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LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 428

daily work of pastoral ministry, may thereby apply for general 
ordination status on the roster of the Synod; and be it finally 
Resolved, That the district memorialize the Synod in convention 
to create pathways for non-residential seminary students to earn an 
M.Div. degree and to allow the General Pastor Certification classes 
at the s eminaries to continue to give opportunity for specific 
ministry pastors to earn an M.Div. by continuing their education. 
Pacific Southwest District 
Ov. 6-47 
To Review and Streamline Specific Ministry Pastor 
to General Pastor Pathways 
WHEREAS, The Synod has established the Specific Ministry 
Pastor (SMP) program for pastoral service in specific contexts 
under defined parameters, and has long provided that, after further 
preparation and examination, an SMP pastor may be eligible for a 
change of status to serve as a general ministry pastor; and 
WHEREAS, There is widespread desire among congregations and 
districts for clear, affordable, and efficient pathways by which men 
serving faithfully as SMP pastors may, after appropriate additional 
formation and examination, be eligible for such change of status in 
order to meet local mission needs; and 
W
HEREAS, The Bylaws of Synod charge the responsible boards, 
committees, and seminaries with developing and maintaining the 
policies that govern pastoral qualification, certification, placement, 
and academic standards; and 
W
HEREAS, The current pathways from SMP to general ministry 
vary in structure, sequence, cost, and time to completion, which 
causes confusion for congregations and candidates, creates 
avoidable financial burdens, and can delay the deployment of fully 
prepared workers into the harvest; therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention direct the President of 
the Synod to convene, within six months of adjournment, a working 
group consisting of representatives of the Council of Presidents 
(COP), the Pastoral Formation Committee, the seminaries of the 
Synod (presidents and appropriate faculty), and the Office of the 
Chief Financial Officer, with consultation from the Concordia 
University System and Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), 
to review and propose reforms to the pathways from SMP to general 
ministry; and be it further 
Resolved, That this working group evaluate and recommend, 
without compromising doctrinal fidelity or pastoral competency, a 
unified and transparent pathway that includes clear entry criteria, 
recognition of prior learning with credit for demonstrated pastoral 
competencies, sequenced coursework available via distance and 
hybrid delivery, standardized comprehensive examination(s) 
appropriate to general ministry, and timely, published milestones 
for assessment and approval; and be it further 
Resolved, That the working group propose measures to improve 
affordability, including but not limited to tuition caps or reduced 
tuition rates for SMP transition coursework, expanded scholarships 
targeted for SMP pastors, cohort models that reduce per‑student 
cost, and responsible use of distance education to minimize travel 
and housing expenses; and be it further 
Resolved, That the seminaries be directed to publish, within 
twelve months of convention adjournment, harmonized handbooks 
that set forth the reformed pathway, including syllabi, credit 
expectations, examination rubrics, sample timelines, and a 
comprehensive schedule of fees; and be it further 
Resolved, That the COP, in consultation with the seminaries, 
establish uniform policies and procedures for the examination and 
certification for change of status to general ministry pastor, and 
publish them together with the seminaries’ handbooks; and be it 
further 
Resolved, That the President of the Synod ensure that the above 
reforms are implemented and that progress reports be provided to 
the Synod through an official periodical at six‑month intervals, with 
a final report, including any recommended bylaw changes, 
submitted to the 2029 Synod convention; and be it further 
Resolved, That districts and congregations be encouraged to 
identify and financially support qualified SMP pastors pursuing 
change of status, and that LCEF and other partners be invited to 
create revolving funds, grants, or loan products to reduce 
out‑of‑pocket costs for candidates; and be it finally 
Resolved, That the Synod reaffirm that any change‑of‑status 
pathway for SMP pastors must preserve confessional subscription, 
thorough pastoral formation, and rigorous examination in doctrine 
and practice, so that the Church may be well served by pastors 
competent for the whole Office of the Public Ministry. 
Christ Greenfield, Gilbert, AZ; South Lake, League City, TX 
Ov. 6-48 
To Amend Bylaw 2.13.1 to Provide Pathway  
for Specific Ministry Pastors to Receive  
Full Pastoral Certification 
WHEREAS, Scripture establishes  qualifications for the pastoral 
office, including requiring that an overseer be above reproach, able 
to teach, and manage his own household well (1 Tim . 3:1–7; Titus 
1:5–9); and 
WHEREAS, Article V of the Augsburg Confession affirms that 
God instituted the Office of the Ministry to provide the Gospel and 
the Sacraments; and 
WHEREAS, These qualifications focus on character, faithfulness, 
and demonstrated capability rather than exclusively on specific 
educational credentials; and 
WHEREAS, Specific ministry pastors serve faithfully in 
specialized Word and Sacrament ministry contexts under the 
supervision of district presidents and other pastors (Bylaw 2.13.1); 
and 
WHEREAS, Current bylaws restrict specific ministry pastors from 
serving in roles beyond their specific ministry context without 
completing the Specific Ministry Pastor  to General Pastor 
Certification (GPC) program; and 
WHEREAS, The GPC program requires the specific ministry 
pastor to complete a minimum of an additional 28.5 credits of 
classwork, which presents significant time and financial challenges 
for those already serving in full -time pastoral ministry, requiring 
years of additional study while balancing congregational 
responsibilities and family obligations; and 
WHEREAS, The Synod provides multiple pathways to general 
pastoral certification, including the Alternate Route (AR) , 
Residential Alternative Route  (RAR), Center for Hispanic Studies 
(CHS) Seminary Level Program , Ethnic Immigrant Institute of 
Theology (EIIT) program, which all, unlike the Specific Ministry 
2026 Convention Workbook
393PASTORAL MINISTRY AND SEMINARIES