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LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2019, Page 367

Scan: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

IX. 2016 RESOLUTION 13-01A TASK FORCE REPORT
b.

In this narrow sense the authority of the Preaching Office—that is, the rightly ordered divine call
to act on behalf of both Christ and His Church—
is demonstrated and emphasized (AC XIV).

between the royal priesthood and the Office of Public Ministry in
the LCMS ought to be encouraged on several levels. We recommend consideration of the following ideas.
a.

12. Vocation is of critical importance in considering the
relationship of royal priesthood and the Office of Public
Ministry. It prompts every believer to ask the question,
“Whom do I serve as a priest within the ‘three estates’
(home, church, society)?”163 A royal priest ordained to
the Office of Ministry asks the same question and his
divine call assigns him to shepherd a particular flock
and/or to teach and oversee in particular places among
particular people, in a particular community or in a
particular context of ministry.164

For congregations:
i.

The local church is where the relationship
between the Office of Public Ministry and
the royal priesthood is lived out. Pastors
should be encouraged to teach about that
relationship. In so doing, they are preparing
royal priests in their sacrificial, intercessory,
and teaching/witnessing responsibilities and
also providing a greater understanding of the
Lutheran teaching of the Office they hold.

ii.

The CTCR study on the royal priesthood can
be of great benefit for use in congregations.
A discussion guide and Bible study materials
are being prepared by the CTCR.

V. Facilitating Further Conversation
The Task Force has sought “to facilitate an ongoing conversation and communication among laity, districts, and the Synod in
order to foster the blessed complementary relationship between the
royal priesthood and the Office of the Public Ministry.”165 We offer
a two-part report concerning the matter of facilitating conversation:
first, identifying steps we have taken and, second, offering ideas for
an ongoing process of discussion in congregations, districts, and
Synod. Prior to those two parts, however, we want to offer a plea to
the Synod to make the great blessings of the royal priesthood and
the Office of Public Ministry and their relationship to one another
a matter of ongoing, regular, fervent prayer. The conversations
we have with one another, as important as they are, cannot rival
the importance of the conversations with God that He invites and
commands for “nothing is so necessary as to call upon God incessantly.”166 And, as we pray, may we ask our Father to remind us that
we speak with brothers and sisters, not enemies.
1. Steps Taken Prior to This Report’s Release
Because of some debate over and disagreement with parts of
two 2016 Convention resolutions (13-01A and 13-02A), our task
force proposed that conversation about such controverted matters
begin under the auspices of the Office of the President and the
Council of Presidents. We saw a need for face-to-face conversations within a setting that (1) allowed for different perspectives to
receive a full hearing; (2) afforded a measure of privacy to the conversations in order to minimize mischaracterizations and rumors;
(3) prevented a delay in considering matters that were causing some
measure of turmoil; and (4) could be carried out without incurring
unreasonable costs to the Synod. The chairman of the task force
was invited to present to the COP (November 2017) the initial results of the task force’s theological perspective on the relationship
of the royal priesthood and Office of Public Ministry (Parts I, II,
and III above). The discussion that followed that presentation was
a helpful element in the process of drafting this report and offered
an initial opportunity for conversation between the Praesidium and
the presidents of our districts. The chairman of the Task Force was
again invited to the September 2018 meeting of the COP with ample
time to report on and lead a discussion regarding the Task Force’s
work. Then, at its November 2018 meeting, the COP scheduled a
full day of study on the topic of priesthood and Office, including
not only the Council, but also some additional individuals.
2.

Ideas for Future Conversations in Congregations,
Districts, and Synod
Profitable ongoing and future discussion of the relationship

367

iii. CPH may wish to consider developing
materials (a book, briefer studies, curricular
materials) on this topic.
iv.

Laity, together with their pastors, are encouraged to study again the Small Catechism—
we particularly commend the use of the
2017 edition of Luther’s Small Catechism
with Explanation.

For educational institutions and events:
i.

Both seminaries and our university system
can be asked to examine their respective
curricula to determine whether they are
adequately addressing the doctrine of the
royal priesthood. Candidates for the ministry
ought to have a solid understanding of the
Priesthood and its responsibilities and its importance in the mission of the Church. This
is also the case for those who are studying
for commissioned ministries as well as all
other students.

ii.

Materials on this topic can be prepared for
use in LCMS campus ministries also for
LCMS students who are pursuing secular
careers.

iii. Each seminary may also consider inclusion
of these topics at an annual symposium or
other events. For example, Concordia Seminary may consider including it at a Hispanic
ministry training event sponsored by the
Center for Hispanic Studies or at its annual
Multi-Ethnic Symposium. Similarly, events
sponsored by CTSFW, such as its biennial
Urban Ministry conference or Luther Hostel,
could also feature this topic.
iv.

In addition to conversations and discussion
within the Synod’s educational institutions,
we also encourage participating in Best
Practices Conference(s), Doxology, and
other such gatherings as avenues for expanding attention to this topic.
2019 Convention Workbook