To Strengthen Convention Participation of Ministers of Religion—Commissioned

WHEREAS, Ministers of religion—commissioned are trained, authorized, and roster ed as members of the Synod; and

WHEREAS, Commissioned ministers support the Office of the Holy Ministry through the faithful teaching of the Word; and

WHEREAS, Commissioned ministers bring unique and faithful perspectives and gifts to the collective ministry of the Church; and

WHEREAS, Commissioned ministers have served essential roles in the faith formation of children, youth, adults, and families in congregations of the Northwest District; and

WHEREAS, Commissioned ministers have direct and unique influence on people who are considering vocational ministry within our congregations; and

WHEREAS, Commissioned ministers serve as celebrated ministry partners in support of pastors and ministries that provide access to Word and Sacrament ministry in all corners of the district; and

WHEREAS, Commissioned ministers have served in critical roles connecting the lost with a pastor and local congregation; and

WHEREAS, Commissioned ministers are required to attend district conventions or supply an official excuse to the district office (Bylaw 4.8.2 [d]); and

WHEREAS, Commissioned ministers have repeatedly brought significant value to floor committee work in the district; and

WHEREAS, Commissioned ministers enrich the discussions and discernment of floor committees and convention proceedings; and

WHEREAS, The Synod highly values commissioned ministers for their eagerness to serve the Lord and His Church (2019 Res. 9-17, “To Study Voting Privilege in the LCMS” [Proceedings, 201]); and

WHEREAS, Currently, there are 375 commissioned ministers (as of July 9, 2024) who serve the mission and ministry of congregations, schools, child development centers, camps, compassion centers, and mission work throughout the district; and

WHEREAS, We desire to honor the bylaws and structure of the Synod convention; and

WHEREAS, Commissioned ministers serving as advisory delegates are free to speak from the floor during all debates;

therefore be it

Resolved, That the district in convention strongly encourage the district president to continue utilizing commissioned ministers to serve on convention floor committees; and be it further

Resolved, That commissioned ministers be encouraged to attend the convention by serving as advisory delegates; and be it further

Resolved, That they be encouraged to offer their voice at the microphone and by participating in an advisory poll preceding each vote on a resolution; and be it further

Resolved, That the district, having initiated this practice at the 2025 convention, continue this practice at subsequent district conventions; and be it further

Resolved, That calling entities be encouraged to fund commissioned minister expenses as advisory delegates in the same manner as pastoral and lay delegates; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod in convention pass a like-minded resolution for Synod conventions.