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SMPColloquy–2017
1
AdmissiontothePastoralMinistryof
TheLutheranChurch—MissouriSynodbyColloquytothe“SpecificMinistryPastor”Roster(for
LicensedLayDeacons)
BylawsandPolicies
ColloquyasaSpecificMinistryPastor
2017
SMPColloquy–2017
2
TableofContents
Preface Page3BylawsoftheSynodGoverningColloquy Page5PoliciesGoverningColloquytotheSpecificMinistryPastorRoster
ForCertainLicensedLayDeacons Page7
RegionalColloquyCommitteesforLicensedLayDeacons Page7EligibilityforColloquy Page8ApplicationthroughtheDistrictPresident Page9CriteriaforDeterminingtheCorrectColloquyPath Page10ContentsoftheApplicationPackageforLicensedLayDeacons ApplyingforColloquytotheSMPRoster Page11PublicNoticePolicy Page14InterviewandCriteriaforColloquyofLicensedLayDeacons Page14CertificationandPlacement Page15SpecificProceduresandChecklistsforDistrictPresidents Page16SupervisingPastorReportForm Page20SpecificStepsforImplementationofResolution13-02A Page22DealingwithExceptionalSituations Page27AppendixOne–ChecklistforPlacement Page41AppendixTwo–QuestionsRegardingBackgroundChecks Page45AppendixThree–2016SynodConventionResolution13-02A Page48
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AdmissiontothePastoralMinistryofTheLutheranChurch—MissouriSynodbyColloquy
Preface
Foranoverseer[e.g.bishoporpastor],asGod'ssteward,mustbeabovereproach.Hemustnotbearrogantorquick-temperedoradrunkardorviolentorgreedyforgain,buthospitable,aloverofgood,self-controlled,upright,holy,anddisciplined.Hemustholdfirmtothetrustworthywordastaught,sothathemaybeabletogiveinstructioninsounddoctrineandalsotorebukethosewhocontradictit.Titus1:7-9
…whatyouhaveheardfrommeinthepresenceofmanywitnessesentrusttofaithfulmen,whowillbeabletoteachothersalso.2Timothy2:2
Inourchurchesnoonetakesuptheofficeofpastorsimplyofhisownvolition.Amanmustbeformedandtrainedasapastor,examinedbythechurchastobothhischaracterandhisabilitytoteachtheWordofGodfaithfully,calledbyGodthroughthechurch(mostoftenthroughacongregation)and,becauseourcongregationsarenotindependentfranchisesbutmembersofaconfessionalfellowship,wealsoseektorecognizeinapublicwaythroughtheparticipationofthewiderchurchthatapastorisproperlycalled.Ordinationisthepublicriteofthechurch,livinginChrist,thatproclaimsopenlyalltheseelements. InourSynodthereareseveralmeansforallofthistotakeplace.Ourtwoseminarieseachhavevariousprograms(withvaryinglevelsofformaleducation)bywhichmenareformedaspastorsandthenexaminedbyatheologicalfacultytobefoundtobeofgoodcharacterand,mostimportantly,“abletoteach.”Inaddition,theSynodhas,throughoutitshistory,providedcolloquyasaroutebywhichmenpreparedinvariouswaysoutsideoftheformationthattakesplaceatourseminariesmayalsobeexaminedandcertifiedforcallandplacement.However,nomatterthemeansbywhichthechurchforms,examinesandcertifiesmen,allarecalledbyGodthroughthechurchtotheonepastoralofficeandrecognizedbythewiderchurch(bymeansoftheriteofordinationorsubsequentinstallationrites)thattheyareproperlycalledandplacedintotheoffice. Thechurchhasfreedombothtoestablishdifferentmeansandlevelsoftrainingorformationaswellastoprovide,byhumanright,differentlevelsofsupervisionwithintheonepastoraloffice(e.g.ourdistinctionbetween“general”pastorsand“specificministry”pastors).Butinallcases,pastorsareformed,trained,examined,certifiedforministry,calledandpubliclyplacedintooffice.Whatevertheleveloftrainingorsupervision,allarepastorsandaretoberecognizedassuch.
