Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026Committee 6Pastoral Ministry and Seminaries

Ov. 6-75

To Encourage the Council of Presidents to Prioritize Assignment of Seminary Candidates to Sole Vacancies over Associate Positions

Committee
6. Pastoral Ministry and Seminaries
Submitted by
North Dakota Districtdistrict
Workbook page
409

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) currently has a shortage of pastors for open pulpits and altars; and

WHEREAS, The difficulty of open pulpits and altars will only get worse due to pastors in the baby boomer segment of the population retiring; and

WHEREAS, Each year, the Synod’s seminaries are graduating fewer seminarians than the number of pastors needed by LCMS congregations; and

WHEREAS, For proper administration of the Sacrament of the Altar, a local church needs to have a pastor or share a pastor;

therefore be it

Resolved, That the 2025 North Dakota District convention encourage the Council of Presidents and seminary placement offices to prioritize the assignment of ready seminary candidates to sole vacancies over associate vacancies.