# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2026_S370
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

370

PASTORAL MINISTRY AND SEMINARIES

eligible for colloquy under the CCPM’s published policies may
make application to the committee, while “the LCMS laymen and
commissioned ministers who complete a program of study leading
to ordination or its equivalent at a non-LCMS seminary are not
eligible for colloquy on that basis,” and that men not meeting those
eligibility requirements shall be directed to the seminaries for
consideration in other programs (Bylaws 2.5.2; 3.10.2.3–3.10.2.5);
and
WHEREAS, Congregations shall call and be served only by those
who have been admitted to ministry according to the Bylaws of the
Synod (Bylaw sections 2.6–2.8, 2.10; Bylaw 3.10.2.3), candidates
qualified for first call, or ministers from church bodies in fellowship
when agreements are in place; and
WHEREAS, The current colloquy process for admission to the
pastoral ministry in the Synod lacks clear and consistent articulation
of the specific metrics, objectives, and expectations required for
approval by the CCPM, thereby creating uncertainty and
inconsistency for applicants and congregations seeking to evaluate
readiness for service; and
WHEREAS, Transparency and clarity in published policies,
criteria, interview standards, and benchmarks foster trust,
strengthen mission partnership, and help congregations walk in
good order; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod in convention direct the CCPM, in
consultation with the President of the Synod and its seminaries, to
publish and maintain on the Synod’s website a concise, plain
language summary of pastoral colloquy eligibility categories,
required documentation, interview standards, and theological
benchmarks, with cross references to Bylaws 3.10.2.2–3.10.2.5
together with a simple process flow and typical timeline; and be it
further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention request the Council of
Presidents to provide an annual summary to the congregations and
rostered workers of the Synod regarding pastoral colloquy
procedures, application volume, certification numbers, and any
policy updates, by means of regular Synod communications and
pre-convention publications; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention encourage district
presidents, congregations, and rostered workers to support men
pursuing colloquy by offering mentorship, theological guidance,
and appropriate congregational endorsement in harmony with the
Handbook provisions cited above; and be it finally
Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to God for
the men He is raising up to preach Christ crucified and risen, and
pray for renewed zeal to identify, encourage, and form such men for
service in Christ’s Church.
Circuit 9
Texas District
Ov. 6-14

To Affirm Exclusive Seminary Path
and In-Person Formation for Pastoral Ministry
WHEREAS, The Lord calls His church to faithfulness in doctrine
and practice (John 8:31; Acts 2:42); and
WHEREAS, Scripture teaches that pastoral ministry involves close
mentoring and modeling of life and doctrine (2 Tim. 2:2; 1 Tim.
4:12–16); and

2026 Convention Workbook

WHEREAS, The Synod Constitution and Bylaws reserve for
seminaries approved and sanctioned by convention, currently
Concordia Theological Seminary (CTSFW) and Concordia
Seminary (CSL), collectively, “seminaries,” the responsibility to
educate, form, and train pastors for the Synod; and
WHEREAS, The unity of faith and confession is best preserved
through agreed-upon structures and processes, including residential
Master of Divinity programs at Synod seminaries; and
WHEREAS, In-person, face-to-face formation fosters
accountability, spiritual growth, and communal life essential to
pastoral preparation (Heb. 10:24–25); therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod in convention affirm that the Synodsanctioned residential seminaries—currently, CTSFW and CSL—
are the exclusive path for pastoral education, formation, and
training in the Synod; and be it further
Resolved, That congregations and rostered workers actively
recruit, encourage, and support men to pursue pastoral ministry
through these seminaries; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention affirm that in-person,
face-to-face education and formation is essential to the process of
preparing men for the pastoral office; and be it finally
Resolved, That the Synod commend the residential model of
pastoral formation as the standard for theological education in the
Synod.
Good Shepherd, Lincoln, NE; Memorial, Houston, TX
Ov. 6-15

To Reaffirm the Synod’s Routes to Ministry
WHEREAS, 2023 Resolution 6-02A, “To Encourage Proper
Pastoral Formation through Our Synod’s Seminaries,” resolved,
“that districts and members of the Synod honor, use, and promote
Synod-approved programs and not create independent programs of
pastoral preparation or direct men to pastoral preparation programs
outside of our Synod’s seminaries as such efforts are not in accord
with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod (Const. Art. III 3;
Bylaw 3.10.4)” (Proceedings, 161); and
WHEREAS, Members of the Synod have created independent
programs of pastoral education such as The Center for Missional
and Pastoral Leadership Formation (thecenter.info/cmpl/, accessed
Jan. 22, 2026); therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod reaffirm the routes to the Office of the
Holy Ministry created by the Synod are the only routes to ordination
and service as ordained ministers of the Synod; and be it further
Resolved, That the ecclesiastical supervisors of those members
who are engaging in independent programs of pastoral education be
directed to evangelically correct them, stressing that their work is
not in accord with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod; and
be it finally
Resolved, That such members unwilling to cease their
engagement of independent programs of pastoral education be
removed from the roster of the Synod.
Circuit 3
Southern Illinois District