Resolution 2005-1

A Resolution on Vocation

Purpose:           To provide resources to members of the Lutheran Student Movement—USA on vocation and volunteer opportunities.

Whereas,         Lutheran Student Movement—USA is made up of students, who will one day not be students, and will move into the workforce;

Whereas,         many students devote much time, energy, and concern to considering what vocation they will pursue, such that it does not conflict with their own ethics and understanding of their role as a Christian in this world.  Many students feel that this search is hopeless in their particular field, but the Church can use these gifted people;

Whereas,         God calls us to many different vocations, as Paul writes in his letter to the Ephesians 4:1-4, 11-13, “I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  There is one body and one Spirit, just as you are called to the one hope of your calling, on Lord, one faith, one baptism, on God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all… The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ;”

Whereas,         there are many opportunities for work within Lutheranism that do not conflict with our faith.  These include opportunities for life-long vocations within Lutheranism, such as with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Augsburg Fortress, Lutheran World Relief, Lutheran Social Services, Lutheran Disaster Response, and more.  These also include year-long volunteer positions that are perfect for college graduates who are not yet sure of their calling.  This may include, but is not limited to music ministry with Youth Encounter, Young Adults in Global Mission in the ELCA, and Lutheran Volunteer Corps;

Therefore be it resolved that

1. LSM-USA provide resources for possible vocations for its members by designating a section of the LSM-USA national website for the purpose of providing job descriptions, links, and contact information. This may include Lutherans organizations, social ministry organizations, and short-term volunteer opportunities,

2. LSM-USA re-evaluate the effectiveness of this resolution and the action that follows in 5 years (the 2009 National Council) and consider writing another resolution to better provide resources to its members in terms of vocation.

Sponsored by:  Mid-Atlantic Lutheran Student Movement

                        Passed in Sabillasville, MD, October 22, 2005