To Uphold Deep and Broad Study of Holy Scripture in Synod Seminaries

WHEREAS, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, have historically grounded pastoral formation in sustained, direct engagement with the text of Holy Scripture in the original languages; and

WHEREAS, Faithful pastoral ministry requires not merely acquaintance with the biblical text through secondary sources, but the ability to read, translate, and interpret Holy Scripture firsthand for preaching, teaching, catechesis, and pastoral care; and

WHEREAS, The Church benefits when pastors are formed to handle the Word of God with confidence rooted in direct textual study rather than dependence upon external aids alone; and

WHEREAS, Our Lord commands His Churchto love God not only with heart and soul but also with mind (Matt. 22:37), and St. Paul exhorts ministers to “rightly handl[e] the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15); therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod reaffirm and encourage the seminaries of the Synod to maintain and deepen rigorous instruction in the original languages of Holy Scripture, emphasizing direct translation and exegetical engagement with the biblical text; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod encourage the seminaries to resist trends toward reduced or merely introductory engagement with the biblical languages in pastoral formation; and be it further

Resolved, That the seminaries be commended and encouraged to double down on forming pastors who are capable of independent, faithful handling of the Scriptural text in the original languages for the sake of the Church’s preaching and teaching; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod give thanks to God for His Word and pray for pastors formed to proclaim it faithfully and confidently.