To Regularize Specific Ministry Pastoral Formation

WHEREAS, 2019 Resolution 6-03A resolved “That the joint boards of regents prepare an overture to the Synod on the timing of vicarage and ordination for the SMP program for consideration in convention in 2022” (Proceedings, 159); and

WHEREAS, Holy Scripture warns the church “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands …” (1 Tim. 5:22); and

WHEREAS, Our Lutheran Confessions state “… that nobody should preach publicly in the church or administer the sacraments unless he is regularly called” (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, Neither the Lutheran Confessions nor the historic practice of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) recognizes a “provisional ordination” to the Office of the Holy Ministry; and

WHEREAS, The current provision of ordination after two years with the proviso that the roster ed worker complete two more years of required education has led to men being removed from the LCMS roster and created confusion about the pastoral office throughout the Synod; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Board of Regents of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne memorialize the 2023 Synod convention to modify the provisions of the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program as outlined in 2007 Res. 5-01B to require students enrolled in the SMP program after the 2027 academic year to complete all academic requirements of the SMP program prior to ordination and placement on the Synod roster as ministers of religion—ordained;

and be it further

Resolved, That students who have successfully completed the first six months of academic requirements be designated “SMP vicars” and may conduct Word and Sacrament services under the supervision of the local supervising pastor with the approval of the respective seminary program directors, the district president, and the sponsoring congregation; and be it further

Resolved, That SMP vicars may remain in that designation so long as they are enrolled in and actively pursuing completion of their program leading toward ordination; and be it further

Resolved, That if a student for any reason is no longer enrolled in the SMP program, the SMP vicar designation would be withdrawn until active enrollment in the SMP program is resumed;

and be it finally

Resolved, That any delay or postponement of a student’s progress toward completion must be approved by the respective