# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2026_S223 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) THEOLOGICAL DOCUMENTS­­—COMMISSION ON THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS Way Forward Way Forward Detailed Framework Paragraph 6.2 From The Pastor of the Congregation shall be a man whose soundness in faith, aptness to teach, and other qualifications for office have been examined and approved by the Church in accordance with the Scriptures and Confessions of the Church regarding the public office of the ministry. Detailed Framework To Add a notation to Article 6.2 of the model constitution. The following changes to remove gender references from the Model Constitution for a Parish are proposed: Paragraph Footnote #2, para 5 The Pastor of the Congregation shall be a man1 whose soundness in faith, aptness to teach, and other qualifications for office have been examined and approved by the Church in accordance with the Scriptures and Confessions of the Church regarding the public office of the ministry. From Indivuidual congergations should expect to have the services of the pastor and his time relative to the number of members in the congregation compared to the total number of members in all the congregations in the parish. 1 Congregations may modify this 9.3.1 9.6.14 9.9.5 The Pastor, by virtue of his office, shall attend all meetings of the Church Council. The Pastor, by virtue of his office, shall have the right to attend all meetings of the committees. The pastoral assistants shall assist the Pastor in his ministry and for this purpose they shall concern themselves with the spiritual life of the Congregation and its members by… article to include ‘or woman’. Replace ‘his’ with ‘the’: The Pastor, by virtue of the office, shall have the right to attend all meetings of the committees. Remove ‘his’: The pastoral assistants shall assist the Pastor in his ministry and for this purpose they shall concern themselves with the spiritual life of the Congregation and its members by… Page 18 of 50 Way Forward A multi-point parish may have congregations which hold differing views on women's ordination. During the call process, it will be important to foster open dialogue and mutual respect. The following guidelines might be helpful: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Encourage congregations to engage in respectful conversations and active listening to assist in understanding the perspectives of others. Pastors can lead by example, demonstrating respect for differing views. Focus on shared goals and mission. Ensure that pastoral care extends to all members. Consider asking the District bishop for support. 8.7 Governance and structures The Framework does not require changes to the governance structure of congregations or parishes. 8.8 Finance and risk management The Framework does not require changes to the operating finances or asset/liability ownership of congregations or parishes. Page 20 of 50 The Pastor of the Parish shall be a man whose soundness in faith, aptness to teach, and other qualifications for office have been examined and approved by the Church in accordance with the Scriptures and Confessions of the Church regarding the public office of the ministry. to include ‘or her. Add a notation to Article 6.2 of the model constitution. The Pastor of the Parish shall be a man1 whose soundness in faith, aptness to teach, and other qualifications for office have been examined and approved by the Church in accordance with the Scriptures and Confessions of the Church regarding the public office of the ministry. The Pastor, by virtue of his office, shall attend all meetings of the Parish Council. The Pastor, by virtue of his office, shall have the right to attend all meetings of the committees. to include ‘or woman’. Replace ‘his’ with ‘the’: The Pastor, by virtue of the office, shall attend all meetings of the Parish Council. Replace ‘his’ with ‘the’: The Pastor, by virtue of the office, shall have the right to attend all meetings of the committees. Page 19 of 50 Way Forward Detailed Framework Parishes and congregations will continue to follow the rules outlined in their own constitution regarding relationships. Article 3 of the LCA Model Constitutions for parishes and congregations outlines the relationship to the Church and the District. Individual congregations should expect to have the services of the pastor and his1 time relative to the number of members in the congregation compared to the total number of members in all the congregations in the parish. 1 Parishes may modify this article 9.3.1 9.6.12 The Framework does not require changes to the relationship between parishes and congregations with either the Church or the District. To Add a notation to Footnote #2, para 5 of the model constitution, and correct spelling: 1 Parishes may modify this article 6.2 The Pastor, by virtue of the office, shall attend all meetings of the Church Council. Replace ‘his’ with ‘the’: 8.6 Relationships 223 Detailed Framework 9. Framework Part E: Tenure-based provision for nomination for bishop The Church introduces a tenure-based provision for nomination for the role of bishop and assistant bishop(s). The Framework introduces into the constitution of the LCA provisions that require pastors to have been on the Roll of Pastors for a minimum period and served in various settings in the Church prior to their nomination for any bishop role within the LCA. It is proposed that the minimum required service on the Roll of Pastors be six years (being two general synodical periods) before being eligible to stand for nomination. The rational for the criteria are to ensure that nominees for both bishop and assistant bishop(s) have: i. ii. demonstrated exemplary conduct in their pastoral ministry established themselves in the life and polity of the Church (including at Conventions of Synod and Pastors Conferences) iii. gained substantial experience in addressing the challenges and responsibilities of church leadership iv. had sufficient opportunity to interact with and become known to pastors, laity, and bishops throughout the LCA v. established themselves as recognised leaders by their peers vi. shown an ability to manage pressure, exercise authority responsibly and navigate complex pastoral situations vii. developed a deep understanding of the LCA's mission, theology, values, governance and operational structures. Page 21 of 50 2026 Convention Workbook