LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2023, Page 164

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6. PASTORAL MINISTRY AND SEMINARIES
WHEREAS, The service of laity is distinct from the Office of
the Holy Ministry of Word and Sacrament (Augsburg
Confession [AC] V, XIV); and
WHEREAS, The Church has long benefited from the service
of laity in the congregation (e.g., chairman, vice chairman,
elders, treasurers, committee members, Sunday school and
confirmation teachers, youth workers, musicians,
commissioned workers, and other areas of service and
evangelism) and through other entities (e.g., Lutheran
Women’s Missionary League and Lutheran Laymen’s
League); and
WHEREAS, As the Church of Christ flourishes when both
the laity and pastors recognize and serve joyfully, sacrificially,
and selflessly in their distinct, God-given vocations; therefore
be it
Resolved, That our districts and congregations reserve the
distinct functions (e.g., preaching, presiding in the
administration of the Sacrament of the Altar, private
Confession and Absolution) of the Office of the Holy Ministry
for pastors and not utilize laity for pastoral service in
vacancies, church planting, extension campuses, etc.; and be
it further
Resolved, That the Church promote, encourage, and
strengthen lay service through the use of Synod, district, and
congregational resources and lay training programs,
including “a major emphasis on evangelism and the task of
outreach, as well as mercy, education, visitation, and so forth
in our increasingly diverse and challenging cultural context;”
(2016 Proceedings, 235–36); and be it finally
Resolved, That the Church gives thanks to God for her laity
and their service.
Action: Adopted (9)

An amendment was proposed but ultimately ruled out of order
as non-substantive to strike from the first resolve the words
“private Confession and Absolution.” An amendment was
proposed but failed to remove “commissioned ministers” from
the list in the second-last whereas. With debate closed at the
chair’s suggestion, the resolution was adopted by voice and hand
vote.

To Affirm and Clarify
Bylaw 3.10.2.4 by Amending
RESOLUTION 6-05
Overture 6-27 (CW, 336–37)
WHEREAS, Bylaw 3.10.2.4 prohibits members of The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) congregations
who have completed a Master of Divinity, or equivalent
degree, outside of an LCMS seminary from participating in the
colloquy process; and
WHEREAS, The existing Bylaw contains some extraneous
wording; therefore be it
164 | PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2023 (68TH) LCMS CONVENTION

Resolved, That Bylaw 3.10.2.4 be amended as follows:
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
3.10 Other Councils, Committees, and Boards
…
B. Colloquy Committee for the Pastoral Ministry
…
3.10.2.4 The LCMS laymen and commissioned ministers
who receive a Master of Divinity or equivalent degree from
a non-LCMS seminary may seek certification for call and
placement in the Synod by participating in the Residential
Alternate Route program of one of the seminaries of the
Synod, if otherwise eligible for admission to the
seminarycomplete a program of study leading to
ordination or its equivalent at a non-LCMS seminary are
not eligible for colloquy on that basis.
Action: Adopted (9)

A point of order was raised, suggesting on the basis of a
permissive reading of the word “may” that the resolution was
contrary to the Bylaws; the Secretary explained from the history
of the provision (referencing an associated report of the 2013
Res. 5-14A committee’s report, 2016 Proceedings, p. 287) that
the provision is restrictive rather than permissive. Debate being
closed at the suggestion of the chair, the resolution was adopted
[Yes: 623; No: 127].

To Support and Participate
in Post-Seminary Applied Learning
and Support and Preach the Word
RESOLUTION 6-06A
Overture 6-38 (CW, 342)
WHEREAS, The Post-Seminary Applied Learning and
Support (PALS) program originated in 1998 with the Council
of Presidents to assist pastors and their families in their
transition from seminary to first call; and
WHEREAS, PALS works through the district president in
choosing the PALS facilitators and the implementation of
PALS in each respective district; and
WHEREAS, Participation in the PALS program requires no
additional district staffing needs; and
WHEREAS, The PALS program is designed to be flexible to
meet the needs of all districts and its pastors, recognizing a
variety of ministry contexts of our districts and congregations;
therefore be it
Resolved, That all districts and district presidents be
encouraged to carry out and implement PALS and Preach the
Word in each respective district of the Synod and not replace
these programs and initiatives with district substitutes; and
be it further

Resolutions