To Review and Streamline Specific Ministry Pastor to General Pastor Pathways

WHEREAS, The Synod has established the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program for pastoral service in specific contexts under defined parameters, and has long provided that, after further preparation and examination, an SMP pastor may be eligible for a change of status to serve as a general ministry pastor; and

WHEREAS, There is widespread desire among congregations and districts for clear, affordable, and efficient pathways by which men serving faithfully as SMP pastors may, after appropriate additional formation and examination, be eligible for such change of status in order to meet local mission needs; and

WHEREAS, The Bylaws of Synod charge the responsible boards, committees, and seminaries with developing and maintaining the policies that govern pastoral qualification, certification, placement, and academic standards; and

WHEREAS, The current pathways from SMP to general ministry vary in structure, sequence, cost, and time to completion, which causes confusion for congregations and candidates, creates avoidable financial burdens, and can delay the deployment of fully prepared workers into the harvest; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention direct the President of the Synod to convene, within six months of adjournment, a working group consisting of representatives of the Council of Presidents (COP), the Pastoral Formation Committee, the seminaries of the Synod (presidents and appropriate faculty), and the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, with consultation from the Concordia University System and Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), to review and propose reforms to the pathways from SMPtogeneral ministry; and be it further

Resolved, That this working group evaluate and recommend, without compromising doctrinal fidelity or pastoral competency, a unified and transparent pathway that includes clear entry criteria, recognition of prior learning with credit for demonstrated pastoral competencies, sequenced coursework available via distance and hybrid delivery, standardized comprehensive examination(s) appropriate to general ministry, and timely, published milestones for assessment and approval; and be it further

Resolved, That the working group propose measures to improve afford ability, including but not limited to tuition caps or reduced tuition rates for SMP transition coursework, expanded scholarships targeted for SMP pastors, cohort models that reduce per‑student cost, and responsible use of distance education to minimize travel and housing expenses; and be it further

Resolved, That the seminaries be directed to publish, within twelve months of convention adjournment, harmonized handbooks that set forth the reformed pathway, including syllabi, credit expectations, examination rubrics, sample timelines, and a comprehensive schedule of fees; and be it further

Resolved, That the COP, in consultation with the seminaries, establish uniform policies and procedures for the examination and certification for change of status to general ministry pastor, and publish them together with the seminaries’ handbooks; and be it further

Resolved, That the President of the Synod ensure that the above reforms are implemented and that progress reports be provided to the Synod through an official periodical at six‑month intervals, with a final report, including any recommended bylaw changes, submitted to the 2029 Synod convention; and be it further

Resolved, That districts and congregations be encouraged to identify and financially support qualified SMP pastors pursuing change of status, and that LCEF and other partners be invited to create revolving funds, grants, or loan products to reduce out‑of‑pocket costs for candidates; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod reaffirm that any change‑of‑status pathway for SMP pastors must preserve confessional subscription, thorough pastoral formation, and rigorous examination in doctrine and practice, so that the Church may be well served by pastors competent for the whole Office of the Public Ministry.