The American Association of Lutheran Churches, in Convention June 20-23:
Ratified the following Joint Council actions taken since the 2006 Convention:
- Adding Pastors Ed Doepel (Naperville, IL), Alex Lissow (Camino, CA), and Mark Lohnes to the clergy roster of The AALC.
- Granting permanent status on the clergy roster to the Rev's Fred Balke, Jeffrey Kay, Steven Smeback, Nathan Hoff, Garry Lissy,Brad Moe, and Lyle Knuth.
- Certifying Jerry Storrs for call pending the completion of academic requirements.
- Dividing $30,000 Thrivent Financial Grant money (for evangelism) evenly among The AALC's five regions, placing special emphasis on small congregation needs.
- Resolving that congregations and pastors who resign from The AALC simultaneously do not qualify for MN Continuation Benefits, nor are they eligible to contribute to The AALC's retirement plan.
- Appointed Rev. Greg Gerendas as Assistant to The AALC for the next two years.
Voted to join the International Lutheran Council (ILC), a worldwide association of confessional Lutheran church bodies which proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of an unconditional commitment to the Holy Scriptures as the inspired and infallible Word of God and to the Lutheran Confessions contained in the Book of Concord as the true and faithful exposition of the Word of God.
| Resolved to declare altar and pulpit fellowship with the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod;
And further resolved that the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod be recognized as a partner church and that the Presiding Pastor of this church body be responsible for implementing this relationship;
And further resolved that we implore the Lord of the church to continue to strengthen the bond of fellowship between our churches, and that, aflame with His Spirit in one faith and one mission, we may together be renewed in our committment to the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ to all the world. |
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Received a $50,000 grant from Thrivent Financial for designated ministries which include the evangelism grant stipulated above.
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There were three nominees for the office of Presiding Pastor: Rev. Thomas Aadland (incumbent); Rev. Franklin Hays, President of American Lutheran Theological Seminary; and Rev. Michael Main, Sr. Pastor, Christ Lutheran Church, Duluth, MN.
A motion that would permit one person to hold the Offices of Presiding Pastor and ALTS President was defeated.
Rev. Franklin Hays was elected Presiding Pastor on the second ballot. He will assume office October 1, 2007.
Also elected were:
- Mr. Ted Genengels to the Commission for Higher Education.
- Rev. David Gensch and Mr. Pat Massingill to the Clergy Commission.
- Rev. Tim Cartwright, Rev. David M. Johnson and Mr. David Downing to the Board of Appeals and Adjudication.
- Rev. Don Ginkel and Mr. Will Tyrrell to the Commission on Doctrine and Church Relations.
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 Rev. Franklin E. Hays
Preiding Pastor (elect),
The AALC |
Resolved that the General Convention reaffirm our identity, rebuild the trust level in The AALC and call our pastors and leaders to use the Confessions as the norm (i.e. carpenter's square) for our theology, as a summary of the faith, and as an instrument for instruction, edification and doxology in light of the fruits of the spirit as we deal with one another. To this end may God grant us His grace!
Resolved that the Commission For Doctrine and Church Relations (CDCR) be charged to study and make recommendations concerning the institution of a commissioned and trained diaconate and report back to the congregations within one year their recommendations, and
Resolved that the American Lutheran Theological Seminary in coordination with the CDCR, develop a program of study and guidance for those who answer a call to ministry of service in the diaconate.
| Received with affirmation and acclamataion a favorable report by Seminary President, Rev. Franklin Hays, regarding the Two-Year Seminary Relocation Review. All initial objectives for the move to Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN have been achieved. |
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| Received a report from the Commission for Higher Education that an anonymous unrestricted gift of stock, with a value of $96,000, was received by American Lutheran Theological Seminary. Additional unrestricted proceeds of $64,000 were given by the same donor to advance the ministry of The AALC . |
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Gave a standing ovation in gratitude to Presiding Pastor, Rev.Thomas Aadland, and his wife Mary for eight years of faithful leadership and self-sacrificing service to The AALC.
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Received a greeting from the Rev. Dr. Walter Obare, Presiding Bishop of The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kenya. |
Received a greeting from Nathan Whitehorse, Pastor of Navajo Lutheran Church, Many Farms, AZ (a congregation of The AALC.) Offerings received at Convention Worship services will be given to the congregation to support it's ministry.
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