Res. 6-09 — To Implore Council of Presidents to Fulfill 2019 Resolution 6-03A re Oversight of Specific Ministry Pastors

WHEREAS, Synod B ylaw 2.13.1 states that every specific ministry pastor “shall serve under the supervision of his district president and another pastor who is not a specific ministry pastor”; and

WHEREAS, There is a great variety of specific ministry pastors serving in a wide variety of contexts and with a great variety of education, years of service, and gifts; and

WHEREAS, This situation has created a number of questions regarding the amount and level of oversight that shall be employed as per Synod Bylaws; and

WHEREAS, The 2019 Synod convention adopted Resolution 6-03A, “To Enhance the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) Program,” which includes the resolve, “That the Council of Presidents in coordination with the Pastoral Formation Committee draft guidelines and training to enhance the mentoring and supervision of specific ministry pastors, taking into account the wide variety of abilities of pastors and the contexts in which they serve, to assist district presidents, circuit visitors, and supervising pastors in supporting the [specific ministry] pastors under their care” (Proc., 159–60); and

WHEREAS, These guidelines and training either have not been completed or have not been widely promulgated throughout the Synod; and

WHEREAS, The number of specific ministry pastors continues to increase, thereby creating a growing and continuing need for such guidance and training; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention implore the Council of Presidents (COP) to complete this important assignment quickly and with due attention; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention commend to the COP, as a reference, the supervision plan included in 2026 Report R13.6 ( “Report on the Development of a Comprehensive, Uniform, Synodwide Specific Ministry Supervision Plan,” Workbook, 77–82) and encourage consultation with seminary SMP program directors concerning their approaches to training and support for SMP mentors and SMP vicarage supervisors; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod in convention thank the COP for their service and efforts.