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LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 432

adherence to the Synod’s stated norms for pastoral formation, and 
increased strain on ecclesiastical oversight. 
This resolution does not adjudicate specific cases, nor does it reflect 
upon the faithfulness, calling, or service of men currently serving as 
specific ministry pastors. Rather, it proposes a suspension of new 
SMP admissions as a prudent and proportionate corrective measure, 
while allowing those already enrolled or serving to continue under 
the terms of their admission. Such action honors prior decisions by 
the Synod, prevents further nonconformity, and preserves the 
possibility of the SMP program’s continued use should the Synod 
determine that it can be administered in full conformity with the 
limitations previously adopted by the Synod in convention. 
W
HEREAS, The 2007 Synod convention established the SMP 
program (2007 Res. 5-01B) to replace the DELTO program as a 
limited and exceptional pastoral formation pathway for specific 
ministry needs, not as a general route to the Office of the Holy 
Ministry; and 
W
HEREAS, The 2013 Synod convention adopted the “ Sattgast 
Amendment” (2013 Res. 5-04B, “To Continue and Strengthen 
Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) Program”), directing district 
presidents not to approve  specific ministry sites which could 
reasonably be expected to support a general pastor or sites where a 
minister of religion—commissioned could fulfill the duties pending 
reception of the recommendations from the SMP committee; and 
WHEREAS, The SMP program has been utilized in contexts not 
authorized by the Synod in convention and contrary to the 
limitations adopted by the Synod in convention; and 
W
HEREAS, Such misuse reflects deficiencies in program 
structure and oversight rather than in the faithfulness or diligence of 
the men currently serving as SMP pastors; therefore be it 
Resolved, That no new candidates shall be admitted into the SMP 
program after a date determined by the Synod; and be it further 
Resolved, That individuals already enrolled in or who have 
completed the SMP program prior to that date may complete their 
formation and serve according to the terms under which they were 
admitted; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod seek and implement alternative means, 
consistent with what has been adapted in convention, to support 
congregations and ministries unable to support a general pastor, as 
required by 2013 Res. 5-04B; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod’s Bylaws be amended as necessary to 
implement this resolution; and be it further 
Resolved, That should the Synod determine that the SMP 
program can be administered in full conformity with the limitations 
previously adopted by the Synod in convention— particularly that it 
be restricted to congregations and ministries unable to support a 
general pastor—then the Synod Bylaws may be amended to permit 
the continued use of the SMP program in that limited and 
exceptional form; and be it finally 
Resolved, That the Synod’s seminaries, districts, and 
congregations conform all pastoral formation practices to those 
programs explicitly authorized by the Synod in convention. 
Good Shepherd 
Lincoln, NE 
Ov. 6-54 
To Strengthen Post-Ordination Supervision  
for Specific Ministry Pastors 
WHEREAS, The Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program 
includes post-ordination supervision as an essential component of 
ongoing pastoral formation and accountability; and 
WHEREAS, The Synod has consistently emphasized the necessity 
of continued mentorship and oversight for pastors formed through 
contextual and limited-curriculum pathways; and 
WHEREAS, Such supervision serves both pastors and 
congregations by promoting doctrinal fidelity, pastoral competence, 
and integration into Synod life; and 
W
HEREAS, Holy Scripture commends accountability among 
those entrusted with the care of souls (Prov. 27:17; Heb. 13:17); and 
WHEREAS, The Lutheran Confessions recognize the Church’s 
responsibility to exercise faithful oversight of those who preach and 
administer the Sacraments; therefore be it 
Resolved, That districts be encouraged to strengthen post -
ordination supervision of specific ministry pastors through regular 
reviews, continuing education, and assigned mentors; and be it 
further 
Resolved, That guidance be provided to assist districts in 
fulfilling this responsibility faithfully; and be it further 
Resolved, That specific ministry pastors be encouraged, where 
appropriate, to pursue additional theological study toward broader 
certification for service; and be it finally 
Resolved, That the Synod give thanks to God for supervisors and 
mentors who faithfully support specific ministry pastors in their 
ministry. 
Trinity (Decatur Rd) 
Fort Wayne, IN 
Ov. 6-55 
To Nullify Restrictive Policies Imposed  
on Specific Ministry Pastor Program  
and Restore Its Original Scope 
WHEREAS, The Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program was 
established by the 2007 Synod convention to address urgent needs 
for Gospel proclamation in specific ministry contexts where full -
time residential seminary formation was not feasible, emphasizing 
flexibility to serve small congregations, missions, and emerging 
needs without undue restrictions on applicants’ age, prior 
membership duration, or mandatory consultations that could deter 
participation (2007 Res. 5 -01B, “To Establish Specific Ministry 
Pastor Program”); and 
WHEREAS, The SMP program has faithfully produced called and 
ordained pastors who serve valid ministries, as affirmed in the 
Pastoral Formation Committee’s (PFC) recent premises (PFC, 
Policy Requirements for the Specific Ministry Pastor Program: 
Admission, Administration and Supervision , Nov. 2025, 
files.lcms.org/dl/f/smp-policy-requirements), and has been a 
blessing to the church by providing basic theological and pastoral 
formation under supervision, honoring the Divine Call while 
adapting to real -world economic and contextual pressures (2007 
Res. 5-01B; cf. PFC Premise 3); and 
2026 Convention Workbook
397PASTORAL MINISTRY AND SEMINARIES