To Encourage Synod Seminaries to Develop Online Master of Divinity Program

Official Workbook overture source text

6-29 
To Encourage Synod Seminaries to Develop  
Online Master of Divinity Program 
WHEREAS, The Synod has long recognized the importance of 
rigorous theological education and faithful pastoral formation 
through its two seminaries, Concordia Seminary (CSL) and 
Concordia Theological Seminary (CTSFW); and 
WHEREAS, Holy Scripture affirms the necessity of equipping 
faithful shepherds for the Church, as St. Paul writes, “And he gave 
… pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, 
for building up the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:11 –12, author 
translation), and further exhorts that a pastor “must hold firm to the 
trustworthy word as taught” (Titus 1:9); and 
W
HEREAS, The Synod faces ongoing challenges in recruiting and 
preparing men for pastoral ministry, particularly in rural, 
underserved, and bi-vocational contexts; and 
WHEREAS, Advances in digital learning platforms and 
theological pedagogy now make it possible to deliver high-quality, 
confessional instruction in online formats without compromising 
academic integrity or ecclesial accountability; and 
WHEREAS, The academic landscape has seen accelerated use of 
remote learning across educational institutions, including the Synod 
seminaries, demonstrating both feasibility and demand for flexible 
theological education; and 
WHEREAS, The Synod has resolved, in 2023 Res. 1- 08A, “To 
Promote and Commend the Synod’s Digital and Online Resources” 
and, in 2023 Res. 6-02A, “To Encourage Proper Pastoral Formation 
through Our Synod’s Seminaries,” to discourage independent 
pastoral formation programs not authorized by the Synod; therefore 
be it 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention encourage CSL and 
CTSFW, in consultation with the Synod’s Pastoral Formation 
Committee, to explore and develop an affordable, accredited, online 
Master of Divinity program that maintains the theological depth, 
pastoral formati on, and confessional integrity required for 
ordination in the Synod; and be it further 
Resolved, That such a program include robust mentorship, field 
education, and residential intensives as needed to ensure spiritual 
formation and ecclesial connection; and be it finally 
Resolved, That the seminaries report progress on this initiative to 
the next Synod convention, including feasibility, timeline, and 
anticipated impact on pastoral recruitment and formation. 
Circuit 29 
Texas District 
Ov.