To Re-establish Path to SMP Ordination for Those Serving as Deacons in the Synod

WHEREAS, There is a clear biblical foundation for the role of deacon as a support to the apostolic ministry of Word and prayer (Acts 6:1–7); and

WHEREAS, Deacons are to have similar personal, spiritual, moral, and relational requirements as those who hold the office of Episcopos or “Overseer” (cf. 1 Tim. 3:1–7 and 1 Tim. 3:8–13); and

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) already in 1989 recognized the need to develop intentional lay training programs in Synod districts to equip men as deacons to help meet the needs of existing congregations; and

WHEREAS, Since 1989 several districts have indeed developed formal and consistent training programs to properly equip laymen to serve as deacons as requested by their respective congregations and supervised by an ordained pastor on the roster of the Synod; and

WHEREAS, There is already in existence an alternate route to ordination for those who have been trained as roster ed workers in the Synod, taking into account their previous training and faithful years of service; and

WHEREAS, 2016 Resolution 13-02A provided a process toward ordination through regional colloquy for licensed deacons to be roster ed as Specific Ministry Pastors (SMP); therefore be it

Resolved, That such district lay training endeavors be celebrated, encouraged to continue, and expanded in an effort to develop more and more capable, well-trained, and qualified deacons to serve in unique ministry settings under the supervision of ordained pastors of the Synod, along with the faithful ecclesiastical oversight of the respective district president; and be it further

Resolved, That in accordance with 2016 Res.13-02A, the Synod restore the opportunity for deacons who have served for two or more years and are 50 years of age or older to seek ordination through colloquy, and there by, roster status as a SMP, and as such will remain under the supervision of an ordained general pastor of the Synod.