To Seek Koinonia on Pastoral Formation and Routes to Ministry

Official Workbook overture source text

6-25 
To Seek Koinonia on Pastoral Formation  
and Routes to Ministry 
WHEREAS, Jesus instructs us that the “harvest is plentiful, but the 
workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out 
workers into his harvest field” (Luke 10:2 NIV); and 
WHEREAS, The issue of pastoral formation has received much 
attention in both official and unofficial forums over the last decade; 
and 
WHEREAS, The Synod has historically recognized the need for 
collegial debate, collaborative decision -making, and consensus 
building, enshrining “the example of the apostolic church”,  “Acts 
15:1–31,” in the Constitution Preamble; and 
WHEREAS, The witness of Scripture and the E arly Christian 
Church was that “after there had been much debate” (Acts 15:7) on 
the 
controverted matter regarding the circumcision of Gentile 
converts a decision was made; and 
WHEREAS, The Scriptures teach us to love one another and seek 
unity (1 Peter 1:3–8; Col. 3:12–14; Eph. 4:3); and 
WHEREAS, The November 2025 report of the three -person 
Pastoral Formation Committee (PFC) “Policy Requirements for the 
Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) Program” (files.lcms.org/dl/f/smp-
policy-requirements) has generated even more controversy, both for 
those who seek greater flexibility and those desiring greater 
limitation; and 
WHEREAS, Concern has been generated by the development of 
non-Synod approved training programs by members of the Synod; 
and 
WHEREAS, A variety of gatherings have sought to discuss the 
issue of pastoral formation outside a structured K oinonia process, 
leading to much conversation but little “mutual conversation and 
consolation of the brethren” (SA III IV); and 
WHEREAS, A review of Synod resolutions shows a rich history 
and adaptive practice concerning pastoral formation and routes to 
ministry; and 
WHEREAS, The Koinonia Project provides members of the Synod 
with a means through which we pray God will give greater harmony 
in our Synod’s “Life Together” by showing where there is 
agreement and disagreement, and identifying how we as a church 
can move toward greater unity in teaching and practice; therefore 
be it 
Resolved, 
That the Synod in convention encourage the spirit of 
koinonia (fraternal conversation) throughout all the members and 
entities of the Synod concerning pastoral formation and routes to 
ministry; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Council of Presidents (COP), the office of the 
President (OTP), and the PFC establish a process as described in 
Acts 15 of not less than two years that allows for much fraternal 
discussion and edification with respect to pastoral formation and 
routes to ministry, including residential and contextual 
methodologies; and be it further 
Resolved, That the PFC, in cooperation with the COP and the 
OTP, utilizing past resolutions , reports, and current best practices 
in educational methodologies and outcomes , produce a joint 
document to be presented to facilitate a broad -based koinonia in a 
manner that allows for appropriate theological reflection, study, and 
feedback for implementation; and be it further 
Resolved, That this process and document would also facilitate a 
rich discussion on the policy requirements for the SMP program in 
light of and in conjunction with an ongoing participation in the 
general ministry certification; and be it further 
Resolved, That this process would preferably involve face -to-
face discussions within circuits and districts between leaders, 
including laymen, that reflect the divergent and diverse positions 
with the process and the participants to be determined by consensus 
of the COP, OTP, and PFC; and be it finally 
2026 Convention Workbook
379PASTORAL MINISTRY AND SEMINARIES