicly teach, preach and administer the sacraments in the church (Augsburg Confession
XIV) when requested to do so by congregations or entities of LCC; and be it finally
RESOLVED that all ordained clergymen not connected by a call to a congregation, e.g. synodical, district,
seminary, and university officials, etc., also receive a “diploma” or “certificate to formally
authorize them to publicly teach, preach and administer the sacraments in the church

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Waterloo, Ontario
Rev. Kevin Walrath, Pastor
F. 23
(Augsburg Confession XIV) when requested to do so by congregations or entities of LCC and
churches in partnership with LCC.
Overture 4.01 To Give Thanks to God for the Teaching of C. F. W. Walther
WHEREAS 2011 marks the 200 th birthday of C. F. W. Walther; and
WHEREAS C. F. W. Walther was a parish pastor, seminary professor, and the first president of our sister
synod, The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod; and
WHEREAS in his office as pastor, professor, and president, C. F. W. Walther faithfully taught the Word
of God in accordance with the Evangelical-Lutheran Confessions; and
WHEREAS C. F. W. Walther’s teaching on church and ministry, law and gospel, predestination among
other doctrines are still valuable to the church today; therefore be it
RESOLVED in this anniversary year that Lutheran Church–Canada give thanks to God for the faithful
teaching of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod’s first president, C. F. W. Walther and
acknowledge our indebtedness to him.
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church,
Gowanstown, Ontario
Mr. Peter Keil, Chairman
Mrs. Janette Felkar, Secretary
Rev. Kurt Reinhardt, Pastor
Overture
4.02 To Receive St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bergheim,
Saskatchewan into membership
WHEREAS the congregation of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bergheim, Saskatchewan has
applied for membership in Lutheran Church–Canada; and
WHEREAS the constitution and bylaws of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bergheim,
Saskatchewan have been reviewed by the Central District’s Committee on Constitutions, and
approved by the Central District Board of Directors; therefore be it
RESOLVED that St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bergheim, Saskatchewan be joyfully received as
a member of Lutheran Church–Canada.
Central District Board of Directors
Rev. Michael Keith, Secretary

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F. 24
Overture 4.03 To Receive Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Airdrie, AB, into
Membership in Lutheran Church–Canada
WHEREAS the congregation of Shepherd of The Hills Lutheran Church, Airdrie, AB has applied for
membership in Lutheran Church–Canada; and
WHEREAS the constitution and bylaws of Shepherd of The Hills Lutheran Church, Airdrie, AB have been
examined by the Constitutions Committee of the Alberta-British Columbia District and
approved by the Board of Directors of Lutheran Church–Canada, ABC District; therefore be it
RESOLVED that Shepherd of The Hills Lutheran Church, Airdrie, AB be joyfully received as a member of
Lutheran Church–Canada.
Board of Directors
Alberta-British Columbia District
Overture 4.04 To Amalgamate the Three District Church Extension Funds into One
National Synod Church Extension Fund
WHEREAS currently each district operates its own church extension fund and
WHEREAS having three separate church extension funds is an inefficient use of resources and
WHEREAS having one national church extension fund would ensure increased access to capital for use in
congregation projects and
WHEREAS having one national CEF would ensure capital is used in the most equitable way across the
Synod and
WHEREAS having one national CEF would ensure greater spreading of loan risk be it
RESOLVED that the Synod and three Districts investigate the merits of amalgamating the three district
CEF’s into one national organization.
Central District Board of Directors
Rev. Michael Keith, Secretary
Overture 4.05 To Transfer From the Districts to the Synod the Responsibility to
Administer the Student Aid Program
WHEREAS currently each district has established and administers its own student aid program and
WHEREAS there are differences in the amount per student that is available from district to district and
WHEREAS graduating students are placed by the Synod anywhere within the three districts and
WHEREAS the number of students interested in pursuing a career within Lutheran Church–Canada may
vary from district to district in any one given year be it
RESOLVED that the Synod and Districts investigate the merits of having the LCC student aid program
administered out of the Synod office for all three districts.
Central District Board of Directors
Rev. Michael Keith, Secretary

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Overture 4.06 To Transfer from the Districts to the Synod the Responsibility for
Developing and Distributing the Annual Church Workers Compensation
Guidelines
WHEREAS currently all three districts prepare their own annual church workers compensation guidelines
and
WHEREAS this is a duplication of effort as all three districts have to annually research and gather
information for the preparation and recommendation of their own church worker guidelines
and
WHEREAS there have evolved considerable differences in the methodology for calculating church
workers compensation from district to district and
WHEREAS church workers, especially Pastors, move from district to district and thereby encounter
differences in how their compensation is calculated which may result in financial advantages
or disadvantages be it
RESOLVED that the three districts and Synod investigate the merits of having a Synod committee prepare
the annual church workers guidelines that would apply to all three districts taking into account
regional differences.
Central District Board of Directors
Rev. Michael Keith, Secretary
Overture 4.07 To Align Placement of Pastoral and Diaconal Candidates More Closely
with the Call Process Experienced in the Field
WHEREAS many New Testament references regarding leadership for the church speak of the
local church having a voice in the process of choosing their leaders (Acts 1 :21; 6:5; 14:23;
15:22,25); and
WHEREAS the right of choosing and the right of calling individuals for service in the local
congregation has confessionally and traditionally belonged to the local church; and
WHEREAS once certification requirements have been met the local church is the best judge of
the fit between a candidate and itself; and
WHEREAS pastoral and diaconal candidates at the seminary and university can be mentored
through a first call process in a way that helps them with future calls from the
field; and
WHEREAS a designated placement process already exists and is used by some congregation
and candidates; be it
RESOLVED the placement process for candidates be aligned as closely as possible with the
call process that is used for workers in the field; and be it further
RESOLVED that congregations be provided credential files which would be the equivalent of
Pastor Information Forms (PIF) or Deacon Information Forms (DIF) to help them
in their calling process; and be it further
RESOLVED that congregations be allowed and encouraged to name the pastoral diaconal
candidate they are calling for first placement.
Bethel Lutheran Church
Sherwood Park, Alberta
Marc Berner, Chairman

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Overture 4.08 To Re-structure Convention Assessments
WHEREAS district and Synodical conventions and church work conferences are paid for through
assessments to the congregations of synod, and
WHEREAS these assessments a re based on congregational membership numbers, and
WHEREAS there is great discrepancy between how individual congregations account for membership,
and
WHEREAS some congregations have extremely inflated membership numbers simply because they have
not kept up on congregational administration, and
WHEREAS this situation results in inequitable assessments for conventions and conferences, and
WHEREAS membership figures do not take into account the financial position of a given congregation, as
some congregations are located in more affluent communities than others. Be it
RESOLVED that the above mentioned assessment structure be re-evaluated and a new structure be put in
place based instead on a percentage of each congregation's previous year's offering receipts.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Calgary, AB
Rev. Keith Haberstock
Overture 4.09 To Affirm the 2008 LCC Convention Resolution to Establish a
Chaplaincy Service for the Care of Church Workers and Their Families.
WHEREAS the 2008 Convention resolved (08.2.02a) that within the following triennium the
president of Lutheran Church–Canada, in consultation with the ABC District's Task Force for
the Care of Church workers and their Families, should establish an effective means of
providing specific, necessary care, guided by a "Family Systems" approach so that church
workers and their families could be encouraged, strengthened and supported "so that their
work will be a joy, not a burden" (Heb 13: 17); and
WHEREAS the synodical President appointed an Implementation Committee to accomplish the
Convention's resolution; and
WHEREAS this Committee shared with the synodical President its proposal for implementing a
chaplaincy service, and has had representatives further meet with the Council of Presidents to
share its vision, also providing a suggested budget; and
WHEREAS this Committee has received the response that there are no funds available to
enact resolution 08.2.02a; and
WHEREAS this Committee has continued its efforts to demonstrate the value of a "Family
Systems" approach to the care of church-workers by means of several significant workshops
held in the ABC District, receiving many positive responses from those who have taken part;
and
WHEREAS there have also been a variety of other good efforts made within the synod to bring
assistance, support and encouragement to its church-workers and their families; therefore be it

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RESOLVED that the 2011 Convention reaffirm its commitment to honour Resolution 08.2.02a; and be it
finally
RESOLVED that an appropriate budget be made available by the 2011 Convention to the Implementation
Committee for the purpose of enacting the 2008 resolution.
Board of Directors
ABC District
Overture 4.10 To Commend the Use of the New French Hymnal in LCC
WHEREAS LCC’s Committee on Worship and Music completed its work on Liturgies et cantiques
luthériens in response to Resolution 08.2.01; and
WHEREAS the Synod’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations has examined a field testing
report and has approved the doctrinal review of this book; and
WHEREAS Liturgies et cantiques luthériens (LCL) has been published and is nurturing the faithful
worship life of French-speaking Lutherans, both in LCC and in other countries; therefore be it
RESOLVED that Lutheran Church–Canada commend the use of Liturgies et cantiques luthériens to its
congregations, schools and other agencies as an official hymnal, in accordance with bylaw
2.1.09; and be it finally
RESOLVED that the convention express its thanks to the Lord of the Church and to those who produced
this resource by rising to sing Rendez grâce au Seigneur (LCL 670).
Commission on Theology and Church Relations
Edward G. Kettner, Chairman
Overture 4.11 To Give Thanks to God for Liturgies et cantiques luthériens»
WHEREAS Liturgies et cantiques luthériens is the first ever such publication by our synod; and
WHEREAS the hymnal was dependent solely on a generous grant from the Schwan Foundation, an
anonymous donor and lay and clergy volunteers, thus requiring no synod monies; and
WHEREAS no other such hymnal is currently available for French speakers anywhere, thus allowing
Lutheran Church–Canada to make an unique contribution to hymnody in Canada and around
the world; and
WHEREAS in Liturgies et cantiques luthériens Lutheran Church–Canada is able to offer the whole French
speaking world a theologically sound hymnal filled with rich and varied hymn and liturgical
resources; and
WHEREAS Liturgies et cantiques luthériens affords Lutheran Church–Canada a great opportunity to
reach out with the gospel to francophones in Canada and around the world in song; and
WHEREAS the hymnal’s first printing in 2009 has sold out and a second printing was produced in 2010;
and

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WHEREAS the hymnal has been favourably received by our synod’s congregation in Québec and the East
District missions there, and by individuals throughout our synod, as well as by Lutheran
churches in Haiti and Africa; therefore be it
RESOLVED that Lutheran Church–Canada give thanks to God for Liturgies et cantiques luthériens; and be
it finally
RESOLVED that Lutheran Church–Canada give thanks to God for the generosity of those who contributed
to the production and publication of Liturgies et cantiques luthériens.
St. John’s Evangelical-Lutheran Church
Mount Forest, Ontario
Allan Braun, chairman
Jean Pfeffer, secretary
Rev. David P. Saar, pastor
Overture 4.12 To Encourage the Use of Liturgies et cantiques luthériens in Lutheran
Church–Canada
WHEREAS Lutheran Church–Canada’s name, logo, website, and the publication “Tapestry” of its
auxiliary organisation LWML-C all make use of both English and French; and
WHEREAS the publication of Liturgies et cantiques luthériens by Lutheran Church–Canada is evidence
of the synod’s continued commitment to work in both of Canada’s official languages; and
WHEREAS one of the aims in producing Liturgies et cantiques luthériens by Lutheran Church–Canada
was to have a common liturgical and hymn vocabulary in both English and French in the
synod; and
WHEREAS the publication of Liturgies et cantiques luthériens allows Lutheran Church–Canada the
opportunity to worship and sing hymns in both English and French; and
WHEREAS the Committee on Worship and Music has begun translating unique French hymnody from
Liturgies et cantiques luthériens into English to expand our common hymn vocabulary;
therefore be it
RESOLVED that the use of Liturgies et cantiques luthériens be encouraged in Lutheran Church–Canada on
the synod and district level as appropriate.
St. John’s Evangelical-Lutheran Church
Mount Forest, Ontario
Allan Braun, chairman
Jean Pfeffer, secretary
Rev. David P. Saar, pastor

G. 1
CTCR DOCUMENT
CREMATION AND THE CHRISTIAN

G. 2
"All things are lawful," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful,"
but not all things build up. 1 Cor 10:23
With these words St. Paul sets out the truth of Christian freedom under the Gospel. The believer is set free
in Christ from the demands of the old covenant and is made righteous under the grace of the new covenant. This
notion of Christian freedom was near and dear to the Reformers, and appears repeatedly throughout the Lutheran
Confessions. 1 Christian freedom was the answer to the demands that Rome sought to impose upon them as
necessary for salvation. The Reformers objected that conscience should not be enslaved by the doctrines of men but
rather be accountable solely to the Word of God. St. Paul beautifully lays out this freedom for us, even as he
emphasizes that this freedom should not simply be exercised for freedom’s sake. There may be things that are free
to the Christian, yet may not be helpful or build up.
When considering the rising practice of the cremation of the dead in our society, the words of St. Paul are
helpful in establishing a God-pleasing answer toward it. Technically, cremation is the burning of the human body
following death at a high temperature until only the bones remain, which are then ground up and placed in a
container. 2 What must be stated at the outset is that this practice is not Christian in origin. Although there is no
place in the scripture where the practice is expressly prohibited, the practice is also not instituted or endorsed. The
reverent treatment of the human body after death, however, is repeatedly emphasized throughout scripture. From
the time of the Patriarchs onward, God’s people treated the human body with great dignity after death and
conscientiously and faithfully established and maintained tombs for the dead. 3 Conversely, being burned up with
fire is most often associated scripturally with the judgement of God. 4 Throughout her history, the Christian Church
has not sanctioned or encouraged the practice of intentionally destroying the body after death. Following the Jewish
burial practices, the human body has been consistently and reverently entombed; its return to dust has been left in
the hands of the One who created it. The Jewish practice of placing the bones after decomposition into a box called
an ossuary was not a precursor of cremation. The ethoses behind the two practices are diametrically opposed to one
1 AC XXVI, XXVII, XXVIII; Ap VIII, XV, XXVII; FC X
2 It should be noted that in this process it is simply not possible to recover all the remains of an individual body from
the cremation chamber. Operators of crematoriums endeavour to collect the majority of the bodily remains after the
burning process is complete, but inevitably some are left behind. The result is that the bodily remains that are
returned to the family are likely to contain some of the bodily remains of previously cremated individuals and that
some of the bodily remains of the a loved one will be commingled with the following cremations. This fact is often
explicitly stated in the “Authorization to Cremate.”
3 Gen 23:19; 25:9; 35:29; 49:31; 50:13-14; Deut 10:6; 34:6; Josh 24:32-33; Judg 8:32; 1 Sam 25:1; 2 Sam 2:4;
21:14; 1 Kgs 2:10; 11:43; 13:31; 2 Kgs 13:20; 23:30 etc. Not to be properly buried is a sign of judgement (Jer 8:2;
16:4, 6).
4 Such was the case with Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19: 24) and also with the Golden Calf (Exod 32: 20). The
Lord destroys the sons of Aaron (Nabab and Abihu) with fire when they disobey Him (Lev 10:1-2). In Num 11:1-3
the Lord burns part of the Israelite camp when the people complained in His hearing. The Lord commands that
Achan and his household be stoned and burned with fire for disobeying His command (Josh 7:15; 7:25). The bodies
of Saul and his sons were burned before their bones were buried, but this appears to be a case of expediency due to
their dismemberment and display upon the city walls of their enemies (1 Sam 31: 12-13; 1 Chr 10: 12). Even so, the
manner of their death and their burial could arguably be connected to God’s judgement. In 2 Chr 16: 14 and 21: 19
there appears to be some form of fire connected with the burial of some of the kings of Judah, but it is not clear that
these were actual cremations. Christ repeatedly connects the image of burning with fire to hell (Matt 5:22; 18:9;
25:41; Mark 9:42-48). He also connects the image of being burned up with God’s judgement (Matt 7:19; 13:40;
John 15:6). In the Revelation to St. John God regularly exercises His judgment with fire (Rev 8:5, 7; 9:18; 11:5;
14:10; 16:8; 17:16;18:8; 19:20; 20:9-10, 14-15; 21:8). Jeremiah 25: 33 implies that not being buried is tantamount
to being “garbage”, while Num 11: 1-3 recommends that complaining Israelites should be consumed with fire.

G. 3
another. The Jewish practice does not seek to promote decomposition but rather to preserve the remains, while
cremation has at its very heart the goal of destroying the human body. 5
The origins of cremation are not Christian but pagan. The practice comes to us from outside the Christian
faith and has as its basis a separate belief system with regard to the human body. Although many Christians have
recently chosen to have their bodies cremated without understanding or accepting the belief system behind the
practice, understanding that belief system may help us to determine whether or not this practice is helpful or upbuilding
for those who hold to the Christian faith. Cremation of the human body after death appears largely in those
cultures where the material world is regarded as neither good nor profitable. Much of Greek philosophy saw the
body as the prison of the soul. The goal of every life was to attain a higher spiritual state of existence. Matter,
including the human body, was in and of itself evil. The various followers of Gnosticism had a similar
understanding of the material world, and the human body in particular, as they sought to marry Christianity and
contemporary pagan philosophy. This same understanding of the material world pervades much of eastern
mysticism in its various forms. The Christian Church has repeatedly rejected this understanding of creation as being
contrary to the scripture. Sadly, however, many modern Christians have taken up such a negative attitude toward
the human body.
Holy Scripture clearly identifies creation as good. If the book of Genesis is taken seriously as the veritable
word of God, then there is no escaping the divine verdict on all that God made. The repetitive refrain from the
creation account is “God saw that it was good (Gen 1:3, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25).” His final assessment after the whole
world was created, including mankind, is that it all “was very good (Gen 1:31).” Man was created in the beginning
consisting of a good soul and a good body. The objective judge who alone stands outside of creation declared both
to be so after He had formed them. The scripture tells us that God created man in His own image (Gen 1:27). God
created man in the beginning with both body and soul. The dissolution of that union would be contrary to God’s
image, where unity is eternal (Mal 3:6). To view the human body as a prison in which the soul must suffer for a
time until it is released to a higher level of existence is contrary to the Word of God and so misrepresents the loving
Creator. Prior to the advent of sin in the world, creation did not suffer death and decay. Only when man rejected
the life God gave to him did death become a part of his life experience (Gen 2:17; 3:19). The shattering of God’s
image in man brought about the dissolution of the bonds that united his body and soul, and so brought about the
death and the destruction of the human body.
To save us from this terrible end, the Father sent His only Son into the world to become man, and to suffer
and die innocently under our punishment, for our release (John 3:16). The very incarnation of the Son of God
clearly testifies to the goodness of the human body. The writer to the Hebrews clearly states for us that the Son
became man like us in every way, except without sin (Heb 2:14-18; 4:14-16). The Gospel of John in particular
emphasises the truth that the Word indeed was made flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). Since God is incapable
of evil (Lev 19:2), it is not possible that the Son of God could have taken up a human body if it was evil in itself.
The Lord Jesus Christ takes up our sin and is made to be sin for us (2 Cor 5:21), but nothing that is His can in and of
itself be evil. The human body of our Lord Jesus was very good. His Resurrection confirms this verdict. The
Lord’s tomb on Easter morning is found empty by numerous witnesses. The Lord then appears in real flesh and
blood that can be seen and felt (John 20:26-28). He even eats food before the disciples to clarify that He is not a
ghost or spirit, but a real and complete man (Luke 24:41-43). The Lord’s body is not a new distinct body from His
old one. The tomb is found empty. His resurrected body wears the scars of the cross. The Lord has defeated sin
and death. He no longer humbles Himself by bearing the burdens of sin. Yet He still stands in front of the disciples
in His human body.
The inherent goodness of the human body is further testified to by the life of God’s people as it flows out
from the cross. The gift of the Holy Spirit to live and abide in the saints after Pentecost is expressed by St. Paul in
the truth that our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19-20). The body is not simply a container for
the soul, where a spiritual union occurs between the soul of man and the Triune God. As the Son of God took up
both a human body and a human soul in the incarnation and still retains them after His resurrection and ascension,
the gift of the life that He shares with us by the Holy Spirit is intimately connected to us both spiritually and
5 Most provinces in Canada do not regard cremated human remains as “human remains” under the law. There are
statutes that are instituted to protect the dignity of the human body after death; however, once the body has been
burned these statutes do not appear to apply.

G. 4
physically. The life of the Church bears this out particularly in the sacramental gifts, in which the believer is made
one with Christ by the means of Word-infused elements that are applied or given to the body to benefit the whole
person – body and soul. 6 The Church through her union with the Son of God is identified with His body, which is
not just a spiritual concept, but has a concrete physical reality to it. Thus the Lord Jesus says, “Whatever you do to
the least of my brethren you do unto me” (Matt 25:31-40). For this reason He can also accuse Saul of persecuting
Him when Saul is physically assaulting His Bride the Church (Acts 9:4). The soul and the body, although distinct
parts of the whole human being, cannot be separated from one another without resulting in the person’s death.
Although they may be distinguished from one another as two integral parts, they form one cohesive whole, wherein
their separation makes the human being incomplete. The Lord has created us in this way, and so cannot share a life
with the soul that the body does not also partake in. Thus the Lord’s salvation for us is a complete restoration of all
that sin has broken.
The resurrection of the dead is the final outcome of the Lord’s salvation for mankind. The Lord’s empty
tomb is the foundation of this hope for all believers. The Lord Jesus Christ, through His own death, destroys the
power of death and rises victorious on Easter morning. We are told that the Lord’s resurrection is not an event
unique to Him, but is what He has prepared for His whole body the Church (1 Cor 15:20-23). The Lord Jesus Christ
is the first fruits of them that sleep, and we are told that if we share in a death like His through Baptism we will
share in a resurrection like His (Rom 6:3-5). The human body, as the church clearly confesses in her creeds, will
rise from the dead (1 Thess 4:13). The only referent that we have for such a resurrection is the Lord’s own
resurrection and the simultaneous resurrection of many saints who appeared in Jerusalem (Matt 27:52-53). The
tombs in those cases were empty. New bodies were not given while the old bodies lay mouldering in the dust. On
the last day a new body will not emerge from nothingness but will be born of the very flesh and blood that we have
possessed on earth. A new perfect body like Christ’s body emerges, but the origin of that body is the original one
we are given (Phil 3:21). The body is the same body, yet set free from sin. Those who are left alive until the return
of Christ do not discard their bodies at His appearing. Their bodies in that moment will be changed to be like His
glorious body (1 Cor 15:52). As the temple of Christ’s body was destroyed and built up again on the third day, so
too the temple of His body the Church, consisting of all those whose bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, are
restored to glory in the end. Reason unsubmitted to an Almighty Creator who knows every bit of dust of the earth
may baulk at such an assertion, but it is the plain teaching of Holy Scripture.
In light of this truth our Lord Jesus resists speaking of the dead as dead. Notably, with both Jairus’
daughter (Luke 8:49-56) and His friend Lazarus (John 11:11), the Lord refers to them as “sleeping.” In both cases
others protest in unbelief. The mourners at Jairus’ home laugh at Him. Lazarus’ sister sets forth the truth about the
decay of his body. Yet Christ unveils the truth of His great salvation by waking the dead from their slumber. The
rest of the New Testament repeatedly employs the term “sleeping” for resting saints 7 . In keeping with this truth, the
Church has also often spoken of the Christian body as only “sleeping”. Luther draws attention to this fact when he
points out the origin of the word cemetery is actually derived from the Latin for “dormitory”. 8 He also makes the
point that the bodies sleeping in the ground continue to be holy, and even hallow the ground where they are laid. 9
6 “We must think this way about Baptism and make it profitable for ourselves. So when our sins and conscience
oppress us, we strengthen ourselves and take comfort and say, “Nevertheless, I am baptized. And if I am baptized, it
is promised to me that I shall be saved and have eternal life, both in soul and body.” For that is the reason why these
two things are done in Baptism: the body – which can grasp nothing but the water – is sprinkled and, in addition, the
Word is spoken for the soul to grasp. Now, since both, the water and the Word, make one Baptism, therefore, body
and the soul must be saved and live forever (1 Cor 15:53). The soul lives through the Word, which it believes, but
the body lives because it is united with the soul and also holds on through Baptism as it is able to grasp it.” LC IV.
Baptism (44-46)
Luther asserts a similar truth with regard to the Sacrament of the Altar in his writing of 1527 entitled, This is my
Body: “But the heart knows well what the mouth eats, for it grasps the words and eats spiritually what the mouth
eats physically. But since the mouth is the heart’s member, it must ultimately live in eternity on account of the
heart, which lives eternally through the Word, because it also eats here physically the same eternal food which its
heart eats spiritually at the same time.” AE 37:87
7
Matt 27:52; Acts 13:36; Acts 7:60; 1 Cor 15:6, 18, 20, 51; 1 Thess 4:13-15; 5:10; 2 Peter 3:4
8
AE 53:326
9
AE 43:137

G. 5
The image that St. Paul uses for the sleeping body of the Christian is that of a sown seed (1 Cor 15:35-49). The seed
is buried in the ground in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection. The seed is precious because it contains
within it the life of the plant. Without the seed there is no plant. Until recently, Christians have consistently set apart
and consecrated ground as “dormitories” for the saints. They have firmly believed that on the last day the earth and
the sea will give up their dead (Rev 20:13). Worldly man laughs at such a notion. In his supposed wisdom he
declares a bodily resurrection absurd and impossible. Sadly, some Christians have adopted such folly and have
sought out another answer to the resurrection in some form of spiritualized body that has no part in God’s original
creation, despite the clear testimony of our Lord’s empty tomb. A God, however, who cannot keep track of the dust
of our flesh and return it to life ceases to be an Almighty One.
Our bodies do not belong to us apart from the gift of the Creator, who still maintains dominion over us
(Rom 14:7-12). As Christians we have been bought with a price, and so should glorify God in our bodies (1 Cor
6:20). The body we have, like our whole life, is a trust from the Lord. In opposition to the modern notion of
individual autonomy, Christians recognise that their lives flow out of the heart of the Father. The choices we make
with regard to our bodies need to reflect that we are only stewards of our lives and will, at the end, be required to
give an account of what we have done in the body – whether good or evil (2 Cor 5:10). As God’s people we do
have freedom under the Gospel to choose things that are not expressly forbidden to us by the Word of God. These
choices, however, should always bear in mind the need to make a clear confession of what we believe, and so be
helpful and up-building to our brothers and sisters in Christ as well as those outside the Church. Such concerns
should govern our decisions as we contemplate what should be done with our bodies at the end of life. At the
moment of our death we have an opportunity to make a clear confession about our hope in the resurrection of the
dead and the life everlasting.
The resurrection is one of the key foundation stones of the Christian faith. St. Paul argues this point in his
first letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor 15:12-19), saying that if there is no resurrection of the dead then Christ was not
raised, and if Christ was not raised then we are still lost in our sins. The sun, however, did rise on the third day to
shine its brilliant rays through an opened door to reveal an empty tomb to the world. Standing firmly on this truth,
the Christian Church boldly confesses with the Lord Jesus that the saints are only sleeping in their graves until He
comes to wake them. We also firmly believe with St. Paul that our bodies are the seeds from which will spring forth
our recreated resurrection bodies. The practice of destroying the sleeping body or precious seed with fire runs
contrary to these truths, which the Lord has given us to confess. The small box of ground-up bones provides a rather
disjointed (if not outright contrary) confession to the world about our belief in the bodily resurrection. While an
almighty God can and will raise up even those who have chosen to have their bodies burned into dust, the historic
Christian burial practices make a clearer testimony to the resurrection of the dead, and leave in God’s hands the
return of the body to dust. If it is the will of almighty God that our bodies are destroyed in some way by the manner
of our death, such as fire etc., then we can leave the care of our remains safely in the hands of Him who rules all
things. The same can also be said for those rare occasions where bodies may need to be burned to prevent the
spread of illness or disease. When, however, the Lord leaves the trust in our hands, we are right to consider the
truths of our faith in making a final decision.
Without realizing the implications of faith, Christians have sometimes chosen cremation for financial
reasons. They falsely believe that cremation is always a more economical option, and so to be chosen based on
necessity or pious frugality. At present, a direct earth burial in some instances can in fact be less expensive than
cremation. A pious Christian burial can be performed without many of the trappings that have come to be part and
parcel of modern funeral practices. These trappings are not wrong, especially as they work to confess our faith in
the sanctity of the human body as well as our hope in the resurrection, yet they can be piously laid aside in
accordance with need and good stewardship. As Christians, however, we do not worship the tyrannical god of
Mammon, but the loving Holy Trinity. Finances, except in cases of genuine need, should not be the main governing
principle in deciding whether or not our bodies should be cremated. A clear confession of our faith should be our
main concern while making what may well be the final act carried out in our name on earth. Such an action should
clearly be one that can be carried out in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, confessing His
awesome albeit mysterious work in our lives. In cases of genuine need there is a great opportunity for the Church to
carry out her work of charity in assisting those who are not able to provide for themselves. Such a work has been
carried out by those congregations who have maintained, and continue to maintain, often at some cost of both time
and money, their own cemeteries.

G. 6
A practice that sometimes accompanies cremation is the scattering of the remains in some memorable
location. 10 This practice comes from Eastern Mysticism that sees the soul being reunited with the “oneness” of the
universe after death. Scripturally the scattering of one’s remains over the ground is in fact a sign of judgement
against those who have worshipped the creation over the Creator. 11 Without a grave such people are forgotten. The
custom of scattering the cremated remains over and above the act of cremation itself takes an even greater step away
from the clear confession of our faith. The practice of scattering the remains of the body is incongruous with a belief
in the resurrection of the dead. 12 An actual grave preserves the truth about the sanctity and uniqueness of each
human body, and provides a location for grieving family to visit and express their grief. The absence of an actual
grave for a person leaves the family and future generations without any lasting memorial of that person’s
existence. 13 Similarly, the practice of keeping the cremated remains of a loved one on a mantle, etc., rather than
reverently laying them to rest, is not in accord with our faith. 14 The Christian body, even if it happens to be
cremated, is no simple memento left behind at death, but is an integral part of a person’s being as God created him.
The Christian Church firmly believes that the body will be resurrected on the last day, and that the departed soul will
be returned to it. The practice of keeping the urn in the home should be discouraged. Our hope for our departed
loved ones is found in Christ. Closeness to them is not maintained through keeping their cremated bodies close at
hand, but through the Communion of the Church, where the faithful are forever bound together in their Lord (Rom
8:35-39). In the resurrection on the last day a true physical reunion will be granted to all the faithful in Christ’s
Kingdom, which will have no end.
Although there is no Word of the Lord that forbids the practice of cremation, clearly the traditional
Christian form of burial is more in keeping with our faith. The intentional destruction of the human body after death
may be free to us under the Gospel, but the practice is neither helpful nor up-building in making a clear confession
of our faith in the bodily resurrection of the dead. In making a decision for his own burial, it is preferable for the
Christian to confess this truth by entrusting his body into the keeping of almighty God. In making decisions for a
loved one who has not given direction for his own burial, the same counsel is recommended. In looking after the
affairs of a loved one who has made a decision to be cremated, the Christian may, without harm to conscience, fulfill
the wishes of the deceased. They may not, however, fulfill the wishes of a loved one to have his ashes scattered in
an illegal manner. In this case the Christian must obey God, rather than man, who has commanded us to obey the
authorities set over us in all things that do not contradict the Word of God (Rom 13:1-2, Acts 5:29). The Christian
10 Most Provincial Law in Canada does not expressly forbid this practice and in some cases is being amended to
allow it. The scattering of ashes on land that is not your own cannot be done, however, without the express
permission of the land owner or appropriate governing body. Scattering ashes without express permission to do so
is illegal and you can be prosecuted for trespassing and littering. Unlike land that has been specifically designated
for cemetery use, the scattering of ashes in a particular location in no way guarantees the relatives future access to
that land or in any way protects the way in which that land may be used or developed in the future. Ashes scattered
or buried on your own land in no way binds future owners with regard to the use of that land.
11 “And they shall be spread before the sun and the moon and all the host of heaven, which they have loved and
served, which they have gone after, and which they have sought and worshiped. And they shall not be gathered or
buried. They shall be as dung on the surface of the ground.” (Jer 8:2).
12 A plethora of practices is emerging as the scattering of ashes is becoming more sociably acceptable in the North
American context. Some, while seeming to border on the ridiculous (such as fireworks and helium balloons loaded
with human remains designed to explode at certain altitudes), are a clear assault on the sanctity and dignity of the
human body and by no means can be countenanced by God’s people. Other practices involving memory and sharing
circles or portioning of the remains in cups to be individually cast into the wind have a markedly pagan air about
them and should also be avoided.
13 God’s people have consistently from Old Testament times established memorials of a person’s existence. These
memorials not only provide invaluable records of our ancestry but also stand as a constant reminder of death and the
need for repentance. If emerging trends continue, whole generations could leave this world without any record left
of their existence. Conceivably a time could come when no one would have to face death and the need for salvation
in a body being laid to rest in the ground; no rows of stones would call out to passers by to number their days and
consider the world to come.
14 Once again a disturbing number of options are being made available for the disposal of cremated bodily remains,
including having them transformed into a gem stone or encased in some piece of jewellery or picture frame. Such
practices clearly make a veritable mockery of the human body and are decisively opposed to the truth of the bodily
resurrection of the dead.

G. 7
should endeavour to ensure that the bodily remains are treated with the dignity that they deserve. A pastor should
make every effort to confess and teach the scriptural truth about the bodily resurrection of the dead in his
congregation. In the case where a decision has already been made to cremate the body of a congregational member,
he may in good conscience officiate at such a funeral as long as the remains are reverently laid to rest. 15 In the case
where no decision has been made he should offer his counsel in accord with our faith. If the opportunity arises prior
to death the pastor should lay out the truths of our faith for the dying person and/or family members, that they may
make a faithful decision. If a person in weakness chooses to be cremated despite the pastor’s teaching and counsel,
the pastor may still officiate in good conscience. Although the practice of cremation does not make a clear
confession of our faith in the resurrection, the Lord has not expressly forbidden it.
The Church does not seek to unduly burden the conscience of the Christian with new laws and so teach as
doctrines the precepts of men. She does, however, seek to encourage the Lord’s children to live out their faith
keeping in mind that all things may be lawful but not all things are helpful or build up. The traditional burial
methods that the church has practised for hundreds of years make a clear confession about the resurrection of the
dead. This practice was not something new but flowed out of the Old Testament into the New Testament and so out
into the life of the Church. Although such customs are not binding on the conscience, they are good and salutary
and so should not be abandoned lightly. Cremation as a burial method has become relatively common in dealing
with the human body after death. Even amongst Christians the practice has been rising in frequency. It must be
admitted, however, that the intentional destruction of the body of the sleeping Christian does not make a very clear
confession of the resurrection of the body. In some cases it can even lead to real confusion about this doctrine. For
the sake of our faith and its confession in the world, it is therefore advisable and preferable that whenever possible
Christians lay their bodies to rest in the state that God created them. Trusting in the Lord and His promises, we may
leave our bodies in the keeping of almighty God until the last day when our Redeemer will stand on the earth and in
our own flesh we will see God.
Guidelines for Pastoral Care in the Context of Cremation
Given the fact that a significant number of funerals or memorial services which Christian pastors currently perform
are for persons whose remains have been cremated, pastors need to provide care for those grieving in these
circumstances, recognizing on the one hand that cremation does not testify to the resurrection of the body in the way
that burial does, but at the same time recognizing that for the Christian, having one’s remains cremated does not
jeopardize one’s salvation. The pastor should act in the following manner:
1. While not the case in Canada, there are places in the world where, because of the scarcity of land, it has
become virtually impossible to purchase land for cemeteries and for burial plots. If cremation has become
the only option in certain lands, Christians need to find ways to make clear witness for our faith in the
resurrection of the body.
2. The pastor should not offend the consciences of those who have chosen cremation. In the case of one who
is dying and who has made up one’s mind on the subject, using the law to convince them to do otherwise
could create spiritual doubt regarding their relationship to God.
3. The pastor should discourage thoughts of having the ashes of the departed scattered, for this practice indeed
arises from a pagan denial of the importance of the body, and creates the impression that the spirit’s
survival is all that matters.
4. Families of Christians who have been cremated should be encouraged to have the remains of their loved
ones placed in a columbarium, or kept together in some other way. The name of the deceased should be
noted on the urn and/or on the niche in memory of the one who has died and who awaits the resurrection.
15 The act of cremation should not be regarded as a form of committal of the body. The committal involves the
actual burial of the remains of the Christian body. The Committal Service should be preformed when the remains
are buried, rather than at the Crematorium.

G. 8
5. Though ashes cannot be committed to the earth in the same way that a body may be committed, a clear
message of hope in the resurrection of the body needs take place even as the ashes are commended into the
hands of God in the hope of the resurrection.
6. As is always the case, the clear message given at the funeral/memorial of all Christians is the hope of the
resurrection of the dead, not merely the survival of the individual in heaven. Our creeds confess the
resurrection of the body (indeed, of the flesh!), not merely the survival of the soul.
7. In sermons and Bible studies throughout the church year, especially when dealing with lessons that cover
the subject, the Christian teaching on the resurrection of the dead must be stressed, and the blessings
confessed by the traditional practice of burial over against cremation must be noted. Burial should be
encouraged over against cremation as the means by which the church best confesses before the world the
return of Christ and the resurrection of the body.

G. 9
CTCR Document
The Public Reading of the Scripture in the Divine Service
An Apologetic

G. 10
We always create our own troubles. The Lord of the church gives His gifts to His people, and we always
find a way to think of His gifts as our work rather than His giving. We can create our own troubles, but our Lord
supersedes our troubles with His grace and His gifts.
The reading of the lessons of the day in the Divine Service has traditionally and ordinarily been the calling
of the ordained pastor. By ‘traditionally’, we mean the practice that was handed down as commonplace and salutary
in all times and in most places. By ‘ordinarily’ we mean that this has been the usual practice (though there have been
and will be exceptions to usual practice) and also that this is the ‘orderly’ practice, or that ‘according to good order’
in the church.
There have been times and places where those in the order of readers also read the appointed lessons other
than the Gospel reading. This is because they were in training for the pastoral ministry. It was a sort of seminary
fieldwork. The introduction of ‘lay readers’ in the Divine Service of the church is a recent innovation. In the 1970’s,
in particular, the Inter-Lutheran Commission on Worship promoted the concept of ‘assisting ministers’ – lay persons
who were given an assisting role to the pastor of the congregation. Unfortunately, this terminology has only added to
the confusion in understanding the role of pastor and people, or preacher and hearers. Perhaps, collectively, we can
say that we did not think through the implications of this change when it was introduced.
First, some clarification must be made. In no way does the recommendation that pastors should be the ones
to publicly read the Scriptures in the Divine Service imply that lay persons are less holy or ‘not good enough’ to do
so. Nor do we mean to say that the Scriptures lose their power or cease to be God’s Word when read by laymen. The
efficacy of the Word is innate. The power of the Word is the Author of the Scripture, the One Who is the Word
made flesh, Jesus Christ.
Nor is this a question of power. We do not speak in the language of ‘rights’ or ‘rules’ when we discuss who
should read the Scripture publicly in the Divine Service. Those who partake in the delivery of God’s gifts to His
people do so as a matter of blessed privilege, not of human right. And the church has no place in setting up ‘rules’
when it comes to God’s gift of His Word.
The focus in this regard needs to be on Christ’s institution. Christ gives His Word to wound and to heal, to
accuse and to forgive, to convict guilty sinners and to pronounce them innocent saints. The Word of God always has
this authority. In any and every situation, God’s Word will not return to Him empty, no matter who speaks it.
However, in the Divine Service, Christ gives His gifts of Word and Sacrament through His called and
ordained ministers. Christ Himself established this ministry of the Gospel in order that justifying faith may be given
through His chosen means. When the pastor is given by Christ to read the Word of God to God’s people, it is not
because the church has made a rule about the public reading of the Scripture, but because the office of pastor is also
a gift to God’s people. The pastor is a servant of the Word. This is a rich title. The pastor is a servant of Christ, the
Word made flesh, for the sake of Christ’s people. Yet he is also a servant of the Word, the Scripture. His delivery of
the Word of God is the way Christ comes to His people in the Divine Service.
Perhaps it is helpful to make a general distinction between the sacramental and the sacrificial portions of
the Divine Service. Typically, the pastor serves God’s people in the sacramental portions: the Absolution, the
Reading of the Word, the Sermon, the Lord’s Supper, the Benediction. Typically also, both people and pastor
together respond to God’s grace in the sacrificial portions: the hymns (though hymns also proclaim), the Creeds, the
Offering, the Prayers.
In this general paradigm, it may be helpful to ask where the most appropriate roles for lay persons in the
Divine Service are. Those baptized into the priesthood of all believers are called to ‘declare the praises of Him Who
called us out of darkness into His marvelous light’. (1 Peter 2:10)
Thus prayer, praise, thanksgiving are the fitting work of the lay persons. Perhaps, for example, a lay cantor
could sing the Kyrie in the Service. Or lay person(s) could offer up prayers, or lead the prayers in the litany. In these
activities the priesthood of believers fulfils the calling God has given – to offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving.

G. 11
This may not be the place to go into the various vocations in which all Christ’s people ‘offer up their bodies
as living sacrifice’ in the home, in the community, in the workplace – all places where they speak the Word of God
to all who will hear. But these are also the ‘spiritual worship’ of the saints of God. The questions at hand, however,
deal more specifically with the Divine Service, where Christ comes to His people in Word and in Sacrament.
It is also important to add that no part of the Divine Service is ‘holier’ than any other. The Holy Spirit
sanctifies all. The sacramental portions of the Service, wherein the pastor serves God’s people in the stead of Christ,
are not ‘holier’ than the sacrificial portions of the liturgy, where people and pastor respond to God in praise, prayer,
and thanksgiving.
Addendum
One of the difficult practical questions that arises in regard to the pastor’s office including the public
reading of the Scripture is what to do when that office is vacant. What happens in congregations who do not have a
pastor to serve in the stead of Christ because of location or other circumstance? We certainly have had many
parishes in Canada where lay-led services have been common and necessary.
It would seem that in these cases, we are addressing unique and unusual (extra-ordinary, that is, outside of
what is ‘ordinarily’ done) situations. Where these are not temporary conditions, the church’s alternate means to
provide one to fill the pastoral office (e.g. PATS) would come into play, so that the pastoral office would no longer
be vacant. Where these are temporary conditions (e.g. a pastoral vacancy), they are simply the exception to the norm
to which they will return when the office is no longer vacant.
Where a layperson is leading the Service (including the public reading of the Scriptures), he does so not to
be a ‘minister’, but to take this leadership role in this exceptional circumstance. (No doubt, there have been times
and places where such ‘exceptional circumstances’ have lasted for years, even decades.) Lay-led services are really
an extension of family devotions. (This is why it would be more salutary if Matins or Responsive Prayer were used
in such circumstances instead of a truncated Divine Service.) Just as parents take up the Scriptures to teach their
families at home, so an elder, a father figure in the congregation, ensures that the Word of God does not fall silent
during the vacancy.
We must acknowledge, likewise, that where congregations do have the practice of lay readers in the Divine
Service, that these lay persons serve under the office of the ministry. That is, they do not take on this public reading
as part of the priesthood of the baptized, or according to some perceived ‘right’. The pastor in such a circumstance is
to train and supervise the readers, for the responsibility for the public reading of the Scripture remains his as the
servant of the Word.

G. 12
CTCR Document
May a Vicar Celebrate The Lord’s Supper in an Emergency Situation?

INTRODUCTION
G. 13
At the 2008 Convention of the Lutheran Church-Canada Resolution 08.1.05b: “To Request a Study from the CTCR
on Whether A Vicar May Celebrate the Lord’s Supper in An Emergency Situation” (ref Overture 1.05) was passed.
That Resolution read as follows:
WHEREAS a thorough study of the matter of whether or not a vicar may celebrate the Sacrament of the Altar
in an emergency situation will be helpful in assisting the church-at-large to determine the appropriateness of such a
practice; therefore be it
RESOLVED that the CTCR be asked to provide a study on whether a vicar, in an emergency situation, with the
approval from the vicarage congregation, the seminary and the Council of Presidents, may celebrate the Sacrament
of the Altar; and be it further
RESOLVED that the study be submitted to the next Synodical convention for consideration; and be it further
RESOLVED that the Council of Presidents and the seminaries be mindful of the discussion and concerns
expressed at this Convention and of the pending study in any consideration of a request for a vicar to celebrate the
Sacrament of the Altar based on emergency; and be it finally
RESOLVED that for the time being, in any apparent emergency, the Council of Presidents in conjunction with the
respective District and circuit shall continue to seek all possible means to provide sacramental ministry by an
ordained pastor.
This Resolution was adopted in Session 6.
Upon reflection on the task assigned to the CTCR it became clear to the members that there were a number
of related questions that needed to be answered in order for the original question contained in the Resolution of the
Convention to be considered. Significant among those questions are the following:
Since the Office of the Keys has been given by Christ to the Church, is the celebration of the Eucharist
publically a unique function of the Office of the Pastoral ministry?
Can a lay person be permitted to celebrate Holy Communion in a public worship service?
What is the status of a Vicar?
What would constitute an “emergency” situation in which a Vicar might be the celebrant at a Communion Service?
Based upon the Scriptures, the teachings of Martin Luther, the Book of Concord of 1580, the writings of
notable Lutheran Theologians of old (e.g. Chemnitz; Gerhard, C.F.W. Walther, et. al) and recent papers presented
by recognized contemporary confessional theologians and pastors of the Lutheran Church-Canada, Lutheran
Church-Missouri Synod and Lutheran Church of Australia, the following is a concise, Biblical and Confessional
opinion on the question at hand as to whether Vicars, in an emergency situation, may celebrate Holy Communion.
I. The Four Questions
To be able to answer these questions honestly and forthrightly we must look at the evidence of Scripture,
the Confessions and orthodox Lutheran theologians as they put down on paper their understanding of the Office of
the Holy Ministry and the priesthood of all believers or, as some would prefer, the priesthood of the baptized.
In Article XIV of the Augsburg Confession (Augustana) Luther and the Reformers of the 16th Century
clearly state: “Our churches teach that no one should publicly teach in the Church, or administer the
Sacraments, without a rightly ordered call (ohne ordentlichen Beruf, nisi rite vocatus).” 16
16
Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions(A Reader’s Edition of the Book of Concord), Concordia Publishing House,
St. Louis, MO, 2 nd Edition, 2005

G. 14
This “rightly ordered Call” has always been understood in our Synod as a Call from the Church into the
Holy Ministry after a Candidate successfully completed his course of studies and has been duly certified by one of
our Seminary faculties. Only then does the Board of Assignments place such a Candidate into a parish of Lutheran
Church–Canada. Although Vicars receive a temporary “call” to minister, it is not a permanent Call to Ministry in a
particular place and it is not received by one who is ordained. Therein lies an important distinction. A Vicar is
always “Inducted” into his temporary service at his vicarage parish but never “Installed”, as is a Called and
Ordained Pastor. For the Vicar is in reality a man in training for the Holy Ministry.
He does not in any way hold the Office of the Pastoral Ministry. However, he is given permission by
Lutheran Church-Canada and one of its congregations to perform, in a limited way, some of the functions of Office
of the Pastoral Ministry in that place, under the strict supervision of one who does hold the Pastoral Office. Again,
he is only given this permission and this opportunity to practise and develop pastoral skills under the strict
supervision of a Called and Ordained Pastor of Lutheran Church–Canada. For that reason he may preach and teach,
but not preside at Holy Communion.
The formal concept of “Vicarage”, also known in some denominations as an “Internship” is actually a
relatively new innovation in the North American Church when viewed against the entire history of the Christian
Church from the first century forward. Today a problem has arisen in recent history in that men in training for the
Pastoral Ministry (Vicars) have been placed into remote congregations that by themselves cannot afford a Called
and Ordained Pastor. These men have had little supervision by supervisory pastors who sometimes are half a day’s
drive or more away. For ten months to a year the Vicar carries on “pastoral ministry” in an isolated community, is
then perceived by many of the laity as a “Pastor”, and often functions as a pastor even though he is but a lowly
intern with no pastoral authority as regards the Office of Keys. He is a man who carries out some of the functions of
Holy Ministry in the same way that a student teacher carries out some of the functions of a full-fledged teacher in a
school. His authority to proclaim the word of God and bring that word to the people comes only from his position
as one who is part of the priesthood of all believers on account of his baptism, not by virtue of any claim to the
Office of the Pastoral Ministry.
The problem has become even more serious with the acute shortage of Clergy and the inability or
unwillingness of the larger Church (District and Synod) to provide qualified clergy to serve these remote
congregations.
Quite rightly there is a great concern amongst both the lay people and the clergy of Lutheran Church–
Canada that people in remote areas of Canada in congregations be able to receive the Lord’s Supper. However, one
does not meet that deep need for the strengthening of people’s faith through the Holy Supper by undermining a long
held Scriptural and Confessional standard as regards the public ministry of the church and its functioning through
the Called and Ordained pastorate.
That this is the case is obvious from the Confessional and historical writing of the early Church Fathers,
Luther and the Reformers of the sixteenth century. As one of our own theologians and professors, Dr. John R.
Stephenson writes: “And who can suppose that the lay or diaconal celebration of the Holy Supper can find even a
shred of support in the catholic tradition of the Church, eastern or western?” 17 The early church simply did not
engage in this practice. Since prior to his Call and Ordination a man remains part of the Priesthood of all Believers
and does not hold the Office of the Holy Ministry, therefore until he does receive a Call and is Ordained, he remains
a lay person, not a Pastor.
In modern times support for the lay administration of Holy Communion as well as a host of other public
functions of the Office of Holy Ministry is espoused and put forth both by modern day enthusiasts and practitioners
of the Church Growth Movement. In both cases there is a serious blurring of the distinction been the Priesthood of
all Believers and the Office of the Holy Ministry which is wholly unbiblical, un-Lutheran and an error much
practised today in a large part of Protestant Christianity in Canada.
On the other hand, Christ has graciously given us the Office of the Public Ministry for the oversight,
teaching, and care of His Bride, the Church.
17 Stephenson, John, Who is The Rightful Celebrant of Holy Communion? LTR II (Fall/Winter 1989-90) pp. 25-32

