Friday, June 15, 2007 9:00am
Devotions were led by Mr. Kirk Thorson, Yorkville, IL, opening with “Trust and Obey.” Are you facing storms in your life? The safest place to be is with Jesus. John 6:16-21
Report of credentials committee
Pastors 157
Visiting Pastors 4
Lay 447
Visiting Laymen 11
Total 619
The report of the Director of Free Lutheran Association of Pilot Supporters (FLAPS) was presented by Mr. Lavon Bohling, Golden Valley, MN.
MSC to receive.
The report of the Women’s Missionary Federation’s President was presented by Mrs. Lorilee Mundfrom, Eugene, OR.
MSC to receive.
The report of the Commission on Evangelism was presented by Mr. Gene Quist, Bloomington, MN.
MSC to receive.
The report of the Director of Evangelism was presented by Rev. James Rasmussen, MN.
MSC to receive.
The report of Committee # 3 - (Missions & Evangelism) was presented by Rev. Don Richman, Bloomington, MN.
Committee members: Bill Buck, Sinai, SD, Chairman; Pastor Don Richman, Bloomington, MN, Secretary; Pastor Roger David, Armington, IL; Dale Manternach, Sioux Falls, SD; Jim Boe, Ottawa, IL
1. WHEREAS, God has privileged us to be part of the ministries of World Missions, Home Missions, and Evangelism, and has blessed these ministries spiritually and monetarily,
BE IT RESOLVED, that, here and now at this conference, we give Him thanks by bowing hearts and knees in prayer and praise as taught in Hebrews 13:15: “Through Him (Jesus) then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God that is the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.”
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we give thanks for the privilege of generously supporting this world-wide ministry.
MSC to adopt.
1. WHEREAS, Pastor Samuel Flores, who has served for the last 26 years in the Central Mexican Lutheran Church, has announced his retirement ,
BE IT RESOLVED, that we give thanks to God for Pastor Flores’ 26 years of faithful service in ministry in Mexico, and that we commend the AFLC to pray for and faithfully support their new president, Rev. Milton Flores.
MSC to adopt.
2. WHEREAS, the AFLC World Missions and the Schools have seen the need to train pastors world-wide, and
WHEREAS, the AFLC World Missions department has called Pastor Kevin Olson to develop this distance education program to help meet this need,
BE IT RESOLVED, that this conference affirm the appointment of Pastor Kevin Olson to this position, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that congregations and individuals pray and financially support this Distance Education ministry through contributions to the World Mission office, understanding that these are above and beyond the approved budget.
MS to adopt.
Mrs. Amy Dalager, Argyle, MN, asked a question about the finances of World Missions. Why is there money in a bank account?
Rev. Del Palmer, Shakopee, MN, replied that some legacies are being kept for beginning new work, a decision made at previous conferences; other monies belong to missionary’s personal support; some savings will be used to begin a distance education program.
Adopted.
3. WHEREAS, we as people of the Great Commission, are called to pray to the Lord of the harvest that He send laborers into the harvest, and
WHEREAS, the need and opportunity for missionaries is ever increasing, and
WHEREAS, long-range planning is an integral part of effective leadership and administration and would help us to diligently seek the Lord’s will for the ongoing and future mission of our church.
BE IT RESOLVED, that this conference encourage the World Missions staff and Committee to prayerfully establish and communicate to the church a 10 to 15 year long-range plan.
MS to adopt.
Rev. Ray Ballman, Glen Rose, TX said long range planning is essential.
Rev. Connoly Dyrud, Maple Grove, MN said that when we set goals, we need to pray and to send workers for the harvest.
Adopted.
1. WHEREAS, there are new groups of people throughout the United States who are expressing interest in the AFLC and that new churches are being planted,
BE IT RESOLVED, that we encourage the editor of The Lutheran Ambassador include a list of new church plants and Bible Studie and inquiry groups so that we may pray that through the Holy Spirit God will give growth, guidance and wisdom to the members of these groups.
MSC to adopt.
2. WHEREAS, one of the more effective ways of expanding the Kingdom of God is for one congregation to plant another congregation,
BE IT RESOLVED, that we encourage local congregations to plant sister congregations and that the AFLC Home Mission Department supply information that would help implement this plan.
MS to adopt.
Rev. Michael Brandt, Sioux Falls, SD said that Living Word has been as much a blessing to his church than they have been to Living Word.
Rev. Wade Mobley , Sioux Falls, SD said that it is good not to be alone.
Rev. Dale Finstrom, Glyndon, MN said that their sister church is a part of their work but the hope is that they will be self-supporting soon. They have been a blessing to Maranatha.
Mr. Eric Rasmussen, Plymouth, MN, said that even a small congregation can begin a new work.
Mr. Gene Quist, Bloomington, MN said that Emmaus was able to help a new work in the north suburbs of Minneapolis begin.
Rev. Richard Gunderson, Cambridge, MN said that churches can work together as a region as district to begin new works.
Rev. David White, Deshler, NE, said that smaller congregations, even declining ones, can start new congregations in areas with population growth.
Adopted.
1. WHEREAS, our Lord has called us to evangelize the world, and
WHEREAS, the AFLC provides no subsidy to the Evangelism Commission of our church body,
BE IT RESOLVED, that our congregations be reminded of the need to support the Evangelism Commission with prayer and financial gifts specifically designated to that ministry.
MSC to adopt.
Mr. Gene Quist, Bloomington, MN moved to amend by adding:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this 45th Annual Conference approve a budget of $115,000 for 2008.
Second. Amendment adopted.
Amended resolution adopted.
Mr. Nathan Dalager, Argyle, MN, moved :
General Resolution
2. BE IT RESOLVED that we thank God for the continued provision of funds to operate our Home and World Missions departments
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Budget Analysis Committee recommended subsidies for World Missions of $288,948, for World Missions Personal Support of $457,495, and for Home Missions of $332,985.
MS to adopt.
Rev. Dale Finstrom, Glyndon, MN, wanted to remind the conference that the work of Home Missions is being impeded by a lack of funds.
Adopted.
Mr. Shane McLoughlin, moved:
3 WHEREAS Our Lord has given His Son to suffer and die on the cross for us sinners and
WHEREAS God has graciously provided us with materials and people in the Evangelism Department to equip His Church to be workers in the harvest field
BE IT RESOLVED that we thank and praise our Lord for the Evangelism Department He has given us and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we encourage our churches to use these precious gifts according to our abilities by God’s grace.
Second.
Rev. Don Voorhees, NE, asked how the budget numbers are derived.
Adopted.
The report of the Missions Corporation annual meeting was presented by Mr. Ken Graham, Camarillo, CA.
MSC to receive.
Report of the Nominating Committee
Evangelism Commission (Layman 5 year term)
Dwight Kiefert, Valley City, ND
Don Ballman, Hico TX
MSC nominations cease. Balloting followed.
Committee # 3 - 2008 Annual Conference
Ray Ballman, Kopperl, TX
Myron Compton, Spearfish, SD
Herb Hoff, Salinas, CA
Lauren Osteroos, Burlington, ND
Greg Seeba, Camarillo, CA
MSC nominations cease and to elect.
A greeting from the AFLC-Canada was given by Pastor Gene Sundby.
A greeting from AFLC-India was given by Pastor Luther Sastry.
Election results
Evangelism Commission (Layman 5 year term)
*Dwight Kiefert, Valley City, ND 177
Don Ballman, Hico TX 62
*elected
The prayer hour was led by Rev. Steven Mundfrom, Arlington, SD.
Recess.
1:30pm
A greeting to the conference was given by Pastor Emmanuel Manirakiza of the Free Lutheran Church of Burundi, presently a student at AFLTS.
A greeting from Lutherans for Life was given by Mr. Ed Szito, Nevada, IA.
Devotions were led by Mr. Shane McLoughlin, Cumberland, WI from Jeremiah 36:1-3.
Report of credentials committee
Pastors 157
Visiting Pastors 5
Lay 447
Visiting Laymen 11
Total 620
MSC to receive.
