Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026Committee 6Pastoral Ministry and Seminaries
To Reaffirm the Synod’s Routes to Ministry
- Committee
- 6. Pastoral Ministry and Seminaries
- Submitted by(2)
- Circuit 3circuitSouthern Illinois Districtdistrict
- Workbook page
- 370
WHEREAS, 2023 Resolution 6-02A, “To Encourage Proper Pastoral Formation through Our Synod’s Seminaries,” resolved, “that districts and members of the Synod honor, use, and promote Synod-approved programs and not create independent programs of pastoral preparation or direct men to pastoral preparation programs outside of our Synod’s seminaries as such efforts are not in accord with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod (Const. Art. III 3; Bylaw 3.10.4)” (Proceedings, 161); and
WHEREAS, Members of the Synod have created independent programs of pastoral education such as The Center for Missional and Pastoral Leadership Formation (the center.info/cmpl/, accessed Jan. 22, 2026); therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod reaffirm the routes to the Office of the Holy Ministry created by the Synod are the only routes to ordination and service as ordained ministers of the Synod; and be it further
Resolved, That the ecclesiastical supervisors of those members who are engaging in independent programs of pastoral education be directed to evangelical ly correct them, stressing that their work is not in accord with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod; and be it finally
Resolved, That such members unwilling to cease their engagement of independent programs of pastoral education be removed from the roster of the Synod.