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LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 442

WHEREAS, Two of the three members of the PFC are seminary 
presidents and all three members of the committee are ordained, 
representing a narrow segment of interest; therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod expand the PFC to include a wider 
range of voices and interests so that the voice of the church and the 
needs of congregations are better represented; and be it further 
Resolved, That the PFC be comprised of: 
• One seminary president 
• One Synod executive 
• One district president 
• Three lay members selected by draw of suggested names 
submitted by district presidents of districts not already 
represented on the committee. 
Resolved, That, to effect the above, Bylaw 3.10.4.6 be amended 
as follows: 
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING 
D. Pastoral Formation Committee 
… 
3.10.4.6 The Pastoral Formation Committee shall  comprise the 
following members: 
Voting Members: 
1. The Chief Mission Officer of the Synod, chairman 
2. The presidents of the seminaries  
1. One seminary president 
2. One Synod executive 
3. One district president 
4. Three lay members selected by draw of suggested names 
submitted by district presidents of districts not already 
represented on the committee 
Nonvoting Advisory Member: 
The Executive Director of the Office of Pastoral Education 
Board of Directors 
Michigan District 
Ov. 6-70 
To Retain Current Structure  
of Pastoral Formation Committee 
WHEREAS, The Synod has established the Pastoral Formation 
Committee (PFC) to provide theological and ecclesial oversight of 
pastoral formation programs in harmony with Holy Scripture, the 
Lutheran Confessions, and the Synod’s doctrinal commitments; and 
WHEREAS, The current structure of the PFC reflects a deliberate 
balance of theological expertise, institutional accountability, and 
synodwide responsibility; and 
W
HEREAS, The PFC’s work directly affects the integrity of 
pastoral formation, including the relationship between residential 
seminary education and contextual pathways authorized by the 
Synod; and 
WHEREAS, Changes to the composition of doctrinal or formation-
related committees may unintentionally alter their theological 
orientation or functional purpose; and 
W
HEREAS, The Synod has repeatedly affirmed the importance of 
careful, theologically grounded oversight in matters pertaining to 
the pastoral office (AC XIV; FC SD X); therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod affirm the current structure and 
membership composition of the PFC as presently constituted; and 
be it further 
Resolved
, That no expansion or restructuring of the PFC be 
adopted that would alter its current balance of theological and 
institutional representation; and be it further 
Resolved, That any future proposal affecting the structure of the 
PFC demonstrate clear theological necessity and broad synodwide 
consensus; and be it finally 
Resolved, That the Synod give thanks to God for faithful leaders 
who serve in pastoral formation oversight for the good order and 
unity of Christ’s Church. 
Good Shepherd, Lincoln, NE;  
Trinity (Decatur Rd), Fort Wayne, IN 
Ov. 6-71 
To Amend Bylaw 3.10.4.6 to Reform  
Membership of Pastoral Formation Committee 
WHEREAS, The Synod is to, “Recruit and train pastors, teachers, 
and other professional church workers and provide opportunity for 
their continuing growth” (Const. Art. III 3); and 
W
HEREAS, The Pastoral Formation Committee (PFC) is 
responsible for ensuring that the “Synod’s objective of training 
pastors is fulfilled consistently” (Bylaw 3.10.4); and 
WHEREAS, The training of pastors is a matter of great importance 
to the entire Synod, including its congregations, in recognition of 
the many vocations to which pastors are called to serve the Synod, 
its congregations, educational institutions, mission outposts, and 
Recognized Service Organizations; and 
WHEREAS, Given the breadth of offices to which pastors are 
called to serve the Synod, the PFC should, through its membership, 
have knowledge of the needs of the Synod as it considers 
recommendation of new routes to ordination (Bylaw 3.10.4.1) and 
coordinates exis ting non -colloquy routes to ordination (Bylaw 
3.10.4.3); and 
WHEREAS, District presidents, given their direct election by the 
members of the Synod and ecclesiastical supervision of those 
pastors assigned to their districts (Bylaw 2.12.1), are uniquely 
situated to understand, analyze, and provide insight into the needs, 
both current and anticipated, for pastors in the Synod; therefore be 
it 
Resolved, That Bylaw 3.10.4.6 be amended as follows: 
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING 
D. Pastoral Formation Committee 
…  
3.10.4.6 The Pastoral Formation Committee shall  comprise the 
following members: 
Voting Members: 
1. The Chief Mission Officer of the Synod, chairman 
2. The presidents of the seminaries 
3. Five district presidents, one from each of the five geographic 
regions of the Synod, each of whom shall be appointed by the 
Council of Presidents’ members from such geographic region and 
shall serve for a term of one year. 
Nonvoting Advisory Member: 
The Executive Director of the Office of Pastoral Education 
2026 Convention Workbook
407PASTORAL MINISTRY AND SEMINARIES