G. 15
Therefore we ought to use that which He has authorized and not short-circuit His plan by giving Pastoral
oversight and authority to Vicars who are laymen in training for the Office of the Pastoral Ministry.
But then the question arises as at the Convention: “What about “emergency situations”? Unlike
baptizing, one cannot conceive of an emergency situation in which Holy Communion would be required for the
salvation of an individual. Jesus says to all Christians: “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” (Matthew 28:19) and, “He who believes and
is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16) but no such statement can be found regarding Holy Communion.
Rather our Lord’s words and those of the Apostles as regards Holy Communion always focus on the faith
strengthening, not the faith creating power of the Lord’s Supper.
The only situation that one can think of where there might be an “emergency” situation is if an individual is
dying and requests Holy Communion for comfort and strengthening. In such a situation the church has never
authorized a lay person or a lay person in training for the ministry (a Vicar) to celebrate the Lord’s Supper.
However what every lay person and Vicar has been authorized to do is to read and proclaim the Gospel of our Lord
found in the Holy Scriptures which St. Paul reminds us “is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe”
(Romans 1:16). As the Priesthood of all Believers, the lay members of the Holy Christian Church have the
authorization and in fact, the obligation individually (Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8) to proclaim the Gospel on a daily
basis where they live and work and therefore the church in its long history has never had a problem with a Vicar or
lay person preaching the Word under the direct supervision of a Called and Ordained Pastor.
However, there is no similar authorization given by Scripture or the Confessions or the orthodox Lutheran
Church down through the years as regards the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.
In his second sermon preached in the year 1522 on the John 20:19-21 text, Dr. Martin Luther says: “This
power is here given to all Christians (i.e. the spiritual power and rule)… when you shall speak a word concerning a
sinner, it shall be spoken in heaven [as well]) and in 1540 on the same text: “This (whatsoever sins you forgive,
etc.) is not said alone to ministers or servants of the church, but to every Christian. Here each may serve another in
the hour of death, or wherever there is need and give him absolution…”18 . It is interesting to note that there is no
consideration by Luther whatsoever of a lay person ministering to a dying person by celebrating the Lord’s Supper.
If the authors of the Synodical resolution requesting this paper from the CTCR are suggesting that in and of itself, a
congregation of believers in a remote part of Canada constitutes an “emergency”, we simply could not concur.
Such a group of believers has the written Word of God and the remembrance of their Baptism, that is, their
incorporation into the family of God thereby, and may be daily and weekly strengthened by the proclamation of that
Word.
That congregation of LCC, however, should not be ignored regarding their inability to receive the Holy
Sacrament on a regular basis because they cannot support a full-time Pastor. Surely the three hundred plus
congregations of the LCC, through its Council of Presidents ought to be able to find a way to provide them with a
qualified Called and Ordained Pastor who can preside at a monthly or bi-monthly Service of the Sacrament in that
remote community. But to ask a Vicar to do so is to violate, undermine and weaken the Biblical and Confessional
position of our Synod as outlined in AC XIV and practised throughout our history. It also leads to a gross confusion
of the distinct biblical character of the Priesthood of all Believers and the Office of the Holy Ministry.
Dr. John Kleinig of the Lutheran Church of Australia writes: “Christ authorises and empowers pastors to
exercise the keys in the congregations that they serve by baptising and withholding baptism, by forgiving and
retaining sins, by preaching God’s word as law and gospel, administering and distributing the Lord’s Supper, by
judging doctrine and condemning false doctrine, by admitting and excluding from the Lord’s Table (Matthew 16:18-
19; John 20:21-23; Apology 28:5-6,21). This means that the administration of Holy Communion cannot and must
not be done apart from the full, public exercise of the keys.”19 Dr. Kleinig’s words clearly point out the
importance of having clergymen who are Called by the church to care for the souls of God’s redeemed people…
men who know the hearts of their people and can responsibly administer the Lord’s Supper to them. In the same
18
Sermons of Martin Luther Vol. 2 Ed. John Nickolas Lenker. 1983 Grand Rapids, MI Baker, p. 362
19
Dr. John Kleinig, Lay Presidency: Does a layman have the authority to administer Holy Communion? December
2008

G. 16
way that Luther spoke strongly against the Roman Catholic Church of his day which had turned the Holy Sacrament
into a mere commodity of the Church by licensing laymen and Nuns to speak the Words’ of Institution, so we must
avoid this practise today by not licensing Vicars to do the same.
Dr. C.F.W. Walther, the first President of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod and eminent orthodox
Lutheran theologian of the nineteenth century in the fifth edition of his Americanish-Lutherische
Pastoraltheologie(Concordia: St. Louis, 1906, 175) writes: “The great majority of our theologians, with Luther at
their head, are of the opinion that the Holy Supper should never be administered by someone who does not stand in
the public preaching office or by a so-called layman. This is so partly from the fact that with the Lord’s Supper –
unlike Baptism and Absolution – no emergency situation can arise which would justify departure from God’s order
(1 Cor 4:1; Rom 10:15; Heb 5:4), partly from the fact that the Holy Supper is a public confession which ought to
have public ministers, and partly from the fact that such clandestine Communion can easily beget schisms.”20
Perhaps the clearest statement that sums up our position is given by Dr. John Kleinig: “The ministry of
the word and sacrament does not just create a congregation and build it up as a holy community; it also includes that
congregation in the heavenly assembly and its service together with the angels and the whole communion of saints
in God’s presence (Heb 2:22-24). The administration of the Lord’s Supper involves the congregation in the one
holy catholic and apostolic church through communio in sacris, communion by right participation in the holy
things of God. So those who administer Holy Communion thereby hold a public position of leadership with
ecumenical responsibilities. To fulfil their task they need to have the authority to admit or exclude people from
other congregations and denominations to the Lord’s Table. This cannot be done without proper authorization and
due accountability. No lay person has that ecumenical authority.”21
II. Conclusion
Since historically the celebration of Holy Communion publically has been a unique function of the Office of the
Holy Ministry, and since a Vicar is a lay person in training for the Office of the Holy Ministry and not a Pastor, and
since no incidence of an “emergency” can be suggested in which the historical practice of the Church should be
abrogated, therefore, Vicars should not be allowed to celebrate Holy Communion other than as an assistant to the
presiding Pastor who alone has the right by means of his Call and Ordination to speak the Words of Institution
publically on behalf of the entire congregation prior to the communing of the saints of God.
20
This translation comes from John Stephenson, The Lord’s Supper(The Lutheran Academy: St. Louis, 2003), 86
21
Dr. John Kleinig, Lay Presidency: Does a layman have the authority to administer Holy Communion?, December
2008

BIBLIOGRAPHY
G. 17
Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions (A Reader’s Edition of the Book of Concord), Concordia Publishing House,
St. Louis, MO, 2nd Edition, 2005
Foster, Walter O., Zion on the Mississippi, St. Louis, MO, Concordia 1953
Kleinig, Dr. John, Lay Presidency: Does a layman have the authority to administer Holy Communion? December
2008
Laetsch, Theodore, The Abiding Word, Vol 1, Concordia, 1958
Lenker, John Nickolas, Ed. Sermons of Martin Luther Vol. 2. 1983 Grand Rapids, MI Baker
Pieper, F., Christian Dogmtics, Vol III, Concordia Publishing House, 1953
Stephenson, John, Who is The Rightful Celebrant of Holy Communion? LTR II (Fall/Winter 1989-90)
Wollenburg, Dr. George, Church and Ministry, a scholarly paper, 2000

G. 18
CTCR DOCUMENT
The Doctrinal Authority of C. F. W. Walther’s Kirche und Amt (Church and Ministry) in
Lutheran Church–Canada

G. 19
In her first convention Lutheran Church–Canada [LCC] committed herself to the doctrinal position of her
mother synod by including article II in her constitution. This article binds the synod and every member thereof to
accept without reservation the Holy Scriptures as the only rule and norm of faith and practice, and the writings in the
Book of Concord as a true and unadulterated exposition of the same. The convention made no express commitment
to any doctrinal writings, resolutions, or statements of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod [LCMS], though it has
been assumed that the historical actions of the mother synod would continue to carry weight in the daughter. In
order to clarify the status of existing LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations [CTCR] documents, for
example, LCC passed resolution 90:1.02, which explained that they were to be received “as part of its heritage” and
referred to “for reference and guidance”.
The present confusion in LCC over the authority of C. F. W. Walther’s writing, Kirche und Amt (Church
and Ministry), can be adequately addressed on the basis of the preceding paragraph. Although no CTCR existed in
19th-century Missouri, Walther’s book served a similar purpose to such documents in that it provided a unified
response to a theological issue that stood behind a church relations problem (see the history below). Although it
cannot be placed on the level of the doctrinal authorities in Article II, it ought to be received and honoured by LCC
“as part of its heritage” and referred to “for reference and guidance”. However, in light of recent action in the
LCMS, the popular belief that Kirche und Amt was officially adopted as a binding doctrinal statement needs further
examination.
In her 2001 synodical convention, the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod passed resolution 7-17A “to
reaffirm” that Walther’s book Kirche und Amt [KuA] is “the official position of the LCMS”. The convention did
not claim to be adopting KuA but to be “reaffirming” its status. The historical basis was presented in the second and
third “whereas” of the resolutions:
WHEREAS, Dr. C. F. W. Walther addressed this confusion [with regard to the doctrine of church and ministry] in
1851 through his Theses on Church and Ministry, which were subsequently declared to be the position of the LCMS
in 1851; and
WHEREAS, The book The Voice of Our Church on the Question of Church and Ministry, by Dr. C. F. W. Walther,
was published in 1852. The LCMS in convention declared this book to be the pure doctrine (reine Lehre) of church
and ministry;
It is in the very nature of a “whereas” that what it states must be incontrovertibly and demonstrably true.
Unfortunately, the resolution does not cite explicit text from the 1851 and 1852 conventions to which it broadly
refers (with the exception of the two German words). In order to understand precisely what occurred, it is necessary
to examine closely the published Synodal-Berichte (convention records).
The Origins of Kirche und Amt in the LCMS (1850-52)
The genesis of Walther’s writing can be found in the minutes of the 1850 synodical convention in St.
Louis. The synod discussed at length their ongoing pastoral and doctrinal conflict with Pastor Grabau and the
Buffalo synod, dating back to his Hirtenbrief “Pastoral Letter” (1840)1 and perpetuated in disputes over the right of
excommunication.2 At the heart of the debate was the source and nature of pastoral authority. Grabau was
understood to be the aggressor, against whom the synod felt compelled to defend herself. Having heard Pastors
Walther, Sihler, and Brohm present a series of theses on the basis of the Book of Concord, the convention
commissioned Walther to develop the work into a book, a draft of which was to be presented to the synod the
following year.
At the 1851 convention (Milwaukee), Walther presented the completed theses on church and office,
including a sketch of the supplementary material from Scripture, the Lutheran Confessions, and the church fathers
that would be marshalled in their defence. The published convention minutes are worth reading at length:
When, at the last Synodical convention, Grabau’s second Synodical letter, that included false accusations
and charges, was discussed, it was thought best to publish a paper as a justification for our teaching on Church and
Ministry. We were not only accused, on these parts, of false teaching by Pastor Grabau, but also among our brothers
in Germany, with whom we are in faith fellowship, there is a growing disapproval. Prof. Walther had taken over the
preparation of the paper on behalf of the Synod, and now he presented the draft of the paper to the present
convention for examination. According to his presented plan the paper is divided into three parts: a preface,
historical presentation of the conditions under which the paper arose; a number of theses that present our teaching on
the Church as well as the Preaching Office in a short and precise fashion; it ends with an epilogue that focuses on
the application of the theses on the present doctrinal differences. As proof for the theses the author cites from a)
Scripture, b) the Symbolical Books, c) the acknowledged most reliable teachers of our and of the early church, in
order to, in the strongest sense, dispel the appearance of an innovation in the teaching; to show the agreement
between the whole Church from the beginning and our church, and to put this agreement, with a systematic

G. 20
compilation of many witnesses, in the clearest light. The character of the whole paper should be more apologetic
than polemic in order to invite a more relaxed examination and to heal the impending split in love. The Synod
declared itself in full agreement with this plan, and approved the apologetic way of teaching of the author in so far
as that through it the necessary proof of the untenabillity [sic] of the opposing errors are given.
The honorable author now presented the specific theses to which the Synod gave its agreement [ihre
Beistimmung]. Since, however, the book will be published soon, it would be superfluous to go into the specifics of
the theses here. The reading itself, and the discussion that followed on the doctrine and practice of the Church, was
held, with very little interruption, in eight sittings. This was unquestionably the part of the proceedings that was
proven to be the most fruitful. It filled the hearts of everyone with great rejoicing over the Scripturality, the
clearness, and the loveliness of our teaching. It was also experienced that the peace of the Spirit of God is a sweet,
well tasting fruit of the true unity and confidence of faith.3
The following noteworthy points arise from a careful reading of this report:
1. The historical context and purpose of Kirche und Amt is apparent: it was a defence against the accusations of
Pastor Grabau, and an attempt to avoid a breach with the German churches.4 It did not arise from internal disputes
among the Missourians, nor was it intended to settle an internal dispute. Nor, additionally, was it directed against
Pastor Wilhelm Löhe, with whom the Missourians were still in fellowship.5
2. The intention of KuA was to be “apologetic” (defensive and explanatory) not “polemic” (aggressive or
condemnatory).
3. Although Walther is presented as the “author”, it is apparent that KuA is viewed mainly as a collection of sources
that can be used to defend the Missourians’ teachings. It is for this reason that Walther will later appear on the title
page as “editor” (not author).6
4. As each thesis was presented to the synod and discussed at length, the convention pastors and lay delegates gave
their “agreement [Beistimmung]”. The meaning is clearly that they agreed with the teaching of the theses and
concurred with Walther’s marshalling of evidence to be presented to and against Grabau.
Most significantly, however, there is no evidence that the convention “adopted” the theses as a confessional
document to which the members of synod would be bound, as is frequently asserted.7
What the 1851 convention did was to agree that Walther’s theses and proof material from Scripture and
historic Lutheranism formed a magnificent reply to Grabau. The convention therefore commissioned Walther to
complete the book (which was published the following year by a printer in Erlangen, whom Walther had visited
while in Germany). In the preface to the first edition of Kirche und Amt, Walther rehearsed this history, noting the
resolve of the 1851 Milwaukee convention “to publish the manuscript as our unanimous confession in our name.”8
As Walther appears to be referring to the above-cited section of the 1851 Synodal-Bericht, “our unanimous
confession” would seem to be his paraphrase of the fact that the convention gave its Beistimmung “agreement” to
each of the theses. Walther does not mean that the synod adopted his writing as a new confession, but that they
wholeheartedly agreed with his theological presentation against Grabau.
The following year, at the 1852 convention (held again in Milwaukee), the delegates again discussed the
ongoing dispute with Pastor Grabau. The minutes record the convention’s decision:
The synod expressed herself in the matter this way: “Since it is important above all things to become one in
doctrine with the Buffalo Synod, specifically with Pastor Grabau, her [the synod’s] response [consisting] of the pure
teaching on church and office, edited by Prof. Walther under her commission, ought to be sent to the latter [Grabau]
through the Secretary, with the request to read through this book in as impartial a manner as possible, and thereby to
be persuaded that our apology is nothing other than the voice of the Lutheran Church.”9
The minutes then record that, should Grabau not be fully persuaded by reading the book, a delegation
should be sent to meet with him. In the meantime, no one in Missouri was to write against him. (Unfortunately,
Grabau was not persuaded by KuA that the Missourians were right, nor did the planned meetings take place.) From
these minutes it is clear that the synod believed KuA contained the “pure teaching” of historic Lutheranism, but the
word “edited” reminds us that KuA was viewed chiefly as a collection of sources. The convention took no action
other than sending the book to Grabau. It did not officially adopt KuA or elevate it to the status of a doctrinal norm.
The phrase “the voice of the Lutheran Church” found in those minutes echoes the opening words of
Walther’s title page, Die Stimme unserer Kirche in der Frage von Kirche und Amt: Eine Sammlung von Zeugnissen
... [“The Voice of Our Church in the Question of Church and Office: A Collection of Witnesses …”]. This title and
the words of the 1852 convention have sometimes been subtly but significantly misinterpreted. “The Voice of Our
Church”, as interpreted by Walther’s own subtitle, clearly does not mean “The Voice of the Missouri Synod” but
“The Voice of Historic Lutheranism”—for Walther considered the material that he “edited”10 merely to be a
collection of sources from the Scriptures, the Confessions, and the church fathers. Walther clarifies this meaning in
his preface:

G. 21
hardly anyone, so far as we know, has thought of letting the church of our fathers also express its opinion, and since
the opinion is becoming ever more general that our church has left the doctrines in question unanswered, we
therefore do not consider it superfluous if in this present book, according to the humble talent entrusted to us, we
seek to make a contribution so that in the present important controverted question concerning the church and the
ministry also our official confessions and the private writings of its teachers may be heard and considered.11
It is quite likely that the common misinterpretation of Walther’s title as “the voice of the LCMS” fuelled the belief
that KuA had been officially adopted as a doctrinal statement.
Walther’s own actions belie this interpretation, as he took upon himself personally to revise and reissue the
volume in a second and third edition (1865, 1875) without any commission from or approval of the synod. A fourth
edition appeared after his death (1894), revised by Walther’s student, Franz Pieper. This is not the expected
behaviour of men who believed the first edition was an official synodical document.12 Nor does Walther refer back
to KuA in his later writings or published convention essays; there is, at least, no evidence that Walther held KuA in
higher esteem than any other of his writings.
The Reception of Kirche und Amt in Later LCMS History
The same conclusion must be drawn from examining synodical literature on church and office in the
generation after Walther’s death. Franz Pieper’s ―A Brief Statement of the Doctrinal Position of the Missouri
Synod‖ (1897) is consistent with KuA but does not cite its theses or contents. Pieper’s three volume Christian
Dogmatics certainly cites KuA, but accords it no more prominence than any other writing of Walther; Pieper, in fact,
cites Walther’s Pastoral Theology more frequently than KuA in his sections on church and office. As Todd
Peperkorn concludes about this period in a significant recent study of the question:
In the first seventy-five years of the history of the Missouri Synod, there was little distinction made
between any of the writings of Walther as to their authority. Kirche und Amt was understood as authoritative
because it contained the doctrines which the Missouri Synod stood by and for. It was an anthology of what the
Lutheran Church has always taught, and not a new confession as such. This was also true of Die rechte Gestalt, the
Pastoraltheologie, and many other writings of Walther. Walther and the early Missouri Synod were not asking the
question of whether or not they were creating a new confession.13
What changed at the end of this 75-year period, according to Peperkorn, is that KuA took on a new
prominence in the growing debate between Missouri and Wisconsin on church and office.14 It was at the height of
this debate that CPH published the English-language abridgement of KuA in the little volume Walther and the
Church (1938). In the translator’s preface W. H. T. Dau refers to KuA as “an official manifesto of the Missouri
Synod”.15 The page headers for this section of the volume repeat the assertion: “Church and Ministry—Our
Church’s Doctrine”. According to Peperkorn, “This is the first instance where Kirche und Amt is specifically and
emphatically placed on a different level than the other writings of Walther.”16 The fact that a new generation of
LCMS pastors was arising who could not read German meant that Dau’s translation would be their only point of
contact with KuA, and the words of his introduction were most likely responsible for perpetuating the belief that the
synod had officially adopted it. But the evidence cited thus far suggests Dau’s judgment that it was “an official
manifesto” cannot be substantiated. Dau‘s abridgement dealt a further disservice to a new generation of Walther
students by reproducing only the theses and scriptural proofs, while neglecting the citations from the Confessions
and the Lutheran fathers that Walther believed were the unique strength of his argument.
It is intriguing to follow the fortunes of Kirche und Amt through the intervening decades of the twentieth
century. Todd Peperkorn has performed a remarkably-thorough investigation of LCMS publications in the hope of
discerning the role that KuA played. Walter Baepler’s A Century of Grace: A History of the Missouri Synod 1847-
1947 (1947) does not mention KuA in its 11-page history of the Grabau/Löhe debates. The first two volumes of
doctrinal essays, The Abiding Word (1946-47), likewise published in honour of the synod’s 100th anniversary,
display a distinct ambivalence towards KuA. Of five essays touching on church and office, three make no reference
to KuA, and two cite it only occasionally.17 When the 44 “Statementarians” of 1945 criticize the growing use of
synodical resolutions as “canon law” they do not mention KuA.
In response to the latter crisis and in the successive years leading up to the seminary walkout, the precise
nature of doctrinal resolutions made by synod became the subject of intense debate. In 1959 resolution 3-09 bound
all pastors of synod to teach and act in harmony with “every doctrinal statement of a confessional nature adopted by
Synod”, which were “to be regarded as public doctrine (publica doctrina) in Synod”; three years later the 1962
resolution 6-01 rescinded this action as unconstitutional, in violation of the doctrinal norm expressed in article II. At
the same time, resolution 3-17 affirmed the use of doctrinal statements in subordination to Scripture and
Confessions, and asked members of synod to honour and uphold them. In successive years, this view of the synod’s
doctrinal resolutions was generally upheld, though every resolution passed was fiercely contested.18 The two
decades of discussion culminated in the formulation of a procedure for producing doctrinal resolutions and

G. 22
statements (1977:3-07), contained also in the by-laws (1.03) of LCC. It is significant to note that since the creation
of the distinction between “doctrinal resolutions” and “doctrinal statements”, no document has been put through the
procedure to elevate it to the latter status.
Likewise, it is remarkable in this era that the aforementioned synodical resolutions do not formulate a list
of doctrinal resolutions or documents they believed the synod had previously accepted and might be placed at the
level of a “doctrinal statement”. Contrary to popular belief, no such list can be found in the synodical minutes. The
lengthy Preamble to resolution 1973:2-12 comes closest as it includes a paragraph giving the history of Walther’s
theses on church and ministry, and quotes Dau’s 1938 preface to the effect that they are “an official manifesto” of
the LCMS. Significantly, however, they do not quote a convention of synod in support of Dau’s belief. The
Preamble goes on to cite the 1881 theses on election, which might more legitimately be labeled synod’s official
position, inasmuch as they were explicitly adopted. When the 1973 convention proceeded to propose “A Statement
of Scriptural and Confessional Principles” for adoption by synod (3-01), 19 the Preamble cited the Thirteen Theses
on Election as precedent, but did not mention KuA. Thus, not until 2001 did the LCMS directly address the doctrinal
status of Walther’s work.
Summary
This lengthy historical investigation has resulted in a complex picture of Kirche und Amt’s role in the
LCMS. On the one hand:
1. Kirche und Amt was commissioned by synod in convention (1850) as a defense of her teaching in response to
Grabau.
2. At the 1851 convention, Walther presented the 19 theses and a summary of the book. The convention delegates
gave their unanimous agreement to the contents as the appropriate way to respond to Grabau.
3. The 1852 convention resolved to send the book to Grabau in the hope of achieving unity in teaching. They spoke
of the book as containing “pure teaching” on the matter, and representing the voice of historic Lutheranism.
4. KuA was understood as an apologetic writing explaining the Missourians’ understanding of church and office,
and was never intended to be used in a disciplinary manner within the synod.
5. Prior to the 2001, no subsequent LCMS convention adopted KuA or referred to it as Missouri’s official position.
Thus, the early LCMS conventions give no evidence that KuA was “adopted” by synod, nor that it was intended to
resolve internal disputes or to be used in a disciplinary manner. The popular belief that KuA was adopted may have
arisen from the following factors:
1. The initial words of the title “The Voice of Our Church …” may have been misunderstood as if it were “The
Voice of the LCMS”. Walther’s preface, however, makes it clear that it is “The Voice of Historic Lutheranism”,
meaning that it was chiefly a collection of sources.
2. Dau’s preface to the 1938 abridgement of Kirche und Amt calls it “an official manifesto”, but such words are not
supported by the actual language of the 1851 convention.
3. J. T. Mueller’s 1987 translation of the preface places the words “our unanimous confession” into quotation marks,
implying that these words are quoted from the convention minutes, which they are not.
4. The synodical controversies of the 20th century led the synod into lengthy debates on the authority of synod to
take decisive action on doctrinal matters. As doctrinal resolutions were passed on a raft of theological issues in order
to deal with internal disputes, the belief (mistakenly) arose that KuA had arisen in the same circumstances and had
the same purpose.
This historical survey has nonetheless demonstrated the enormous significance that Kirche und Amt holds
in the common history of the LCMS and LCC. Walther’s theses and his collection of Lutheran sources in defense of
the same were received unanimously by the synod for the purpose of responding to Grabau’s errors. Thus, KuA was
“official” in the sense that it was produced at synod’s request and had her approval.20 The oft-asserted distinction
between the theses and the rest of the book is perhaps overdrawn, inasmuch as Walther himself placed far more
weight on the Lutheran authorities he cited than on his own contribution in the theses and introductions. Walther
believed, and the synod concurred, that the volume contained the voice of historic Lutheranism, and as such must be
taken with utter seriousness by any church that professes to be truly Lutheran. His theses represent the LCMS’s
historic response to Grabau’s errors and illustrate how Missouri theologians have spoken about church and office.21
The language of LCC’s resolution 1990:1.02, though written about CTCR documents, provides a helpful pattern of
thinking also for KuA:
RESOLVED that the Lutheran Church–Canada receive the documents of the Commission on Theology and Church
Relations (CTCR) of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod as part of its heritage; and be it further
RESOLVED that the Lutheran Church–Canada continue to refer to these documents for reference and guidance
and/or for study in accord with their mode of adoption by The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, in regard to
matters of doctrinal content, and in practice insofar as they are applicable to the Canadian scene; ….

G. 23
Most importantly, Walther would have his beloved synod follow his own method: that in addressing
theological controversy we begin with the teachings of Holy Scripture, follow them through into the Lutheran
Church’s confessional writings, and confirm them with the wisdom of the church fathers’ private writings (among
whom Walther himself must surely be numbered).
In the end, however, the synod which understands herself to be “Waltherian” ought not ignore the
profoundly confessional perspective of her founding president. In his own lifetime C. F. W. Walther discerned and
fought against a growing tendency to turn his own writings and the public words of the synod into a new confession.
Walther’s thorough commitment to Holy Scripture and the Book of Concord led him to warn sternly against this
development in his own church:
Unfortunately there has constantly been among certain individuals also in the orthodox church a wrong,
“parrot” mind-set. One would follow this or that great teacher. Now, as long as this had reference only to what is
right, it may indeed not have caused particularly great harm, although, considering its character and nature, it always
was and is something extremely dangerous. Furthermore, we do not deny that also among us there have been and
perhaps still are people, and in fact good, guileless people, who simply say in their defense, “You see, it says so in
the Proceedings of the Western District.” Or if one asks that this or that point of doctrine might be proven, one can
perhaps also sometimes hear, “You see, it says so in Walther’s Pastorale.” This indeed happens as a rule in pure
simplicity, without any intent to place human writings next to Scripture or even above Scripture. Yet it is and
remains papistic, dangerous, and harmful to faith; therefore we cannot among ourselves oppose this tendency
earnestly enough.22
Notes
1 This pastoral letter was addressed to a group of Prussian Lutherans in Wisconsin, whose pastor had
turned back to Germany. The congregation wished to choose a suitable man from their midst and ordain him as their
pastor. Grabau argued that such an ordination and any subsequent sacramental acts would be invalid, as the ministry
can only be conferred by those who already possess it. Grabau, in a friendly gesture, sent his letter to the
Missourians for their advice and approval of his position. He was surprised to discover that they disagreed, as they
had emerged from the Altenburg debate with the view that the ministry—in an emergency—can arise from the
congregation on the basis of the Word of God alone. Thus, at the heart of the debate on the office of the ministry
between Missouri and Grabau (Buffalo) was the question of from where the ministry derives its authority.
2 Grabau complained that Missouri congregations had received as members, people who had been rightly
excommunicated from Buffalo Synod churches. Some Missourians argued that their congregation had the right to
overrule the judgment of the Buffalo Synod pastor. Grabau disagreed.
3 Synodal-Bericht 1851 (convention minutes), 169-70. Translation from Todd Peperkorn, The Use of C. F.
W. Walther’s “Kirche und Amt” in the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod to 1947 (Ft. Wayne: unpublished S.T.M.
thesis, 1999), 139, with minor editing of the final sentence.
4 In the preface to Kirche und Amt, Walther recognizes that the North American disputes on church and
office were only on the fringe of a much larger debate going on in Germany, ―the great battle being fought in our
old German fatherland on the field of theological science‖. He was referring to the German territorial churches’
attempts to free themselves from the dominance of the state and establish a churchly governance, a battle in which
Löhe was a major player. Walther hoped by his written contribution to persuade the Germans not to adopt a
hierarchical system of church governance. See Holsten Fagerberg, Bekenntnis, Kirche, und Amt in der deutschen
konfessionellen Theologie des 19. Jahrhunderts (Uppsala: Almqvist & Wiksells, 1952).
5 Certainly there were already public disagreements between the Missourians and Löhe on some aspects of
church and ministry (see 1850 convention minutes), though Löhe considered himself a mediating party between
Walther and Grabau. The same 1851 convention commissioned Walther and Wyneken to visit Löhe in Germany to
try to heal the impending breach, as well as to visit the various theological faculties and church conferences to avoid
a split with the German mother churches. Walther reported that their meetings with Löhe were cordial, though little
substantial progress was made on points of theological disagreement. At the 1852 convention Walther hailed Löhe
as a founding father of the Missouri Synod. The ultimate cause of Missouri’s break with Löhe was the latter’s upset
over what he called ―papistic territorialism‖ when the Missourians tried to assume control of his Pilgerhaus and
teacher’s college in Michigan. In his black-edged ―farewell letter‖ in 1853 Löhe specifically noted that he did not
believe the differences over church and ministry were divisive. See Thomas M. Winger, ―The Relationship of
Wilhelm Löhe to C. F. W. Walther and the Missouri Synod in the Debate Concerning Church and Office‖,
Lutheran Theological Review 7 (Fall/Winter 1994 and Spring/Summer 1995): 107-32.
6 The full title is highly significant: Die Stimme unserer Kirche in der Frage von Kirche und Amt: Eine
Sammlung von Zeugnissen über diese Frage aus den Bekenntnisschriften der evangelisch-lutherischen Kirche und

G. 24
aus den Privatschriften rechtgläubiger Lehrer derselben. Von der deutschen evang.-luth. Synode von Missouri, Ohio
und anderen Staaten als ein Zeugnis ihres Glaubens, zur Abwehr der Angriffe des Herrn P. Grabau in Buffalo, N.Y.,
vorgelegt durch C. F. W. Walther [The Voice of our Church in the Question of Church and Office: A Collection of
Witnesses concerning this Question from the Confessional Writings of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and from
the Private Writings of Orthodox Teachers of the Same. By the German Evang.-Luth. Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and
other States, as a Witness of Her Faith, in Defence against the Attacks of Pastor Grabau in Buffalo, N.Y., Presented
by C. F. W. Walther].
7 When the synod did wish to solve an internal dispute by adopting a decisive doctrinal position, they
clearly knew how to do so. Consider the following declaration from the minutes of the 1881 convention at which
Walther’s Thirteen Theses on Election were declared to be the truth of Scripture from which the members of synod
were not expected to deviate:
We are assembled here by the authority of all our congregations. Every one of our congregations is decidedly
represented here (in spite of the delegate system established in 1872) and this includes also each one’s confessional
position. No one has the right to insist on the contrary unless he can produce uncontroverted facts in his favor. No
individual members of the Synod or their persons have rendered a confession, but the Synod itself has rendered its
confession. If later on it should appear that the confession of this or that delegate in this or that matter is not the
confession of this or that parish which he represented, that still does not alter the circumstances in the least that here
the Missouri Synod as such was assembled and rendered a confession. All the congregations of our synodical
fellowship knew what the doctrine of Synod on predestination was. If our congregations did not acknowledge this,
then, through their properly constituted boards, they would have stepped into the matter and would have expelled
those, who, according to their convictions, had publicly been defending false doctrine. Our congregations will
neither tolerate nor retain false teachers in their institutions. (Synodal-Bericht 1881, 43; trans. August Suelflow,
“Congregational Autonomy”, Concordia Journal 3 [Nov. 1977]: 268.)
8 In J. T. Mueller’s 1987 translation of the preface, the final words are rendered “’in our name and as our
unanimous confession’ [that of Missouri Synod” (9). The quotation marks imply (quite misleadingly) that Walther is
quoting words from the convention minutes; in fact, the original German text of Walther’s preface contains no
quotation marks, nor the name of the Missouri Synod (which Mueller adds in brackets).
9 Synodal-Bericht 1852, 212; trans. T. Winger.
10 It has been suggested that Walther considered himself merely an “editor” because Kirche und Amt was
published in the name of the synod, the LCMS being the true author (see Dau, below). In light of Walther’s own
explanation in the preface, this interpretation is surely wrong.
11 C. F. W. Walther, Church and Ministry (Kirche und Amt): Witnesses of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church on the Question of the Church and the Ministry, trans. J. T. Mueller (St. Louis: Concordia, 1987), 8-9.
12 It is also noteworthy that, though an abridgement was produced in 1938, Concordia Publishing House
did not produce a complete English translation until 1987, after many other writings of Walther had previously been
rendered into the synod’s new language. It is apparent that in the early- to mid- 20th century Kirche und Amt held
no higher rank among Walther’s writings.
13 Peperkorn, S.T.M. thesis, 141.
14 See Todd Peperkorn, “C. F. W. Walther’s Kirche und Amt and the Church and Office Debate Between
the Missouri and Wisconsin Synods in the Early Twentieth Century”, Concordia Theological Quarterly 65.4 (Oct.
2001): 299-322.
15 Walther and the Church, ed. Wm. Dallmann, W. H. T. Dau, and Th. Engelder (St. Louis: Concordia,
1938), 50. The full context of the statement is even stronger:
The treatise is evidently regarded by him no longer as his own, to promulgate his private opinions, but it is an
official manifesto of the Missouri Synod, which here offers to its Christian brethren everywhere and forever its
humble witness to the truth which it has joyously embraced on these great basic questions: What is the Church? and,
What is the Ministry of the Church? Let Walther’s synodical posterity take notice of this fact: In Walther’s Kirche
und Amt spoke—and still speaks!—not a single, deservedly revered individual but the entire God-blest Missouri
Synod, whom this treatise of Walther helped to make into a sound, staunch, faithful herald of genuine Lutheranism.
(50-51)
Dau’s revisionism is apparent in the first sentence of the next section: “Church and the Ministry is a polemical
essay”—precisely the opposite of what the 1851 minutes actually report, that it was apologetic, not polemical.
16 Peperkorn, S.T.M. thesis, 116.
17 See Peperkorn, S.T.M. thesis, 130-38.
18 See resolutions 1969:2-27; 1971:2-21; 1971:5-24; 1973:2-12; 1975:3-04; 1977:3-07; 1986:5-02A.

G. 25
19 This document was adopted by simple convention majority (562-455), and therefore, contrary to popular
belief, stands at the level of “doctrinal resolution”, not “doctrinal statement” (according to the 1977 terminology).
The language of the next convention, 1975:3-05, clarifies this:
A Statement is not to be used mechanically or legalistically to discipline members of the Synod, but it is to be
honored, upheld, and used fraternally and evangelically throughout the Synod in an effort to assist the Synod in
remaining faithful to its confessional position. … [T]he Synod cannot make A Statement binding upon its members
in the same sense in which the Scripture is binding. Nor can it ask its members to bind themselves to A Statement in
the same manner in which they freely bind themselves to the Lutheran Confessions.
20 Thus it holds the kind of official status given to the synod’s hymnals and explanation of the catechism.
21 The 1981 CTCR document, “The Ministry: Offices, Procedures, and Nomenclature”, included Walther’s
10 theses on the ministry in an appendix, to which it appended this measured comment: “We append ‘The Theses on
the Ministry’ prepared by C. F. W. Walther and approved by the Synod in 1851 not merely as a matter of historical
interest, but as a testimony to the theological and practical consistency of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod in
its view of the ministry” (45).
22 C. F. W. Walther, “Church Fathers and Doctrine: Synodical Conference Essay, Cleveland, Ohio, Aug.
13-19, 1884,” in Essays for the Church (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1992), 2:83-84.

G. 26
Vicarage Task Force

G. 27
Final Report
June 2010
Introduction
The 2008 convention of Lutheran Church–Canada adopted resolution 08.1.06 To Establish a Task Force to Review
the Vicarage Program. This resolution called for a review of the “practical training of seminary students with
respect to length, location, and financing of vicarages as well as the mentoring and placement of vicarages.”
In September of 2009 President Bugbee gathered the members of the task force together at Concordia Lutheran
Theological Seminary, St. Catharines, ON for their first meeting. Serving on the task force were Rev. Mark Dressler
(Chair), Mrs. Cindy Israel (Secretary), Rev. Prof. Jonathan Kraemer (Vicarage Placement Supervisor, Concordia
Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton, AB), Rev. Dr. William Mundt (Vicarage Placement Supervisor, Concordia Lutheran
Theological Seminary, St. Catharines, ON), Deacon Siegrid Robak, Rev. Andre Schroth, and Rev. Daryl Solie
(Council of Presidents’ Representative).
At the September meeting the task force reviewed Resolution 08.1.06 of the 2008 Synodical Convention. It
examined the benefits and drawbacks of the current vicarage system, and performed a similar examination of a
proposed residency program. It then began to assess what further information would be beneficial, and what sources
would be helpful in retrieving that information. Before adjourning, each member of the task force was given an area
to research, and that information has since been shared through email and discussed at the subsequent teleconference
calls. This report is the culmination of their research.
Strengths of the Current Program
Through its interviews the task force quickly recognized that, while the vicarage program could certainly be
improved, the current system is not broken. There are clearly many strengths of the current vicarage program.
It gives vicars opportunity to apply their theological training to a sustained practical experience in everyday parish
ministry.
Where there is direct instruction of a supervising Pastor, the vicar is exposed to a variety of lessons; both as overtly
taught by the supervising Pastor, and those which he experiences while observing his supervising Pastor.
Association of Theological Schools (ATS) accreditation requires “supervised ministry”22 to be a part of the
Master’s of Divinity degree as this is a “practical” degree. The current program fulfills that requirement.
The vicar is normally exposed to multiple aspects of parish ministry which will help reveal his strengths and
weaknesses which can be addressed in his fourth year, as well as be helpful for candidate placement.
3rd Year vicarages allow for:
A. The student to seek out answers to theological questions that have arisen during their vicarage
B. The vicar to reflect, ask questions and learn from fellow students and professors.
C. The student to take additional courses to meet their challenges and identify and address areas of personal growth
identified during the vicarage.
Through greater interaction with laity, vicars:
Learn the importance of how to deal gracefully with people.
Have their preaching shaped by the experience of vicarage.
The vicarage helps a student acquire confidence in preparing him for his divine call.
22 “Supervised Ministry” is defined as practical learning experiences under the supervision and mentorship of
experienced pastors. “Supervised Ministry” may be part time (“Field Work” or “Field Education”) complementing
the full time classroom studies, or full time (“Vicarage”) immersions in parish life.

G. 28
It allows students the opportunity to grow by being away from family and friends and adapting to a new
environment.
The vicar has a chance to earn some money in a time when he may incur much debt.
It allows opportunities for interaction between student, supervising Pastor and Seminary such as:
Seminary vicarage supervisor who visits the vicars in their vicarage congregation.
Orientation time where the Seminary can make its expectations clear to both vicars and supervisors.
While the primary purpose of vicarage is that the vicar grow in learning, it also provides that opportunity for the
supervising Pastor.
Concerns Arising from the Current Program
1) Lack of Quality Vicarage Congregations
All three Overtures identify a problem also recognized by the Task Force members. One of the problems recognized
by those the task force interviewed, as well as by seminary representatives on the task force, was the lack of quality
placements for vicars. There is no question that the program would benefit by having more congregations apply for
vicars, thus giving church officials more options in placing the vicars each year.
It was noted that the congregations that usually apply for vicars are either smaller vacant congregations that have no
pastor on site, or large congregations that are able to afford a vicar. The first situation, a parish without a pastor on
site, will be addressed later in this report under the topic of mentorship. The second situation offers vicars with a
variety of experiences in his vicarage parish, but is often very different from the parish he will be placed into as a
Pastor since many candidate placements are not larger congregations. During the task force interviews the thought
was raised a number of times that it would be beneficial for some vicars to spend their year of practicum in a smaller
parish with a pastor on site. The problem, of course, is the affordability of a pastor and a vicar to a smaller
congregation. This, and other issues were the reason for creating the task force. This concern from the synod can be
seen in some of the original overtures sent to the 2008 synodical convention.
Concerns Arising From the Overtures:
Resolution 08.1.06 was the end result of a number of overtures concerning the vicarage program that were submitted
to the convention. These overtures revealed some of the concerns the church has with the vicarage program:
2) Congregational financial constraints
OVERTURE 1.06 To Provide Synodical Funding For Vicarages addressed the concern that good potential mentors
and congregations are eliminated from the vicarage program due to cost constraints.
3) Vicars being used as cheap labour
OVERTURE 1.08 To Explore a New Model for Pastoral Training suggested an alternative Residency Program to
replace the current vicarage. It stated that current practices involved in vicarage are counter-productive:
Too often the Church has made use of less than adequate vicarage experiences. Supervision is often lax due to
distance and time commitments. Vicars are sometimes viewed as “cheap labour” rather than involved in a teaching
environment. One year does not provide the pastor in training with enough experience to meet the increasing
demands of pastoral ministry in the 21st century.
Vicarages in multi-point parishes do not provide responsible mentoring to the vicar, because of distance involved
and the lack of time for teaching and learning opportunities for the pastor to meet with the vicar. This also happens
with congregations not having time to provide the necessary input to the vicar, again because of distances involved.
Both OVERTURE 1.06 To Provide Synodical Funding For Vicarages and OVERTURE 1.07 To Provide Excellent
Mentoring For Vicars claim that the current program “often necessitates vicars being put in less than ideal situations,
often impairing their pastoral formation, putting them at a deficit from the outset of their ministry”
4) Excellence in mentorship of vicarage
-All three overtures recognize the importance of
a) Recruiting mentor pastors.
b) Matching mentor pastors with students.

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5) The length of vicarage
Proposal for Residency Program for Lutheran Church Canada – supplement for
OVERTURE 1.08 To Explore a New Model for Pastoral Training states:
“One year does not provide the pastor in training with enough experience to meet the increasing demands of pastoral
ministry in the 21st century.”
6) Mentoring of New Pastors.
The residency program outlined in OVERTURE 1.08 To Explore a New Model for Pastoral Training focuses the
mentoring of new pastors once their seminary courses have been completed.
Components of Vicarage
Duration
The length of “supervised ministry” which is required of students at our LCC seminaries as being insufficient
preparation for ministry was examined. It should be noted that while vicarage is only one year of full time
mentorship and immersion in parish life, students are required to undergo two years of part time “supervised
ministry” (“Field Education or Field Work”) under the mentorship of pastors in congregations near the location of
the seminaries. This has been part of the curriculum from the beginning of our two seminaries in recognition that
theology is a habitus practicus; theology is practical. There is a reciprocal relationship between classroom and
parish. As students are formed theologically in the classroom, they experience the practice of that theology in the
parish; the practice of theology in the parish drives the student’s studies in the classroom. Summer vicarages are
also available at both seminaries, on a voluntary basis for the students.
A study of ATS accredited schools was conducted in order to gage the depth and length of our seminaries’
“supervised ministry.” The study revealed a range of practices. Some schools had as little as one year of part time
supervised ministry in a three year degree program. Our seminaries’ program, with two years of part time and one
year of full time “supervised ministry,” was longer and more in depth than most schools in ATS. This means that in
terms of duration and depth, field education and vicarage at our seminaries affords our students with more
opportunities for practical experience and mentorship than most students receive at the average seminary in North
America.
Vicarage in the third year of seminary, while it does sometimes mean inconvenience to the student and their family,
is an important component of the curriculum. Feedback from students and faculty has suggested that a third year
vicarage is important in order to give the students upon their return time to reflect upon their vicarage experience
and to address any deficiencies that were identified during the vicarage year. The vicarage year enables the family
also to work through the process of moving and getting re-established in a new community. These are invaluable
skills to develop in order to make the transition at the end of seminary a smoother one.
The vicarage task force was intrigued by the recommendation that accompanied Overture 1.08, recommending an
extension of the vicarage to three year residency program. After completing its research it unanimously concluded
that such a radical change to the system was not required. The task force did, however, recognize the value of an
extension of mentorship to the first few years of ministry.
Recommendations:
1) To continue with 2 years of field education and 1 year of vicarage, preferably in the third year of the four year
M.Div. degree.
2) The Council of Presidents study the possibilities of implementing a process for mentoring pastors in the first few
years of their ministry. One such option for this is a model developed by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
entitled PALS (Post seminary Applied Learning and Support). This program has been operating for twelve years
and, while it is voluntary, it includes approximately 60-65% of the candidates placed into the field for their first
call. PALS pairs young pastors (not more than three years in the ministry) with more senior pastors (ideally 15-20
years of parish experience). It was first established to try to counteract pastors leaving their first parish after a
relatively short stay by providing encouragement and support.

G. 30
Mentorship
Underlying the overtures and resolution was the desire to see the best possible mentorship provided to our seminary
students while on vicarage. Surveys of graduates and interviews with clergy and District Presidents affirmed the
importance of mentorship and the priority it should play in the placement of students for vicarage. While there is a
consensus that good mentorship is essential for meeting the expected outcomes of vicarage, it was discovered that
there are various views on what qualities good mentors should have as well as which strategies make for good
mentorship.
Broader research suggests there is good reason for the various views on mentorship. One study suggested that there
are four basic styles of mentorship: supporting, coaching, delegating, and directing.23 A follow-up study summarizes
the styles in this way:
The supporting style uses praise to promote cooperation, consideration and minimization of conflict. It is more
relationship oriented than task-oriented. The coaching style involves modeling and demonstrating appropriate
behaviors. It includes integration, persuasiveness, and active assumption of the mentor role. The delegating style
places greater responsibility on the protégé and tolerates greater ambiguity and freedom of choice. The directing
style involves telling protégés what, how and when to do things. It places the emphasis on task completion and
performance outcomes.24
While vicarage supervisors may gravitate toward a certain style of mentorship as their strength, good mentorship
actually requires flexibility in style. Flexibility is necessary in order to address the particular needs of the vicar and
to adapt as the student shows growth. For example, vicars may often in the initial stages of the vicarage require a
more directive style, yet as growth, maturity, and responsibility are evidenced, the mentorship may transition into
more of a coaching or delegating style.
Though there are varieties of approaches to mentoring, research has shown that excellence in mentorship entails
certain attributes whatever style is used. They are: interpersonal skills, personal attributes, and professional
competencies.
The interpersonal skills of a good mentor involve caring and encouraging, promoting and sponsoring, supporting
and protecting, as well as challenging and demanding. The personal attributes of a good mentor include being
mature and wise, friendly and optimistic, admired and respected, as well as trustworthy and dependable. Finally,
good mentors should be professionally competent, which includes being qualified, experienced and seasoned,
knowledgeable and informative, as well as professionally involved and active.25
These attributes together constitute the kinds of qualities that should guide the process in seeking suitable pastoral
mentors for vicars. Years of pastoral experience do not necessarily a good mentor make, nor does the identification
of exceptional interpersonal skills in the pastor if he had had but a few years of experience.
Excellence in mentorship entails not only the use of different styles and the choice of mentors with certain attributes;
a key ingredient is time spent in the process of mentoring. An effective mentorship through vicarage entails
observation by the student of his supervisor in various capacities of ministry, debriefing and discussion of
approaches used by the mentor, and then observation of the student by the supervisor with debriefing and feedback
to follow. Often the student will learn not only by hearing what is said, but how it is said, and observing the body
language of the mentor.
23 Stahlhut, R., & Hawkes, R. “Mentoring student teachers: A conceptual model.” Paper presented at the annual
meeting of the Association of Teacher Educators, Las Vegas, NV. February 1990.
24 Wadkins, Theresa, and Miller, Richard L. "Bending Twigs: The Act of Mentoring Undergraduate Student
Research." In Developing, Promoting, & Sustaining the Undergraduate Research Experience in Psychology. Edited
by Richard L. Miller, et al. Syracuse, NY: Society for the Teaching of Psychology, 2008: 209.
25
Wadkins, Theresa, and Miller, Richard L. "Bending Twigs: The Act of Mentoring Undergraduate Student
Research," 209.

G. 31
Recommendations:
1) Whenever it is possible, students should be placed with their mentor supervisor on-site. Vicars should not be
placed primarily to fill vacancies, nor to serve as mission developers.
2) Active identification and recruitment of excellent mentors be a priority of the Council of Presidents.
3) The revision of vicarage application process to include letters of recommendation from Circuit Counsellors and
District presidents which include a discussion of the potential mentor’s attributes and style. This helps to match a
student’s needs with a supervisor’s strengths.
4) Directors of vicarage continue to orient and support mentors through the whole vicarage year.
Congregation
Although not the primary focus of the concerns raised in the overtures, the Vicarage Taskforce identified the
congregation as another key partner in the vicarage process. Congregations not only support the vicar and his family
financially, but by prayer and in many other ways. In some vicarage congregations, support committees have been
formed in order to ensure the needs of the vicar (and his family) are being met, or if need be, to be a mediator
between pastor and vicar in the case of conflict.
Congregations also give of their pastors time which is spent in the mentoring of the vicar. In entering the vicarage
program it is vital that the congregation do so informed of all the consequences as well as the joys in serving the
broader church by assisting in the formation of a pastor.
Congregations of a larger size have typically been the type of congregations that have applied for vicars. Often this
is because they are able to financially support a vicar. The larger congregation also has served the student well in
many respects in that there often is a broad range of experiences which the student may be exposed to or can expect
to be exposed to in the short period of one year. On the other hand it has also been suggested that in some respects a
vicarage in a larger congregation does not prepare the student for the type of ministry they will typically encounter
when they themselves receive their first call.
Recommendations:
1) That consideration be given to a variety of different congregations for the placement of vicars.
2) That congregations inquiring into the possibility of applying for a vicar would receive appropriate information
regarding not only the financial commitment but the amount of time that mentoring a vicar will require so they can
enter into the process with appropriate expectations.
Student
One last aspect of vicarage, which is also a key component of the process, is the student himself, in particular his
attitude toward the vicarage year and his engagement in the learning process. While deficiencies in the early years
of ministry may be due to the process of formation in the seminary, it may also be due to the student’s investment in
the process itself. The student who views it as just another requirement to meet will receive something very
different from the experience than the student who actively seeks out opportunities to learn and grow. The student
who has a servant attitude and opens himself up to receiving feedback will have a very different experience than the
one who already “knows it all.”
Recommendations:
1) That seminaries continue to improve their evaluation of students’ readiness for vicarage.
2) That seminaries, and in particular the vicarage directors continue to prepare students to enter the vicarage year
with the appropriate servant attitude.
Undergirding this: Financial Support
Benefits of an Affordable Vicarage
One solution, that will see more congregations involved in the vicarage program, would be to make the vicarage
more affordable. As mentioned above, only larger congregations or vacant congregations tend to apply for vicars.
If the cost of a vicarage were lowered more congregations would be able to apply for a vicar. This would offer
much more flexibility to the Council of Presidents and the Vicarage Directors when they arrange placements each
year. A more affordable vicarage would make it possible for smaller congregations with a Pastor to also afford a
vicar. If there were more placement opportunities, then those who decide the placements would have the luxury to
weigh the mentorship that each placement offers, thus improving the vicarage experience. In past years, the

G. 32
placement options have been very limited, and in some years (2010 for example) there were not enough placements
for all the vicars which required the deferral of some vicarages to the student’s fourth year.
A Shared Concern
It is important to note that every congregation in the synod benefits from an effective vicarage program. Whether a
congregation has had a vicar in their parish or not, they are still reaping the benefits through their pastor who was
once a vicar. It can therefore be argued that a solid vicarage program is the responsibility of the entire synod. The
task force thus believes that the synod should examine sharing the cost of training vicars instead of leaving the entire
burden of the cost with the vicarage congregation. To see how this might be accomplished some essential statistics
are listed below:
2008 LCC Synodical Statistics
52,654 confirmed members in LCC
316 congregations in LCC
229 (72%) were small with 1-199 confirmed members
72 (23%) were medium with 200-499 confirmed members
15 (5%) were large with 500-1000+ confirmed members
Annual Vicarage Costs
6-8 vicars are placed per year from the 2 seminaries
Average cost for a vicar = $40,000
Total cost per year for 8 vicars = $320,000
Synod’s proposed portion of the total cost (50%) = $160,000
Proposed Formulas for Cost Sharing Among LCC Congregations
If synod chooses to subsidize vicarage congregations, then the funds would have to come from assessing the
congregations of the synod. There are two possible ways to accomplish this; to assess each congregation per
confirmed member, or to assess them according to their congregational size. The suggested amount for both options
are outlined below.
If cost is shared per confirmed member
$160,000 ÷52,654 confirmed members= $3.04 per confirmed member
If cost is shared per size of congregation
Example # 1
Annual support from
Small congregations (100 confirmed members) $275 x 229 congregations = $62,975
Medium (350 confirmed members) $1000 x 72 congregations = $72,000
Large (750 confirmed members) $2250 x 15 congregations = $33,750
TOTAL $168,725
*{$8,725 overage}
*Overage assumes that some congregations will not submit annual contributions.
Example # 2
Annual support from
Small congregations (100 confirmed members) $500 x 229 congregations = $114,500
Medium (350 confirmed members) $750 x 72 congregations = $ 54,000
Large (750 confirmed members) $1000 x 15 congregations = $ 15,000
TOTAL $183,500
*{$23,500 overage}
Vicarage Placement Assistance Fund
Should an assessment be made of synodical congregations, then a system for collecting and distributing the funds
would have to be established. Mr. Dwayne Cleave, Treasurer of LCC, suggested the following parameters for a
potential Vicarage Placement Assistance Fund:
1) All congregations would be billed an annual assessment based on communicant membership to support the
vicarage program. The Districts would collect the funds from congregations and forward them to LCC.
2) The LCC Vicarage Placement Fund would have maximum capital limit established by the Council of Presidents
(Suggestion $240,000). This amount would cover approximately 50% of the cost of having 12 vicars placed.

G. 33
3) The Congregation that has a vicar placement would be responsible for covering 50% of the annual costs with the
remainder being covered by the vicarage fund.
4) Lutheran Foundation–Canada financial gift coordinators would communicate and support the Vicarage
Placement Fund through their ongoing presentations to our communicant membership with the hope that fellow
brothers and sisters in Christ will see and heed to the need and support of this fund through planned gifts
5) The Vicarage Placement Fund be invested equally in each District’s CEF, managed by the Synod Treasurer and
any interest earned through this investment be rolled back into the Vicarage Placement Fund
6) The fund, its balances and disbursements would be reported in the Synod’s annual financial statements
Concluding Recommendations
The Vicarage Task Force has concluded that the current vicarage program has served Lutheran Church–Canada well
through the years. Changing to a three year resident program at this time would not be in the best interest of the
church. Maintaining a one year vicarage in the third year of the seminary program remains the preferred option.
The system is clearly not broken, but it would certainly benefit with some “fine tuning.” These adjustments require
participation from various participants in the church. Therefore the task force suggests the following
recommendations:
The Seminaries
Ensure that congregations inquiring into the possibility of applying for a vicar would receive appropriate
information regarding not only the financial commitment, but the amount of time that mentoring a vicar will require
so they can enter into the process with appropriate expectations.
Orient and support mentors through the whole vicarage year.
Continue to improve their evaluation of students’ readiness for vicarage.
Continue to prepare students to enter the vicarage year with the appropriate servant attitude.
The Council of Presidents
Encourage congregations to consider the possibility of applying for a vicar, and provide the appropriate information
regarding not only the financial commitment, but the amount of time that mentoring a vicar will require.
Actively identify and recruit excellent mentors as a priority of The Council of Presidents.
Whenever possible, place vicars where the mentor is on-site. Vicars should not be placed primarily to fill vacancies,
nor to serve as mission developers.
Create an application process to include letters of recommendation from Circuit Counsellors and District Presidents
which include a discussion of the potential mentor’s attributes and style of mentorship.
Study the possibilities of implementing a process for mentoring pastors in the first few years of their ministry.
(Similar to the PALS model used in the LCMS)
The Synod
Adopt a system of subsidizing vicarages whereby congregations are yearly assessed and contribute to a Vicarage
Placement Fund.
Individual Congregations
Examine themselves to see if they would be a good training ground for a vicar.
Consider participating in the vicarage program (especially if it is made more affordable through subsidy) thereby
offering more options for placement.
Commit themselves to support the Vicarage Placement Fund.
It is the prayer of the task force that the recommendations brought forth in this report would be considered and
implemented, so that the Synod can raise up Pastors that are both faithful to God’s Word, and pastoral with His
people. May the vicarage program be improved as He sees fit, and may God continue to bless the process of
training shepherds for His church.
Respectfully submitted,
The Vicarage Task Force
June 14, 2010

G. 34
Task Force on Cost-Efficient,
Sustainable Seminary Education

Executive Summary
G. 35
Final Report
December 1, 2010
One of the core objectives of the Synod is to “recruit and train pastors, deacons, and other professional church
workers and provide opportunity for their continuing growth.” (Handbook, Constitution III. 3). Our Lord has truly
blessed seminary education in Canada. However, this success has not been without challenges. The 2008
Convention of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) adopted Resolution 08.3.04, to implement a cost efficient seminary
program for LCC. In response to this, the Board of Directors established this Task Force with a main goal of
providing the Board of Directors with a series of recommendations that will lead to providing cost-efficient
theological education for the church.
This final report provides an overview of the current system, key recommendations for a cost efficient, sustainable
seminary program, together with cost projections the Task Force recommends be contractually obligated between
each of the two seminaries and Lutheran Church–Canada in a Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement to
accomplish the key Task Force recommendations including:
� Lutheran Church–Canada and its membership be encouraged to continue and grow their support for seminary
training as a core objective of the Synod.
� Seminary education be continued at both Edmonton and St. Catharines sites.
� The administration and operations of Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary – Ontario and Concordia
Lutheran Seminary Edmonton be integrated such that there would be a single president and administration,
single budget and non-overlapping academic program for seminary education in Lutheran Church–Canada, and
ultimately the two seminaries be amalgamated with a single Board of Regents.
� The total full-time faculty workload equivalent not exceed five professors, including the president, who will
also be expected to teach as necessary.
� ‘Smart classrooms’ be used as much as possible to facilitate simultaneous joint classes between the two
campuses.
� Various administrative and support functions such as accounting, development and recruitment be centralized.
� Our seminaries begin a Distributed Learning MDiv/Theological Diploma Pilot Program combined with its
existing classroom-based MDiv program.
� In due course, a new name be chosen for the integrated seminaries.
� The Synodical Bylaws of LCC be followed, and if necessary be amended to allow a more direct relationship
between the Board of Directors and the Board of Regents, such that current ambiguities noted by the Task Force
be clarified.
It is our prayer the recommendations contained herein will lead to a new day in seminary education where the
support for and the sustainability of seminary education will increase; where our Synod will value seminary
education as its founders envisioned. The Task Force also prays that while the changes recommended herein will be
challenging to implement, the seminaries themselves will embrace anew their mission and strive to work together in
good faith to be good and faithful stewards of the treasures, talents and time entrusted to their care.
1. Introduction and Historical Background
Before there was a Synod there were seminaries.
When the forebears of Lutheran Church–Canada first arrived in North America the first priority was to establish
seminaries. A log cabin seminary was constructed in 1839 in Perry County Missouri, fully eight years in advance of
the founding of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) in 1847. A second seminary was established in 1846
to continue to meet the pastoral needs of congregations.
North of the 49 th parallel we note a similar history. Resolution 6.08A of the 1975 Convention of The Lutheran
Church – Missouri Synod authorized Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield (Fort Wayne) … “to establish

G. 36
an extension program in Ontario at a site to be approved by the Ontario District in convention” As a result
Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS) in St. Catharines, Ontario began offering classes in the fall of
1976. A sister seminary, Concordia Lutheran Seminary (CLS) opened its doors in 1984. Resolution 6-02 of the 1981
LCMS Convention "To Authorize Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) to Determine the Location of Seminary
Education in Canada,” gave LCC which was at the time still a federation of districts within the LCMS the freedom
to opt for either one seminary or two and decide on the location(s). The only stipulation being, if LCC opted for two
seminaries, one seminary would be in St. Catharines. Subsequently LCC (federation), in its convention in November
1981, adopted resolution 81-06-01B "To Adopt Edmonton, Alberta, as the Location for the Western Seminary."
Thus both of Lutheran Church–Canada’s seminaries were fully operational before LCC held its founding convention
as an independent church body in 1988.
Before there was a Synod there were seminaries. Indeed, one of the core objectives of the Synod is to “recruit and
train pastors, deacons, and other professional church workers and provide opportunity for their continuing growth.”
(LCC Handbook, Constitution III. 3)
As Lutheran Church–Canada has grown into a fuller understanding of its mission in the world, a key element of that
work has always been the training of indigenous pastors in each of its mission outposts. In Ukraine, in Nicaragua,
and in South East Asia before there were synods there were seminaries, staffed in large part by pastors and
professors from LCC. Though much has changed since the days when the confessional Lutherans first immigrated to
North America, one of the core values of those pioneers remains unchanged – the proper training of confessional
Lutheran pastors in their own culture to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of that culture and to the
ends of the earth.
To be sure, the seminaries established in Canada have been a great blessing to the Synod and its people. As of
September 2010 some 155 of the 243 active parish pastors in LCC are graduates from either the St. Catharines or
Edmonton seminaries. Table 1 shows where our graduates are presently serving:
Table 1: Status of Graduates from CLS and CLTS
Status Seminary Total
Active Parish Pastors CLS 80
CLTS 75
Candidate Status CLS 3
CLTS 5
Emeritus (retired) CLS 5
CLTS 15
Military Chaplain CLS 2
CLTS 2
Serving in Administrative CLS 3
Positions CLTS 5
However, at the same time as the Synod has realized great blessings from its seminaries questions have been raised
within LCC on a regular basis concerning its seminaries. Overtures have been regularly submitted to various
Conventions asking that action be taken to restructure, reorganize and re-evaluate seminary education in Canada.
For example, prior to the 1999 Synod Convention an overture was submitted to the Convention asking the Synod to
re-evaluate the need for two seminaries. The Convention however passed a resolution affirming the need for both
schools.
WHEREAS we believe it is important as an indigenous church body to be self sufficient in
providing parish pastors, professors, and other ordained clergy for Lutheran
Church–Canada (LCC); and
WHEREAS recruitment possibilities are significantly enhanced with two seminaries; and

G. 37
WHEREAS our seminaries are cost efficient in preparing men for the pastoral ministry;
therefore be it
RESOLVED that LCC give thanks to God for the blessing of these two excellent institutions;
and be it further
RESOLVED that LCC in convention commend its seminaries for the work they do in
preparing men for the pastoral ministry; and be it finally
RESOLVED that LCC in convention affirm its commitment to both seminaries.
At the 2002 Synod Convention overtures asking for a review of the previous convention’s decision to continue with
two seminaries were declined. However, this Convention established the “Task Force on the Delivery of Theological
Education” mandated by Resolution 02.2.03. This task force, composed of representatives from the Boards of
Regents and the faculty of the three educational institutions of the Synod, presented its interim report to the 2005
Synod convention. Considerable time was devoted in the work of that Task Force to the question of the number and
location of seminaries for Lutheran Church–Canada. The task force concluded that “the question may not be one of
consolidating the institutions, but rather determining how we can better provide theological education in the future.”
It recommended further study be given to the concept of “The Development of a Model for Theological Education
in a Small Church.” Unfortunately, a number of factors including a lack of funds prevented additional research from
being conducted and no further action was taken on the recommendations of this task force.
In the triennium between the 2005 and 2008 Synodical Conventions both seminaries underwent times of great
change. Vacancies were filled in the presidencies of both seminaries, enrolment shrank and the financial health of
both schools declined. The most dramatic of the financial changes occurred at St. Catharines where the accumulated
operating deficit grew by $270,250 in the 2007-2008 fiscal year, increasing the long term debt of the seminary by
about 70%. In Edmonton, operating deficits also created challenges eroding the surpluses that had been accumulated
over several previous years. In the months leading up to the 2008 Convention, it was estimated the accumulated
operating debt of the two seminaries stood at nearly $800,000.
Concern over the viability of the seminaries lead the Board of Directors of the East District to submit the following
overture to the Convention:
“WHEREAS the seminaries of Lutheran Church–Canada continue to face new challenges and
opportunities as they seek to sustain their service to our Synod in training
pastors and church workers; and
WHEREAS financial support for operating two seminaries continues to diminish as expenses
continue to rise; and
WHEREAS student enrolment at both seminaries continues to remain stagnant for the
foreseeable future; and
WHEREAS an opportune time now exists, because of vacancy in the office of President of
Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catharines, for the Synod to
consider the efficiency and stewardship of maintaining two separate
administrative structures; therefore be it
RESOLVED that the Synod adopt a single administrative structure governing both
seminaries; and be it further
RESOLVED that the Commission on Constitutional Matters and Structure make the necessary
Handbook changes to bring this about; and be it finally

G. 38
RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of Synod be empowered to implement these changes
during the next triennium with the approval of this convention.
This overture was reviewed, amended, and after much debate, the following resolution was adopted by the
Convention:
Resolution 08.3.04 To implement a cost efficient seminary program for Lutheran Church-
Canada Ref: Overture 3.11, Reports 3, 20, 21 and institutional Reports (p. E50 of Convention
Workbook)
WHEREAS the seminaries of Lutheran Church–Canada continue to face new challenges and
opportunities as they seek to sustain their service to our Synod in training
pastors and lay people; and
WHEREAS Synod is unable to materially increase its financial support for operating the two
seminaries; and
WHEREAS student enrolment at both seminaries has declined from the 1990s and on a
combined basis has remained stable for the last 4 years; and
WHEREAS cost effective technological advances exist to creatively deliver theological
education, including video conferencing, web-based delivery and distance
education; and
WHEREAS the two seminaries have an accumulated deficit of $800, 000.00 and the average
cost of operating the seminaries over the last 6 years has exceeded revenue by
$96,612.00 per year; and
WHEREAS our partner churches in Australia and Brazil face similar issues of geography and
yet each maintains a single seminary; therefore be it
RESOLVED that Lutheran Church–Canada create a cost efficient seminary program for the
training of pastors for Lutheran Church–Canada; and be it further
RESOLVED that the Board of Directors implement a plan to fulfill this resolution, including
bringing forward to the next Synodical convention amendments to the constating
documents and Handbook of Synod; and be it finally
RESOLVED that the Board of Directors provide semi-annual progress reports to the
constituency of our Synod through the Canadian Lutheran.
In response to this resolution the Board of Directors of LCC at its October 2008 meeting established the Task Force
on Cost-Efficient, Sustainable Seminary Education. The first meeting of the Task Force was held in Winnipeg
January 19, 2009 where the following Terms of Reference were adopted:
Mission of Task Force
� To provide Lutheran Church–Canada’s Board of Directors with a series of recommendations that will lead
to providing cost-efficient theological education for the church.
Timeframe
� 2009 research and analysis
� 2010 report & recommendations to the Board of Directors
� 2011 report to Synodical Convention

G. 39
Outcomes: The Task Force will deliver to the Board of Directors
� An overview of the current system
� Recommendations for a cost efficient, sustainable, seminary program
� Projections of cost and consequences
� An implementation timeline
It bears noting at this early stage of this report that while the establishment of this Task Force comes at a very
important time in the history of our Synod, LCC is by no means the only church body undertaking a review of its
seminary education programs. We have watched with particular interest the developments in the United States as the
LCMS has examined its seminary training. At Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, for example the financial situation
was such that for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2009 the institution was forced to reduce costs by $6,000,000,
reducing its budget by approximately 25%. One of the measures adopted to achieve this goal was the offering of
early retirement to all faculty and staff aged 55 or older who had been with the seminary for five years. To prevent
the faculty and the programs of the seminary from being decimated many of the affected faculty were re-hired in a
limited capacity on a stipendiary basis.
We have also attempted as best as possible to monitor developments beyond our ecclesiastical family. In the wake of
the 2008 economic crisis, the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) convened a one-day think tank that brought
together chief financial officers from member schools and experts in theological education to consider institutional
viability and financially stressed schools. In preparation for that meeting, the ATS surveyed its schools and their
finances. Of those who responded 63% indicated they have made immediate cuts in their budgets. Of those schools,
12% were forced to reduce their budgets by more than 10%. In spite of these cuts only 45% of respondents expected
to end the 2008-2009 fiscal year with a balanced budget. To compound matters, 68% of respondents reported the
value of their endowment funds decreased by at least 21%.
2. Overview of Present Seminary Operations
Following its initial meeting, the Task Force conducted site visits at both seminaries as well as at Concordia
University College of Alberta to solicit the input of the Synod’s educational institutions themselves and to gain an
overview of the current situation at the seminaries. Following those initial visits the Task Force has had ongoing
conversations with both seminaries and has asked for and received additional detailed information. The findings
from these site visits and subsequent discussions are set forth below.
2.1 Concordia Lutheran Seminary – Edmonton (CLS)
� Corporate Structure: Concordia Lutheran Seminary was established by an Act of the Alberta Legislature
in 1984. One year later the Act was amended to give CLS the right to grant degrees in Divinity.
� Property and Physical Plant: The seminary is situated on land owned by “Lutheran Church–Canada, the
Alberta British Columbia District”. Its building was dedicated in 1991 and there are no outstanding debts in
regard to the construction of the building.
� Academic Program: CLS is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) to offer the
Masters in Divinity degree (MDiv), a professional degree recognized in North America particularly as the
normative degree for the pastoral ministry. In 2004 the accreditation of the MDiv was extended for 10 years
(the longest term possible) and the following particular strengths of the seminary were noted by the ATS:
� Sense of mission and close relationship to the church
� Strong sense of community among faculty staff and students
� Consistent support of the church for the seminary
� An excellent facility
� An excellent faculty to student ratio
� A well-crafted field education and vicarage program

G. 40
However, in addition to these important positive comments concern was raised over a number of other issues
including faculty work-load and an aging donor base. The ATS also raised concern about whether LCC with its
comparatively small size will have the resources in the future to maintain two seminaries. Also as a result of the
accreditation process CLS discontinued its Masters of Theological Studies (MTS) degree due to ongoing low
enrolment in the program.
In addition to offering all the courses necessary for the MDiv degree CLS also provides education to various
students enrolled in the Pastors with Alternate Training (PAT) program and to individuals seeking to become
pastors in LCC via colloquy.
A unique element of the program at CLS is the Missionary Study Centre. Founded in 1997 to serve as concrete
evidence of the Seminary’s commitment to the spreading of the Gospel throughout the world, the Centre is
funded by a $200,000 grant from the Schwan Foundation.
� Faculty and Staff: Rev. Dr. Manfred Zeuch was installed as the fifth President of the seminary in March
2007. In addition to the president there are three full-time faculty members at CLS, two of whom have earned
doctorates while the third is in process of completing his doctoral studies. Support staff consists of a full-time
registrar/director of recruitment; a full time development officer, a full time administrative assistant to the
President, a full time administrative assistant to the director of development, a full time library clerk, a part-time
treasurer and a part-time director of music.
� Enrolment: After declining in the early years of this decade, enrolment in the MDiv program appears to
have stabilized.
NOTE: The Task Force recognizes that both seminaries offer courses and programs beyond the MDiv degree.
However as the MDiv is the “flagship” program of the seminaries and a bell weather of the overall health of the
institution, we have chosen to report only those enrolment figures for both seminaries in this report.
25
20
15
10
5
0
Figure 1: MDiv Enrolment CLS 2000-2001 -- 2010-2011 Academic Year
2000-
2001
2001-
2002
2002-
2003
2003-
2004
2004-
2005
2005-
2006
2006-
2007
M Div Students
2007-
2008
2008-
2009
2009-
2010
2010-
2011
� Recruitment: CLS has at its doorstep a tremendous asset in its recruitment efforts. Situated across the
street from Concordia University College of Alberta it is able to target some of its recruitment efforts at young
men enrolled in the pre-seminary program offered at CUCA. At any given time approximately one third to one
half of the student body at the seminary are students who earned all or part of their undergraduate degree at
CUCA.

