To Establish Commissioned Male Diaconate

WHEREAS, A commissioned female diaconate graduate level training program was authorized by the Synod in 2001 (Res. 5-06B) and established in 2002 to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through a ministry of works of mercy, spiritual care, and teaching the Christian faith, as inspired by the example of Phoebe from the Scriptures (Rom. 16:1–2); and

WHEREAS, This program has yielded great success in training many women for mercy work in our Synod; and

WHEREAS, Not all men are called to be pastors but may be called to serve in a diaconate role; and

WHEREAS, Scripture also provides us with the examples of Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus as male deacons who engaged in acts of spiritual service (Acts 6:1–7); and

WHEREAS, The Church is encouraged to ensure that deacons are tested and well-qualified (1 Tim. 3:8–13); therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod’s seminaries (Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne) include men for commissioned diaconate education and certification for the purpose of training qualified mento engage in the ministry of works of mercy, spiritual care, and teaching the Christian faith.