The report of the Chairman of the Board of Publications and Parish Education was presented by Rev. John Mundfrom, Eugene, OR.
MSC to receive.
The report of the Director of Parish Education was presented by Mrs. Marian Christopherson, New Hope, MN.
MSC to receive.
The report of the President of Free Lutheran Youth was presented by Mr. Paul Kneeland, Sioux Falls, SD.
MSC to receive.
The report of the chairman of the Youth Board was presented by Rev. Alan Arneson, Fosston, MN.
MSC to receive.
The report of the Youth Ministries Director was presented by Rev. Kevin Olson, Shakopee, MN.
MSC to receive.
The Youth Board held a service of installation for Rev. Jason Holt, incoming AFLC Youth Ministries Director, led by AFLC President Robert L. Lee.
The report of Committee #4 (Publications, Parish Education and Youth Ministries) was presented by Rev. Steve Mundfrom, Arlington, SD.
Members: Pastor Steve Mundfrom, Arlington, SD; Solvieg Hjermstad, Bruce,SD; Ruth Peterson, Sioux Falls, SD; Roland Deschene, Argyle, MN
1. WHEREAS, Mrs. Karen Palmer has served as Parish Education secretary for more than 10 years,
BE IT RESOLVED, that we give thanks to God for her faithful service.
MS to adopt.
Rev. John Mundfrom, Eugene, OR, moved to add the words:
“WHEREAS Mrs. Fern Bohling has completed five years of service on the Parish Education Board.” Then to read:
WHEREAS, Mrs. Karen Palmer has served as Parish Education secretary for more than 10 years, and
WHEREAS Mrs. Fern Bohling has completed five years of service on the Parish Education Board
BE IT RESOLVED, that we give thanks to God for their faithful service.
Second Amendment Adopted
Adopted.
MSC to adopt.
2. WHEREAS, “Luther’s Small Catechism and Explanation” has now been completed and is available for purchase,
BE IT RESOLVED, that we thank and praise God for the new Catechism edition, and pray that it will be of spiritual benefit to generations to come, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we affirm the value of teaching the Catechism to our children so that they will grow in their understanding of sin and God’s grace, repentance and faith, and personal godliness.
MSC to adopt.
3. WHEREAS, the revision of the Catechism is a project of great magnitude and required many volunteer and financial resources,
BE IT RESOLVED, that we give thanks for those who offered their gifts and talents.
MSC to adopt.
4. WHEREAS, providing Christ centered Sunday school curriculum for our congregations is a primary task of Parish Education, and
WHEREAS, our congregations face the problem of increasing biblical illiteracy,
BE IT RESOLVED, that we thank God for the quality Bible teaching material available to our congregations, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we prayerfully encourage the updating and development of additional Sunday school materials, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that our congregations make this a matter of prayer.
MSC to adopt.
5. WHEREAS, Parish Education has many ongoing projects, including a collection of missions stories, adult Bible studies, confirmation curriculum, and other educational tools,
BE IT RESOLVED, that we pray for God’s blessing and provision for this ministry which serves the unique needs of our congregations.
MSC to adopt.
6. WHEREAS, we are grateful to God for the way in which our congregations have continued to support the ministry of Christian education, including the gifts of the WMF, and
WHEREAS, additional monies above and beyond the budgeted subsidy will be needed to accomplish printing goals for 2008,
BE IT RESOLVED, that we prayerfully seek God’s abundant provision for this ministry.
MSC to adopt.
7. BE IT RESOLVED, that we approve the Budget Analysis Committee recommendation for Parish Education of $116,771.
MSC to adopt.
Youth Ministries
1. WHEREAS, Pastor Lloyd Quanbeck has served for more than 14 years on the Youth Board, and
WHEREAS, Pastor Kevin Olson had served for more than 11 years as Youth Ministries director,
BE IT RESOLVED, that we thank God for their invaluable contributions to AFLC Youth Ministries,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we pray for Kevin and his family as they begin their new ministry in World Missions.
MSC to adopt.
