To Direct Seminaries to Publish Annual Enrollment Numbers Every Fall

Ov. 6-74

To Direct Seminaries to Publish Annual Enrollment Numbers Every Fall

WHEREAS, The matter of pastoral formation has become a significant issue among many in the Synod; and

WHEREAS, There is great concern among many districts and congregations as to the number of pastors who are currently rostered and who will be rostered in the future; and

WHEREAS, Different views have been expressed by many in the Synod regarding whether or not a pastor shortage exists now and the extent of any potential shortage in the future; and

WHEREAS, The Synod does publish the number of rostered church workers, including pastors, in its various communications, giving a snapshot of the current number of pastors, but not giving a clear picture of what future pastor numbers will be; and

WHEREAS, The seminaries have not consistently published enrollment numbers in a manner easily accessible to obtain for districts and congregations and their members, thereby allowing them to better understand for themselves both the current realities and future probabilities of the status of the Synod’s clergy roster;

and

WHEREAS, Publications such as the Data Tables of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) (one of the two accrediting agencies for Concordia Seminary [CSL] and Concordia Theological Seminary [CTSFW]) —which indicate that , by the seminaries’ reporting to them in the fall of 2024, there were only 322 Master of Divinity (M.Div.) students across all classes between both seminaries —are not disseminated to congregations and workers as are Synod publications; (This information which reveals an average of only 80 M .Div. students/year to be ordained in the LCMS during this particular 4 year cycle can be found in ATS 2024-2025 Table 2.12 [this is the most recent available data from ATS]); and

WHEREAS, Numbers from LCMS Research Services presented to the Texas District Board of Directors during its 2025 presidential visitation indicated a relatively small number of pastors, only 96, who will be reaching retirement age (67) in 2060 and beyond, suggesting a very small number of pastors currently on the roster who are in their early 30s or younger; and

WHEREAS, Synod publications such as The Lutheran Witness and Reporter have wide circulation among congregations and their members; therefore be it

Resolved, That enrollment numbers for CSL and CTSFW be published in Reporter and other appropriate Synod publications every year in the fall upon the matriculation of the newest class at each school. Such numbers to include:

• the number of residential M.Div. students broken down by class (first year, second year, vicarage, fourth year)

• the number of students in the Specific Ministry Pastor program • the number of students in other programs that lead to ordination • the number of deaconess students, as well as the number of students in any other program which the seminaries consider important to report • the number of students expected to be ordained and assigned in the coming academic year • the number of students in the different academic programs by the following age groups: 21–26, 27–32, 33–40, 41–49, 50+ • the approximate cost per student per year in the different academic programs;

and be it further

Resolved, That districts and congregations be encouraged to use such information to bring an awareness of the need and value of ministerial recruitment; and be it finally

Resolved, That similar reporting be provided to congregations of the Synod and their members for other church worker programs in the schools of the Concordia University System.

Board of Directors Texas District