To Replace Dispute Resolution Process with Biblical, Workable, and Effective System for Ecclesiastical Supervision

Official Workbook overture source text

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, Matt hew 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; 
2026 Convention Workbook
508 ECCLESIASTICAL SUPER VISION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION