To Support the Synod’s Specific Ministry Pastor Program

WHEREAS, There is a severe shortage of pastors and church workers anticipated in the near future; and

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), gathered in convention in 2007, created another path to ordination with the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program thus enabling more men to become ordained as Specific Ministry Pastors; and

WHEREAS, The SMP program has already enabled several circuits of the Southeastern District to benefit from the SMP program including 27 SMP pastors currently serving congregations and eight other students who are enrolled in the program; and

WHEREAS, There are not enough eligible students preparing for church work in the current seminary program to meet the current, much less future, needs of the church; and

WHEREAS, Many congregations are currently without pastors or other needed church workers; therefore be it

Resolved, That the 2023 Synod convention expand current LCMS support of the SMP program by increasing funding and enrollment; and be it further

Resolved, That the LCMS improve and strengthen the academic requirements for the SMP program; and be it further

Resolved, That the LCMS also clarify the role that sole SMP pastors can undertake in their congregations while not overstepping the limits of the “supervising position” outlined in the SMP program; and be it further

Resolved, That the LCMS review the distinction between SMP and general pastors to consider other ways in which an SMP pastor with many years of service can be included as a general pastor; and be it finally

Resolved, That the LCMS continue a strategic partnership with the districts to meet the future needs of its congregations and ministries with the church workers that will be needed.