To Replace Dispute Resolution Process with Biblical, Workable, and Effective System for Ecclesiastical Supervision

Preamble The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is united in a common confession of Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions and is called to maintain unity in doctrine and judgment while addressing disputes in a fraternal and timely manner (1 Cor. 1:10; Matt. 5:24). Such reconciliation serves both the Gospel and the well-being of the church. The current dispute resolution process, codified in Bylaw section 1.10, was established to resolve disputes within the church while avoiding secular litigation. In practice, however, the process has become lengthy, complex, and costly. Its extensive procedural requirements and frequent reliance on in-person meetings can cause disputes to take years to address, or to remain unresolved altogether. When disputes concerning doctrine, practice, or church life are not resolved in a timely and meaningful way, the unity of the church suffers and confidence in ecclesiastical supervision is weakened. A process that is difficult to use in practice does not adequately serve congregations, pastors, or those charged with supervision. This overture proposes replacing the current dispute resolution process with a new system that is biblically grounded, confession ally faithful, and practically workable. The goal is to restore dispute resolution as an ecclesial and pastoral function, providing clear pathways to resolution, meaningful outcomes, and effective support for those exercising ecclesiastical supervision. The proposed committee is charged with developing a comprehensive replacement system, including any necessary constitutional and bylaw changes, for consideration and adoption by the Synod in convention.

WHEREAS, 1 Corinthians1:10 says, “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment;”and Constitution Article II states that we confess all doctrines of Holy Scripture, as confessed in the Lutheran Confessions of 1580; and

WHEREAS, The current dispute resolution process is codified in Bylaw section 1.10; and

WHEREAS, The dispute resolution process is unwieldy, taking up over 15 pages in the Handbook and often requiring in-person visits that can involve significant expense; and

WHEREAS, These practical requirements can lead to disputes not being resolved in a timely manner, sometimes taking years, and when disputes remain unresolved, the Body of Christ suffers; and

WHEREAS, Matthew 5:24 says to go to the person who has a problem with you and be reconciled with him, a process that can now be accomplished electronically in appropriate circumstances;

therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod acknowledge that the current dispute resolution process is impractical for effective ecclesiastical supervision and direct the President of the Synod, in consultation with the vice-presidents and the Secretary of the Synod, to appoint a representative committee to develop as its replacement a wholly new dispute resolution and ecclesiastical supervision system, grounded in Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, and including the following features:

• prior it iz ation of ecclesiastical supervision, pastoral admonition, and doctrinal clarity;

• timely, clear, and decisive action in matters of doctrine and life, with the process not taking years to complete;

• provision of clear, predictable, and workable pathways for resolving disputes, ensuring every matter reaches a practical outcome;

• inclusion of provisions for regular, periodic examination of pastors’ doctrine and practice, within the framework of ecclesiastical supervision, with frequency and form determined by the committee;

• production of meaningful and enforceable ecclesiastical outcomes, including admonition, correction, restoration, and, where necessary, discipline;

• support and strengthen, rather than hinder, the supervisory responsibilities of district presidents;

• avoidance of unnecessary procedural complexity, cost, and delay; and

• service to the Gospel and the unity of the Church rather than merely management of conflict;

and be it further

Resolved, That the committee be empowered and directed to recommend all necessary amendments to Constitution, Bylaws, and policies required to fully implement the replacement system; and be it finally

Resolved, That the committee present its proposed replacement system, with all recommended constitutional, bylaw, and policy changes, to the next regular convention for consideration, amendment, and adoption.