G. 41
� Donor Base numbers of unique donors by district are shown in Table 2
Table 2: Annual CLS Donors by LCC District
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
ABC 542 601 678 602 1035 790 743 744 664
Central 424 512 648 671 827 744 656 600 590
East 37 33 30 27 46 44 39 40 24
Other 50 54 47 46 103 72 60 33 46
� Income: From what sources does the seminary receive its finding? As shown in Figure 2, nearly two-thirds
of the funding for the Edmonton Seminary comes either from the Synod or from individual donations.
Figure 2: Average Income Sources by Source CLS
Endowment
8%
LCC Grant
27%
Bequests
7%
Other
4%
Student Fees
11%
Donations
43%
� Expenses: Where does the money go? To no one’s surprise the bulk of the seminary’s expenses are
directed toward the costs of staffing. The results shown in Figure 3 (from the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008)
reflect the historic averages.
Figure 3: Average Expenses by Area CLS
Library
3%
Other
15%
Salary/Housing
58%
Institutional
11%
Benefits
13%
� Operating Results: Figure 4 depicts the revenue and expenses of CLS for the past five fiscal years. It is
important to note while operations in 4 of the past 5 years have resulted in deficits, reserves from previous
years’ operations have offset these deficits.
NOTE: for the purposes of this report only the General Fund income and expenses are noted. Donations to and
transfers from Restricted funds are not shown. All amounts represent thousands of dollars.

G. 42
Figure 4: Operating Revenue and Expenses CLS 2006-2010
1000
800
600
400
200
0
-200
-400
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Revenue 761 739 757 809 959
Expenses 831 847 982 959 886
Surplus/Deficit -52 -107 -224 -150 72
� Foundation: An understanding of the financial position of either seminary is not complete without
reference to the funds held in reserve and in the endowment funds owned by each institution. At CLS the
balance in the restricted fund has decreased over the past five years as cash has been transferred to offset
operational losses. However at the same time the value of the endowment fund has continued to grow (see
Figure 5). Even during the current economic recession strong donations to the endowment fund have
continued. The total of all donations to the endowment fund over the past 5 years exceeds $1.8 million.
Figure 5: Restricted Fund and Endowment Fund CLS 2006-2010
3,500
3,000
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Restricted Fund 2,123 2,803 1,765 1,388 1,438
Endowment Fund 1,807 2,196 2,551 2,924 3,448
� Distance Education: The ATS defines distance education as the offering of courses where the students and
the instructor are not in the same location. Instruction may be synchronous or asynchronous. CLS has entered
into a relationship with the Institute of Lutheran Theology (ILT), an independent, pan-Lutheran institution,
providing confessional Lutheran seminary training for individuals seeking the MDiv degree but who do not

G. 43
wish to attend seminaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America or Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Canada. In the 2009 – 2010 academic year, six students from the ILT participated in four courses offered by
CLS. The students participated in lectures and completed course assignments via the Internet. This arrangement
with the ILT has resulted in the receipt of just over $5000.00 additional student fees for the seminary in the
2009-2010 fiscal year and has given the seminary valuable experience in teaching courses using alternate
delivery methods. CLS and CLTS have also engaged in the sharing of courses via the Internet.
� Institutional Isolation. One of the challenging topics that arose in the Task Force’s conversation with CLS
is the perception at least of differing visions for and differing approaches to theological education between the
two seminaries of our Synod. In his submission to the Task Force CLS President Dr. Manfred Zeuch reported,
“There are differing ‘visions’ for theological education between the two seminaries. The two faculties do not
always seem to share a common set of priorities, or even to understand church and ministry in similar ways.
This fundamental difference of approach between the two schools is perhaps the biggest overall problem to be
resolved within the realm of LCC’s seminary program.”
As result of this concern the Task Force, included the following comments in its first interim report:
“The Task Force believes that the most effective way to stop this problem is by presenting a united front to our
Synod with open, real co-operation between the seminaries on all levels. It appears that there are many areas in
which our seminaries can work together to great advantage. Recruitment, development and communication are
among the most obvious of these areas for joint work, but certainly the list is far greater than these two areas.
Not all the blame for this lack of unified action can be assigned to the seminaries themselves. The Handbook of
LCC establishes an Advisory Council (Synodical Bylaw 2.81) made up of the presidents of the educational
institutions established by Lutheran Church–Canada and a member appointed by and from the Board of
Directors of LCC. The purpose of this Council is to study issues and problems in the field of higher education
and other such matters as may be assigned to it by the Board of Directors. It appears that this Council has not
met for some time and that such meetings as have been held have not dealt seriously with matters such as
reducing the isolation of our schools from each other.”
2.2 Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary – St. Catharines (CLTS)
� Corporate Structure: Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary was incorporated by Letters Patent under
the Corporations Act (Ontario) in 1976. For a period of several years it operated as an extension of Concordia
Theological Seminary (CTS) in Fort Wayne, Indiana. From 1976-1985 Dr. Roger Humann served as the Dean
of the seminary, before the calling of a first president.
� Property and Physical Plant: The seminary is situated on land leased from Brock University in St.
Catharines, Ontario. According to the terms of the agreement the seminary owns the building and leases, for the
sum of $500.00 per year, the land upon which it is built. This lease expires on June 30, 2080. However, should
the seminary cease to operate or be declared bankrupt or insolvent, the ownership of the building is surrendered
to Brock University. The construction of the building was completed in 1984 and there are no outstanding debts
in regard to the construction of the facility. With a chapel seating 150, a library capable of housing around
80,000 volumes, two classrooms able to seat 25-30 students each, and two seminar rooms, the building is easily
able to handle a student body of 80 individuals.
� Faculty and Staff: Since January 2008 CLTS has operated without a full time president. Following the
resignation of Dr. Harald Tomesch, Dr. Thomas Winger has served as Academic Dean and Acting-President. In
addition to the president, there are two full-time faculty members at CLTS, both having earned doctorates while
a third part-time, contract faculty is in the process of completing his doctoral program. Support staff consists of
a full time administrative assistant to the president, two part-time library clerks, a part-time treasurer and also a
part-time director of music.
� Academic Programs: CLTS offers two masters level degree programs. Like CLS, the St. Catharines
seminary offers the MDiv degree and in addition offers a Masters in Theological Studies (MTS). However,

G. 44
CLTS does not have the authority to award its own degrees. Instead, its degrees are awarded in cooperation with
Brock University. CLTS is in the process of having its MDiv program accredited by the ATS. In addition to the
MDiv program CLTS offers a pastoral diploma program leading to certification for the Holy Ministry.
Enrolment in this program is limited to mature students, with a strong background in the Lutheran Church, and
supported in their application by their District President. While the course of study is similar to the MDiv no
degree is awarded. Like its sister seminary CLTS also offers training for students enrolled in the PAT program
and who are participating in colloquy studies. While not part of the academic program per se it is important to
note, students at CLTS are offered full access to all of the facilities of Brock University and the institution
generally speaking benefits greatly from its 30 years of close association with Brock.
� Enrolment: In recent years enrolment in the MDiv program at CLTS has declined (see Figure 6). The Task
Force has heard that to some degree this recent decrease may be attributable to a lack of clarity or certainty
about the future of the seminary.
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Figure 6: MDiv Enrolment CLTS 2000-2001 -- 2020-2011 Academic Years
2000-
2001
2001-
2002
2002-
2003
2003-
2004
2004-
2005
2005-
2006
2006-
2007
M Div Students
2007-
2008
2008-
2009
2009-
2010
2010-
2011
� Recruitment: The work of recruitment at CLTS is handled in much the same manner as it is at CLS.
However CLTS is in a unique position as it is able to recruit students from Canada as well as from areas of the
US that are closer to St. Catharines than they are to either of the seminaries of the LCMS. It should be noted, in
the 2009-2010 academic year 36% of the CLTS student base were American residents, who would not attend a
seminary in any other part of Canada. While it is tempting to view this merely as a service offered to the LCMS,
one must take note of the contribution these students make to the viability of CLTS (through their fees and the
donations they draw) and also count as a blessing a number of American students who have chosen to take a
call in Canada because of studying here.
In addition to these recruitment issues the Task Force’s consultation with CLTS, focused on the broader issues
of recruitment, focussing not simply on quantity but also on quality of students attending our seminaries. Acting
President Dr. Thomas Winger offered the following summary of the situation as he perceives it:
“It is no secret that LCC is declining numerically and greying. Nonetheless, there are young men in the church
who might be directed to the pastoral office if their parents, pastors, peers, and professors would make the
effort to do so. In addition to numbers, the quality of our seminary students is a major concern. For various
reasons, it appears that the highest quality men in our church are no longer placing the pastoral ministry at the
top of their list. There is consequently an overall decline in the level of academic rigour and theological
intensity at our seminaries. Nor is this just an academic problem. Failed pastorates are as often owing to the
pastor’s lack of personal skills as anything else—a factor greatly beyond the seminary’s control. The church at
large has a great role to play in filtering and favouring the most suited candidates for the seminary”.

G. 45
� Donor Base: Of 3,000 donors in the CLTS database, about 500 have donated within the last five years.
In the five-year period from 2004 to 2008:
� 77% of donations are from Ontario
� 7% from the rest of Canada
� 15% from the US
Over the same period a total of 5,300 gifts were received:
� 35% were under $50
� 46% were between $50 and $250
� 19% were over $250
� Income: With some minor variations the income pattern for CLTS is very similar to that of its sister
seminary (See Figure 7).
Figure 7: CLTS Average Income by Source
� Expenses: At CLTS expenses generally follow the same pattern as at the Edmonton seminary with one
exception. Due to its large accumulated operating debt, CLTS expends significant funds to service the interest
costs that accrue to the debt. The percentages shown in Figure 8 below are based on results to the end of June
2009.
Figure 8: CLTS Average Expense by Area
Library
2%
Interest/Finance
Other 6%
11%
Salary/Housing
57%
Institutional
11%
Benefits
13%
� Operating Results: Figure 9 depicts the revenue and expenses of CLTS for the past five fiscal years. (As in
Figure 4 above, only the General Fund income and expenses are noted. All figures are shown in thousands of
dollars.)

G. 46
Figure 9 CLTS Revenue and Expenses: 2006-2010
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
-200
-400
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Revenue 868 1,063 737 698 746
Expenses 919 1,063 1004 712 761
Surplus/Deficit -51 0.6 -267 -14 -15
� Long-term Debt: One of the most pressing concerns at CLTS is the growth in the long-term operating debt
of the seminary. Figure 10 below shows the debt has more than doubled since the 2002-2003 fiscal year, with
much of increase occurring in the 2007- 2008 fiscal year.
Figure 10 CLTS Long-term Operating Debt: 2003 -2010
0
-100
-200
-300
-400
-500
-600
-700
-800
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Total Debt -327 -352 -405 -447 -409 -729 -743 -758
In an addendum to its second interim report the Task Force identified this long term debt as “one of the biggest
obstacles to be overcome as we move forward.” Regardless of what structure emerges for our seminaries, those
who implement that structure will be at a significant disadvantage if they are immediately saddled with a large
inherited accumulated operating deficit.
The Task Force recommended the Board of Directors engage in immediate discussions with the Board of
Regents at CLTS to devise a plan to raise funds to eliminate their accumulated operational debt by the time of
the 2011 Synod Convention. Giving to a deficit is among the least appealing of fund raising tasks both for those
who do the asking and for those who are asked to contribute. However, the longer it takes to address this

G. 47
crippling debt, the harder it will be to restore a positive vision for seminary education in Lutheran Church–
Canada. The Task Force is thankful action has begun toward this goal and prays God’s blessings on this task.
� Foundation: From its earliest days CLTS has benefited greatly from the donations made by the people of
our Synod to its endowment funds. A brochure prepared for distribution to the church in early 1976 looked
forward to the establishment of a $1,000,000 endowment fund in the hope the “interest alone would more than
cover operating costs!” Those operating costs were projected to be $67,500 per year. In the end over 1000
donors made pledges and the seminary foundation was begun. However in recent years new gift support for the
seminary’s two endowment fund has not kept pace with that of her sister seminary. Combined giving to both
endowments has averaged just over $29,000 for each of the last four years with $116,301 in new money
received by the endowment funds. This, together with the effects of the global recession, has kept the value of
these funds static over the past few years.
Figure 11: CLTS Student Endowment and General Endowment 2007-2010
1,600
1,400
1,200
1,000
800
600
400
200
0
2007 2008 2009 2010
Student Endowment 1,197 1,181 956 1,000
General Endowment 1,223 1,454 1,273 1,312
� Church Confidence: One of the topics discussed at length in the Task Force’s consultation with CLTS is a
perceived lack of confidence in the final “product” i.e. the pastors graduated from our seminaries. Dr. Winger
described the problem as follows:
“Though finances have been the catalyst, one might argue that the deeper crisis facing the seminaries is one of
confidence. While the loudest voices have tended to come from those who criticise CLTS, St. Catharines, for the
perceived quality of its graduates, we must not ignore the opposite voices expressing dissatisfaction with CLS,
Edmonton. In other words, the ‘seminaries problem’ is an LCC problem, and reflects the various divisions that
mark our church, including east-west prejudice, and theological and practical differences. Unfortunately, these
divisions begin to affect all aspects of seminary life as church members give or withhold their donations
according to (mis)perceptions of each seminary, and young men are directed to or away from each seminary for
similar reasons.”
While the issues raised by Dr. Winger are strictly speaking beyond the scope of this Task Force, they are a
cause for concern. Money follows mission; if the constituency of LCC has lost confidence in either or both of
its seminaries then financial support, or more precisely the lack thereof, will surely reflect that perception.

G. 48
3. Review of Input Received by the Task Force from the Synod, its members and other entities
One of the most important and intriguing aspects of Task Force’s mandate was to receive input from the Synod and
its membership concerning the questions at issue. Much of that input took the form of formal written submissions;
however a good deal of input was also received informally by individual members of the Task Force in the way of
comments, questions and encouragement. The Task Force made itself available at each of the 2008 District
Conventions and also encouraged members of the Synod to submit written comments, ideas and concerns to the
Synod office for consideration. Formal consultations were held with the Board of Directors of the Synod as well as
with the President and Executive Staff of Lutheran Church–Canada. A submission was also received from
Concordia University College of Alberta.
Below are summations and quotations concerning the main positions taken in the submissions made to the Task
Force. Comment upon these alternatives will come in a later section of this report devoted to examination of the
various alternatives before the Synod at this time.
3.1 Input from Members of the Synod
One of the biggest surprises of this phase of the Task Force’s work were the number of submissions (both formal
and informal) that called for the closing of one or both of the seminaries. The argument advanced in the majority of
these submissions was based either on financial concern or on concerns regarding the quality of education our
seminaries are able to deliver.
Financial arguments for the closing of institutions often paralleled the comments below which were received from
the Voters Assembly of a congregation in Western Canada:
“If the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod with a membership of 1,856,783 can operate with two seminaries, then it is
far fetched that Lutheran Church–Canada with approximately 55,177 confirmed members in its congregations
needs two seminaries.
According to the number of seminary students attending our seminaries, we would be able to pay their tuition and
living expenses and still be ahead.
Therefore it is our recommendation that we arrange seminary services from the LCMS and close both our
seminaries.”
Another submission was more succinct:
“LCC is too small to even have one financially viable seminary.”
The “quality of education” argument for closing seminaries often echoed the comments of a Canadian-born pastor
who reflected on his seminary education at one of the Seminaries of the LCMS:
“Our seminarians simply do not hear from enough voices in their formation. When I attended seminary I heard from
over 20 different professors while our students hear from only 3 or 4. We are not able to provide the depth of
education that the American seminaries are able to offer.”
A less drastic suggestion focussed on the consolidation of all seminary education at one location. Submissions
favouring this approach often argued it would foster a greater sense of unity within the Synod if all pastors were
trained at one seminary.
A number of submissions offered suggestions for alterations to the present structure, one of the most popular of
which was development of some arrangement whereby Concordia University College of Alberta (CUCA) would
assume a greater role in the formation of seminary students.
Among the more compelling arguments in favour of this approach is the opportunity that would be afforded for
seminarians to have greater interaction with those preparing for the diaconal service in the Synod.

G. 49
“Pastors and diaconal ministers will be working together in the parish. They can only benefit from being involved in
preparation and training together.”
Another submission which favoured greater involvement of the University College suggested:
“If all pastors were educated at [CUCA] this would allow them to mingle with many other students and professors,
enriching their education and life experiences … It would also serve to strengthen LCC and draw us closer together
as one body seeking to do the Lord’s will in this place at this time.”
Finally there were some submissions that argued for the continuation of the present two seminary system and a
renewal of support from the Synod and its members.
“In the present circumstances that face our seminaries, it seems that financial concerns are uppermost. But they are
only a symptom of the problem, not the problem itself. The symptoms are also of a temporary nature. For most of its
history, CLS has operated in the black. In the early years of its history, CLTS gathered endowment funds far beyond
what could have been reasonably expected. The supporting constituencies may be withholding support, but that can
be reversed. I do not agree with the “whereas” in the convention resolution which stated, ‘the synod is unable to
materially increase its financial support for operating the two seminaries.’ Since ‘synod’ means all the pastors,
deacons and congregation, I contend that the synod is not ‘unable.’ It is currently ‘unwilling.’”
3.2 Input from the Synod Board of Directors and Executive Staff
Even as the membership of the Synod looks to its Executive and Board of Directors for leadership, so also the Task
Force thought it prudent to consult with the leadership of our church body on these important matters. Among the
highlights of the information received are the following points.
� The Board of Directors and the Synod President are convinced Lutheran Church–Canada needs to maintain
seminary training in Canada.
� Partner churches such as the Lutheran Church in Brazil who have had two seminaries and closed one of
them have experienced a rapid and significant decrease in the number of seminarians.
� The amount of funding available from the Synod for its seminaries is likely to decrease by about 25% over
the next two years. Currently the Synod provides $205,000 per year to each seminary. It is anticipated
going forward a combined total of $308,000 will be available from the Synod for seminary education.
� Even though the importance of face-to-face learning experiences for seminarians cannot be underestimated,
new technologies make it possible for our seminary faculties to compliment each other and make it less
necessary for each school to have faculty specialists in every theological discipline.
� Many areas of the administration of our seminaries can be consolidated. Prime examples of this are finance,
accounting and development.
� A means needs to be found for the Board of Directors of the Synod to more effectively interact with the
Regents and Administration of the seminaries without compromising the integrity of the seminaries.
� Recruitment must be a higher priority for the Synod and its members.

4. Review of Alternatives
G. 50
After gathering the information summarized above the Task Force engaged in a review of all the alternatives
proposed and developed its recommendations. While many approaches were taken to analyzing the data received
one of the most helpful tools was the Pugh Analysis. The main purpose of using the analysis was to adopt an
established analytical method to aid in understanding the impact of certain scenarios regarding the main objectives
of the Task Force. Developed by Stuart Pugh, University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, England, the analysis remains
an established method for determining approaches and considerations around complex decisions.
Pugh's analysis uses facts, substantiated by information regarding certain characteristics. Since many of the details
used in the Pugh analysis were provided directly from seminary responses to questionnaire surveys, on-site visits
and historical records, with other details from LCC, there was less bias from third party information sources. The
Task Force believes this strengthens the validity of any outcomes. By examining selected pros and cons in a welldefined
matrix, and ranking options with respect to decision-making impact, certain considerations are kept for
further scrutiny, while others are clearly less viable. Among the options studied, the following fall into the latter
category:
4.1 Close both Seminaries and Send Seminarians to the LCMS
While at first blush this might seem like a cost-effective, logical, “back to the future” solution to the seminary
questions before the Synod, the Task Force is persuaded this alternative would have several irreversible negative
consequences and indeed may not even be particularly cost-effective.
Tuition costs at LCMS seminaries are approximately 3 times higher than at our Canadian seminaries. The tuition at
Concordia St. Louis, for example stands at $585/credit hour. Each student is expected to take 36 credit hours per
year which equals $21,060 (US) per year. Current admissions information for prospective students at Concordia
Seminary, St. Louis advises married students expect costs for a nine-month academic year to approach $50,000
(US), more if the student and his wife have children. Because Canadian students and spouses are severely restricted
in their ability to be employed while in the US the only reliable way to meet these costs for Canadians seeking
education in the US would be through generous student aid from LCC. If LCC were to close its seminaries and offer
to cover the costs of the 23 current M. Div students (a number lower than the historic average) costs to the Synod
would be at least $1,150,000 (US) per year.
Based on previous experience, it is unlikely all or even a majority of students would be able to uproot and move to
St. Louis or Fort Wayne. When the decision to withdraw from an inter-Lutheran seminary arrangement at Saskatoon
was made the consequences for pastoral recruitment in western Canada were particularly devastating. Even though
LCC, which was then still a federation of districts within the LCMS, offered to fund three round trips per year
between the seminarian’s home and school for students from the west and even though Concordia Seminary, St.
Louis accepted the Canadian dollar at par, and living costs were far less than they are today, only a very few
students went from western Canada to either of the American seminaries, or for that matter to CLTS in St.
Catharines.
One of the core objectives for the Synod is to recruit and train pastors, deacons, and other professional church
workers and provide opportunity for their continuing growth. Prior to the establishment of our Canadian seminaries
in 1976 and 1984, we relied almost exclusively on seminary training offered in the United States. To be sure, in
bygone days many Canadians received excellent seminary training through this arrangement. However, by the 1970s
the number of Canadians willing to uproot and move to the US was in serious decline. The number of Canadians
recruited for US seminaries remained small compared to the stronger recruitment experienced once seminary
training was established in Canada.
Another factor to be considered in this regard is the need to provide “Canadian content” to seminarians attending St.
Louis or Fort Wayne. In the nearly 23 years LCC has been an autonomous church body it has continued to have a
strong relationship with The Missouri Synod. It also must be acknowledged the two church bodies have grown apart
in some respects. This ought not to be seen as a negative development as much as a natural progression as LCC has
matured as an indigenous church body. An obvious solution would be to fund a chair at each of the US seminaries to
provide a Canadian focus for Canadian students. Such costs would be in addition to the cost of sending students and

G. 51
estimated conservatively would likely be at least $110,000 per year for each position. Thus the total cost of sending
the current number of seminarians stateside (if indeed they would go) plus the cost of a Canadian component in their
education would be approximately $1,370,000 US not including costs for recruitment, fundraising and other
activities to support this option. Financial savings in this approach, as compared to present costs, will be
comparatively small if indeed, there are any savings at all.
Another factor to be considered before moving on is the impact such a move would have on missions of our Synod.
As noted at the outset of this report, much of our Synod’s mission work has come through the establishment of
seminaries in mission fields. The faculties of our seminaries have contributed immeasurably to this work. Not only
would this resource be taken away, but our mission would most surely lack credibility if we sought to establish
seminaries for others while having none of our own.
Finally, it must be noted seminaries provide services to the churches in their area, such as lay courses, festive
worship services, library facilities, retreat facilities, and the labour of their professors as vacancy pastors and
speakers for church events. Likewise at the synodical level, having two faculties has enlarged considerably the
resources available for academic writing and work on committees such as the CTCR. Loss of these resources would
deprive our church locally and nationally.
4.2 The Single Seminary Option
Many of the same concerns as were raised above apply to the option of reducing the number of our seminaries from
two to one. The results of this action in Brazil are immensely instructive. While it was believed the students, faculty,
and money would automatically shift from the closed seminary to the other, the reality was quite different. The
president of the seminary in São Leopoldo, Brazil, reported the following effect on the total number of graduates
when the seminary in São Paulo was closed (see Table 3):
Table 3: Brazil Seminary Enrolment Pre- and Post-Closure
6 years before closure
(actual graduates from 2 seminaries)
2002 - 35
2003 - 44
2004 - 43
2005 - 37
2006 - 24
2007 – 35
6 years after closure
(predicted graduates based on
enrolment)
2008 - 14
2009 - 17
2010 - 20
2011 - 21
2012 - 22
2013 – 15
As Table 3 shows, graduations decreased by fifty percent (from 218 to 109). It is also reported overall giving is
down, and the remaining seminary is already being asked to make cuts for financial reasons. The effect on the
church has been divisive, as members view the decision concerning which seminary to close as political and
theological. It is clear the supporters of one seminary do not automatically divert their gifts and students to the other.
The closure of either seminary in LCC would likely cause similar repercussions. Both seminaries are supported by
donors who have a strong geographic connection to the institutions. Over the past five years more than 77% of gifts
to CLTS came from residents of Ontario, 15% from the US, and only 7% from the rest of Canada. At CLS financial
support again tends to be regionally based. While there are many donors in the Central District the majority of the
seminary’s gifts have come from individuals in the Alberta British Columbia District.
Further practical matters complicate any recommendation to close a seminary. Were the St Catharines seminary to
be closed, it is unlikely LCC would take any assets of significance out of the institution to fund seminary operations
in Edmonton or other location. The building (which has no mortgage) is located on land leased from Brock
University. As noted elsewhere in this report, should the seminary cease to function the building reverts to Brock
University. The building was recently assessed by a commercial real estate agent at $950,000 and this number was
qualified by the reminder it might be impossible to sell a building on leased land to a commercial purchaser.

G. 52
Another option would be to attempt to sell the building to Brock. However, the university would be under no
obligation to offer a fair price if LCC took the first move to break the lease.
The situation in Edmonton, while different in particulars, is essentially the same as in St. Catharines. The building,
which is likewise debt-free, sits on land owned by the Alberta British Columbia District. Should the seminary be
closed, the sale of the land and the building would doubtless result in little if any direct improvement in the financial
outlook of the St. Catharines seminary.
The economic argument for closing a seminary would be much stronger if closing one of the two seminaries would
result in enhancement of resources for the fulfillment of the task of training pastors. However, in each case closure
of a seminary would potentially result in giving away significant assets or selling them at deeply discounted prices
while not necessarily improving the economic outlook for seminary education in LCC. The Task Force is of the
opinion such stewardship of the synod’s assets would be rightly questioned for generations to come.
4.3 Close both seminaries and begin a new seminary in a new location
A variation of the two options discussed above is to close both current seminaries and merge their operations into
one school located in the central region of the country, perhaps in Winnipeg. While there are some potential
advantages to such an option, such as bringing all seminary resources to one location, unity in pastoral training
across the Synod and proximity to the national office of the church body, there are many compelling reasons why
such an arrangement is not in the best interests of LCC at the present time.
In their current locations the seminaries receive strong regional support for their operations, both financially and in
recruiting efforts. Uprooting the seminaries to a new location would run the risk of alienating support while a new
donor base is built up and new loyalties are forged. This could well result in several years of deficit operations
which the synod and the seminary simply cannot afford.
Further our two current seminaries are located in areas where there is a large enough LCC population to provide for
varied fieldwork experiences for all seminarians and enjoy close relationships with other post-secondary educational
institutions. While these assets could well be achieved in other communities, the disruption to pastoral formation
would be significant and costly.
Finally any move to a single central location would have its own significant costs. Faculty would need to be moved,
space would need to be purchased, rented or leased, and the legal and administrative costs of establishing a new
seminary would have to be met. Where it is possible these costs might be covered by the sale of existing properties.
This option might be worthy of more serious consideration, however as the sale of current facilities is likely to result
in little or no net gain the entire move would be an unfunded liability.
For these reasons the Task Force concludes this option ought not to be pursued at this time or in the future.
4.4 Merge of some or all seminary programs at Concordia University College.
Before there was a Synod, and indeed before there were seminaries, there was Concordia College, Edmonton.
Established by the LCMS in 1922 and renamed Concordia College University College of Alberta (CUCA) in 1990s.
Concordia currently offers a number of degree options in its Religious Studies program that are designed to meet the
needs of generally interested students, lay people in the church, and those seeking to become professional church
workers.
� Three-year BA (Religious Studies) Concentration: a minimum of 18 credits in prescribed and optional
Religious Studies courses.
� Four-year BA (Religious Studies) Major: a minimum of 30 credits in prescribed and optional Religious
Studies courses.
� Four-year BA (Religious Studies) Applied: a minimum of 30 credits in prescribed and optional Religious
Studies course, including Parish Services Courses and Practicum Experience (Year 5)

G. 53
� Two-year MA (Biblical and Christian Studies) Graduate: a minimum of 30 credits, including a 12 credit
thesis, in one of three concentrations: Old Testament, New Testament, Christian History /Doctrine
These programs offer options to students in order to provide Liberal Arts education, with the specific focus of
Religious (Christian) Studies. They also provide the necessary courses to meet the colloquy requirements for
Lutheran Teachers and the general pre-seminary courses necessary for pre-seminary preparation (e.g. Greek/
Hebrew/Latin)
At an early stage in its work, the Task Force realized while its mandate, strictly speaking, was to focus on cost
efficient sustainable seminary education and thus on the two seminaries of the church body, the potential of closer
association between the university college and the seminaries was a subject worthy of attention. This initial
investigative direction was confirmed by a number of submissions to the Task Force that called for a closer working
relationship between the seminaries and CUCA.
To explore this option further, the Task Force asked Dr. Gerald Krispin, president of CUCA, to advise the Task
Force on the possibilities for integration of seminary education into its mission. We are thankful Dr. Krispin was
amenable to this request.
In broad strokes, the proposal as submitted for the integration of the seminary education into the program of CUCA
would see seminarians complete their university course work at CUCA and at the same time be enrolled in the
seminary in a program that leads to a degree from the former and certification (via a diploma) from the latter. The
university component would focus primarily on “academics” while the seminary would work to inculcate orthodoxy
in doctrine, preaching, teaching, and practice. While new to LCC, such a model is not original. Our sister synod in
Germany uses a similar model and here in Canada both the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Church have a
university component of pastoral education which is concurrent with seminary formation.
However, while there would be greater connection between the university college and the seminary, the seminary
would retain its ecclesial identity due to its explicitly pastoral focus, and would have its own Board of Regents that
oversees its mission and vision and ensures the calling of orthodox and confessional faculty members.
Consequently, seminary faculty would be deemed adjunct professors of the university, and be on its payroll as well
as advisory members of the Religious Studies Division. Conceivably, three full-time permanent individuals,
supplemented by some sessional instructors, would be required on the seminary faculty to execute the practicum
component and to oversee pastoral formation. Furthermore, the Board of Regents of the seminary would appoint a
maximum of two advisory members to the Board of Governors of the University to maintain not only the seminary’s
interests, but further strengthen the ecclesiastical bond of the university with Lutheran Church–Canada.
To be sure there are a number of attractive aspects to this alternative. These include such things as greater
cooperation between seminarians and students training for service in the diaconate and interaction with a greater
number and diversity of faculty than is possible at present. At the same time, a student would also benefit from the
mission and service opportunities at CUCA, including the annual mission trips, work at the various ministries in the
Edmonton area, and engagement in the university chapel.
However, despite these potential advantages, there are also significant cautions, not the least of which are the
financial implications arising from such a merger. CUCA is itself struggling to maintain its fiscal integrity. Recent
and proposed future increases in the costs of the Synodical worker benefit plans have had a dramatic impact on the
university college’s bottom line (it is the largest employer in the Synod) and these costs will continue to be a
challenge. In addition CUCA is in the process of redefining its relationship with Concordia High School and seeking
ways to address the $266,000 accumulated operating debt of that area of its operation. Over the past few years
staffing cutbacks have been made at the university college and further staff reductions appear to be on the horizon.
Simply put, CUCA is not in position at this time to assume any increased debt relating to theological education.
Cost estimates provided to the Task Force from the University College indicate at minimum, CUCA would need to
receive $325,000 from the Synod to operate the present CLS alone as a formation centre for applied theological
education and certification. As noted previously the Synod anticipates in the near future the total amount of money
available for seminary training will be around $308,000. It is also expected combining the CLS program with CUCA

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may well have a negative effect on fundraising for seminary education as the seminary may well be seen as simply
another program of the university college and direct support deteriorates.
Another important caution in the mind of the Task Force is the effect such a move will have on the “unity” of
theological education received by seminarians. At present the 2 seminaries already have somewhat differing
programs of study but it is generally held that in spite of those differences there is still much overlap and
transferability between the two MDiv programs. Moving to a program with a university component of pastoral
education which is concurrent with seminary formation at one site and the traditional MDiv at the other will only
increase the educational distance between our seminaries and their programs.
While this alternative has some intriguing possibilities the Task Force is of the opinion that rather than pursue
integration of seminary education with the university college, the Synod would be further ahead to work toward
greater integration and cooperation between the seminaries themselves.
5. Recommendations
1. Lutheran Church–Canada and its membership be encouraged to continue and grow their support for
seminary training as a core objective of the Synod.
It should be of no surprise Christ's church is assaulted daily by Satan, the world, and our own sinful flesh. Such a
truth must lead Lutheran Church–Canada to recognize the unity she shares under the authority of the Holy Scriptures
and the Lutheran Confessions is truly a blessing from Christ. This ecclesiastical bond, voluntarily shared, by
congregations, pastors and deacons, has mutually been agreed upon to walk together to carry out the ministry and
mission given by Christ to his church. Instrumental in carrying out this task is the theological education provided by
seminary training. Support for such a core objective of our Synod can only be fostered by those who make up her
membership. It is essential the members of Synod continue to grow in their support of seminary education by
recruiting pastors, deacons, and other professional church workers along with their continued financial support for
cost-effective and sustainable education and the training process. Together as Synod we seek to carry out missions
as mandated by Christ in the Holy Scripture and believed, taught and confessed in our churches. In this regard, the
Task Force in its review of the requirement for Pastoral graduates, and with thoughtful consultation and feedback
from the Synod Board of Directors, recommends sustainable degree program requirements should support the
graduation of up to 12 candidates per year as a core seminary training objective of Synod.
2. Seminary education ( MDiv Theological Diploma and other current programs) be continued at both
Edmonton and St. Catharines sites
Historically, Lutheran Church bodies in North America have valued academic degrees for their pastors. LCC has
accordingly received this heritage from LCMS. The people of our Synod have always assumed their pastors have a
thorough knowledge of the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. This confidence has instilled a trust in the
scholastic integrity of their pastors. Granting an accredited academic degree (MDiv) and a Theological Diploma,
which certifies the graduate for service as a pastor in the Synod, to men who have completed a full and rigorous
academic program of study in preparation for service to the Lord Christ in his church continues to be the goal of
seminary education in Lutheran Church–Canada.
3. The administration and operations of Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary – Ontario and
Concordia Lutheran Seminary Edmonton be integrated such that there would be a single president and
administration, single budget and non-overlapping academic program for seminary education in
Lutheran Church–Canada, and ultimately the two seminaries be amalgamated with a single Board of
Regents.
During the 2005-2008 triennium the seminaries of LCC endured what might well be called “the perfect storm.” As
reported earlier, both schools faced prolonged presidential vacancies, declining enrolments and significant
reductions in giving. At both schools, large operating deficits were incurred and confidence in the seminaries’ ability
to stay the course waned. All of this was compounded by the global economic crisis that began in late 2008 eroding
the value of and returns from the investments held by the foundations of both schools. By the end of 2008 and in the
months that followed, the outlook for cost-effective and sustainable seminary education in our Synod was bleak.

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As the current triennium draws to a close, it appears both seminaries have weathered the storm and have emerged
more or less intact. That they have continued to operate and indeed reverse some of the damage incurred in previous
years, is a testament to their resiliency and to the high value the people of LCC place upon the seminaries.
Yet significant challenges remain and the status quo cannot be sustained indefinitely. If the 2005-2008 period was
“the perfect storm:” violent, but comparatively short in duration, then the forecast for the years ahead is for more
persistent, systemic challenges. To continue the meteorological metaphor, the times ahead look to be a time of
prolonged grey skies, showers and cool temperatures rather than days of bright warm sun and robust growth.
Generally speaking, the membership in the congregations of the Synod is declining and greying, as is the donor base
of the seminaries. The Synod itself, as reported earlier, is likely to reduce its subsidy of the seminaries by about 25%
to balance its own books and it seems unlikely this shortfall will be easily made up from other sources.
In Appendix 1 of this report, the Task Force presents a “best case” scenario for seminary funding in the years ahead.
Based on information gathered by the Task Force and historic averages the funds available for the seminaries are
significantly less than the current costs of operations in the immediate future. What’s more, there is little evidence to
suggest there is a quick revenue-based solution for this problem. Rather, to meet the challenges ahead, more will
have to be done with less and efficiencies will need to be realized to maintain quality seminary education in LCC.
The Task Force believes, to best meet this new environment the Synod will need to adopt a more streamlined and
responsive administrative structure for seminary education, leading to greater integration between the seminaries in
their finances, their faculty and program offerings.
Simply put, going forward, to be cost efficient and sustainable our seminaries will need to speak with one voice, and
offer an integrated academic program and do so with one faculty, even if that work occurs at two sites more than
3,300 km apart from one-another.
From its earliest days, the Task Force has noted institutional isolation as one of the major challenges facing our
seminaries. In its first interim report to the Board of Directors, the Task Force highlighted this as an area of great
concern and while some initiatives have been taken to resolve this issue there is much work yet to be done and even
greater integration will be necessary in the future.
The Task Force believes the issues raised by Dr. Zeuch concerning differing visions for seminary training in LCC
and Dr. Winger’s observations regarding confidence in the seminaries are related. Confidence among the people of
the Synod is eroded when seminaries appear to be moving in separate directions and when there appears to be a
spirit of competition rather than cooperation. Without a coherent vision for seminary education in LCC, the two
seminaries will continue to operate on two solitudes. Leaving aside concerns about divergent theological approaches
at the seminaries, a recent fiscal example well illustrates differing approaches to the issues confronting our
seminaries and the potential negative consequences.
To reduce costs, the faculty and staff at CLTS have been asked to take decreases in compensation for the remainder
of the 2010 – 2011 fiscal year. For some, this means assuming 25% of the cost of benefits and for others it means an
outright reduction in salary. On the other hand, at CLS no such reductions have occurred. While it is commendable
some are willing to make such sacrifices for the sake of seminary training, a piecemeal, reactive approach to the
problems at hand will only further divide our seminaries, and make cost-effective sustainable solutions harder, if not
impossible to implement. Burdens and blessings must both be shared.
In its earliest days, the Synod’s Board for Higher Education (BHE) served as a means to unite the seminaries and
present a somewhat coherent vision for theological education in LCC. Since the BHE was disbanded as part of the
2002 reorganization of the Synodical structure, the Advisory Council (made up of the Presidents of the 3 Synodical
schools, the Synod President and a representative of the Board of Directors of LCC) has been unable to articulate
such a vision and our schools have drifted farther apart from each other.
To be sure while there were good reasons to remove the BHE from the structure of the Synod and while there are
good reasons not to reinstitute it at this time – another layer of administration overtop of the current structures will

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not likely improve cost effectiveness – uniting the administration and operations of our seminaries we believe, will
contribute greatly to a unified vision and the development of coordinated and sustainable solutions to the challenges
that will be faced in the years ahead.
Lutheran Church–Canada is not too small to support two locations of seminary training; it is however, too small to
accommodate two visions for seminary training, two largely overlapping curricula of credit courses in the program
delivery, and two separate administrative structures to support the requirement to graduate up to 12 candidates per
year.
The Task Force has explored in detail the possibilities for outright corporate merger between the seminaries and has
discovered there are at least two ways in which such an amalgamation may take place.
� Option 1 would involve approaching the Alberta Legislature via a private members Bill asking for an
amendment to the Special Act which establishes the Edmonton seminary, allowing that Corporation to merge
with the Ontario Letters Patent Corporation which establishes the St. Catharines seminary. This process while
cumbersome and costly, would allow the seminaries to continue and amalgamate as “equals” with all rights
and privileges intact, including in Edmonton’s case, the ability to grant degrees.
� Option 2 offers a somewhat more economical route to the same corporate destination. In essence, the
Edmonton Corporation would, under the provisions of its Act, wind up its operations. According to the Act
the assets of the Corporation would then revert to LCC, who would in turn, pass on those assets to the Ontario
Corporation. What remains somewhat uncertain in this option is whether the Ontario Corporation would be
allowed to offer degrees in Alberta or, alternatively, whether Brock University (CLTS currently does not have
degree granting status, but offers the MDiv under a special arrangement with Brock University) would be
willing to grant degrees to graduates from the Edmonton campus.
While these possibilities for amalgamation exist, and ultimately need to be pursued, the Task Force is
recommending operational integration of the seminaries precede formal organizational integration. It is
recommended work begin immediately to develop a Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement between the
Board of Directors and the seminaries’ Boards of Regents to begin the process of operational integration of our
seminary programs. While there are many details of the document to be finalized, some of the key points are as
follows:
1. The parties agree to work together with the objective of achieving a system of complementary cost
effective, sustainable seminary education, consistent with a total budget of not more than $1.5 M annually
for the Seminaries.
2. The parties agree the seminaries will coordinate their activities so as to provide a full complement of
training and educational services between them to individuals who wish to serve as pastors and professional
church workers within the Synod such that there be no overlapping curriculum in the delivery of programs
at each seminary notwithstanding course transfer credits and didactic practicum training.
3. The Parties agree the seminaries will coordinate their activities so as to avoid duplication of all
administrative services available at each seminary, including but not limited to those for recruitment,
registration, support and maintenance of training and educational services to individuals who wish to serve
as pastors and professional church workers within the Synod.
4. The Parties agree the seminaries will establish systems that will facilitate academic enrolment of
individuals in credit courses offered by one of the Seminaries, while pursuing their course of studies with
the other seminary in accordance with the minimum on-site academic program residency requirements.
5. The Seminaries agree to consult with each other before finalizing an annual budget or initiating any hiring
of academic or professional staff, thereby recognizing the integrated system shall be cost-efficient and
sustainable with a full-time faculty work-load equivalent not to exceed five (5) professors, including the
president, provost, or other designate, who will also be expected to teach as necessary.

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6. One individual be appointed to serve as “President/CEO” to oversee the integrated seminary program and
another individual be appointed as “Vice-President/Provost” to oversee operations at the other campus in
consultation with the “President/CEO.”
7. The Parties agree to jointly explore other methods by which LCC and the Seminaries may cooperate
together more closely including the use of advances in telecommunication technologies.
8. The Parties agree their Boards of Regents will meet on at least an annual basis with a purpose of reporting
to LCC, the specific actions that have demonstrated cost and other efficiency measures of the preceding
year.
9 The Parties agree that from the date of the signing of this Agreement, the Seminaries will investigate, plan
and implement specific activities that show measurable efficiencies of a more the integrated system with a
report submitted to LCC at the 2011 Annual Convention, and with additional measures reported to LCC
before the end of each church year, including 2011, and then annually thereafter.
10. A joint-committee composed of Regents from both seminaries would be established to oversee the
implementation of the agreement and to make recommendations to each Boards of Regents and as
necessary to the Board of Directors of the Synod for action.
In as much as “Resolution 08.3.04 To implement a cost efficient seminary program for Lutheran Church–Canada”
enables the Board of Directors to “implement a plan to fulfill this resolution” the Task Force would respectfully
recommend action be taken immediately to develop such a memorandum of understanding and agreement between
the seminaries and to begin the process of working toward operational integration at the earliest possible time.
4. The total full-time faculty workload equivalent not exceed five professors, including the president, who will
also be expected to teach as necessary (Reductions to be achieved by attrition as much as possible).
One of the most important realities seminary education in LCC will face if it is to survive in the future is the need
for greater cost effectiveness and financial sustainability. The Task Force commends the seminaries and the Synod
for their efforts in recent years to contain costs and live within established budgets. However, as noted above, we are
moving into a time where more will have to be done with less. Appendix 1 attached to this report presents what the
Task Force believes to be a “best case” scenario for the funding of seminary education. In the immediate future we
anticipate the funds available to our seminaries will decrease substantially. For example, the 2011 proposed budget
for LCC reduces synodical support for the seminaries to $364,000, with further cuts anticipated in future years.
While it is to be hoped some of that short fall may be raised from appeals to donors, there are no guarantees these
funds will be forthcoming now or into the future. The Task Force believes one of the hard realities of our times is a
key ingredient to sustainability will be cost reduction through a reduction in the size of the faculty at our seminaries.
As noted above, over 70% of our seminaries’ budgets are consumed by salaries and benefits, and the costs of
benefits are increasing dramatically. The only way to achieve greater sustainability in this situation is to reduce these
costs. The Task Force, with some regret, recommends the total full-time faculty workload equivalent of an
integrated seminary operation not exceed 5 professors, including the president. The Task Force is aware faculty
retirements are on the horizon at both seminaries and, to reduce the pain of the proposed reduction in faculty size,
recommends the vacancies created by these retirements not be filled. We would also remind the Boards of Regents
of our seminaries, as regrettable as it may be, that more proactive measures such as those undertaken by Concordia
Seminary, St. Louis (see page 6 above) may well be necessary if available revenue declines more quickly than
anticipated.
An obvious concern is the effect such faculty reductions may have on the quality of education an integrated
seminary operation is able to provide. However the Task Force believes by integration of operations and curriculum
it will be possible to maintain high quality pastoral formation in LCC.
It has already been expressed the ATS accreditation of the CLS academic program(s), in particular, the MDiv
degree, is an important component asset. The ATS accreditation evaluates programs and structures in the context of
other theological programs, and assists in the development of the Canadian programming. In the case of CLTS, the

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process of ATS accreditation, while underway, has not as yet, been achieved and it remains unclear when and if
accreditation would be obtained given the current requirements of the ATS.
The avenue of accreditation permits a program to be refined and submitted formally with revision, and/or for reaccreditation
at the discretion of the accredited institution. This provides CLS with an opportunity to revise its
program under the current standards. There is a direct correlation in the success of an accredited program, the
faculty resources required to deliver the program, and the number of students expected to be graduated each year. In
the case of LCC, it has been recommended up to 12 graduating students per year in Canada would be sufficient to
meet the needs of the obligations of LCC to train pastors in Canada. Given the class size and program course credit
requirements, it would seem feasible with a five full-time faculty equivalent workload, where each faculty would
deliver four to five courses per academic term. Further, it seems most reasonable to assume any extensions of the
program structure, or accreditation of a program by CLTS, would need to be different enough from the CLS
program to require either additional faculty be hired, or to alternatively require a significant increase the teaching
load of existing faculty among the two seminaries to deliver different programs, both leading to the same degree
(MDiv). It is required that a non-overlapping curriculum be adopted for delivery at each site of the seminary, to
ensure program delivery can be met with the requisite numbers of faculty (and the president) recommended by the
Task Force.
In the response to the Task Force concerning the academic curriculum of credit courses leading to the MDiv degree,
CLTS reported 28 courses needing to be provided and CLS reported 31 courses. Some of these courses are
supervisory in nature, while others were optional in the students’ programs. However, the importance of the
comparison here is there are far too many courses to be delivered by too few faculty to support two substantially
different MDiv Degrees from the two seminaries. A comparison of the course descriptions completed by the
seminaries, in response to the Task Force request for information, suggests substantial duplication in certain courses
exists, and there would therefore be definite value and cost efficiencies in streamlining the curriculum of both
seminaries. Offering two courses that are the same content in separate locations is an inefficient use of faculty and
other resources, and it is a clear area for growth as one mechanism to provide sustainable cost-effective Lutheran
Pastoral education in Canada.
The significance of offering advanced standing or transfer credit towards the MDiv Degree granted by CLTS and
Brock University, respectively, in accordance with program residency requirements (i.e. residency means the
minimal number of credit courses required by a student for the candidate to graduate from that particular program),
must not be underestimated in establishing cost-effective and sustainable pastoral education by LCC.
In the curriculum review, it was also clear there were significant differences in selected courses offered currently in
the seminaries programs. A total of 16 courses appear to support this data. These main differences, where a course
exists at one seminary, but not at the other, have the potential to serve two purposes. First, they serve to differentiate
the two degrees offered, one at CLS and the other graduating through Brock University. Second, they highlight the
greatest potential area for transfer and joint teaching initiatives, where faculty at one institution teach the course
using an alternative format so candidates at either institution can benefit from the credit course should it be offered
in any particular academic term. Either way, these courses help determine autonomy likely required in the degree
programming to warrant the offering of the MDiv Degree from the respective institutions.
In its simplest form, the requirements to graduate up to 12 candidates per year in an MDiv Program consisting of 28
-31 total courses (only a subset of which need to be fulfilled under the program residency requirements at each
seminary) should not require more than 5 faculty equivalent workloads, each with four to five credit course
assignments per academic year. This is particularly true if the support and other components of the degree structure
are in place to provide the students with the course credits necessary to graduate under the minimum program
residency requirements, regardless of where the degree is granted from. To fulfill a degree, not all of the courses
have to be offered by either seminary, because the use of distance education, or alternative teaching strategies can
provide credits from other institutions that will meet degree requirements.
Careful curriculum review needs to take into consideration the content of the courses, the expertise of the faculty
and a mechanism to streamline the credit courses required, to maximize the efficiency of the program, faculty,
administration and staff required to deliver the academic program leading to the MDiv degree. Any changes in the
program structure should be submitted to the ATS as a process of review under the current accreditation standards.

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5. ‘Smart classrooms’ be used as much as possible to facilitate simultaneous joint classes between the two
campuses.
The age is upon us that in the current teaching, learning and research environments the use of on-line computing
resources and technology based teaching tools provide new and efficient ways to engage learners. The use of
technology today in the process involves the simplest forms of voice communication in the same way it has for
decades, to advancements in technology that allow voice, image and data all to be experienced at the same time in
the teaching and learning environments. Many students are connected 24/7 while being educated, so they can be in
touch with their families, their work, their learning environments and most are not unfamiliar with sharing and using
their connected environments to their fullest potential. Therefore, the recommendations of the Task Force would not
have as much value without promoting the use of alternative teaching and learning environments to support a more
cost-effective and sustainable program delivery.
It is not the purpose of this recommendation to determine the ideal technology or type of learning platform that
should be utilized at one or both seminary sites. Instead, the recommendation is self-explanatory, in that the need to
share curriculum and faculty resources between two disparate physical locations where seminary education in
Canada as recommended needs to happen. This will allow the most efficient and capable approach to sharing
between our seminary sites, as well as the ability to share Canadian Lutheran education program content on par with
the more than two hundred programs of theological education in North America now available. In particular, the
option to broker credit courses with the St. Louis and Fort Wayne administered degree programs in the U.S., should
be high priority learning investment opportunities for distance education, including the use of smart classroom
technologies. These technologies also have the ability to showcase the faculty at the Canadian seminaries, providing
yet another opportunity for outreach and sharing. We would be amiss not to identify that some of the programs at
other institutions in the world provide for the on-line delivery of much of their MDiv program.
This recommendation is as much about connecting the seminaries for administrative and learning experiences, as it
is about connecting the seminaries to other institutions of learning, for enrichment of the faculty, the students and
the programs offered. While some institutions may boast about their extensive experience and high-end systems,
others may focus on a simple print-based correspondence mode for courseware. In all cases, and the literature
abounds with examples, the courses delivered fulfill a need, are often popular and their delivery mode aids in
fostering outreach opportunities for the programs involved. Surprisingly, there is a limited amount of existing
curriculum from either CLS or CLTS from the MDiv program being delivered in an alternative format and it
remains unclear why this isn’t happening to a greater extent.
The streamlining of the curriculum from both seminaries, and the establishment of transfer credit from a requisite
seminary as a requirement to meet residency needs, or the use of credit courses from another affiliated institution
altogether, will provide an impetus to teach and to learn using alternative formats. Since both Brock University and
CUCA have “smart classrooms”, it seems very reasonable the use of these classrooms be pursued rigorously as a
mandate of both seminaries to help meet their administrative and curriculum sharing needs. These classrooms are for
the most part, state of the art, and they are connected to established networks for delivering voice, image and data
using high-speed videoconferencing. This includes the recording of course sessions for playback by students who
miss a class, the use of podcasts for on-line audio sharing of regular and guest speaker lectures, as well as file
sharing in an environment that immerses those taking courses in a learner centered approach for instruction. For the
most part, these technological advances at the sister institutions are primarily standards based, and by the seminaries
engaging more in their use to assist with their academic and administrative needs, each will benefit from
maintaining the learning curve in the technology requirements, as well as the learning platforms, without having to
maintain 100% the high cost of the technology or the services required to deliver various requirements of the
seminary programs. This would be most cost-effective and likely it is sustainable. At some point in the future, once
faculty are more familiar with the platforms for learning in these “smart classrooms”, extensions of existing, or
stand-alone systems will be able to be supported at the seminary locations, as an investment in the teaching and
learning environments.
The current use of desktop technology applications in the teaching and learning process at CLS is working. The elearning
platform adopted in association with the Institute of Lutheran Theology (ILT) in the U.S. provides for online
exchanges for lectures at a distance. The mode of program delivery doesn’t use smart classrooms per se for
participation, but if connected such classrooms would be able to be used in the delivery format. This enrichment in

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the teaching and learning environment is advancement for CLS in the on-line distance learning environment, and it
should be examined for its feasibility in an expanded format with CLTS. It is important to mention the ability to
expand and meet the standards of the room based system capabilities at CUCA and Brock University in comparison
to Internet based desktop learning tools, are experiences these larger institutions grew from. To further develop the
programs and the out-reach potential of the seminaries, it is recommended technology solutions at these larger
institutions be shared, with a focus to adopt the use of technology as a mechanism of day-to-day operations for
administration and the teaching and learning environments. Ultimately, the interactions will need to involve the use
of more advanced room system technologies, and not be limited to the desktop computing solutions now being
applied primarily by CLS.
6. Various administrative and support functions such as accounting, development and recruitment be
centralized. and where appropriate these services be contracted through LCC or LCCFM.
With one seminary comes the challenge of looking after the needs of various administrative and support functions. It
is the committee's recommendation the accounting function be centralized and carried out in Winnipeg by LCC. It is
most important that very detailed budgets be formulated and line item expenses be enforced in a timely and regular
manner to assure the cost efficiency of the seminary in the future.
It is paramount this budget be broken down in great detail including an allocation of all items towards the St.
Catharines campus and the Edmonton campus. This allocation will be used to distribute income and expenses
between the two corporations for legal purposes. However, one bank account in the name of the seminary could be
used to record all operating income and expenditures.
With the financial records maintained by LCC, it will most importantly allow the seminary Board of Regents
centralized and timely reporting tools to carry out their duties in maintaining budgetary discipline for the seminary.
Monthly financial statements should be prepared by the 10th of the following month. This will also provide for the
Board of Directors of Synod regular reports to carry out their needs with respect to Item 9 following.
To facilitate this centralized bookkeeping a designated contact at each campus must approve all invoices for
payments and forward the same to Winnipeg. We suggest this function can be carried out by the receptionist on each
campus who would be required to get the seminary president's approval on all items over a certain amount.
Likewise, development could be centralized with LCC personnel. It is also possible a recruitment office is set up in
Winnipeg as recruitment is the work of the Church. Materials and information must be disseminated regularly to the
two campuses.
Although we see all these functions carried out on a centralized basis, it is most important the seminary president
has overall responsibility and control of these functions for the beneficial operation of the seminary.
The Board of Regents is responsible for the ultimate control of the seminary programs and expenditures on the
advice of the seminary president. It is most important Regents are elected who have supervisory experience and are
committed to the financial viability of the seminary.
7. Our seminaries begin a Distributed Learning MDiv/Theological Diploma Pilot Program (classroom, virtual
classroom, and online learning), combined with its existing classroom-based short-terms and MDiv program.
Over the last decade or two, there has been a remarkable development in education at a distance through the use of
computer technology and learner-centred educational methodologies. The general awareness of this fact no doubt
gave rise to the fourth ‘whereas’ clause in Resolution 08.3.04 at the 2008 LCC convention.
This clause which said ‘Whereas cost effective technological advances exist to creatively deliver theological
education, including video conferencing, web-based delivery and distance education,. . .’ is one of the statements
that led up to the first Resolve which asks LCC to ‘create a cost efficient seminary program for the training of
pastors for Lutheran Church–Canada.’ The ‘Terms of Reference’ later set forth for the Task Force by President
Robert Bugbee further indicated the Task Force was also to investigate ‘secular methods of delivery’ in its efforts to
recommend a cost-efficient seminary education.

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The Task Force in particular reviewed distance education methods and part-time MDiv programs now implemented
by other seminaries in North America. Aside from such programs now being implemented at Lexington, Multnomah
and Wartburg Seminaries, the Task Force examined a pilot project already occurring at Luther Seminary in St. Paul,
Minnesota. Luther Seminary has put in place a ‘Distributed Learning’ model of seminary education which delivers
two of the three academic years of MDiv seminary education by self-instructional online methods. The other
academic year is completed by short-term intensives in a classroom setting on campus throughout the program.
Included in this program is a local pastor in the field as mentor for supervising the variety of practical study,
fieldwork, and clinical education that is done in the respective parish. This is particularly important for the student’s
spiritual formation in their worship and devotional life. These pastoral mentors also act as invigilators for exams. In
addition, the local congregation where the student worships becomes a ‘Teaching Congregation.’ Distributed
Learning students are part of a strong ‘cohort identity’ and ‘have a clear sense of being part of the broader seminary
community.’ Luther Seminary’s Pilot Program has been approved by the ATS and, according to their formative
assessments, has been going very well.
Another important seminary program studied by the Task Force is provided by the Institute of Lutheran Theology in
Brookings, South Dakota. Its program is similar to that of Luther Seminary in St. Paul, but it differs in that their
distance learning program is delivered by the ‘virtual classroom’ rather than with self-instructional technology. In
this methodology, the professor delivers his lectures in a classroom, and the lecture is distributed via the Internet to
the students out in the field. Students are able to respond with comments and questions also by the Internet. The ILT
began this program in the fall of 2009 with 11 students, and by the fall of 2010 there were 30-plus students enrolled.
CLS in Edmonton is already a part of this program, providing such extended ‘virtual classroom’ experiences in
conjunction with their regular classroom program. In this method of ‘virtual classroom’ delivery, the student is timebound
to a particular hour of the day. Nevertheless, if the student misses the ‘virtual class,’ he may be able to
download a recorded version of it at his own convenience. The ATS has also sponsored a seminar on highly
technical versions of the ‘virtual classroom’ method, where the instructor is on the screen much of the time and
individual students appear in windows some of the time when making comments or asking questions. With such
technology, students at a distance can raise their hands, draw illustrations, and do virtually any of the other things
that are usually done in a classroom on campus.
At both seminaries mentioned here, there has been an online and part-time on-campus ‘Community of Learning’
established, with students as much as possible following through in one cohort. Students and instructors have their
own continuing private discussion forums which they can access at any time, usually together with an online
Learning Management System. Students also come together on average at least twice per year for short-term
intensive courses where they meet in person, converse, and worship with one another, but it is also evident the
students and instructors already get to know each other very well on the Internet itself. Luther Seminary says, “The
online courses are structured to offer opportunities for cooperative learning, for greater reflection and for more
meaningful interaction for students with one another and the instructor.”
All other student services can normally be handled quite well via the Internet. There is much already available
online for library services, including most journals, some of them on the American Theological Libraries
Association (ATLAS) website, as well as a number of other sites. Many full text books are also online. Students can
often also access local theological libraries, as well as local pastors’ personal libraries. Failing all that, book loan
programs are arranged through the seminary library. An online bookstore can be established by arrangements with
websites like amazon.com. Student services like registration and admissions advising are in any case often handled
these days via the Internet.
A part-time MDiv/ Theological Diploma program of this nature may be a very cost-efficient model to examine.
Such a program would open up the MDiv/Theological Diploma program for prospective students who now cannot
afford to attend on campus, thereby increasing tuition revenues. Many students at Luther Seminary in St. Paul have
indicated they could not have studied to be pastors without the part-time ‘Distributed Learning’ program. CLS
already has the minimum technology required for providing ‘virtual classroom’ courses concurrently with their
regular classes. Little further expenditure would be required for CLS, although even better technology and Internet
accesses can be purchased as resources or special funding sources may allow.

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Further cost efficiencies can be achieved in the future with cooperative development of materials and
implementation of ‘Distributed Learning’ courses in concert with Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and/or Concordia
Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne. Both these seminaries have indicated they are very open to such cooperation.
All of their 16 existing ‘Specific Ministry Program’ (SMP) courses are delivered online (4 of the 16 online courses
at Ft. Wayne are hybrids of online and classroom learning), and all 16 SMP courses are given credit toward the 40
courses required for the MDiv degree at both seminaries. Concordia Seminary in St. Louis in particular is actively
considering further online and short-term intensive courses for SMP graduates who wish to continue toward the
MDiv degree.
If two academic years of the MDiv/Theological Diploma program are taken online, and the equivalent of one
academic year is taken in short-term intensives on campus, such a part-time program could be completed by a
student in six or seven years. Electronically saved ‘virtual classroom’ or individual self-instructional courses can
also be used where full-time students in the classroom need only one or two additional courses not in the regular
classroom schedule.
Such a part-time MDiv/Theological Diploma program is especially cost efficient and valuable for the prospective
mature student with a family who needs to remain in his regular job while studying for the ministry. Our present
system of theological education was designed for young single students who could easily move. It was not designed
for married men with families, requiring them to move their children in and out of schools four times during his
pastoral training. Costs of such a traditional seminary program are also increasing exponentially for the mature
student. These matters also need to be addressed.
The final result of such a ‘Distributed Learning Program’ should not only be more cost-efficient for both the
seminary and the student, but even more importantly, graduate more students for the pastoral ministry. An important
goal, as we proceed forward into the future, is to find new ways for allowing especially more mature students with
families to participate in the MDiv/Theological Diploma program and finally enter the pastoral ministry in our
church.
8. In due course, a new name be chosen for the integrated seminaries.
Everything is in a name. A number of years ago, our seminary in St. Catharines took on the name “Concordia
Lutheran Theological Seminary.” This name reflects this seminary’s roots in Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft.
Wayne, Indiana, which had initially begun the St. Catharines seminary as an extension campus. The word
“Lutheran” was nevertheless added to distinguish the St. Catharines seminary from the Ft. Wayne seminary. The
word “Concordia” was retained, not only because of the long history of the name “Concordia” in The Lutheran
Church–Missouri Synod institutions of higher learning, but also because of the Lutheran roots of the “Concordia” in
the Book of Concord. The term “Concordia” not only reflects the concept of harmony, but also the theological
content of our Lutheran Confessions. The term “Concordia” was the original Latin name in fact given to the Book of
Concord.
Our seminary in Edmonton, established a bit later, took on the parallel name of “Concordia Lutheran Seminary” for
similar reasons, but left out the term “Theological” so as to distinguish itself from the seminary in St. Catharines.
Nevertheless, the word “Lutheran” was added so as to distinguish itself also from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis.
Thus both seminaries added the name “Lutheran” to distinguish themselves from their sisters seminaries in the
United States.
The name of an institution significantly reflects the identity of that institution. Therefore, The Task Force believes a
change in the names of our seminaries would now be in order because the recommendations offered here are going
to significantly change the nature and direction of the two, now rather distinct seminaries. For all practical purposes,
the Task Force is recommending the two seminaries now become one at most levels of their governance and
operation, that they become fully integrated. In other words, our seminaries are now to become one integrated
seminary in two locations.
The ultimate goal of the Task Force’s recommendations as they stand is to give time for the seminaries to integrate
themselves completely before finally also becoming one in their corporate structure. The actual change to one

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seminary on two campuses in terms of their legal and corporate structure is more challenging and will take some
time to achieve. As the integration occurs, the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of the new structure must be
monitored and reported upon to the Synod Board of Directors.
Nevertheless, because the Task Force is recommending significant practical changes right now, the Seminaries Task
Force at this time recommends we indeed begin referring to our seminaries as one entity, and the name should
therefore change. We should give this new seminary a name that reflects its unified nature. Some suggestions have
been, “Concordia Seminary-Edmonton”, and “Concordia Seminary-St. Catharines”, or even, “Concordia Seminary-
Canada.” The Task Force is not recommending any particular name, only that a new name be forthcoming to reflect
the de facto new reality of the integration.
Whatever the new name for this new structure may be, the present names of the seminaries would also remain for
the time being for corporate and legal purposes, in order that existing covenants that the seminaries may have
already entered into with other institutions can continue through to their required end. But the time given from now
until the time when a new corporate and legal structure is also developed will give the seminaries the opportunity to
shape their new responsibilities and reshape their existing responsibilities in terms of the operations of one seminary.
The Task Force understands it is legally possible to have a new name while still retaining the old names for
legislated legal requirements.
A new name for the new seminary will in fact reflect the essence of what the Task Force is recommending take
place now in a practical manner, and ultimately in a corporate and legal manner: one seminary in two locations.
9. The Synodical Bylaws of LCC be followed, and if necessary be amended to allow a more direct
relationship between the Board of Directors and the Board of Regents, such that current ambiguities
noted by the Task Force be clarified.
When the Synod undertook to restructure its administration in the 1999-2002 triennium the Synodical Handbook
underwent significant review and revision. However, Chapter 6 of the Synodical Bylaws, which focuses upon higher
education, received the least direct attention. As reported above, the Board for Higher Education was removed from
the structure of the Synod and many of its responsibilities were assigned by default to the Board of Directors.
In particular the Board of Directors is charged with “periodically review[ing] the internal administrative
organization of the Synod’s institutions” (6.21.d) and also “The Board of Directors shall periodically review the
institutional policies, programmes, and curricula to determine whether they are consistent with the stated objectives
of the Synod's educational system and its institutions” (6.37.c). The Task Force notes while these tasks are assigned
to the Directors there are no mechanisms in place for the Board to actually carry out these functions. In addition, the
Advisory Council (Synodical Bylaw 2.81) is given the task of studying problems and issues in the field of higher
education and reporting its findings to the Board of Directors.
The Task Force respectfully recommends the Board of Directors in consultation with the Commission on
Constitutional Matters and Structure review its responsibilities in regard to the educational institutions established
by the Synod as defined in the current Synodical Handbook and implement necessary procedures to carry out the
tasks assigned to the Board of Directors. It is a duty of the Board to act on this point on behalf of the Synod
members that the Board represents.
Further, in reviewing the relationship between the Board of Directors and the Boards of Regents of the seminaries,
the Task Force has noted areas where the Synodical Bylaws need to be clarified. It goes without saying that should a
new structure emerge, revisions to the Synodical Bylaws will need to be submitted to reflect that structure.
However, we draw particular attention to the following Bylaws where dutiful attention is urgently required
regardless of whether other recommendations of this report are accepted:
� 6.61 Uniform Accounting Methods. One of the challenges that confronted the Task Force as it conducted its
investigations was to get a clear picture of the financial situation at each seminary. This is due in large part to
the fact that while accounting methods used at the schools are similar, they are not uniform. Should the
recommendations made herein regarding integration of the administration of the seminaries be adopted this

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matter should be addressed; however, should that not be the case, this matter will need more immediate
attention.
� 6.67 Objections To or Changes in Budget. The Task Force reports that while the Board of Directors may
“object” to either the capital or operating budget of the Board of Regents of a seminary and indeed may propose
changes to budgets at the Synod’s educational institutions, those institutions are not required to submit budgets
to the Board of Directors for review or comment. Hence, regardless of whatever structure emerges from this
process, the matter of administrative and financial reporting to and from the Board of Regents and the Board of
Directors needs to be urgently clarified.
10. Conclusion
The 1959 Act of the Senate and House of Commons that established Lutheran Church–Canada as a legal corporation
lists as one of the objectives of the corporation:
“to promote education, instruction and culture, and to organize, maintain and carry on schools, colleges, academies,
[and] seminaries …”
So urgent was the desire for seminary education in Canada the Board of Directors of the fledgling corporation was
directed to study the matter and “memorialize the 1959 San Francisco Convention (LCMS) to seriously study the
request for a Canadian seminary.” (A. H. Schwermann, The Beginnings of Lutheran Church–Canada, page 23).
Seventeen years would pass before seminary education was a reality in LCC, but this was not for lack of effort or
interest on the part of the leaders of what was then a federation of districts within the LCMS. Since the opening of
CLTS in St. Catharines and the later beginning of CLS in Edmonton, LCC has realized many great and wonderful
blessings as men have been trained and sent into the pastoral ministry by both seminaries. To be sure there have
been great challenges along the way but at each step God’s grace has been more than sufficient.
The financial challenges which gave rise to the overtures submitted to and the resolution passed by the 2008
Convention of LCC have caused us to examine the entire matter of seminary education in the Synod and at the end
of that process the Task Force it utterly convinced seminary education remains a vital and integral part of our life
together in Christ.
Many have wondered if it is worth the cost. ATS president Daniel Aleshire in his book Earthen Vessels (page 145)
offers the following answer:
“Is the work that these schools do worth the price tag? If theological education is a commodity to be produced at
the least expense for the most recipients, then the question is legitimate. If, however, the goal is the preparation of
religious leaders who are deeply formed in an understanding of faith, who can guide congregations in a culture that
is less than convinced that religion is a cultural asset, who can lead in a context of significant change in
congregational practice and can teach it to an increasing percentage of people who do not know the tradition or
understand it, then theological education is not a commodity. The question about cost is really a question about
value.”
It is our prayer the recommendations listed above will lead to a new day in seminary education where the support for
and the sustainability of seminary education will increase; where our Synod will value seminary education as its
founders envisioned. The Task Force also prays that while the changes recommended above will be challenging to
implement, the seminaries themselves will embrace anew their mission and strive to work together in good faith to
be good and faithful stewards of the treasures, talents and time entrusted to their care.
On behalf of the Task Force I would extend a heart felt word of thanks to the faculty and staff of both our seminaries
and particularly to Dr. Manfred Zeuch and Dr. Thomas Winger for their candour, openness and patience as we have
gone about our work. Thanks also to LCC President Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee, the executive staff, and the members
of the Board of Directors for their input, advice and prayer as we have developed our recommendations. We are also
extremely grateful to each and every person, congregation or other entity who took the time to contact the Task
Force with their ideas or suggestions or who provided input to us at our request. In particular we thank Dr. Gerald

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Krispin of CUCA for taking the time to thoughtfully consider issues regarding relationship of the seminaries to the
university college and to Rev. Dr. Edwin Lehman for his recall and research into seminary history.
As Task Force Chair I would like to thank all the members of the Task Force and their families for all their work and
sacrifice over the past two years. Each of the Task Force members have brought unique gifts and perspectives to our
deliberations and each have demonstrated a deep and abiding passion for our seminaries and the specific work we as
a group were asked to do.
Above all else however, thanks be to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in whose name this work was begun,
continued and is now concluded. May the work of this Task Force, and indeed all the work done in pastoral
formation in Lutheran Church–Canada serve the primary goal of all pastoral training: “Do your best to present
yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” – 2
Timothy 2:15 (ESV).
In Christ
Respectfully submitted
Rev. Nolan Astley, chair
Task Force on Cost-Efficient,
Sustainable Seminary Education
Task Force Members
Mr. Howard Famme
Rev. Arron Gust
Rev. Robert Krestick
Rev. Colin Liske
Dr. Todd Sands

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Appendix 1: Projected “Best-Case” Budget for Combined Seminary Operations
CLTS 09/10 CLS 09/10 Projected income based on
combined 5-year average.
Income
Tuition 154,468 92,876 238,200
LCC Grant 205,200 205,200 308,000
Gifts 258,068 523,155 615,000
Foundation 35,248 100,101 141,800
Sales 30,943 6,696 31,000
Fundraising Events 21,160 21,000
Bequests 11,700 46,300
Other 40,630 19,333 60,000
Total 745,717 959,061 1,461,300
Total 09/10 Income 1,704,778
Expenses
Salaries & Benefits 550,236 683,538 1,011,300
Supplies & Services 211,720 202,663 450,000
Total 761,956 886,201 1,461,300
Total 09/10 Expenses 1,648,157
Seminary Fund Balances (Equity)
CLTS CLS
Invested in Capital Assets 2,295,874 1,096,962
Endowments/Foundation 1,310,333 3,504,808
Student Aid/Foundation 1,000,956
Student Aid/Seminary 179,259 128,718
Missionary Study Centre 207,509
Restricted Funds 4,974
Total 4,786,422 4,942,971
Long Term Operating Deficit 781,072 87,996
Net Equity 4,005,350 4,854,975