Collection › LCMS Convention Workbook (St. Louis, Missouri) › 2026 · 69th Convention, Phoenix › Page 508
LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2026, Page 508

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

508

ECCLESIASTICAL SUPERVISION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

This overture proposes replacing the current dispute resolution
process with a new system that is biblically grounded,
confessionally faithful, and practically workable. The goal is to
restore dispute resolution as an ecclesial and pastoral function,
providing clear pathways to resolution, meaningful outcomes, and
effective support for those exercising ecclesiastical supervision.
The proposed committee is charged with developing a
comprehensive replacement system, including any necessary
constitutional and bylaw changes, for consideration and adoption
by the Synod in convention.
WHEREAS, 1 Corinthians 1:10 says, “I appeal to you, brothers, by
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that
there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same
mind and the same judgment;” and Constitution Article II states that
we confess all doctrines of Holy Scripture, as confessed in the
Lutheran Confessions of 1580; and
WHEREAS, The current dispute resolution process is codified in
Bylaw section 1.10; and
WHEREAS, The dispute resolution process is unwieldy, taking up
over 15 pages in the Handbook and often requiring in-person visits
that can involve significant expense; and
WHEREAS, These practical requirements can lead to disputes not
being resolved in a timely manner, sometimes taking years, and
when disputes remain unresolved, the Body of Christ suffers; and
WHEREAS, Matthew 5:24 says to go to the person who has a
problem with you and be reconciled with him, a process that can
now be accomplished electronically in appropriate circumstances;
therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod acknowledge that the current dispute
resolution process is impractical for effective ecclesiastical
supervision and direct the President of the Synod, in consultation
with the vice-presidents and the Secretary of the Synod, to appoint
a representative committee to develop as its replacement a wholly
new dispute resolution and ecclesiastical supervision system,
grounded in Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, and including
the following features:
• prioritization of ecclesiastical supervision, pastoral
admonition, and doctrinal clarity;
• timely, clear, and decisive action in matters of doctrine and
life, with the process not taking years to complete;
• provision of clear, predictable, and workable pathways for
resolving disputes, ensuring every matter reaches a practical
outcome;
• inclusion of provisions for regular, periodic examination of
pastors’ doctrine and practice, within the framework of
ecclesiastical supervision, with frequency and form
determined by the committee;
• production of meaningful and enforceable ecclesiastical
outcomes, including admonition, correction, restoration,
and, where necessary, discipline;
• support and strengthen, rather than hinder, the supervisory
responsibilities of district presidents;
• avoidance of unnecessary procedural complexity, cost, and
delay; and
• service to the Gospel and the unity of the Church rather than
merely management of conflict;
and be it further

2026 Convention Workbook

Resolved, That the committee be empowered and directed to
recommend all necessary amendments to Constitution, Bylaws, and
policies required to fully implement the replacement system; and be
it finally
Resolved, That the committee present its proposed replacement
system, with all recommended constitutional, bylaw, and policy
changes, to the next regular convention for consideration,
amendment, and adoption.
Good Shepherd
Lincoln, NE
Ov. 10-14

To Replace Dispute Resolution Process with
Biblical, Workable, and Effective System for
Ecclesiastical Supervision
WHEREAS, 1 Corinthians 1:10 says, “I appeal to you, brothers, by
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that
there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same
mind and the same judgment;” and Constitution Article II states that
we confess all doctrines of Holy Scripture, as confessed in the
Lutheran Confessions of 1580; and
WHEREAS, The current dispute resolution process is codified in
Bylaw section 1.10; and
WHEREAS, The dispute resolution process is unwieldy, taking up
over 15 pages in the Handbook and often requiring in-person visits
that can involve significant expense; and
WHEREAS, These practical requirements can lead to disputes not
being resolved in a timely manner, sometimes taking years, and
when disputes remain unresolved, the Body of Christ suffers; and
WHEREAS, Matthew 5:24 says to go to the person who has a
problem with you and be reconciled with him, a process that can
now be accomplished electronically in appropriate circumstances;
therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod acknowledge that the current dispute
resolution process is impractical for effective ecclesiastical
supervision; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention direct the President of
the Synod, in consultation with the vice-presidents and the
Secretary of the Synod, to appoint a representative committee to
develop as its replacement a wholly new dispute resolution and
ecclesiastical supervision system; and be it further
Resolved, That the new system of ecclesiastical supervision be
grounded in Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, and focus on
the following features:
• prioritization of ecclesiastical supervision, pastoral
admonition, and doctrinal clarity;
• timely, clear, and decisive action in matters of doctrine and
life, with the process not taking years to complete;
• provision of clear, predictable, and workable pathways for
resolving disputes, ensuring every matter reaches a practical
outcome;
• inclusion of provisions for regular, periodic examination of
pastors’ doctrine and practice, within the framework of
ecclesiastical supervision, with frequency and form
determined by the committee;