To Consider Use of Deacons in Word and Sacrament Ministry

WHEREAS, There is an increasing number of congregations who are unable to support a pastor and his family on a full-time basis; and

WHEREAS, There is an increasing number of congregations with pastoral vacancies due to lack of ordained candidates; and

WHEREAS, Licensed Lay Deacons (LLD) served effectively in the Synod from 1989–2016 (with a short pause); and

WHEREAS, The licensed lay diaconate has resulted in deacons pursuing ordination; and

WHEREAS, The Synod has changed its position on the use of LLDs in Word and Sacrament ministry a number of times during these years; and

WHEREAS, The Synod has affirmed its position that Word and Sacrament ministry must be carried out under the office of the ministry; and

WHEREAS, The number of congregations facing shared ministry or potential closure continues to increase; and

WHEREAS, The scriptural and historical foundations of the diaconate being established through the laying on of hands is clear and continues in our partner churches today; and

WHEREAS, The present technological resources available to congregations make supervision of LLDsby general ministry pastor (i.e., not specific ministry pastor)more accessible and effective; and

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod affirms the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit in calling people to faith in Jesus Christ and sustaining them in that faith through God’s servants; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Northwest District in convention memorialize the Synod to form a task force to consider the establishment of a diaconate for Word and Sacrament ministry within its congregations; and be it further

Resolved, That members of the task force specifically include representatives from districts that have historically made extensive use of LLDs in Word and Sacrament ministry; and be it further

Resolved, That the task force examine the use of non-ordained servants in foreign partner churches; and be it further

Resolved, That any use of deacons in Word and Sacrament ministry must occur under the direct supervision of a general ministry pastor; and be it further

Resolved, That the appointed task force study the document, Workers for His Harvest,submitted by the Northwest District Board of Directors following the 2016 Synod convention; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Northwest District in convention submit this resolution to the 2023 Synod convention.