Collection › LCMS Convention Workbook (St. Louis, Missouri) › 2026 · 69th Convention, Phoenix › Page 223

LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2026, Page 223

Scan: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

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