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LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 398

6. Pastoral Ministry and Seminaries 
REPORTS 
R1, R1.2, R1.2.2–R1.2.3, R2.1, R5, R5.2,  
R13–R13.6, R62.3, R62.10, R62.13 
OVERTURES 
Ov. 6-01 
To Uphold Seminary Formation That Faithfully 
Teaches All Doctrines of Scripture and Lutheran 
Confessions and Practices That Accord with Them 
WHEREAS, Pastors of the Synod vow to teach in accordance with 
Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions; and 
WHEREAS, Seminary formation equips men to teach, defend, and 
apply these doctrines faithfully amid cultural and ecclesial 
pressures; and 
WHEREAS, Doctrinal unity is preserved not only through 
agreement in teaching but also through practices that accord with 
that teaching; and 
W
HEREAS, Holy Scripture is “profitable for teaching, for reproof, 
for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16–17); 
and 
WHEREAS, The Augsburg Confession describes the pastoral 
office as exercised in faithfulness to Scripture and good order (AC 
XXVIII); therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod reaffirm seminary formation focused 
on the full teaching of Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions; 
and be it further 
Resolved, That districts of the Synod continue to uphold pastoral 
vows through visitation and ecclesiastical supervision; and be it 
further 
Resolved, That seminaries continue to emphasize liturgical, 
doctrinal, and pastoral formation consistent with the Synod’s 
confession; and be it finally 
Resolved, That the church implore the Holy Spirit to grant 
pastors steadfastness in the truth. 
Good Shepherd, Lincoln, NE;  
Trinity (Decatur Rd), Fort Wayne, IN 
Ov. 6-02 
To Uphold Deep and Broad Study  
of Holy Scripture in Synod Seminaries 
WHEREAS, Concordia Seminary , St. Louis, and Concordia 
Theological Seminary , Fort Wayne,   have historically grounded 
pastoral formation in sustained, direct engagement with the text of 
Holy Scripture in the original languages; and 
W
HEREAS, Faithful pastoral ministry requires not merely 
acquaintance with the biblical text through secondary sources, but 
the ability to read, translate, and interpret Holy Scripture firsthand 
for preaching, teaching, catechesis, and pastoral care; and 
W
HEREAS, The Church benefits when pastors are formed to 
handle the Word of God with confidence rooted in direct textual 
study rather than dependence upon external aids alone; and 
WHEREAS, Our Lord commands His Church to love God not only 
with heart and soul but also with mind (Matt . 22:37), and St. Paul 
exhorts ministers to “ rightly handl [e] the word of truth” (2 Tim . 
2:15); therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod reaffirm and encourage the seminaries 
of the Synod to maintain and deepen rigorous instruction in the 
original languages of Holy Scripture, emphasizing direct translation 
and exegetical engagement with the biblical text; and be it further 
Resolved
, That the Synod encourage the seminaries to resist 
trends toward reduced or merely introductory engagement with the 
biblical languages in pastoral formation; and be it further 
Resolved, That the seminaries be commended and encouraged to 
double down on forming pastors who are capable of independent, 
faithful handling of the Scriptural text in the original languages for 
the sake of the Church’s preaching and teaching; and be it finally 
Resolved, That the Synod give thanks to God for His Word and 
pray for pastors formed to proclaim it faithfully and confidently. 
Mount Hope, Casper, WY; St. Paul, Milford Center, OH; 
 
Trinity (Decatur Rd), Fort Wayne, IN 
Ov. 6-03 
To Uphold Deep and Broad Study  
of Holy Scripture in Synod Seminaries 
WHEREAS, The seminaries of the Synod emphasize rigorous 
study of Holy Scripture, including instruction in the original 
languages, exegesis, and faithful application; and 
WHEREAS, Such study is foundational for faithful preaching, 
teaching, pastoral care, and doctrinal discernment within the 
church; and 
WHEREAS, Our Lord commands love for God with heart, soul, 
and mind (Matt. 22:37); and 
WHEREAS, The Augsburg Confession teaches that faith is given 
through the ministry of the Word (AC V); therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod reaffirm its commitment to deep and 
broad study of Holy Scripture in its seminaries; and be it further 
Resolved, That the seminary curricula continue to emphasize 
original languages, hermeneutics, and pastoral application; and be 
it further 
Resolved, That congregations be encouraged to foster vocations 
that value rigorous study of God’s Word; and be it finally 
Resolved, That the Synod give thanks to God for His Word 
faithfully taught and proclaimed. 
Good Shepherd 
Lincoln, NE 
Ov. 6-04 
To Uphold Deep and Broad Study  
of Holy Scripture in Synod Seminaries 
WHEREAS, Concordia Seminary , St. Louis, and Concordia 
Theological Seminary , Fort Wayne,  have historically grounded 
pastoral formation in sustained, direct engagement with the text of 
Holy Scripture in the original languages; and 
W
HEREAS, Faithful pastoral ministry requires not merely 
acquaintance with the biblical text through secondary sources, but 
the ability to read, translate, and interpret Holy Scripture firsthand 
2026 Convention Workbook
363FLOOR COMMITTEES: REPORT AND OVERTURE ASSIGNMENTS