2. WHEREAS, Pastor Jason Holt has accepted the call as Youth Ministries director,
BE IT RESOLVED, that we pray for the Holts as they begin this time of transition.
MSC to adopt.
3. WHEREAS, AFLC Youth Ministries strives to come along side the local congregation so that they would win, build and equip youth in Jesus Christ,
BE IT RESOLVED, that we encourage and prayerfully support the Boot Camp, short-term mission opportunities, The Connection and The Contact, college-age ministry, youth workers retreat, the biennial FLY Convention, and the FLY Boot Camp.
MS to adopt.
Mr. Eric Christenson, Amery, WI, encouraged the conference attendees to encourage and send their youth worker to the Youth Worker’s Retreat.
Adopted.
4. WHEREAS, our youth need love and encouragement, and
WHEREAS, three out of four Christian High School students are walking away from their faith after graduation and
WHEREAS, love is often missing in broken and bruised families,
BE IT RESOLVED, to uphold our youth through prayer and supportive relationships and encourage creative ways for our congregations to strengthen the family.
MSC to adopt.
5. WHEREAS, the Free Lutheran Youth convention, our largest AFLC gathering, will be held July 2-7, 2007, at Estes Park, Colorado, with the theme “Unshackled” from Galatians 5:1,
BE IT RESOLVED, that we pray for the youth, Bible teachers, speakers, leaders, and counselors to experience freedom in Christ.
MSC to adopt.
6. BE IT RESOLVED, that we approve the Budget Analysis Committee recommendation of $71, 249 for 2008, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we encourage congregations to exceed this budget to meet projected increases in expenses totaling $21,126.
MSC to adopt.
Mr. Matt Nelson, Bloomington, MN, moved:
7. WHEREAS, God has blessed us with a National Youth Director to serve the congregations of the AFLC
BE IT RESOLVED that we encourage the congregations of the AFLC to communicate their needs, hopes, prayer requests, and resources with the AFLC Youth Ministries Director so that he may most effectively serve those congregations.
Second.
He reminded the conference that there are nine full-time youth worker positions available at this moment.
Adopted.
Report of the Nominating Committee
Board of Publications and Parish Education (Layman 5 year term)
Mrs. Candice Johnson, Stanley, ND
Mrs. Andrea Christenson, Amery, WI
Mrs. Paula Nyman, Beulah, ND
MSC nominations cease, balloting followed.
Youth Board (Pastor 5 year term)
Pastor Mark Johnson, Dalton, MN
Rev. Jim Ritter, Shakopee, MN
Rev. Matt Steendahl, Milford, IL
Election of Committee #4 – 2008 Annual Conference
Nadine Compton Spearfish, SD
Jill Gordon, Durant, OK
Geri Graham, Camarillo, CA
Carol Gray Oklahoma City, OK
Mary Seeba, Camarillo, CA
MSC nominations cease and to elect.
The report of the Stewardship Board was presented by Mr. Jeremy Zeltinger, , ND.
MSC to receive.
The report of the Pension Board was presented by Rev. Larry Haagenson, Loveland, CO, chairman.
MSC to receive.
The report of Committee # 5 (Stewardship and Pensions) was presented by Rev. Raynard Huglen, Newfolden, MN.
Members: LaVern Thompson, Fergus Falls, MN, Chairman; Rev. Raynard Huglen, Newfolden, MN; Rev. Connely Dyrud, Maple Grove, MN; Richard Kleiser, Bethel Park, PA, Secretary; Gary Thayer, Bethel Park, PA; Pastor Martin Luther Sastry Dasari, India, Visitor.
STEWARDSHIP
1. WHEREAS, the members of the Stewardship Board have given dedicated and prayerful service to the AFLC,
BE IT RESOLVED that we heartily thank Arnold Johnson, Pastor Donald Norr, Jeremy Zeltinger, Pastor Greg Schram, and Paul Slaamot.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we extend a special thank you to Arnold Johnson for his service of nine years on the Board.
MSC to adopt.
2. WHEREAS the Stewardship Board has proposed to have an advocate to be selected by each congregation, which to date has not been successful,
BE IT RESOLVED that we encourage the ongoing effort of the Board in its evaluation and look forward to a report next year.
MSC to adopt.
3. WHEREAS Pastor Lee met with the Stewardship Board during the past year and shared the focus of the Board.
BE IT RESOLVED that we reaffirm this three-fold focus of instruction a) teaching the meaning of Biblical stewardship; b) information- connecting faces and names to the AFLC ministries; c) inspiration- sharing testimonies of God’s work and faithfulness.
MSC to adopt.
Rev. Wade Mobley, Sioux Falls, SD moved to amend:
3. WHEREAS Pastor Lee met with the Stewardship Board during the past year and shared the focus of the Board.
BE IT RESOLVED that we reaffirm this three-fold focus of instruction a) teaching the meaning of Biblical stewardship; b) information- connecting faces and names to the AFLC ministries; c) inspiration- sharing testimonies of God’s work and faithfulness
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Stewardship Board also evaluate previous conference actions regarding the ministry aims of this committee.
Second.
Rev. Mobley said that while serving on the nominating committee they saw some previous conference action that would be helpful.
Adopted
Amended resolution adopted.
PENSIONS
1. WHEREAS, the members of the Pension Board have prayerfully served our AFLC with many hours of service,
BE IT RESOLVED, that we thank Glenn Espe, Leroy Sletten, Gerald Kuster, Rev. Mike Klenner, and Rev. Larry Haagenson.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we especially thanks Rodney Kjersten who serves as our plan agent for his service to our AFLC and its pastors.
MSC to adopt.
2. WHEREAS, the Pension Board continues to provide awareness of the AFLC financial and insurances program,
BE IT RESOLVED, that we thank the Pension Board for their action to increase the financial options available to the pastors.
MSC to adopt.
3. WHEREAS, the rates for medical insurance are high throughout the nation and ours is no exception (although we are thankful for the relatively low increase of 7% this year),
BE IT RESOLVED, to bring more pastors into the program since the more participants we have in the plan, the better the rates will be.
MS to adopt.
Mr. Cory Buck, New Hope,MN, said that thirty-five pastors are presently in the plan and the number has been falling.
Adopted.
4. WHEREAS, the Help In Service Fund (HIS) is an essential program to assist pastors and their families with financial assistance when a crisis arises,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Pension Board provide each congregation with information on the method of supporting the fund and how to request assistance when needed.
MS to adopt.
Mr. LaVern Thompson, Fergus Falls, MN, said that two of their committee members had no knowledge of the HIS fund.
Adopted.
Election results:
Board of Publications and Parish Education (Layman 5 year term)
*Mrs. Candice Johnson, Stanley, ND 89
Mrs. Andrea Christenson, Amery, WI 38
Mrs. Paula Nyman, Beulah, ND 31
*elected
Youth Board (Pastor 5 year term)
*Pastor Mark Johnson, Dalton, MN 113
Rev. Jim Ritter, Shakopee, MN 18
Rev. Matt Steendahl, Milford, IL 30
*elected
Report of the Nominating Committee
Stewardship Board (Layman 5 year term)
Mrs. Brenda Carr, Minneapolis, MN
Mr. Scott Schauer, Oklahoma City, OK
MSC nominations cease. Balloting followed.
Stewardship Board (Layman 4 year term)
Mr. Roland Meyer, Milford, IL
MSC nominations cease and to elect.
Board of Pensions (Layman 5 year term)
Mr. Gerald Kuster, Reynolds, ND
Mr. Jordan Volk, Brandon, SD
Mr. Roger Gamble, Seward, NE
MSC nominations cease. Balloting followed.
Election of Committee # 5 (Stewardship & Pensions) – 2008 Annual Conference
Mr. Dave Berg, St. Louis, MO
Ken Blood, Oklahoma City, OK
Jack Harper, Calera, OK
Steve Hauptman, Camarillo, CA
Bob Softing, Hawley, MN
MSC nominations cease and to elect.
The report of the Colloquy Committee was presented by Rev. Thomas Schierkolk, Eben Junction, MI.
