To Uphold Seminary Formation That Faithfully Teaches All Doctrines of Scripture and Lutheran Confessions and Practices That Accord with Them

WHEREAS, Pastors of the Synod vow to teach in accordance with Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions; and

WHEREAS, Seminary formation equips men to teach, defend, and apply these doctrines faithfully amid cultural and ecclesial pressures; and

WHEREAS, Doctrinal unity is preserved not only through agreement in teaching but also through practices that accord with that teaching; and

WHEREAS, Holy Scripture is“profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16–17); and

WHEREAS, The Augsburg Confession describes the pastoral office as exercised in faithfulness to Scripture and good order (AC XXVIII); therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod reaffirm seminary formation focused on the full teaching of Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions;

and be it further

Resolved, That districts of the Synod continue to uphold pastoral vows through visitation and ecclesiastical supervision; and be it further

Resolved, That seminaries continue to emphasize liturgical, doctrinal, and pastoral formation consistent with the Synod’s confession; and be it finally

Resolved, That the church implore the Holy Spirit to grant pastors steadfastness in the truth.