To Clarify Appropriate Uses of Specific Ministry Pastor Program in Accord with Synodical Intent

WHEREAS, The Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program was established by the Synod to prepare pastors for specific ministries under carefully defined conditions; and

WHEREAS, The Synod has repeatedly affirmed that residential seminary formation through the Master of Divinity program is the most complete means of preparing men for the general responsibilities of the pastoral office and the preferred route for pastoral preparation; and

WHEREAS, The Synod has explicitly stated that the SMP route is to be understood and positioned as the exception and should not become the principal rule with respect to the preparation and ordination of pastors; and

WHEREAS, The Synod has further urged that seminaries,districts, congregations, and pastors consistently encourage and strive to make provisions for prospective SMP students to consider entering residential pastoral formation programs; and

WHEREAS, Clarity regarding the appropriate use of the SMP program serves both the integrity of pastoral formation and the unity of the Synod; and

WHEREAS, The use of the SMP program for staffing associate pastor positions, multi-site congregations, or satellite worship locations where residential seminary formation is a reasonable option risks transforming an exceptional pathway into a normative staffing model, contrary to the stated intent of the Synod (2013 Res. 5-04B); therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod reaffirm that the SMP program is intended for clearly defined and limited ministry contexts and is not to be used where a congregation or ministry setting could reasonably support a pastor formed through residential seminary programs (2013 Res. 5-04B); and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod clarify that the SMP program is not intended to function as a routine means of staffing associate pastor roles, multi-site congregations, or satellite ministry locations where residential pastoral formation is feasible; and be it further

Resolved, That districts and district presidents be encouraged to apply SMP policies consistently and in harmony with the Synod’s stated intent that the SMP program remain an exceptional pathway rather than a normative staffing solution; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod give thanks to God for faithful specific ministry pastors who serve under call in appropriate contexts, while continuing to uphold the integrity, unity, and catholicity of pastoral formation for the sake of Christ’s Church.