To Seek Koinonia on Pastoral Formation and Routes to Ministry

WHEREAS, Jesus instructs us that the “harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Luke 10:2 NIV); and

WHEREAS, The issue of pastoral formation has received much attention in both official and unofficial forums over the last decade; and

WHEREAS, The Synod has historically recognized the need for collegial debate, collaborative decision-making, and consensus building, enshrining “the example of the apostolic church”, “Acts 15:1–31,” in the Constitution Preamble; and

WHEREAS, The witness of Scripture and the Early Christian Church was that “after there had been much debate” (Acts 15:7) on the controverted matter regarding the circumcision of Gentile converts a decision was made; and

WHEREAS, The Scriptures teach us to love one another and seek unity (1 Peter 1:3–8; Col. 3:12–14; Eph. 4:3); and

WHEREAS, The November 2025 report of the three-person Pastoral Formation Committee (PFC) “Policy Requirements for the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) Program” (files.lcms.org/dl/f/smp- policy-requirements)has generated even more controversy, both for those who seek greater flexibility and those desiring greater limitation; and

WHEREAS, Concern has been generated by the development of non-Synod approved training programs by members of the Synod; and

WHEREAS, A variety of gatherings have sought to discuss the issue of pastoral formation outside a structured Koinonia process, leading to much conversation but little “mutual conversation and consolation of the brethren” (SA III IV); and

WHEREAS, A review of Synod resolutions shows a rich history and adaptive practice concerning pastoral formation and routes to ministry; and

WHEREAS, The Koinonia Project provides members of the Synod with ameansthrough which wepray God will give greater harmony in our Synod’s “Life Together” by showing where there is agreement and disagreement, and identifying how we as a church can move toward greater unity in teaching and practice; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention encourage the spirit of koinonia (fraternal conversation) throughout all the members and entities of the Synod concerning pastoral formation and routes to ministry; and be it further

Resolved, That the Council of Presidents (COP), the office of the President (OTP), and the PFC establish a process as described in Acts 15 of not less than two years that allows for much fraternal discussion and edification with respect to pastoral formation and routes to ministry, including residential and contextual methodologies; and be it further

Resolved, That the PFC, in cooperation with the COP and the OTP, utilizing past resolutions, reports, and current best practices in educational methodologies and outcomes, produce a joint document to be presented to facilitate a broad-based koinonia in a manner that allows for appropriate theological reflection, study, and feedback for implementation; and be it further

Resolved, That this process and document would also facilitate a rich discussion on the policy requirements for the SMP program in light of and in conjunction with an ongoing participation in the general ministry certification; and be it further

Resolved, That this process would preferably involve face-to- face discussions within circuits and districts between leaders, including laymen, that reflect the divergent and diverse positions with the process and the participants to be determined by consensus of the COP, OTP, and PFC; and be it finally

Resolved, That this process would produce a plan that would be presented at the 2029 Synod convention.