Official Workbook PDF page source text

LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 359

2026 Convention Workbook
324 LIFE TOGETHER
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING 
Active Members 
2.11.1 To remain on the roster of the Synod as an active member, 
an ordained or commissioned minister of religion must be a 
communicant member of a congregation which is a member of the 
Synod (except as provided in paragraph [c] below) and be regularly 
performing the duties of one of the following:: 
… 
(h) A military or institutional chaplain or a Specialized Care 
worker endorsed by the Synod. 
…  
and be it further 
Resolved, That Bylaw 3.8.2 be amended as follows: 
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING 
Board for National Mission 
3.8.2 The Board for National Mission is charged with 
developing and determining policies for the coordination of and in 
support of district ministries which support congregations and 
schools (Bylaw 1.2.1 [ n]). These policies shall embrace and apply 
the mission and ministry emphases adopted by the national 
convention. Under the leadership of the President of the Synod, 
pursuant to Bylaw 3.3.1.1.1, the board shall assist in identifying the 
specific goals for t he Office of National Mission. Policies 
determined by the board (implemented by staff) may include but not 
be limited to: 
• strong national mission leadership 
• Lutheran school ministries and accreditation 
• human care and domestic mercy efforts 
• stewardship 
• evangelism 
• church planting and revitalization 
• youth ministry 
 Upon recommendation of the Office of National Mission, the Board 
for National Mission shall serve as a calling agency for institutional 
and agency chaplains and other non -foreign specialized ministers 
(e.g., Veterans Administration chaplains, Bureau of Prison 
chaplains, hospital chaplains, pastoral counselors, and teachers of 
chaplaincy and pastoral counseling) church workers serving in 
chaplaincy and counseling roles in institutions and agencies (e.g. 
Bureau of Prisons, hospitals, spiritual care counselor s, and teachers 
of spiritual care education) after consultation with the appropriate 
district presidents(s) (cf. Bylaw 2.12.1.4). 
and be it finally  
Resolved, That Bylaw 6.2.2 be amended as follows: 
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING 
6.2 Recognized Service Organizations 
… 
6.2.2 Policies shall distinguish the three classes of recognized 
service organization, with criteria, procedures, and benefits 
appropriate to each, further distinctions being drawn within the 
categories as needed: 
(a) A witness service organization , under the Scriptures and 
Lutheran Confessions, engages in Word or Word-and-Sacrament 
ministry (including chaplaincy roles), religious 
media/programming, mission society activity, support of specific 
missions, mission -and-ministry training, church worker 
professional development, church worker care, or other work 
directly related to the church’s proclamation. A witness service 
organization is governed solely by Synod (or partner church) 
congregations or a board comprising solely members of member 
congregations of the Synod (or its partner churches). 
… 
Board for National Mission 
Ov. 4-39 
To Use Title Chaplain within the Synod  
Exclusively for Ordained Clergy 
WHEREAS, Holy Scripture teaches that the pastoral office is 
entrusted with the public preaching of the Word and the 
administration of the Sacraments (Matt. 28:18 –20; John 20:21–23; 
1 Cor. 4:1); and 
WHEREAS, The Lutheran Confessions affirm the necessity and 
centrality of the called and ordained pastor in the life of the Church 
(AC XIV; Tr 67–74); and 
WHEREAS, The term chaplain historically designates an ordained 
clergyman entrusted with the spiritual care of a specific community, 
institution, or military unit, thus reflecting a pastoral function; and 
W
HEREAS, The usage of chaplain for individuals not holding the 
Office of the Public Ministry can create confusion regarding who is 
authorized to preach the Gospel and administer the Sacraments, 
potentially undermining the pastoral office and our confession of 
the Office of the Holy Ministry; therefore be it 
Resolved, That the 2026 Synod convention adopt the position 
that the title chaplain  within Synod contexts be reserved for 
ordained ministers of Word and Sacrament; and be it further 
Resolved, That institutions, agencies, and ministries within the 
Synod be encouraged to ensure that titles and job descriptions make 
clear any distinction between ordained chaplains and other spiritual-
care providers (e.g., deaconesses, lay ministers, or pastoral 
counselors) who may assist but are not called and ordained to the 
Office of the Holy Ministry; and be it further 
Resolved, That districts, circuit visitors, and local congregations 
be urged to instruct their members regarding the proper use of the 
term chaplain, reaffirming our confessional understanding that 
preaching the Gospel and administering the Sacraments are 
entrusted to the pastoral office; and be it finally 
Resolved, That the Synod give thanks for the faithful service of 
all who provide spiritual care within our fellowship, while 
upholding in doctrine and practice that the title chaplain belongs to 
those ordained to serve as called ministers of Christ and stewards of 
the mysteries of God (1 Cor. 4:1). 
South Wisconsin District 
Ov. 4-40 
To Encourage Use of Chalice 
WHEREAS, The people of God in the Lord’ s Supper receive the 
holy body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the 
institution of Jesus; and 
WHEREAS, Communion confesses our unity with our brothers 
and sisters in the Christian congregation; and 
WHEREAS, The Lord Jesus passed a single cup to His disciples at 
the Last Supper; and 
WHEREAS, St. Paul speaks of a single “ cup of blessing” in 1 
Corinthians 10:16; and