To Encourage University Worship Practices Faithful to Scriptures and Confessions and Reflecting Breadth of Worship in the Synod

WHEREAS, The Synod holds worship as central to the life and faith of its congregations, universities, and seminaries, reflecting the church’s commitment to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions; and

WHEREAS, The Synod encourages congregations “to strive for uniformity in church practice, but also to develop an appreciation of a variety of responsible practices and customs which are in harmony with our common profession of faith” (Const. Art. III 7); and

WHEREAS, Member congregations of the Synod are permitted to have a variety of worship practices, provided such practices are faithful to scriptural teachings and the Lutheran Confessions; and

WHEREAS, The universities of the Synod play a crucial role in preparing graduates for membership and service within the Synod and, as such, should reflect the breadth of worship practices found in member congregations of the Synod; and

WHEREAS, The Synod in convention (2023 Res. 7-04B, “To revise Bylaws to Revisit and Renew relationship of colleges and Universities with the Synod”) revised Bylaw subsection 3.6.6 to direct the Concordia University System (CUS) Board of Directors to develop and adopt Lutheran Identity Mission Outcome Standards (LIMOS), which were adopted in February, 2024, including Identity Standard 2.1, that states, “The ecclesiastical mission and goals are clearly and consciously pursued in the design and delivery of campus worship;” and Item 2.1.5 of the LIMOS Evaluation Tool asks, “How is commitment to the church’s heritage and unity reflected in the use of liturgies, hymnals, and hymnody?” and “Describe the regular pattern of chapel services noting liturgies and hymnals used and those who serve as preacher and li turgi sts” (CUS, Lutheran Identity and Mission Outcome Standards with Evaluation Tool [adopted 2024], 1, 5); and

WHEREAS, Formal visitations were conducted with each of the universities of the Synod in 2025, during which the following observations were made regarding campus worship:

• “Chapel services provide a range of Christian worship styles and liturgies” (CUS, Concordia University Irvine Formal Visitation Letter of Determination and Report, Mar. 9, 2025, p. 2).

• “Documented examples and direct observation show the regular pattern of leadership by ordained clergy and regular use of LSB liturgies and hymnody. Vestments are regularly used,” and “Wednesday worship uses LBS [sic] Responsive Prayer combined with contemporary hymnody and instrumentation.” (CUS, Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor Formal Visitation Letter of Determination and Report, Feb. 9, 2026, p. 3)

• “Chapel is offered daily Monday through Friday, and uses the church’s liturgy and hymnody” (CUS, Concordia University Chicago Formal Visitation Letter of Determination and Report, Jan. 30, 2026, p. 3).

• “Worship life is central to CSP’s identity, offering a variety of services—morning and evening,diverse in style—tailored to the developmental needs of undergraduates yet always grounded in God’s Word,” and “Lutheran Service Book is utilized in most worship settings, as well as other worship resources which have gone through LCMS doctrinal review.” (CUS, Concordia University St. Paul Formal Visitation Letter of Determination and Report, Nov. 21, 2025, p. 3–4)

• “[CUNE] has woven its ecclesiastical mission and goals into the fabric of campus life. It examines how faith is expressed and nurtured through campus worship, ensuring alignment with Lutheran theology and practice. This includes assessing the content of chapel services, the use of hymns and liturgy, and the approach to sacraments like communion. After discussion with the visitation team, CUNE will continue to evaluate and connect daily chapel services to the expectations of the LCMS and the LIMOS.” (CUS, Concordia University Nebraska Formal Visitation Letter of Determination and Report, Apr. 25, 2025, p. 3) and

WHEREAS, Fostering a consistent approach to worship practices across the congregations, universities, and seminaries of the Synod strengthens the unity of the Synod and provides a coherent witness to students,congregations, and the broader community; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention affirm that the universities of the Synod should uphold worship practices that reflect the breadth of practices permitted and practiced in member congregations of the Synod, preparing their graduates to serve and participate faithfully in various worship settings; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention encourage its universities to foster worship practices that are scriptural ly faithful, reflective of the confessional unity of the Synod, and support the variety of worship practices and customs within the Synod in order to best prepare graduates for service within all member congregations of the Synod; and be it further

Resolved, That all visitations and Synod reports regarding worship practices in universities of the Synod shall not advocate for any particular worship practice on the basis of heritage or custom as preferred within the Synod, ensuring that the universities remain committed and prepared to serve and support all member congregations of the Synod; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod provide guidance and support to assist the universities of the Synod in implementing on their campuses worship practices that align with Const.Art.III7,promoting mutual respect and understanding for the breadth of worship practices used by member congregations within the Synod.