To Discuss Online Theological Education

Official Workbook overture source text

6-28 
To Discuss Online Theological Education 
WHEREAS, The Synod has a rich tradition of rigorous theological 
education and formation, for pastors and laity; and 
WHEREAS, The primary focus of this theological education has 
historically been placed on the formation of future pastors at one of 
our residential seminaries; and 
W
HEREAS, The development of new digital technologies has 
created resources for furthering theological study in non-residential 
educational contexts; and 
WHEREAS, The Specific Ministry Pastor program has served a 
specific constituency of the Synod with online theological 
education, yet other online sources have arisen in recent years both 
inside the Synod and outside of the Synod to fill this gap in 
theological education; and 
WHEREAS, Increasing demand exists for theological education 
among many sectors of the Synod, including theologically 
interested laity, lay leaders serving in their local congregations, pre-
seminary candidates, pastors seeking continuing education, among 
others; and 
W
HEREAS, The theological faculties of our seminaries and 
universities have much theological wisdom to offer congregations, 
church workers, and future church workers of the Synod; therefore 
be it 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention restate its commitment 
to residential pastoral formation as the primary and most beneficial 
means for the raising up of clergy and future theological leaders of 
our church body; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention also acknowledge the 
opportunities that exist to promote theological education using 
online resources by employing the theological and pedagogical 
excellence of our seminary and university faculties; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention commit itself to 
discussion of how online theological education might best serve the 
interests and needs of the congregations, church workers, and future 
church workers of the Synod; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Office of the President of the Synod establish 
a task force on online theological education in the next triennium, 
to include representatives from our seminaries, Concordia 
University System theology faculties, Office of Pastoral Education, 
Pastoral Formation Committee, and Council of Presidents, among 
others deemed suitable for this discussion; and be it finally 
Resolved, That the task force report to the 2029 convention with 
specific recommendations for promoting online theological 
education in a way that supports and complements our residential 
seminaries, yet also meets the needs of our church body, such as lay 
theological education, lay congregational service, pre-seminary 
coursework, and continuing theological education for pastors and 
other church workers. 
Christ, La Mesa, CA; Circuit 9 (Decatur), Indiana District 
Ov.