To Reconsider Use of Licensed Lay 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, Licensed Lay Deacons (LLD) served effectively in the Synod from 1989–2016 (with a short pause); 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:

• 1989: ministry of LLDs established at Synod convention (1989 Resolution 3-05B);

• 1995: ministry of LLDs taken back (1995 Res. 3-07A) by requiring LLDs to apply for colloquy;

• 2001: ministry of LLDs resurrected (2001 Res. 3-08B) and calls for Distance Education Leading To Ordination oversight committee;

• 2007: Specific Ministry Pastor program put into play;

• 2016: LLDs severely limited (2016 Res. 13-02A); and

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

WHEREAS, The present technological resources available to congregations make supervision of LLDs by ordained ministers more accessible and effective; and

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod affirms the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit calls people to faith in Jesus Christ and sustains them in that faith; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Pacific Southwest District would memorialize the 2023 Synod convention to establish a task force to reconsider the use of LLDs in Word and Sacrament ministry within its congregations; and be it further

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

Resolved, That any use of LLDsin Word and Sacrament ministry must occur under the direct supervision of an ordained minister; and be it finally

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.