Official Workbook PDF page source text

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

WHEREAS, 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

WHEREAS, 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

WHEREAS, 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

WHEREAS, 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