To Affirm and Support Established Parameters of Specific Ministry Pastor Program

Ov. 6-52

To Affirm and Support Established Parameters of Specific Ministry Pastor Program

WHEREAS, The Synod established the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program to address ministry needs in specific contexts where residential seminary formation is not feasible; and

WHEREAS, The SMP program was intentionally designed as a limited and contextual pathway, distinct from the Master of Divinity program, which provides comprehensive formation including extensive study of Holy Scripture, theology, pastoral practice, and supervised formation; and

WHEREAS, The Synod has consistently affirmed that alternative pastoral formation programs exist to serve exceptional circumstances and are not intended to replace residential seminary education; and

WHEREAS, The Pastoral Formation Committee (PFC), acting under authority delegated by the Synod (Bylaws 3.10.4– 3.10.4.7;

2016 Res. 6-01; 2019 Res. 6-02, 6-03A; 2023 Res. 6-03A), provides ongoing oversight of pastoral formation pathways to ensure faithfulness to Sc ripture, the Lutheran Confessions, and Synod intent; and

WHEREAS, The Synod has consistently maintained that the SMP program is to be understood as an exceptional pathway and not as a general or normative staffing model for congregations; and

WHEREAS, Holy Scripture exhorts ministers to rightly handle the “word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15); and

WHEREAS, The Augsburg Confession teaches that no one should publicly teach or administer the Sacraments without a rightly ordered call and proper preparation (AC XIV); therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod affirm the SMP program as a valuable but exceptional pathway intended for clearly defined ministry contexts under carefully established parameters; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod reaffirm that the SMP program is not intended to function as a normative staffing solution where residential seminary formation is reasonably feasible; and be it further

Resolved, That districts and congregations be encouraged to adhere faithfully to Synod-approved SMP policies and to prioritize residential seminary formation whenever feasible; and be it further

Resolved , That the PFC be encouraged to continue regular oversight of the SMP program to ensure it remains consistent with its original purpose and stated intent; and be it finally

Resolved , That the Synod give thanks to God for faithful SMP pastors who serve under call for the sake of Christ’s Church.

Trinity (Decatur Rd)

Fort Wayne, IN