To Provide for Ordination of Certain Laymen Involved in Word and Sacrament Ministry

RESOLUTION 3-08

Overtures 3-24A-25, 3-30, 3-32A-C, 3-36-37 (CW, pp. 188-92)

Whereas, Some individuals have for many years been providing preaching and sacramental ministry in certain extraordinary situations, even though they have not completed a synodical seminary program or been ordained; and

Whereas, Some of these men have gained experience, and in many cases have had additional education--which suggests that they be recognized in a way that goes beyond the licensure by District Presidents which was authorized at the 1989 synodical convention (Res. 3-05B); and

Whereas, The 1989 convention of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod resolved:

That a committee be appointed by the President of the Synod to study the question of whether laymen performing functions of the pastoral ministry should, in fact, be "ordained." In what circumstances and with what requirements? Should the Synod, in fact, establish "alternate routes" into the pastoral office? (Res. 3-12, B, "Ordination of Nonseminary Trained Men Serving in Word and Sacrament Ministry. Alternate Route to the Pastoral Office"); and

Whereas, At the request of the Standing Committee for Pastoral Ministry, the President of the Synod appointed the Colloquy Committee, augmented by two District presidents, to study these questions; and

Whereas, This committee recommends that in certain cases, it is appropriate and necessary for such laymen to be ordained; therefore be it

Resolved, That the following paragraph be inserted in Bylaw 6.97, "Program of Instruction," after section f:

g. In the case of men who have served at least 10 years in Word and Sacrament ministry and are currently licensed for preaching and administering the Sacrament by a District president, the Synodical Colloquy Committee may itself carry out the entire colloquy process. This may be done only at the request of a congregation holding membership in the Synod and with the support of the appropriate District president. In such cases, the Synodical Colloquy Committee may approve the ordination of such laymen who are found to be well-qualified, or may assign a program of study at its own discretion and may waive the requirement of a college degree; and be it further

Resolved, That the paragraphs currently denominated g and h be denominated h and i.

Action: Adopted (12).

                (An amendment calling for replacement of the words "have served at least 10 years" with "are serving" was declined. A motion to table was also lost.)

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