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TheSynod,inadoptingResolution13-02A,ToRegularizeStatusofLicensedLayDeaconsInvolvedinWordandSacramentMinistry(seeAppendixThree,pages34ff),commendeddistrictlay-trainingprogramsandthemanylayservantswhohavesoughttheologicaleducationanddemonstratedadesiretoserveintheircongregationstoassistpastors.Districtlaytrainingprogramsareanimportantpartofourlifetogetherandaretobeencouragedbecausetheyofferpreparationforlayworkersinmercyministry,outreach,assimilationofnewmembers,visitationandChristianeducation. ThepurposeofResolution13-02Awithrespecttothoselicensedlaydeaconswhoarefunctioningasdefactopastors(i.e.regularlypreachingand/oradministeringthesacraments)istoappreciatethemandtorecognizethemforwhatthey,inreality,are–ineffect,pastors.Thebasicprincipleoutlinedintheresolutionisthat,ifthechurchsendsamanregularlytodopastoralwork,thechurchshouldrecognizehim(callandordainhim)asapastor. ThepurposeofthismanualistoprovideguidancetothemembersoftheSynodandtoapplicantsforcolloquyregardingtheprocessbywhichqualifiedlicensedlaydeaconsmaybeexaminedbythechurchandcertifiedbycolloquyforcallandplacementas“specificministry”pastorsintheSynod.Thisprocedureisauthorizedby2016SynodResolution13-02A(SeeAppendixThree,pages34ff).
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AdmissiontothePastoralMinistryofTheLutheranChurch—MissouriSynodbyColloquy
BylawsandPolicies
ColloquyasaSpecificMinistryPastor
2017
BylawsoftheSynodGoverningColloquyColloquyCommittee for thePastoralMinistry(Bylaws3.10.2ff;2.7.2;2016Handbook. SeealsoBylaws2.8.1;2.8.2and2.9.1regardingtheplacementofmencertifiedbythecolloquycommittee.)
3.10.2TheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistryshallberesponsibleforthereceptionandprocessingofapplicationsforindividualmembershipintheSynodthroughcolloquy.3.10.2.1TheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistryshallconsistoftheFirstVice-Presidentof the Synod as chairman, a district president appointed by the Council of Presidents, and thepresidentsoftheseminariesortheirrepresentatives.3.10.2.2TheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistryshallestablishandmonitoracademic,theological,andpersonalstandardsforadmissiontotheofficeofthepastoralministrybycolloquyafterconsultationwiththefacultiesoftheseminaries.
(a)InconsultationwiththePresidentoftheSynod,itshalldevelopallnecessarypoliciestogoverneligibilityandtheprocesstobefollowedtodeterminequalificationsandsuitabilityforpastoralserviceintheSynod.(b) Decisions to declare applicants qualified for the pastoral ministry and to certify forplacementshallbeatthesolediscretionofthecommittee.(c)EveryapplicantwhomthecommitteedeclaresqualifiedshallbeassignedhisfirstcallbytheCouncilofPresidentsactingastheBoardofAssignments.
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3.10.2.3 Applicantsfortheordainedministryrecommendedbytherespectivedistrictpresidentwho are eligible for colloquy under the Colloquy Committee’s published policies may makeapplication to the committee. Other applicants for the ordained ministry, such as Ministers ofReligion—Commissioned, laymen of a special ethnic or linguistic group, and laymenwho havefulfilled at least ten years of significant service in a congregation, may make application to aseminaryfortheResidentialAlternateRouteoranyotherappropriateprogram.3.10.2.4 The LCMS laymen and commissioned ministers who receive a Master of Divinity orequivalentdegreefromanon-LCMSseminarymayseekcertificationforcallandplacementintheSynodbyparticipatingintheResidentialAlternateRouteprogramofoneoftheseminariesoftheSynod,ifotherwiseeligibleforadmissiontotheseminary.3.10.2.5Allmendesiringtheordainedministrywhodonotmeettheeligibilityrequirementsoftheforegoingbylawsshallbedirectedtotheseminariesforconsiderationinotherprograms.[3.10.2.3to3.10.2.5arenewbylawsadoptedbythe2016ConventionofSynod]
PlacementinaFirstCall(Bylaw2.7.2,2016Handbook)
2.7.2 CandidateswhohavesatisfactorilycompletedanapprovedcolloquyprogramoftheSynodfor the ordained or commissioned ministry must be declared qualified for a first call and berecommendedby theappropriatecolloquycommittee(seeBylaws3.10.2ff.and3.10.3ff.)beforetheeffectivedateofthefirstcalltoserviceinthechurchasassignedbytheBoardofAssignmentsasprovidedinBylawsection2.9.
EmeritusPastorsfromOtherChurchBodies(Bylaw2.7.5,2016Handbook)
2.7.5 Apastoremeritusfromanotherchurchbody,afterhavingcompletedanapprovedcolloquyprogram of the Synod,may be placed on the roster of the Synodwithout call by action of theCouncilofPresidentsonthebasisofpoliciesadoptedbytheCouncilofPresidents.
(a) Such placement shall be acknowledged by a rite of recognition in aworship service,preferablyofthecongregationoftheSynodwhereheholdsmembership.
(b)Suchriteistobeauthorizedbythedistrictpresident.
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PoliciesGoverningColloquytothe“SpecificMinistryPastor”RosterforLicensedLayDeacons
Definition
Acolloquyinitssimplestformisaconversation,inthiscase,atheologicalandmoralconversationheldtoexaminecertainapplicants,inordertodeclarethemqualifiedforafirstcall(ornot),andtocertifythemforplacementinthepastoralministryinTheLutheranChurch—MissouriSynod.
TheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistry
TheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistryestablishedbytheBylawsoftheSynodconsistsoftheFirstVice-PresidentoftheSynodasChairman,thePresidentsofthetwoseminariesoftheSynod(ortheirrepresentatives)andamemberoftheCouncilofPresidentselectedbytheCouncilofPresidentstoserveinthiscapacity.TheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistryshallmeetatthecallofthechairman(theSynod’sFirstVice-President)asoftenashedeemsitnecessarytoconsideradequatelytheapplicationsreceived.NormallythereshallbeatleastfourmeetingsoftheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistryperyear.Theprocessforcolloquyforlicensedlaydeaconstothe“SpecificMinistryPastor”rosteroftheSynodtakesplaceunderthegeneralsupervisionoftheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistry.
RegionalColloquyCommitteesforLicensedLayDeacons
Bymeansof2016Resolution13-02A(seeAppendixThree,pages34ff)theSynodauthorizedthecreationofseveralregionalcolloquycommitteesoperatingunderthesupervisionoftheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistryanditschairman,theFirstVice-PresidentoftheSynod.Thepurpose of these regional committees is to interview and certify Licensed Lay Deacons of TheLutheranChurch—Missouri Synod to the roster of SpecificMinistryPastors (seeBylaw2.13.1),subjecttotheratificationoftheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistry.
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TheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistryshallestablishatleast3or4regionalcolloquycommittees(centered,forexample,inPortland,OR,Irvine,CA,Memphis,TNand,perhaps,Detroit,MIorPittsburgh,PA).Theseregionalcolloquycommitteesshalleachincludethefollowing:
• The district president of the congregation served by the licensed lay deacon makingapplication.
• OnememberofaDistrictBoardofDirectorsfromtheregion,appointedbythepresidentsofthedistrictsthatmakeupthatregionoftheSynod.
• One seminary professor or seminary staff member (e.g. the head of a seminary’s SMPprogram)appointedbytheseminarypresidents.
• One pastor from the particular regionwith experience supervising licensed lay deacons,appointed by the President of the Synod from a pool of three pastors selected by thepresidentsofthedistrictsthatmakeupthatregionoftheSynod.
• The First-Vice President of the Synod (or the respective regional vice-president of theSynod)aschairman.
Theregionalcolloquycommittees,atthediscretionofthechairman(toexpeditethework),mayappointotherordainedmentoserveoninterviewpanelsonanadhocbasisasneeded.Thelocaldistrictpresident,districtpresidentsemeritus,districtvicepresidents,ormembersofthedistrictstaffmaybeusedinthiscapacityasneeded.
EligibilityforColloquy
GeneralBiblicalRequirements
Applicantsforcolloquymustbemale,menofgoodmoralcharacterwhohavebeenpreparedforthe pastoral ministry in some manner apart from the various routes leading to ordinationexistingwithinTheLutheranChurch—MissouriSynod.Anapplicantmust“beabovereproach,thehusbandofonewife,temperate,prudent,respectable,hospitable,abletoteach,notaddictedtowineorpugnacious,butgentle,uncontentious,freefromtheloveofmoney.Hemustbeonewhomanageshisownhouseholdwell, keepinghis childrenunder controlwithalldignity (but ifamandoesnotknowhowtomanagehisownhousehold,howwillhetakecareofthechurchofGod?);andnotanewconvert,lesthebecomeconceitedandfallintothecondemnationincurredbythedevil.Andhemusthaveagoodreputationwiththoseoutsidethechurch,sothathemaynotfallintoreproachandthesnareofthedevil”(1Timothy3:2-7;Seealso4:1-16;2Timothy4:1-5;Titus1:5-9,etc.).TheColloquyCommitteeforPastoralMinistrywill,asitconsiderseachapplicant,bethefinalauthorityfordeterminingeligibilityaccordingtotheseBiblicalrequirements.
