To Provide Pastoral Care for Congregations Affected by Major Disciplinary Actions

Official Workbook overture source text

10-09 
To Provide Pastoral Care for Congregations 
Affected by Major Disciplinary Actions 
WHEREAS, When one member of the body suffers, all suffer 
together (1 Cor. 12:26); and 
WHEREAS, When a pastor is removed from the roster, suspended, 
or publicly censured, the congregation he has been serving often 
experiences confusion, grief, division, and deep spiritual distress; 
and 
W
HEREAS, The primary concern of ecclesiastical discipline must 
always be the honor of Christ, the protection of the flock, and the 
restoration of sinners, not merely the resolution of an administrative 
case; and 
WHEREAS, Congregations whose pastors are the subject of 
disciplinary action often need intentional, structured pastoral care 
and guidance in order to navigate the aftermath faithfully and 
fruitfully; and 
WHEREAS, The Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod charge 
district presidents and other officers with the pastoral care of 
congregations and workers under their supervision; therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod recognize the special pastoral needs of 
congregations directly affected by major disciplinary actions 
involving their pastors; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod direct the Commission on Handbook, 
in consultation with the Council of Presidents, to propose b ylaw 
additions or official guidelines requiring that, in cases of: 
• removal from the roster; 
• long-term suspension; or 
• public censure of a pastor in relation to his conduct as pastor 
of a specific congregation, 
the supervising district shall work with the congregation’s elected 
leaders to develop a written pastoral care plan, addressing at least: 
• immediate spiritual care and communication to the 
congregation; 
• provision for Word  and Sacrament ministry (e.g., interim 
pastors, pulpit supply, pastoral visitation); 
• opportunities for congregational lament, healing, and 
reconciliation where appropriate; and 
• guidance for the congregation’s ongoing mission and 
witness in the community; 
 and be it further 
Resolved, That such pastoral care plans be tailored to the specific 
circumstances of each case and be implemented in a way that seeks 
to protect consciences, avoid needless scandal, and keep Christ and 
His Gospel at the center; and be it finally 
Resolved
, That districts be encouraged to provide resources, 
training, and, where possible, financial assistance to support such 
pastoral care for affected congregations, so that they may not be left 
to navigate these storms alone. 
Our Savior, Arlington, VA; St. John’s, Alexandria, VA; 
 
Trinity, Lexington Park, MD;  
Circuit 8 (Washington, South), Southeastern District 
Ov.