MSC to receive.
Report of the Nominating Committee
2008 Colloquy Committee
Rev. Lloyd Quanbeck, Minot, ND
Rev. Mark Antal, Park River,ND
Rev. Allen Monson, Mesa, AZ
Rev. Richard Carr, Minneapolis, MN
Rev. Steve Mundfrom, Arlington, SD
Rev. Don Voorhees, Dannebrog, NE
MSC to close nominations and to elect.
Budget Analysis Committee (3 year term)
Rev. Ken Hart, St Francis KS
Mr. Jerry Allen Montgomery IL
MSC nominations cease. Balloting followed on spare ballot 7.
Budget Analysis Committee (3 year term)
Mr. Lucas Anderson, Maple Grove, MN
Mr. Nathaniel Olson, Fargo, ND
Mr. Rodney Kjersten, Roseau, MN
MSC nominations cease. Balloting followed Spare ballot 8.
Election results
Board of Pensions (Layman 5 year term)
Mr. Gerald Kuster, Reynolds, ND 55
Mr. Jordan Volk, Brandon, SD33
Mr. Roger Gamble, Seward, NE 62
Having no majority, balloting continued with Mr. Kuster and Mr. Gamble on spare ballot 9.
Stewardship Board (Layman 5 year term)
*Mrs. Brenda Carr, Minneapolis, MN 90
Mr. Scott Schauer, Oklahoma City, OK 63
*elected
Additional General Resolutions
WHEREAS we have truly been blessed by the hospitality of Abiding Savior and Living Word Free Lutheran Congregations, along with the Sioux Falls Christian Schools, and the Sioux Falls community in general
BE IT RESOLVED that we thank God for their gifts of time, talent, and energy utilized in the hosting of the 2007 AFLC Annual Conference.
MSC to adopt.
Rev. Timothy Skramstad, Eagan, MN, moved to change the AFLC Rules for Work to the following:
The vice-president shall be elected for a term of three years. The vice-president shall serve in a full-time capacity, assisting the president in the fulfillment of his duties. The vice-president and president’s regular election shall take place on differing years.
Second.
Rev. Skramstad explained that making the term longer allows the conference to have a voice in choosing the assistant to the President.
Mrs. Amy Dalager, Argyle, MN, expressed her concern that this would take an ordained pastor out of the pulpit.
Mr. Don Gillespie, Ashkum, IL, said that there is a possibility that we could elect two people who would not be able to work together.
Mr. Scott Schauer, Oklahoma City, OK, said that the overlapping terms could limit the number of candidates.
Rev. Richard Carr, Minneapolis, MN, said that a pastor is free to withdraw his name, and that churches with two pastors have been able to see them work together without difficulty.
Rev. Steve Mundfrom, Arlington, SD, said the rules for work state that the Vice-President would take the place of the president in case he is unable to fill his term. There is no provision made for salary in the motion.
Rev. Gene Sundby, Outlook, SK, said that a committee needs to work through the Rules For Work on this issue since many other areas are affected
Pastor Henry Mohagen, Reva, SD said that many questions are being raised.
Mr. Nathan Dalager, Argyle, MN, said that we can use our pastors to help with the work of the President.
Rev. Timothy Skramstad, Eagan, MN, said that something needs to change. A committee needs to look at the needs. He withdrew his motion.
Rev. Ken Moland, Kirkland, WA said that the co-ordinating committee has already looked at the role of vice-president. They can look further into that position.
Board of Pensions (Layman 5 year term)
Mr. Gerald Kuster, Reynolds, ND 53
*Mr. Roger Gamble, Seward, NE 89
Budget Analysis Committee (3 year term)
*Rev. Ken Hart, St Francis KS 105
Mr. Jerry Allen Montgomery IL 39
Budget Analysis Committee (3 year term)
Mr. Lucas Anderson, Maple Grove, MN 20
*Mr. Nathaniel Olson, Fargo, ND 78
Mr. Rodney Kjersten, Roseau, MN 40
*elected
MSC to adjourn.