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SpecificRequirementsforEligibilityforColloquyofLicensedLayDeaconstothe“SpecificMinistryPastor”RosteroftheSynod
There are four categories of individualswhomayapply for colloquy inTheLutheranChurch—Missouri Synod (See the separate Policy Manual for “Admission to the Pastoral Ministry of TheLutheran Church—Missouri Synod by Colloquy for a complete explanation of these categories.)Thismanualoutlinestheprocessforthefourthcategory:
Currently Licensed Lay Deacons in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod who arerequiredbytheSynodtoapplyforcolloquyasaSpecificMinistryPastor:Resolution13-02Aof the 2016 Convention of the Synod (see Appendix Three, pages 48ff) requires that “thosedeacons currently licensed for and serving inWord and Sacrament ministry” (that is, publiclypreachingandadministeringthesacramentsonaconsistentandcontinuingbasis)shallhaveuntilJuly1,2018to:1)applytooneoftheseminariesforadmissiontothealternaterouteprogram,2)applyforentranceintoaseminarySMPprogram,or3)applytotheregionalcolloquycommitteefor admission to the SMP roster, unless granted a waiver through the process laid out in theresolution.Thisroute,accordingtoResolution13-02A,isfor“currentlicensedlaydeacons(LLDs)whoare50yearsofageorolderandwhohavebeenpreachingtheGospeland/oradministeringthe sacraments publicly on behalf of the church for the past 2 years (de facto pastors), so thatthese servants of Christ canbe called and ordained according to the order of the LCMS andberostered as pastors with SMP status.” Policies and procedures to be followed by those in thiscategoryofcolloquyapplicants,aswellasexceptionsallowed,aredetailedbelow.(CategoryFour)
ApplicationthroughtheDistrictPresidentApplicants for colloquy shall be directed to the president of the district where the applicantresides. As ecclesiastical supervisor, the district president shall have responsibility to help theapplicantprepareacompleteandthoroughapplicationpackage.
(1) The district president shall personally interview the applicant to ensure that hemeets the requirements for eligibility to apply for colloquy (both general andspecific,seeabove).
(2) Upon receipt of a colloquy application from a licensed lay deacon, the districtpresident shall make an initial determination as to the proper route for theindividualinquestion.Shouldtheapplicantbeeligiblefor“general”pastorcolloquy,pleaserefertothemanualpreparedforthatpurpose.TheprocessforLicensedLayDeaconstoapplyforcolloquytotherosterofspecificministrypastorsisdescribedbelow.
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(3) The district president shall ensure that the pastor supervising the licensed laydeacon applying for colloquy completes the report form included below on pages20f,followingtheoutlinepresented.Thisreportshallbeincludedintheapplicationpackage.
(4) Uponcompletionoftheapplicationpackage,thedistrictpresidentshallrecommendqualified applicants to the chairmanof the colloquy committee,who shall forwardtheapplicationpackagetotheappropriateregionalcolloquycommittee.
(5) Such recommendation shallbeprocessedaccording to thepoliciesandproceduresadoptedbytheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistryashereinsetforth.
CriteriaforDeterminingWhichColloquyPathisAppropriate
Thedistrictpresidentoftheapplicanthastheresponsibilityinitiallytodeterminethecategoryappropriateforeachapplicant.Wherethereareanyquestionsregardingthisissue,theColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistrywillmaketheultimatedecision.Followingarethebasiccriteriaforthedecision:
(1) Applicantswhoareordainedpastorsactiveinanotherchurchbodyatthetimeofapplicationoranapplicantwhohaspreparedhimselfforordinationinanotherchurchbodybutisnotnowservingasapastor(inwhichcasehemusthavebeenamemberingoodstandingofanLCMScongregationforatleasttwoyears)mustmakeapplicationthroughthedistrictpresidenttotheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistryfor“general”pastorstatus(CategoriesOneandTwo).
