To Encourage Pilot Hybrid Master of Divinity with Synod Seminaries

WHEREAS, the Synod’s objectives include “recruit[ing] and train[ing] pastors … and provid[ing] opportunity for their continuing growth” (Const. Art. III 3), and the Pastoral Formation Committee (PFC) is charged “with ensuring that the Synod’s objective of training pastors is fulfilled consistently,” with seminaries governed by boards of regents (Bylaws 3.10.4, 3.10.5); and

WHEREAS, “Seminaries will implement new routes to ordination only upon approval by resolution of the Synod” (Bylaw 3.10.4.2), yet a change in delivery mode for an existing Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is not a new route and formation quality remains the standard; and

WHEREAS, Synod Bylaws have provided for preparation that “involv[es] extensive use of distance learning and/or a mentoring system,” while still requiring faculty certification and regular processes for first-call eligibility (2023 Bylaw 2.7.3, prior to non- substantive consolidation by the Commission on Handbook, Aug. 5, 2024); and

WHEREAS, Vicarage is required for all seminary students and “every vicar shall be assigned by the Council of Presidents, acting as the Board of Assignments” (Bylaw 3.10.5.7.10 [h][2]), ensuring district oversight; and

WHEREAS, Candidates must be declared qualified, receive and accept a call through assignment by the Board of Assignments, and proceed to ordination under district supervision (Bylaws 2.9.1; 2.10.2–4; ACXIV); these standards are unchanged by this proposal; and

WHEREAS, The 2019 and 2023 Synod conventions affirmed robust seminary formation, identifying residential education as preferred while encouraging appropriate use of distance modalities for pastoral formation (2019 Res. 6‑02, “To Promote Residential Seminary Education as the Preferred Option for the Preparation of Men for Pastoral Ministry; 2023 Res. 6‑02A, “To Encourage Proper Pastoral Formation through Our Synod’s Seminaries”); and

WHEREAS, The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) 2020 Standards permit hybrid and distance education and set no residency requirement for master’s degrees, contingent on approvals and quality with regular and substantive interaction (ATS, ats.edu/Standards-Of-Accreditation, accessed Mar. 2, 2026); and

WHEREAS, “The State of the LCMS Survey: 2025,” an informal, self‑selected sample of 1,054 Synod pastors, staff, and lay leaders conducted by Rev. Zach Zehnder, President of Red Letter Living, reports that 60.2 percent of respondents indicate LCMS should offer an online option for the M.Div., that “reaching and retaining youth” is the most‑selected challenge (44.3 percent), that a majority perceive national‑level confidence gaps, and that pastoral pipeline concerns are widespread; while not a scientific poll, its findings align with known trends and signal openness to accredited online preparation; and

WHEREAS, Both Concordia Theological Seminary (CTSFW) and Concordia Seminary (CSL) possess the governance, faculty oversight, admissions, curricular, assessment, and student‑care policies required to administer such apilot under Synod Bylawsand ATS accreditation (Bylaws 3.10.5; 3.10.5.7); and

WHEREAS, Congregations and circuit forums may submit overtures to the Synod in convention following the Secretary’s instructions (Bylaw 3.1.6.2); therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod encourage CTSFW and CSL to design and implement ajoint or parallel hybrid M.Div.pilot within the next three years, consistent with all applicable Synod Bylaws and resolutions and ATS accreditation standards; and be it further

Resolved, That admissions criteria and the initial cohort size(s) be set by each seminary under existing policies, with attention to academic readiness and pastoral aptitude; and be it further

Resolved, That field education and vicarage be conducted through supervised local placements under district oversight, with supervising pastors approved by the district president or his design ee, faculty-defined outcomes, documented competencies, and mid-term/final evaluations, and that vicarages be assigned by the Council of Presidents (COP) as required; and be it further

Resolved, That CTSFW and CSL define and publish program governance, curriculum delivery, assessment (including proctored and authentic evaluations), worship and devotional formation in a hybrid environment, technology requirements, student support and duty‑of‑care, and safeguarding policies appropriate to hybrid pastoral formation; and be it further

Resolved, That CTSFW and CSL secure all necessary ATS approvals for hybrid and distance education and any state or federal authorizations, maintaining program quality consistent with ATS standards and regular and substantive interaction; and be it further

Resolved, That this pilot changes only instructional delivery and does not alter ordination standards, vicarage requirements, or first‑call qualification processes; and be it further

Resolved, That the seminaries, in consultation with the Office of Pastoral Education and the COP, develop a practical plan for marketing, applicant screening, local site identification, supervising‑pastor training, vicarage work flow, and the first enrollment cycle, with attention to survey‑identified needs (e.g., youth engagement, trust‑building communication, pastoral pipeline); and be it further

Resolved, That CTSFW and CSL identify internal and external funding sources as needed and report any funding needs to the appropriate Synod boards or commissions without specifying dollar amounts; and be it further

Resolved, That CTSFW and CSL report annually to the PFC, to the two boards of regents in joint session, and to the 2029 Synod convention on approvals secured, enrollments, retention and completion, learning‑outcome attainment, vicarage evaluations, first‑call placement, student‑support metrics, technology reliability, and budget impact, together with recommendations; and be it further

Resolved, That the pilot sunset after placement of the first full graduating cohort unless: (a) renewed by the respective boards of regents based on meeting the following metrics: (1) each seminary’s board and faculty govern the pilot, (2) ATS approval is secured, and (3) Standard operating procedures are aligned to Synod Bylaws and ATS policies; and (b) reported for information to the Synod convention;

and be it finally

Resolved, That this overture be commended for use by any congregation or circuit wishing to encourage this pilot.