To Support the Specific Ministry Pastor Program and Remove Its Age Requirement

WHEREAS, The Synod continues to face significant pastoral shortages, particularly in rural, urban, ethnic, and mission-start contexts; and

WHEREAS, Many congregations of the Synod struggle to secure full-time seminary-trained pastors, leading to extended vacancies, limited Word and Sacrament ministry, and challenges in congregational vitality and growth; and

WHEREAS, The Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program has provided a faithful, rigorous, and supervised path for the formation and ordination of pastors to serve in specific ministry contexts under the oversight of the seminaries and districts; and

WHEREAS, Congregations served by SMP pastors have experienced stability in Word and Sacrament ministry, faithful proclamation of the Gospel, catechesis, pastoral care, and mission outreach within their unique local contexts; and

WHEREAS, The SMP program has enabled mature, faithful men with deep roots in their congregations and communities to be formed for pastoral service while remaining engaged in local ministry and vocations; and

WHEREAS, The Synod remains committed to maintaining high standards of theological education and pastoral formation, while also responding in creative and responsible ways to the real ministry needs of the church; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod affirm the value of the SMP program as a faithful and necessary pathway for pastoral formation and service; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod encourage continued support for the SMP program through its seminaries, districts, and congregations, including adequate resources, supervision, and mentoring for SMP candidates and pastors; and be it further

Resolved, That that the Synod urge districts and congregations to consider the SMP program as one faithful option for addressing pastoral shortages and mission needs, particularly in under served communities; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod reaffirm that the SMP program operates within the confessional, theological, and ecclesial standards of the Synod, while continuing to evaluate and strengthen the program to ensure faithful pastoral formation; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention remove the 40-year-old age requirement for admittance into the SMP program; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod give thanks to God for the pastors formed through the SMP program and for the congregations that have been strengthened and sustained in Word and Sacrament ministry through their service.