To Reaffirm the Synod’s Routes to Ministry

Official Workbook overture source text

6-15 
To Reaffirm the Synod’s Routes to Ministry 
WHEREAS, 2023 Resolution 6 -02A, “To Encourage Proper 
Pastoral Formation through Our Synod’s Seminaries,” resolved, 
“that districts and members of the Synod honor, use, and promote 
Synod-approved programs and not create independent programs of 
pastoral preparation or direct men to pastoral preparation programs 
outside of our Synod’s seminaries as such efforts are not in accord 
with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod (Const. Art. III 3; 
Bylaw 3.10.4)” (Proceedings, 161); and 
WHEREAS, Members of the Synod have created independent 
programs of pastoral education such as T he Center for Missional 
and Pastoral Leadership Formation (thecenter.info/cmpl/, accessed 
Jan. 22, 2026); therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod reaffirm the routes to the Office of the 
Holy Ministry created by the Synod are the only routes to ordination 
and service as ordained ministers of the Synod; and be it further 
Resolved, That the ecclesiastical supervisors of those members 
who are engaging in independent programs of pastoral education be 
directed to evangelically correct them, stressing that their work is 
not in accord with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod; and 
be it finally 
Resolved
, That such members unwilling to cease their 
engagement of independent programs of pastoral education be 
removed from the roster of the Synod. 
Circuit 3 
Southern Illinois District 
2026 Convention Workbook
370 PAST ORAL MINISTRY AND SEMINARIES