To Amend Bylaw 3.10.4.6 to Expand Pastoral Formation Committee

WHEREAS, An explicit purpose of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod, along with missions, is to provide pastors for the congregations of the Synod (Constitution Article III 3); and

WHEREAS, The current system of graduate level residential training at an approved seminary continues to struggle to provide both the sorts and the numbers of pastors that the congregations of the Synod desire; and

WHEREAS, Questions surround how to maximize the specific ministry pastor program appropriately to maximize the benefit of its existence; and

WHEREAS, The Synod has established a Pastoral Formation Committee (PFC, Bylaw 3.10.4) of just three members to oversee the overall approach to pastoral formation; and

WHEREAS, Two of the three members of the PFC are seminary presidents and all three members of the committee are ordained, representing a narrow segment of interest; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod expand the PFC to include a wider range of voices and interests so that the voice of the church and the needs of congregations are better represented; and be it further

Resolved, That the PFC be comprised of:

• One seminary president

• One Synod executive

• One district president

• Three lay members selected by draw of suggested names submitted by district presidents of districts not already represented on the committee.

Resolved, That, to effect the above, Bylaw 3.10.4.6 be amended as follows: PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING D. Pastoral Formation Committee … 3.10.4.6 The Pastoral Formation Committee shall comprise the following members: Voting Members: submitted by district presidents of districts not already represented on the committee Nonvoting Advisory Member: