Official Workbook PDF page source text

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

WHEREAS, 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 spiritualcare 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