(2) CommissionedministersoftheSynod(ontherosterforatleast10years)aredirectedtoaseminaryalternaterouteresidentialprogramiftheywishtobecome“general”pastorsoftheSynod.Pleasenoteaswell,bythetermsofBylaws3.10.2.3-3.10.2.5,commissionedministersoftheSynodand/orlife-longmembersofcongregationsoftheSynodwhoobtainMasterofDivinitydegreesfromseminariesoutsidetheSynodarenormallynoteligibleforcolloquytotherosterof“general”pastorsoftheSynod,butshallbedirectedtoapplytooneoftheseminaryalternaterouteresidentialprogramsshouldtheywishtobecome“general”pastors.Inunusualsituations,thecommitteemaymakeexceptions,attherequestofthesponsoringdistrictpresident(seealsoitem5below).
(3) Qualifiedlicensedlaydeaconswhohaveservedatleast10yearswiththefullpastoralresponsibilityofwordandsacramentministrymaymakeapplicationthroughthedistrictpresidenttotheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistryfor“general”pastorstatus(CategoryThree).(SeetheseparatePolicyManualfor“AdmissiontothePastoralMinistryofTheLutheranChurch—MissouriSynodbyColloquyforacompleteexplanationofthefirstthreecategories.)
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(4) Licensedlaydeaconswhoare50yearsofageorolderwhohavebeenpreachingtheGospeland/oradministeringthesacramentspubliclyonbehalfofthechurchforthepasttwoyears(asdefactopastors)must,byJuly1,2018,inconsultationwithhisdistrictpresident,applytooneoftheseminaryalternaterouteresidentialprograms,orapplytotheseminaryregularSMPprogram,ormakeapplicationtooneoftheregionalcolloquycommitteesforcolloquytotheSMProster.SuchapplicationismadethroughthedistrictpresidenttotheofficeoftheFirstVice-President,whowillforwardtheapplicationtotheappropriateregionalcolloquycommittee.OncecertifiedbytheColloquyCommittee(uponrecommendationoftheregionalcolloquycommittee),suchmenarecalledbytheircongregation,placedinthatcallbytheCouncilofPresidents,ordainedandplacedontherosterofspecificministrypastors(SMP).ExceptionstotheserequirementsastoageandyearsofservicemaybegrantedbytheappropriateregionalcolloquycommitteewiththeapprovaloftherespectivedistrictpresidentandtheplenaryoftheCouncilofPresidents(SeeResolution13-02A,AppendixThree,page48ff),(CategoryFour).
(5) LicensedlaydeaconslicensedforWordandSacramentministrywhoarealsocommissionedministersoftheSynodwhoareotherwisequalifiedtoapplyforcolloquyasspecificministrypastorsmaydoso.Thebylawsreferencedinitem2aboveapplyingeneraltothosecommissionedministersoftheSynodwhowishtobecome“general”pastorsoftheSynod–theyaredirectedtotheseminaryalternaterouteprogram.InthecaseoflicensedlaydeaconswhoarealsoonthecommissionedministerrosteroftheSynod,theirlicensedlaydeaconstatusshalltakeprecedenceintheapplicationofResolution13-02A.
(6) Allotherlicensedlaydeaconswhodesiretoserveinapastoralcapacity(unlessaspecificwaiverisgrantedbytheplenaryoftheCouncilofPresidentsandtheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistryundercriteriaestablishedby2016Resolution13-02A)shallapplytotheseminaryforaresidentialprogram,orshallapplyfortheregularseminarySMPprogram.
(7) Adetailedchecklistforthisprocesstobefollowedbythelicensedlaydeaconapplyingforcolloquyandthedistrictpresidenthasbeenprovidedonpages16ff.
ContentsofanApplicationPackageforColloquyofLicensedLayDeaconstotheRosterofSMPPastors
The applicant shall prepare or obtain, as appropriate, all materials required for a completeapplication (See Bylaws 3.10.2; 3.10.2.2; 2.7.2; 2.8.1; 2.8.2; and 2.9.1; 2016 Handbook). Thisapplication package shall be assembled by the applicant and the district president and shallincludethefollowing(seealsothechecklistbelowonpages16ff):
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1) Theapplicantshallauthorizethedistrictpresidenttorequestacompletebackgroundcheckthrough“ProtectMyMinistry.”Theapplicantshalltenderpaymentforall“ProtectMyMinistry”feeswiththecompletedauthorizationformtothedistrictinwhichapplicationisbeingmade(feesareestablishedbyeachdistrict).Acopyofthisreport(minustheSocialSecurityNumber)shallbeprovidedaspartoftheapplicationpackage.Pleaseexplaininaseparatedocumentanyanomaliesinthebackgroundcheck.
