Res. 8-03 — To Fund Our Synod’s Seminaries

WHEREAS, The Synod maintains Concordia Seminary (CSL) and Concordia Theological Seminary (CTSFW) to form pastors for faithful Word and Sacrament ministry in the Church and her mission; and

WHEREAS, The Synod has repeatedly affirmed residential seminary formation as the preferred and normative route for preparation for the pastoral office (2019 Res. 6- 02, “To Promote Residential Seminary Education as the Preferred Option for the Preparation of Men for the Pastoral Ministry”; 2023 Res. 6-02A, “To Encourage Proper Pastoral Formation through Our Synod’s Seminaries”); and

WHEREAS, As reported through CSL’s annual report ( csl.edu/files/legal/Annual-Report.pdf) and CTSFW’s Strategic Plan 2024– 2029 ( ctsfw.edu/about/who-we-are/strategic-plan), more than half of current funding is contributed by individuals and households; in addition, corporate Synod directs to the seminaries annually approximately $4 million received from supporters of the Joint Seminary Fund (JSF), Global Seminary Initiative (GSI), and Together as Synod; and

WHEREAS, The funding mechanism throughout Synod has changed substantially over the last 40 years from a centralized to a decentralized funding model as evidenced by Together as Synod; and

WHEREAS, The formation of pastors who rightly teach, administer the Sacraments, and shepherd Christ’s flock is foundational to every other work of the Synod; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod give thanks to God for the faithful generosity of His people and pray for wise stewardship that strengthens both the Church’s mission and the formation of her pastors; and be it further

Resolved, That the seminaries and Synod Board of Directors annually provide a joint standardized report of how operations are funded; and be it finally

Resolved, That the individuals, households, and congregations of Synod be invited to directly support CSL and CTSFW or participate in partnership with corporate Synod through the JSF, GSI, and Together as Synod.