Res. 4-05 — To Clarify Nomenclature for Chaplaincy and Institutional Care Work and To Amend Related Bylaws

Rationale Holy Scripture teaches that the Office of the Holy Ministry is entrusted with the public preaching of the Word and the administration of the Sacraments (Matt. 28:18 –20; John 20:21–23; 1 Cor. 4:1); and the Lutheran Confessions affirm the necessity and centrality of the called and ordained pastor in the life of the Church (AC XIV; Tr 67 –74). The Office of National Mission (ONM) has submitted an overture requesting attention to the bylaws that address the work of Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry. Several updates are needed. First, the language utilized by recognized service organizations and other agencies that provide specialized spiritual care has changed over time. Organizations that serve people who are ill, aging, or disabled no longer refer to their work as being “institutional.” Additionally, the ONM’s Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry endorses workers for broader work than chaplaincy, which has historically referred to an ordained pastor associated with a physical chapel in which worship services are conducted. The term institutional chaplain utilized in Synod Bylaws is outdated and leaves out the specialized spiritual care work of the ministers of religion—commissioned who do not lead worship services and serve in related chaplaincy or counseling roles. Furthermore, the usage of chaplain for individuals not holding the Office of the Holy Ministry can create confusion regarding who is authorized to preach the Gospel and administer the Sacraments, potentially undermining the pastoral office and our confession of the Office of the Holy Ministry. Finally, the ONM and the Office of International Mission (OIM) have determined that the work of chaplains serving in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is more closely aligned and thus better supported by the Ministry to the Armed Forces , which is a department of the OIM. The bylaw that references the VA has the calling agency as the Board for National Mission and needs to be updated. Therefore be it

Resolved, That the 2026 Synod convention adopt the position that the title chaplain within Synod contexts be reserved for ordained ministers of Word and Sacrament; and be it further

Resolved, That institutions, agencies, and ministries within the Synod be encouraged to ensure that titles and job descriptions make clear any distinction between ordained chaplains and other spiritual care providers (e.g., deaconesses, lay ministers, or counselors) who may assist but are not called and ordained to the Office of the Holy Ministry; and be it further

Resolved, That districts, circuit visitors, and local congregations be urged to instruct their members regarding the proper use of the term chaplain, reaffirming our confessional understanding that preaching the Gospel and administering the Sacraments are entrusted to the pastoral office; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod give thanks for the faithful service of all who provide spiritual care within our fellowship, while upholding in doctrine and practice that the title chaplain belongs to those ordained to serve as called ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God (1 Cor. 4:1); and be it further

Resolved, That Bylaw 2.11.1 (h) be amended as follows:

PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING Active Members

2.11.1 To remain on the roster of the Synod as an active member, an ordained or commissioned minister of religion must be a communicant member of a congregation which is a member of the Synod (except as provided in paragraph [c] below) and be regularly performing the duties of one of the following: …

(h) A military or institutional chaplain endorsed by the Synod. A person who is endorsed by the Synod to serve as a military chaplain or in a Word or Word-and-Sacrament specialized ministry. …

and be it further

Resolved, That Bylaw 3.8.2 be amended as follows:

PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING Board for National Mission

3.8.2 The Board for National Mission is charged with developing and determining policies for the coordination of and in support of district ministries which support congregations and schools (Bylaw 1.2.1 [ n]). These policies shall embrace and apply the mission and ministry emphases adopted by the national convention. Under the leadership of the President of the Synod, pursuant to Bylaw 3.3.1.1.1, the board shall assist in identifying the specific goals for the Office of National Mission. Policies determined by the board (implemented by staff) may include but not be limited to:

• strong national mission leadership

• Lutheran school ministries and accreditation

• human care and domestic mercy efforts

• stewardship

• evangelism

• church planting and revitalization

• youth ministry Upon recommendation of the Office of National Mission, the Board for National Mission shall serve as a calling agency for institutional and agency chaplains and other non-foreign specialized ministers (e.g., Veterans Administration chaplains, Bureau of Prison chaplains, hospital chaplains, pastoral counselors, and teachers of chaplaincy and pastoral counseling) church workers serving in specialized ministry roles in institutions (e.g. , Bureau of Prisons, hospitals, spiritual care counselors, and teachers of spiritual care education) after consultation with the appropriate district presidents(s) (cf. Bylaw 2.12.1.4).

and be it finally

Resolved, That Bylaw 6.2.2 be amended as follows:

PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING 6.2 Recognized Service Organizations …

6.2.2 Policies shall distinguish the three classes of recognized service organization, with criteria, procedures, and benefits appropriate to each, further distinctions being drawn within the categories as needed:

(a) A witness service organization, under the Scriptures and Lutheran Confessions, engages in Word or Word-and-Sacrament ministry (including chaplaincy roles), religious media/programming, mission society activity, support of specific missions, mission-and-ministry training, church worker professional development, church worker care, or other work directly related to the church’s proclamation. A witness service organization is governed solely by Synod (or partner church) congregations or a board comprising solely members of member congregations of the Synod (or its partner churches). …