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LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2026, Page 397

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

PASTORAL MINISTRY AND SEMINARIES
adherence to the Synod’s stated norms for pastoral formation, and
increased strain on ecclesiastical oversight.
This resolution does not adjudicate specific cases, nor does it reflect
upon the faithfulness, calling, or service of men currently serving as
specific ministry pastors. Rather, it proposes a suspension of new
SMP admissions as a prudent and proportionate corrective measure,
while allowing those already enrolled or serving to continue under
the terms of their admission. Such action honors prior decisions by
the Synod, prevents further nonconformity, and preserves the
possibility of the SMP program’s continued use should the Synod
determine that it can be administered in full conformity with the
limitations previously adopted by the Synod in convention.
WHEREAS, The 2007 Synod convention established the SMP
program (2007 Res. 5-01B) to replace the DELTO program as a
limited and exceptional pastoral formation pathway for specific
ministry needs, not as a general route to the Office of the Holy
Ministry; and
WHEREAS, The 2013 Synod convention adopted the “Sattgast
Amendment” (2013 Res. 5-04B, “To Continue and Strengthen
Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) Program”), directing district
presidents not to approve specific ministry sites which could
reasonably be expected to support a general pastor or sites where a
minister of religion—commissioned could fulfill the duties pending
reception of the recommendations from the SMP committee; and
WHEREAS, The SMP program has been utilized in contexts not
authorized by the Synod in convention and contrary to the
limitations adopted by the Synod in convention; and
WHEREAS, Such misuse reflects deficiencies in program
structure and oversight rather than in the faithfulness or diligence of
the men currently serving as SMP pastors; therefore be it
Resolved, That no new candidates shall be admitted into the SMP
program after a date determined by the Synod; and be it further
Resolved, That individuals already enrolled in or who have
completed the SMP program prior to that date may complete their
formation and serve according to the terms under which they were
admitted; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod seek and implement alternative means,
consistent with what has been adapted in convention, to support
congregations and ministries unable to support a general pastor, as
required by 2013 Res. 5-04B; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod’s Bylaws be amended as necessary to
implement this resolution; and be it further
Resolved, That should the Synod determine that the SMP
program can be administered in full conformity with the limitations
previously adopted by the Synod in convention—particularly that it
be restricted to congregations and ministries unable to support a
general pastor—then the Synod Bylaws may be amended to permit
the continued use of the SMP program in that limited and
exceptional form; and be it finally
Resolved, That the Synod’s seminaries, districts, and
congregations conform all pastoral formation practices to those
programs explicitly authorized by the Synod in convention.
Good Shepherd
Lincoln, NE

397

Ov. 6-54

To Strengthen Post-Ordination Supervision
for Specific Ministry Pastors
WHEREAS, The Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program
includes post-ordination supervision as an essential component of
ongoing pastoral formation and accountability; and
WHEREAS, The Synod has consistently emphasized the necessity
of continued mentorship and oversight for pastors formed through
contextual and limited-curriculum pathways; and
WHEREAS, Such supervision serves both pastors and
congregations by promoting doctrinal fidelity, pastoral competence,
and integration into Synod life; and
WHEREAS, Holy Scripture commends accountability among
those entrusted with the care of souls (Prov. 27:17; Heb. 13:17); and
WHEREAS, The Lutheran Confessions recognize the Church’s
responsibility to exercise faithful oversight of those who preach and
administer the Sacraments; therefore be it
Resolved, That districts be encouraged to strengthen postordination supervision of specific ministry pastors through regular
reviews, continuing education, and assigned mentors; and be it
further
Resolved, That guidance be provided to assist districts in
fulfilling this responsibility faithfully; and be it further
Resolved, That specific ministry pastors be encouraged, where
appropriate, to pursue additional theological study toward broader
certification for service; and be it finally
Resolved, That the Synod give thanks to God for supervisors and
mentors who faithfully support specific ministry pastors in their
ministry.
Trinity (Decatur Rd)
Fort Wayne, IN
Ov. 6-55

To Nullify Restrictive Policies Imposed
on Specific Ministry Pastor Program
and Restore Its Original Scope
WHEREAS, The Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program was
established by the 2007 Synod convention to address urgent needs
for Gospel proclamation in specific ministry contexts where fulltime residential seminary formation was not feasible, emphasizing
flexibility to serve small congregations, missions, and emerging
needs without undue restrictions on applicants’ age, prior
membership duration, or mandatory consultations that could deter
participation (2007 Res. 5-01B, “To Establish Specific Ministry
Pastor Program”); and
WHEREAS, The SMP program has faithfully produced called and
ordained pastors who serve valid ministries, as affirmed in the
Pastoral Formation Committee’s (PFC) recent premises (PFC,
Policy Requirements for the Specific Ministry Pastor Program:
Admission, Administration and Supervision, Nov. 2025,
files.lcms.org/dl/f/smp-policy-requirements), and has been a
blessing to the church by providing basic theological and pastoral
formation under supervision, honoring the Divine Call while
adapting to real-world economic and contextual pressures (2007
Res. 5-01B; cf. PFC Premise 3); and

2026 Convention Workbook