To Regularize Specific Ministry Pastoral Classification

WHEREAS, Our Lutheran Confessions state “… that no one should publicly teach in the Church, or administer the Sacraments, without a rightly ordered call” (Augsburg Confession XIV) and that ordination is an essential component of a regular, ordered call (Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope 67, 69–71); and

WHEREAS, Membership Status and Limitations noted in the Handbook of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (2019 Handbook, Bylaw section 2.13) applies requirements and limitations on Specific Ministry Pastors (SMP) that include:

• remaining in a specific ministry context;

• remain under supervision by a general pastor;

• limits his Call outside of the context of his Call;

• is not eligible to serve as a voting delegate to the national convention;

• is not eligible to be elected or appointed to offices at the district and Synod level;

• may not supervise vicars; and

• may not serve as circuit visitor; and

Whereas, Other classifications of pastors (Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology [EIIT], Hispanic, and others) who are not graduates from a residential program track (Master of Divinity and Alternative Route) have been granted ordination without notation of how these non-residential tracks are to be managed in the context of Bylaw 2.13.1 (a–c); and

Whereas, Confusion on how to deal with ordained pastors who are not SMP or graduates from residential ministry tracks continues to exist; and

Whereas, Non-residential tracks toward ordination are currently treated in a similar manner as SMP and SMP Colloquy; therefore be it

Resolved, That Synod in convention adopt language for all non- resident graduate and ordained ministers of religion—ordained; and be it further

Resolved, That Bylaw 2.13.1 be amended as follows:

PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING Reports and Overtures

2.13.1 A “specific ministry pastor” is a minister of religion— ordained who has completed the requirements for service as a specific ministry pastor, EIIT, Hispanic ministry, or any other non- residential ministry tracks and has been examined by one of the Synod’s seminaries, has received a regular call, and has been placed by the Council of Presidents into a specific Word and Sacrament ministry context. He is eligible to serve only in that specific ministry context for which he has been trained and may not be offered or accept a call for ministry for which he has not been certified as determined by his district president. He shall serve under the supervision of his district president and another pastor who is not a specific ministry pastor. …