Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026Committee 6Pastoral Ministry and Seminaries
To Seek Koinonia on Pastoral Formation and Routes to Ministry
- Committee
- 6. Pastoral Ministry and Seminaries
- Submitted by
- St. John Seward, NEcongregation
- Workbook page
- 380
WHEREAS, The issue of pastoral formation has received much attention in both official and unofficial forums of the Synod over the last decade; and
WHEREAS, Since 2010, the Koinonia Project has been developed and employed by the Synod with “the prayer that there be a cultural shift toward more open and honest discussion under the Word of God” (2016 Res. 4-05A, “To Continue and Expand the Koinonia Project,” Proceedings, 148); and
WHEREAS, The Synod in convention adopted 2016 Resolution 4- 05A, resolving that “each member of the Synod and each member of a Synod congregation will follow the principles of the Koinonia Project, namely, that when there is disagreement regarding doctrine and practice the baptized will come together through their unity in Christ to live out that unity as they study the Word of God and pray”; and
WHEREAS, Various activities, statements, and reports since Jan. 1, 2025, have generated controversy within the Synod on the issue of pastoral formation and routes to ministry, evidencing disagreement within the Synod on the issue; 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, the Office of the President, and the Pastoral Formation Committee establish and initiate a synodwide process consistent with the Koinonia Project of not less than two years that allows for much fraternal discussion and edification with respect to pastoral formation, including existing and potential routes to ministry, and anticipated future ministry needs for the members of the Synod; and be it finally
Resolved, That this process shall include face-to-face discussions within all circuits and districts of the Synod involving ministry leaders (ordained, commissioned, and lay) to reflect the various views, perspectives, and contexts in which the members of the Synod carry out ministry.