2) Theapplicantshallcompletetheform“ApplicationforAdmissiontotheColloquyProgramforSpecificMinistryPastors”(amodifiedversionoftheregularapplicationforcolloquy).Specificelementstobeincludedwiththisapplicationformare:a) Adetaileddescriptionoftheapplicant’scurrentserviceasalaydeaconlicensedfor
WordandSacramentministry.b) Threesermons,writtenorrecorded(digitallyonaCDor“thumbdrive”).c) DemonstrationofathoroughknowledgeofLuther’sSmallCatechismbymeansofan
essay.d) Documentationthattheapplicanthaspassedtheseminaries’basicentrytestsinthe
OldTestamentandNewTestament(alsoarequirementforenteringtheseminarySMPprogram),availableontheseminaries’websites;ORpresentofficialtranscriptsdocumentingsuccessfulcompletionofequivalentcoursesinanacademicsetting.
e) DocumentationdemonstratingcompletionofaoneweekintensivecourseontheLutheranapproachtoScriptureanddoctrineofferedbytheseminaryfacultiesisrequired.(Thiscourse,tobeofferedregionally,willbegoodpreparationfortheinterviewwiththeregionalcolloquycommittee–ultimately,thecoursewillalsobedigitallyrecordedforviewinginotherlocations.)However,inlieuofthiscourse,theapplicantmayfulfillthisrequirementbypresentingdocumentation(transcripts)ofsuccessfulcompletionofanacademiccourseinLutherandoctrineinstead.
3) Thedistrictpresidentandapplicant(and,ifmarried,hiswife)shallsigntheapplication
whereindicated.ThedistrictpresidentneedstoindicatehisstrongsupportfortheapplicanttobeplacedinanSMPcalltothecongregationtheapplicantisserving.
4) Inadditiontotheinformationrequiredtocompletetheapplicationform,theapplicantshallprepareanautobiographicalstatementincludinghisexperienceasalicensedlaydeacon.
5) Theapplicantshallarrangeforwrittentestimonials,sentdirectlytothedistrictpresident,whichassesstheapplicant’sChristiancharacterandlife,personality,abilitiesandpreviousservice(especiallywithregardtohowhehasconductedhimselfasalicensedlaydeacon).Thesetestimonialsshallcomefromnofewerthanthreereferenceswhohaveknownandobservedtheapplicantforatleastthetwoyears
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immediatelyprecedinghisapplication.Non-UScitizenswillberequiredtoprovideproofoflegalresidencyintheUnitedStates.
6) Inadditiontotheletterofendorsementfromthedistrictpresident,oneofthesetestimoniallettersmustcomefromthecircuitvisitor(currentorprevious)ofthecircuitwheretheapplicanthasbeenservingasalicensedlaydeaconassessinghiscurrentandpastservice.
7) Thecongregationservedbythelicensedlaydeaconshallprepareanofficiallettertobeincludedintheapplicationpackageindicatingtheircommitmenttoextendacalltothedeacononceheiscertifiedforcallandplacement.PlacementinacallshallbebyactionoftheBoardofAssignments(theCouncilofPresidents)accordingtoitsnormalprocedures.
8) Thepastorsupervisingthelicensedlaydeaconshallprovideadetailedassessmentoftheapplicant’ssuitability(followingtheformatofthedistrictinterviewcommitteereport),andarecommendationwhethertheapplicantshouldbedeclaredqualified(ornot)foracallasa“specificministrypastor”inTheLutheranChurch—MissouriSynoduponcompletionofthecolloquyprocess.Iftheapplicantismarried,thisreportshouldincludeanevaluationoftheattitudetowardtheministryonthepartoftheapplicant’swife.Awrittencopyofthisreportshallbeincludedintheapplicationpackage.
9) Theapplicantshallarrangefortransmissiontothedistrictpresidentofofficial(original)transcriptsfromallcollegesandseminarieshemayhaveattended.Theapplicantalsoshallfurnishevidenceofearnedcontinuingeducationunits(CEUs)andofothernon-creditacademicandprofessionalexperiencescompleted.TheColloquyCommitteereservestherighttoseekindependentvalidationofcredit.
