Official Workbook overture source text
Overture: 10-13
Workbook page: Contents page xiii; overture page 507
Source pages: Contents page xiii; overture page 507
Source status: source checked / public
10-13 To Replace Dispute Resolution Process with Biblical, Workable, and Effective System for Ecclesiastical Supervision Preamble The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod is united in a common confession of Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions and is called to maintain unity in doctrine and judgment while addressing disputes in a fraternal and timely manner (1 Cor. 1:10; Matt. 5:24). Such reconciliation serves both the Gospel and the well-being of the church. The current dispute resolution process, codified in Bylaw section 1.10, was established to resolve disputes within the church while avoiding secular litigation. In practice, however, the process has become lengthy, complex, and costly. Its extensive proced ural requirements and frequent reliance on in-person meetings can cause disputes to take years to address, or to remain unresolved altogether. When disputes concerning doctrine, practice, or church life are not resolved in a timely and meaningful way, the unity of the church suffers and confidence in ecclesiastical supervision is weakened. A process that is difficult to use in practice does not adequately serve congregations, pastors, or those charged with supervision. 2026 Convention Workbook 507ECCLESIASTICAL SUPERVISION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION