To Reaffirm Residential Seminary Formation as Preferred Route for Pastoral Preparation

WHEREAS, The Evangelical Lutheran Church confesses the Holy Scriptures as the inspired Word of God and the only infallible rule of faith and practice (Const. Art. II 1); and

WHEREAS, The Evangelical Lutheran Church accepts the Lutheran Confessions in the Book of Concord as true expositions of Holy Scripture and as correct exhibitions of the church’s doctrine (Const. Art. II 2); and

WHEREAS, The Synod requires pastors to vow before God and their congregations to preach, teach, and conduct their ministries in faithful conformity to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions (Lutheran Service Book Agenda, 166); and

WHEREAS, Faithful pastoral ministry requires not merely an acquaintance with the biblical text through secondary sources, but the ability to read, translate, and interpret Holy Scripture for preaching, teaching, catechesis, and pastoral care; and

WHEREAS, Faithful pastoral ministry requires not merely a familiarity with the Lutheran Confessions, but sustained commitment to them as the theological framework within which pastors carry out their duties (2016 Res. 6-02); and

WHEREAS, The unity of the Synod is better cultivated when future pastors are formed in a residential setting that enables them to live out the liturgical life of the church and experience an extended time of “mutual conversation and consolation of the brethren” (SA III IV) that will prepare them to conduct ministry within the shared doctrinal framework of the Lutheran Confessions (2023 Special Presentations, “The Biblical and Reformation Heritage of LCMS Pastoral Formation,” Lawrence R. Rast, Jr., Proceedings, 107–9; “Our Residential Seminaries: Deep Pastoral Formation and Worldwide Impact,” Thomas J. Egger, Proceedings, 109–11); and

WHEREAS, Concordia Theological Seminary and Concordia Seminary have each been forming pastors committed to both the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions through comprehensive residential education, communal life, faculty mentorship, and supervised pastoral formation for over 175 years (2019 Res. 6-06;

Resolved, That the Synod reaffirm residential seminary formation as the preferred route for preparing men for the pastoral office (cf. 2016 Res. 6-03; 2019 Res. 6-02; 2023 Res. 6-02A; 2023 Res. 6-03A); and be it further

Resolved, That district presidents, circuits, and congregations be encouraged to recommend and support qualified men for residential seminary study, including vocational encouragement and financial assistance (2023 Res. 6-02A); and be it further

Resolved, That the seminaries continue addressing concerns regarding accessibility and feasibility of residential formation; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod pray for an increase in candidates for the pastoral office, trusting the Lord of the Church to provide faithful shepherds (Luke 10:2).