10) Thedistrictpresidentshallattachacoverlettertotheapplicationpackagewhichdeclareshisstrongendorsementandsponsorshipoftheapplicant.Thedistrictpresident’slettermustalsogiveclearandcogentreasonswhythecolloquyapplicantcannotentertheseminaryalternaterouteortheseminarySMPprogram.ThedistrictpresidentshallmakesureallrequestedinformationhasbeenprovidedandshallsendthecompletedpackagewithappropriatesignaturestotheFirstVice-PresidentoftheSynodaschairmanofthePastoralColloquyCommittee.Theapplicant(and,ifmarried,hiswife)andthesponsoringdistrictpresidentmustsignthisapplicationformwhereindicated.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The applicant (plus, if married, the applicant’s wife) and his sponsoring
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districtpresidentmustsigntheapplicationformwhereindicatedorelseitwillbereturned.
Oncecompletedthedistrictpresidentwilltransmittheapplicationpackagetotheofficeofthe First Vice-President who will assign the application to the appropriate regionalcommitteeforconsideration.
PublicNoticePolicyNormallythecolloquycommitteeshallpublishnoticeofitsintenttointerviewanapplicantinanofficial periodical of the Synod. Under extenuating circumstances, the applicantmay, for validreasons, request that thecommitteemakeanexception to this requirement, so that suchnoticewouldbedelayeduntilafterhisinterview.
(1)If no valid objection is received by the committee within 30 days after thepublicationof suchnotice, theapplicationprocessmayproceed. No final certificationshalltakeplaceuntilafterthecloseofthispublicationcycle.(2)If the applicant was interviewed first, notice shall then be published and uponpublication30daysgivenforvalidobjectionstobereceivedbeforetheapplicantmaybefinallydeclaredqualified(ornot)andcertifiedforplacementinthepastoralministryinTheLutheranChurch—MissouriSynod.(3)Thecommittee, in itssolediscretion,shalldecidewhetheranobjection isvalid. Itsdecisionshallnotbethesubjectofanyappeal.(4)The regional colloquycommittees shall reportallof itsactions to theOfficeof theFirstVicePresidentwhowillmake thepropernotices in theofficialperiodicalsof theSynod.
InterviewandCriteriaforColloquyofLicensedLayDeaconstotheRosterof“SpecificMinistry”PastorsTheappropriateregionalcolloquycommitteeshallarrangeforapersonalcolloquyinterview,ordiscussion, with qualified applicants. The committee’s final decision on each applicant shall bemadeonthebasisofsuchcolloquyexaminationandshallbethesoleprerogativeoftheregionalcolloquy committee. The criteria bywhich the regional colloquy committee shall determine anapplicant’s readiness for certification are based on the following standards, including but notlimitedto:
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(1)areasofgeneraleducation;(2)basicunderstandingofandagreementwiththescripturalanddoctrinalpositionsofTheLutheranChurch—MissouriSynod;(3)basicfamiliaritywiththehistoryandpolityoftheSynod;(4)intimateknowledgeof the contentof theSmall Catechism, plus adiscussionof thecontentoftheoneweekintensivecourse;(5)positiveexperienceintheworkofpastoralministry,thatis,thepublicpreachingandpresiding for the Sacraments (including examination of the sermons provided by theapplicantwithhisapplication);(6)demonstratedmoralcharacter(“abovereproach”).
Theregionalcolloquycommittee,atitssolediscretion,shalldeterminethecontentandamountofacademicwork,personal studyprograms,or supervisedministry thatmaybe requiredprior tocertification.Tothisend,thecommitteemayrequesttheassistanceoftheseminaryfacultiesorofqualifiedpastorsorteachersinotherlocationstoserveasinstructorsormentors.Theregionalcolloquycommittee,at itssolediscretion,mayrequireasecondcolloquyinterviewfollowingthecompletionofsuchstudyand/orsupervisedministryprograms.Theregionalcolloquycommitteeshallreportall itsdecisionsto theColloquyCommittee for thePastoralMinistrythroughtheofficeoftheFirstVice-President.
CertificationandPlacementTheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistryshall:
(1)receive reports of the actions of the regional colloquy committees and, afterratification,transmitthemtoappropriateauthoritiesasoutlinedbelow.(2)declarequalifiedandcertifyforplacementthoseapplicantswhohavesatisfactorilycompleted the colloquy interview and any other requirements as assigned by theregionalcolloquycommittee;(3)reportthisactiontothechairmanoftheCouncilofPresidentsPlacementCommitteefor thePastoralMinistry, to theOffice forPastoralEducationof theSynod, and to theappropriatedistrictpresident;and(4)publishareportofitsfavorableactioninanofficialperiodicaloftheSynod.
