Resolution 08-1
WHEREAS,
All the baptized when they affirm their baptism promise “to hear the Word of
God” and “to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, and
WHEREAS,
All parents and sponsors covenant to place the holy scriptures in the hands of
their children and nurture them in faith and prayer; and
WHEREAS,
Pastors at their ordination vow to be diligent in their study of the Holy
Scriptures, and,
WHEREAS,
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has begun a Book of Faith Initiative
inviting everyone to join the conversation, to make a commitment, and to become
part of the initiative (cf.
http://www.elca.org/bookoffaith/overview/);
therefore be it
RESOLVED,
That the Florida-Bahamas Synod become a “Book of Faith” synod, committing
ourselves to live in and from the Word of God in our preparations to teach and
preach, as well as personally in our daily devotional practices, so that as we
regularly and increasingly hear, read, study, share, and are engaged by God’s
Word, we lead by example in faithful service and holy living; and be it further
RESOLVED,
That the bishop of our synod – who, “as its pastor, shall be a teacher of the
faith of this church and shall provide leadership for the life and witness of
this church” – in coordination with this synod’s designated advocate lead this
initiative personally and through collaborative programmatic work with
congregations of the synod; and be it further
RESOLVED,
That all voting members of this synod assembly covenant together to begin a
regular practice of Bible study and prayer, gathering with others in their
congregation and/or community to speak and hear the Word from one another; and
be it further
RESOLVED,
That this synod, its congregations and members celebrate and continue to support
and strengthen those places where Scripture is already taught and engaged, such
as Women of the ELCA Bible studies, camping and campus ministries, lay schools,
congregation councils, Sunday School and other congregational groups as well as
synodwide initiatives such as the
diakonia Program, the Synod Deacon program and congregation and conference
based programs that serve to engage people with scripture on a more regional
level; and be it further
RESOLVED,
That this synod encourage all congregations to become a “Book of Faith”
congregation which will find expression by
·
exploring new opportunities for engaging the Bible,
·
sending sufficient numbers of members to synod events for training as Bible
Study leaders, and
·
including biblical study as an integral part of all meetings and groups
in order to become more fluent in the first language of faith – the language of
Scripture – that we might live into our calling as a people renewed, enlivened,
empowered and sent by the Word.