To Discuss Online Theological Education

WHEREAS, The Synod has a rich tradition of rigorous theological education and formation, for pastors and laity; and

WHEREAS, The primary focus of this theological education has historically been placed on the formation of future pastors at one of our residential seminaries; and

WHEREAS, The development of new digital technologies has created resources for furthering theological study in non-residential educational contexts; and

WHEREAS, The Specific Ministry Pastor program has served a specific constituency of the Synod with online theological education, yet other online sources have arisen in recent years both inside the Synod and outside of the Synod to fill this gap in theological education; and

WHEREAS, Increasing demand exists for theological education among many sectors of the Synod, including theologically interested laity, lay leaders serving in their local congregations, pre- seminary candidates, pastors seeking continuing education, among others; and

WHEREAS, The theological faculties of our seminaries and universities have much theological wisdom to offer congregations, church workers, and future church workers of the Synod; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention restate its commitment to residential pastoral formation as the primary and most beneficial means for the raising up of clergy and future theological leaders of our church body; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention also acknowledge the opportunities that exist to promote theological education using online resources by employing the theological and pedagogical excellence of our seminary and university faculties; and beit further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention commit itself to discussion of how online theological education might best serve the interests and needs of the congregations, church workers, and future church workers of the Synod; and be it further

Resolved, That the Office of the President of the Synod establish a task force on online theological education in the next triennium, to include representatives from our seminaries, Concordia University System theology faculties, Office of Pastoral Education, Pastoral Formation Committee, and Council of Presidents, among others deemed suitable for this discussion; and be it finally

Resolved, That the task force report to the 2029 convention with specific recommendations for promoting online theological education in a way that supports and complements our residential seminaries, yet also meets the needs of our church body, such as lay theological education, lay congregational service, pre-seminary coursework, and continuing theological education for pastors and other church workers.