Official Workbook PDF page source text

LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 543

This overture proposes replacing the current dispute resolution 
process with a new system that is biblically grounded, 
confessionally faithful, and practically workable. The goal is to 
restore dispute resolution as an ecclesial and pastoral function, 
providing clear pathways to resolution, meaningful outcomes, and 
effective support for those exercising ecclesiastical supervision. 
The proposed committee is charged with developing a 
comprehensive replacement system, including any necessary 
constitutional and bylaw changes, for consideration and adoption 
by the Synod in convention. 
W
HEREAS, 1 Corinthians 1:10 says, “I appeal to you, brothers, by 
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that 
there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same 
mind and the same judgment;” and Constitution Article II states that 
we confess all doctrines of Holy Scripture, as confessed in the 
Lutheran Confessions of 1580; and 
W
HEREAS, The current dispute resolution process is codified in 
Bylaw section 1.10; and 
WHEREAS, The dispute resolution process is unwieldy, taking up 
over 15 pages in the Handbook and often requiring in-person visits 
that can involve significant expense; and 
WHEREAS, These practical requirements can lead to disputes not 
being resolved in a timely manner, sometimes taking years, and 
when disputes remain unresolved, the Body of Christ suffers; and 
W
HEREAS, Matt hew 5:24 says to go to the person who has a 
problem with you and be reconciled with him, a process that can 
now be accomplished electronically in appropriate circumstances; 
therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod acknowledge that the current dispute 
resolution process is impractical for effective ecclesiastical 
supervision and direct the President of the Synod, in consultation 
with the vice-presidents and the Secretary of the Synod, to appoint 
a representative committee to develop as its replacement a wholly 
new dispute resolution and ecclesiastical supervision system, 
grounded in Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, and including 
the following features: 
• prioritization of ecclesiastical supervision, pastoral 
admonition, and doctrinal clarity; 
• timely, clear, and decisive action in matters of doctrine and 
life, with the process not taking years to complete; 
• provision of clear, predictable, and workable pathways for 
resolving disputes, ensuring every matter reaches a practical 
outcome; 
• inclusion of provisions for regular, periodic examination of 
pastors’ doctrine and practice, within the framework of 
ecclesiastical supervision, with frequency and form 
determined by the committee; 
• production of meaningful and enforceable ecclesiastical 
outcomes, including admonition, correction, restoration, 
and, where necessary, discipline; 
• support and strengthen, rather than hinder, the supervisory 
responsibilities of district presidents; 
• avoidance of unnecessary procedural complexity, cost, and 
delay; and 
• service to the Gospel and the unity of the Church rather than 
merely management of conflict;  
and be it further 
Resolved, That the committee be empowered and directed to 
recommend all necessary amendments to Constitution, Bylaws, and 
policies required to fully implement the replacement system; and be 
it finally 
Resolved, That the committee present its proposed replacement 
system, with all recommended constitutional, bylaw, and policy 
changes, to the next regular convention for consideration, 
amendment, and adoption. 
Good Shepherd 
Lincoln, NE 
Ov. 10-14 
To Replace Dispute Resolution Process with 
Biblical, Workable, and Effective System for 
Ecclesiastical Supervision 
WHEREAS, 1 Corinthians 1:10 says, “I appeal to you, brothers, by 
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that 
there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same 
mind and the same judgment;” and Constitution Article II states that 
we confess all doctrines of Holy Scripture, as confessed in the 
Lutheran Confessions of 1580; and 
WHEREAS, The current dispute resolution process is codified in 
Bylaw section 1.10; and 
WHEREAS, The dispute resolution process is unwieldy, taking up 
over 15 pages in the Handbook and often requiring in-person visits 
that can involve significant expense; and 
WHEREAS, These practical requirements can lead to disputes not 
being resolved in a timely manner, sometimes taking years, and 
when disputes remain unresolved, the Body of Christ suffers; and 
WHEREAS, Matt hew 5:24 says to go to the person who has a 
problem with you and be reconciled with him, a process that can 
now be accomplished electronically in appropriate circumstances; 
therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod acknowledge that the current dispute 
resolution process is impractical for effective ecclesiastical 
supervision; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention direct the President of 
the Synod, in consultation with the vice -presidents and the 
Secretary of the Synod, to appoint a representative committee to 
develop as its replacement a wholly new dispute resolution and 
ecclesiastical supervision system; and be it further 
Resolved, That the new system of ecclesiastical supervision be 
grounded in Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, and focus on 
the following features: 
• prioritization of ecclesiastical supervision, pastoral 
admonition, and doctrinal clarity; 
• timely, clear, and decisive action in matters of doctrine and 
life, with the process not taking years to complete; 
• provision of clear, predictable, and workable pathways for 
resolving disputes, ensuring every matter reaches a practical 
outcome; 
• inclusion of provisions for regular, periodic examination of 
pastors’ doctrine and practice, within the framework of 
ecclesiastical supervision, with frequency and form 
determined by the committee; 
2026 Convention Workbook
508 ECCLESIASTICAL SUPER VISION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION