To Strengthen Pastoral Formation in the Synod

WHEREAS, The Synod “under Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions” has established the objective to “recruit and train pastors, teachers, and other professional church workers” (Const. Art. III 3), and has developed bylaws, policies, and processes to fulfill this objective; and

WHEREAS, The Synod in convention has passed resolutions further defining the processes for pastoral formation; and

WHEREAS, Congregations and rostered church workers, as members of the Synod, have agreed to abide by these standards; and

WHEREAS, Para-church organizations have established online, quasi-seminaries that subvert our agreed upon processes of pastoral formation; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention condemn all efforts to use these unauthorized processes and organizations; and be it further

Resolved, That Synod leadership make diligent efforts to ensure that only properly authorized processes are being used; and be it finally

Resolved, That the President of the Synod exercise oversight and execute appropriate discipline on offending district presidents, rostered church workers, and congregations.