To Suspend New Specific Ministry Pastor Admissions pending Conformity with the Synod in Convention

Preamble The Synod in convention established the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program (2007 Res. 5-01B, “To Establish Specific Ministry Pastor Program”, Proc., 133–138) as a flexible and exceptional pastoral formation pathway to address particular ministry needs and special circumstances, replacing the DELTO program and permitting a broad range of “specific ministries.” From its inception, the program was not intended to function as a general or parallel route into the Office of the Holy Ministry, but as an accommodation to limited and specific situations. In the years following its implementation, concerns arose regarding the scope, definition, and application of the SMP program. In response, the 2013 Synod convention acted deliberately to narrow and clarify the program’s permissible use through Resolution 5- 04B, “To Continue and Strengthen Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) Program” (Proc., 139–40). That resolution explicitly directed district presidents not to approve SMP ministry sites that could reasonably be expected to support a general pastor or where the duties could be fulfilled by a minister of religion—commissioned, and reaffirmed that residential theological education remains the primary means for training men for pastoral ministry in the Synod. Experience since the adoption of these restrictions indicates that the limitations established by the Synod in convention have not been consistently observed, and that the SMP program has been utilized in contexts beyond those authorized. This has resulted in ongoing confusion regarding the nature of “specific ministry,” weakened adherence to the Synod’s stated norms for pastoral formation, and increased strain on ecclesiastical oversight. This resolution does not adjudicate specific cases, nor does it reflect upon the faithfulness, calling, or service of men currently serving as specific ministry pastors. Rather, it proposes a suspension of new SMP admissions as a prudent and proportionate corrective measure, while allowing those already enrolled or serving to continue under the terms of their admission. Such action honors prior decisions by the Synod, prevents further nonconformity, and preserves the possibility of the SMP program’s continued use should the Synod determine that it can be administered in full conformity with the limitations previously adopted by the Synod in convention.

WHEREAS, The 2007 Synod convention established the SMP program (2007 Res. 5-01B) to replace the DELTO program as a limited and exceptional pastoral formation pathway for specific ministry needs, not as a general route to the Office of the Holy Ministry; and

WHEREAS, The 2013 Synod convention adopted the “Sattgast Amendment” (2013 Res. 5-04B, “To Continue and Strengthen Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) Program”), directing district presidents not to approve specific ministry sites which could reasonably be expected to support a general pastor or sites where a minister of religion—commissioned could fulfill the duties pending reception of the recommendations from the SMP committee; and

WHEREAS, The SMP program has been utilized in contexts not authorized by the Synod in convention and contrary to the limitations adopted by the Synod in convention; and

WHEREAS, Such misuse reflects deficiencies in program structure and oversight rather than in the faithfulness or diligence of the men currently serving as SMP pastors; therefore be it

Resolved, That no new candidates shall be admitted into the SMP program after a date determined by the Synod; and be it further

Resolved, That individuals already enrolled in or who have completed the SMP program prior to that date may complete their formation and serve according to the terms under which they were admitted; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod seek and implement alternative means, consistent with what has been adapted in convention, to support congregations and ministries unable to support a general pastor, as required by 2013 Res. 5-04B; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod’s Bylaws be amended as necessary to implement this resolution; and be it further

Resolved, That should the Synod determine that the SMP program can be administered in full conformity with the limitations previously adopted by the Synod in convention—particularly that it be restricted to congregations and ministries unable to support a general pastor—then the Synod Bylaws may be amended to permit the continued use of the SMP program in that limited and exceptional form; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod’s seminaries, districts, and congregations conform all pastoral formation practices to those programs explicitly authorized by the Synod in convention.