Collection › LCMS Convention Workbook (St. Louis, Missouri) › 2026 · 69th Convention, Phoenix › Page 324
LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2026, Page 324

Scan: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

LIFE TOGETHER

324
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
Active Members

2.11.1
To remain on the roster of the Synod as an active member,
an ordained or commissioned minister of religion must be a
communicant member of a congregation which is a member of the
Synod (except as provided in paragraph [c] below) and be regularly
performing the duties of one of the following::
…
(h) A military or institutional chaplain or a Specialized Care
worker endorsed by the Synod.
…

and be it further
Resolved, That Bylaw 3.8.2 be amended as follows:
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
Board for National Mission
3.8.2
The Board for National Mission is charged with
developing and determining policies for the coordination of and in
support of district ministries which support congregations and
schools (Bylaw 1.2.1 [n]). These policies shall embrace and apply
the mission and ministry emphases adopted by the national
convention. Under the leadership of the President of the Synod,
pursuant to Bylaw 3.3.1.1.1, the board shall assist in identifying the
specific goals for the Office of National Mission. Policies
determined by the board (implemented by staff) may include but not
be limited to:
• strong national mission leadership
• Lutheran school ministries and accreditation
• human care and domestic mercy efforts
• stewardship
• evangelism
• church planting and revitalization
• youth ministry
Upon recommendation of the Office of National Mission, the Board
for National Mission shall serve as a calling agency for institutional
and agency chaplains and other non-foreign specialized ministers
(e.g., Veterans Administration chaplains, Bureau of Prison
chaplains, hospital chaplains, pastoral counselors, and teachers of
chaplaincy and pastoral counseling) church workers serving in
chaplaincy and counseling roles in institutions and agencies (e.g.
Bureau of Prisons, hospitals, spiritual care counselors, and teachers
of spiritual care education) after consultation with the appropriate
district presidents(s) (cf. Bylaw 2.12.1.4).

and be it finally
Resolved, That Bylaw 6.2.2 be amended as follows:
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
6.2 Recognized Service Organizations
…
6.2.2
Policies shall distinguish the three classes of recognized
service organization, with criteria, procedures, and benefits
appropriate to each, further distinctions being drawn within the
categories as needed:
(a) A witness service organization, under the Scriptures and
Lutheran Confessions, engages in Word or Word-and-Sacrament
ministry
(including
chaplaincy
roles),
religious
media/programming, mission society activity, support of specific
missions, mission-and-ministry training, church worker
professional development, church worker care, or other work
directly related to the church’s proclamation. A witness service
organization is governed solely by Synod (or partner church)

2026 Convention Workbook

congregations or a board comprising solely members of member
congregations of the Synod (or its partner churches).
…

Board for National Mission
Ov. 4-39

To Use Title Chaplain within the Synod
Exclusively for Ordained Clergy
WHEREAS, Holy Scripture teaches that the pastoral office is
entrusted with the public preaching of the Word and the
administration of the Sacraments (Matt. 28:18–20; John 20:21–23;
1 Cor. 4:1); and
WHEREAS, The Lutheran Confessions affirm the necessity and
centrality of the called and ordained pastor in the life of the Church
(AC XIV; Tr 67–74); and
WHEREAS, The term chaplain historically designates an ordained
clergyman entrusted with the spiritual care of a specific community,
institution, or military unit, thus reflecting a pastoral function; and
WHEREAS, The usage of chaplain for individuals not holding the
Office of the Public Ministry can create confusion regarding who is
authorized to preach the Gospel and administer the Sacraments,
potentially undermining the pastoral office and our confession of
the Office of the Holy Ministry; therefore be it
Resolved, That the 2026 Synod convention adopt the position
that the title chaplain within Synod contexts be reserved for
ordained ministers of Word and Sacrament; and be it further
Resolved, That institutions, agencies, and ministries within the
Synod be encouraged to ensure that titles and job descriptions make
clear any distinction between ordained chaplains and other spiritualcare providers (e.g., deaconesses, lay ministers, or pastoral
counselors) who may assist but are not called and ordained to the
Office of the Holy Ministry; and be it further
Resolved, That districts, circuit visitors, and local congregations
be urged to instruct their members regarding the proper use of the
term chaplain, reaffirming our confessional understanding that
preaching the Gospel and administering the Sacraments are
entrusted to the pastoral office; and be it finally
Resolved, That the Synod give thanks for the faithful service of
all who provide spiritual care within our fellowship, while
upholding in doctrine and practice that the title chaplain belongs to
those ordained to serve as called ministers of Christ and stewards of
the mysteries of God (1 Cor. 4:1).
South Wisconsin District
Ov. 4-40

To Encourage Use of Chalice
WHEREAS, The people of God in the Lord’s Supper receive the
holy body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the
institution of Jesus; and
WHEREAS, Communion confesses our unity with our brothers
and sisters in the Christian congregation; and
WHEREAS, The Lord Jesus passed a single cup to His disciples at
the Last Supper; and
WHEREAS, St. Paul speaks of a single “cup of blessing” in 1
Corinthians 10:16; and