To Pause and Correct Deficiencies in Lutheran Identity and Mission Outcomes Standards

Official Workbook overture source text

7-07 
To Pause and Correct Deficiencies in Lutheran 
Identity and Mission Outcomes Standards 
WHEREAS, The purpose of the Lutheran Identity and Mission 
Outcomes Standards (“Standards”) was to find Lutheran identity for 
accreditation in mission and outreach; and 
WHEREAS, Those involved diligently and with great expenditure 
of their time developed the Standards to improve the mission and 
outreach of our universities; and 
WHEREAS, We do not want those efforts to go to waste and have 
the Standards fall short of reaching its purpose; and 
WHEREAS, There are deficiencies with various questions, which 
result in the following problems: 
• Lutheran identity is presented as a doctrinal category but not 
defined, allowing the interviewer and interviewee to define 
it subjectively and how they believe it should be applied. 
• The absence of a definition of Lutheran identity could lead 
our congregations, our schools, and our associations to be 
confused about what it means to be Lutheran. 
• An unclear definition of Lutheran identity could be used 
inappropriately, unethically, unjustly, and unlovingly. 
• The use of technical language without definition (e.g., high 
Christology; Lutheran values). 
• The use of yes-or-no questions and the overuse of the word 
explain as a catch-all. 
and 
WHEREAS, These problems and deficiencies have caused a lack 
of trust in how the Standards have been used; therefore be it 
Resolved, That, because of the problems in the Standards, their 
use should be paused until these issues are addressed; and be it 
further 
Resolved, That the 2026 Synod convention adopt this resolution 
and form a new task force, which includes but is not limited to 
Concordia University System representatives and all Concordia 
University presidents, to improve and remedy the issues in the 
Standards stated above; and be it finally 
Resolved, That the review and corrections be made fully 
transparent to the members of the Synod. 
Michigan District 
Ov.