To Uphold Deep and Broad Study of Holy Scripture in Synod Seminaries

Official Workbook overture source text

6-02 
To Uphold Deep and Broad Study  
of Holy Scripture in Synod Seminaries 
WHEREAS, Concordia Seminary , St. Louis, and Concordia 
Theological Seminary , Fort Wayne,   have historically grounded 
pastoral formation in sustained, direct engagement with the text of 
Holy Scripture in the original languages; and 
W
HEREAS, Faithful pastoral ministry requires not merely 
acquaintance with the biblical text through secondary sources, but 
the ability to read, translate, and interpret Holy Scripture firsthand 
for preaching, teaching, catechesis, and pastoral care; and 
W
HEREAS, The Church benefits when pastors are formed to 
handle the Word of God with confidence rooted in direct textual 
study rather than dependence upon external aids alone; and 
WHEREAS, Our Lord commands His Church to love God not only 
with heart and soul but also with mind (Matt . 22:37), and St. Paul 
exhorts ministers to “ rightly handl [e] the word of truth” (2 Tim . 
2:15); therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod reaffirm and encourage the seminaries 
of the Synod to maintain and deepen rigorous instruction in the 
original languages of Holy Scripture, emphasizing direct translation 
and exegetical engagement with the biblical text; and be it further 
Resolved
, That the Synod encourage the seminaries to resist 
trends toward reduced or merely introductory engagement with the 
biblical languages in pastoral formation; and be it further 
Resolved, That the seminaries be commended and encouraged to 
double down on forming pastors who are capable of independent, 
faithful handling of the Scriptural text in the original languages for 
the sake of the Church’s preaching and teaching; and be it finally 
Resolved, That the Synod give thanks to God for His Word and 
pray for pastors formed to proclaim it faithfully and confidently. 
Mount Hope, Casper, WY; St. Paul, Milford Center, OH; 
 
Trinity (Decatur Rd), Fort Wayne, IN 
Ov.