To Reaffirm Residential Seminary Formation as Preferred Route for Pastoral Preparation

Official Workbook overture source text

6-44 
To Reaffirm Residential Seminary Formation  
as Preferred Route for Pastoral Preparation 
WHEREAS, The Evangelical Lutheran Church confesses the Holy 
Scriptures as the inspired Word of God and the only infallible rule 
of faith and practice (Const. Art. II 1); and 
W
HEREAS, The Evangelical Lutheran Church accepts the 
Lutheran Confessions in the Book of Concord as true expositions of 
Holy Scripture and as correct exhibitions of the church’s doctrine 
(Const. Art. II 2); and 
W
HEREAS, The Synod requires pastors to vow before God and 
their congregations to preach, teach, and conduct their ministries in 
faithful conformity to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran 
Confessions (Lutheran Service Book Agenda, 166); and 
WHEREAS, Faithful pastoral ministry requires not merely an 
acquaintance with the biblical text through secondary sources, but 
the ability to read, translate, and interpret Holy Scripture for 
preaching, teaching, catechesis, and pastoral care; and 
WHEREAS, Faithful pastoral ministry requires not merely a 
familiarity with the Lutheran Confessions, but sustained 
commitment to them as the theological framework within which 
pastors carry out their duties (2016 Res. 6-02); and 
WHEREAS, The unity of the Synod is better cultivated when 
future pastors are formed in a residential setting that enables them 
to live out the liturgical life of the church and experience an 
extended time of “mutual conversation and consolation of the 
brethren” (SA III IV) that will prepare them to conduct ministry 
within the shared doctrinal framework of the Lutheran Confessions 
(2023 Special Presentations, “ The Biblical and Reformation 
Heritage of LCMS Pastoral Formation ,” Lawrence R. Rast, Jr., 
Proceedings, 107–9; “Our Residential Seminaries: Deep Pastoral 
Formation and Worldwide Impact,” Thomas J. Egger, Proceedings, 
109–11); and 
WHEREAS, Concordia Theological Seminary and Concordia 
Seminary have each been forming pastors committed to both the 
Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions through comprehensive 
residential education, communal life, faculty mentorship, and 
supervised pastoral formation for over 175 years (2019 Res. 6-06; 
2013 Res. 5-16); therefore be it 
Resolved
, That the Synod reaffirm residential seminary 
formation as the preferred route for preparing men for the pastoral 
office (cf. 2016 Res. 6-03; 2019 Res. 6-02; 2023 Res. 6-02A; 2023 
Res. 6-03A); and be it further 
Resolved, That district presidents, circuits, and congregations be 
encouraged to recommend and support qualified men for residential 
seminary study, including vocational encouragement and financial 
assistance (2023 Res. 6-02A); and be it further 
Resolved, That the seminaries continue addressing concerns 
regarding accessibility and feasibility of residential formation; and 
be it finally 
Resolved
, That the Synod pray for an increase in candidates for 
the pastoral office, trusting the Lord of the Church to provide 
faithful shepherds (Luke 10:2). 
Faculty 
Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne 
Ov.