# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2019_S57
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS
e.

f.

Synod development—encompasses a thorough
understanding of Synod structure, the LCMS
Handbook, ecclesiastical supervision, the
call process, Synod and district conventions,
convention resolutions, and church-worker
conferences.
Intellectual development—encompasses
general liberal arts, a well-rounded curriculum, quality instruction, practical experience,
thinking skills, reasoning skills, verbal skills,
philosophy, music, art, knowing the world, and
a desire for the immersion in continuing education.

4.

For the Synod to affirm that the “most complete
means of preparing a man for the general responsibilities of the pastoral office and a lifetime of service
is the Master of Divinity (MDiv) route at our two
seminaries” and that “this full residential experience
has always been our ‘gold standard’ for pastoral
formation” (2016 Resolution 6–03).

5.

For the Synod to re-evaluate all “Particular Ministry Contexts” routes to ordination in relation to the
divinely mandated call into the holy ministry, biblical
qualifications, the pastoral care of souls for their
eternal salvation, and the satanic and worldly pressures of a culture at enmity with Christianity. This
re-evaluation should take into consideration: biblical
languages, the Lutheran Confessions, catechesis, and
homiletics. Please refer to the chart below from the
March 2019 Reporter Insert.

6.

For the Synod to evaluate and consider consolidating her pre-seminary programs at select universities
within her Concordia System. The Synod should consider such issues as stewardship of financial resources, quantity of men and quality of a peer cohort, and
geographical location.

7.

For the Synod to strongly encourage her seminaries
to develop specialized contextual programs within
her MDiv routes to ordination.

8.

For the Synod to develop a comprehensive Blueprint
for Pastoral Formation for the remainder of the 21st
century. This Blueprint might encompass:
a.

A theology and practice of the church

57

b.

A theology and practice of the Office of the
Public Ministry

c.

A theology and practice of the divine call and
ordination

d.

A theology and practice of pastoral duties and
responsibilities

e.

A thorough examination of the current context of the church and culture

f.

A unified practice of pastoral formation in
the Lutheran Church to include pre-seminary,
seminary, and post-seminary formation

g.

A constructive dialogue and resolution to
issues surrounding current conversation,
including contextualization, distance learning,
missional formation, pastor/leadership emphasis, multi-point parishes, technology, global
pastoral formation, eligible inactive pastors,
lay training, and identification of candidates
for the pastoral office

h.

An analysis and unified resolution concerning
the two seminaries, the relationship of the two
seminaries, Synod Inc. and seminaries relationship, Synod support of the seminaries, and
seminary governance

Some Final Thoughts
As we are “joined together” (Bylaw 1.3.1), pastoral formation in the LCMS will be more greatly strengthened and unified when all 35 districts participate in the PALS program. The
PALS office is continually striving to work collaboratively and
cooperatively with all 35 districts in maintaining an excellent
unified pastorate throughout our Synod. For more information
about PALS, go to lcms.org/PALS.
The LCMS is a strong biblical, confessional, Christian
force in the world. When it comes to pastoral formation, our
seminaries, and the Office of the Public Ministry, we are not at
war against each other; Satan is at war against us!
Pastoral formation is vital and central to the Church—this
one mandated ordained office of the Gospel and Jesus Christ.
The Church must resist the evil one and put her full energy into
the formation of pastors—a formation that is robust, complete,
comprehensive, and faithful.
God has called us for this time to proclaim the pure, unadulterated Gospel that promises eternal life to all who believe
in Jesus Christ. How will we continue to take up the charge to
form pastors for a time such as this? We will raise up men for the
holy ministry. We will maintain our high standards of biblical
and doctrinal integrity for all those charged with pastoring with
the Gospel. We will support our seminaries as a highest priority
in the life of the church with our prayers and our resources. We
will hold the Office of the Holy Ministry as a noble calling from
God as we hear the words of Christ from our pastors’ called and
ordained lips for our eternal salvation.

ADDENDUM: LCMS 2016 Convention Resolution 6–05
“Resolved, That the administrations of the seminaries,
LCEF, and LFCU gather sufficient information and meet to
2019 Convention Workbook