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Everyapplicantwhom theColloquyCommitteedeclaresqualifiedandcertifies forplacement inthe pastoral ministry shall be assigned his first call by the Council of Presidents acting as theBoardofAssignments(SynodBylaw2.9.1).AppendixOneincludesachecklistshowingtheactionstepstobetakenfortheplacementofColloquyCandidatesforthePastoralMinistry(MinistersofReligion—Ordained).
SpecificProceduresandChecklists
INITIALDETERMINATIONSBYTHESPONSORINGDISTRICTPRESIDENT:
ColloquyApplicationPackagesarepreparedbythecolloquyapplicant(inthecaseofthismanual,alicensedlaydeaconapplyingforcolloquytotheSMProster)withtheassistanceofasponsoringdistrictpresident.Aspartofthispreparation,beforetransmittingaColloquyApplicationPackagetotheOfficeoftheFirstVice-President,thesponsoringdistrictpresidentshall:
1. ______Determinethatthemanisanordainedpastoractivelyservingacongregationofanotherchurchbody(CategoryOne)or
2. ______DeterminethattheapplicantisnotatthetimeofapplicationanactivepastorinanotherchurchbodybutthatheisordainedandhasbeenamemberofanLCMSparishforatleasttwoyears*(CategoryTwo)or
3. ______Determinethattheapplicantisnotordained,buthasreceivedaMasterofDivinityDegreeorequivalentfromanaccreditedseminary*(aMasterofArtsisnotnormallyequivalenttotheMasterofDivinity)andhasbeenamemberofanLCMSparishforatleasttwoyears*(alsoCategoryTwo).
4. ______IftheindividualisacommissionedministeroftheSynod*desiringtobecomea“general”pastor,thebylawsdirecthimtoapplytooneofourtwoseminariesforan“alternateroute”orMasterofDivinitytrack.
5. ______Iftheindividualisalife-longlaymemberof(a)congregation(s)oftheLCMSwhohasobtainedaMasterofDivinityDegreefromtheseminaryofanotherchurchbody*,orcommissionedministeroftheSynodwhohasobtainedaMasterofDivinityDegreefromtheseminaryofanotherchurchbody*,thebylawsdirecthimtoapplytooneofourseminariesforan“alternateroute”tocertificationforcallandordinationasa“general”pastoroftheSynod.
6. ______Iftheapplicantispresentlyalicensedlaydeaconservingasadefactopastor,thesponsoringdistrictpresidentshalldeterminewhetherornotheiseligibleforcolloquytothe“general”pastorrosterorifhemustapplyforcolloquytothe“specificministrypastor”roster.
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7. ______Ifthelicensedlaydeaconhasbeenengagedinthefullresponsibilitiesofthepastoralministry(preachingandadministeringthesacramentsforacongregation)foratleast10yearsandthecongregationiswillingtocallhim,hemayapplytotheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistryforcolloquytothe“general”pastorroster(Category3above,seepage9).
8. _____ShouldthesponsoringdistrictpresidentbeconvincedthattheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistryoughtconsider,onthebasisofanapplicant’sspecialcircumstances,anexceptiontooneofthesespecificeligibilityrequirements(asteriskedabove*initems2,3,4,5&7),thesponsoringdistrictpresidentmustfurnishwiththeapplicationawrittenrecommendationdetailingthespecialcircumstancesandtherationalefortherecommendedexception.TheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistry,however,retainstheresponsibilityandauthorityfordecidingtograntortodeclinetheaboveexceptions.ThedecisionoftheColloquyCommitteeshallberegardedasfinalbyallpartiestothecolloquyapplication.
9. ______Ifthelicensedlaydeacon(50yearsofageorolder*)hasbeenservinginapastoralcapacity,preachingand/oradministeringthesacramentsonaconsistentandcontinuingbasisforatleasttwoyears,*andacongregationiswillingtocallhimasitspastor,hemust,byJuly1,2018,applythroughtheofficeoftheFirstVice-Presidenttooneoftheregionalcolloquycommitteesforcolloquytothe“specificministrypastor”roster(ifhedoesnotapplytooneoftheseminaryprograms).(CategoryFour,seepage9above).
10. ______*Shouldthesponsoringdistrictpresentbeconvincedthattheregionalcolloquycommitteeoughtconsider,onthebasisofanapplicant’sspecialcircumstances,anexceptiontotheageandexperiencerequirements(asterisked*inItem9above)thesponsoringdistrictpresidentmustfurnishwiththeapplicationawrittenrecommendationdetailingthespecialcircumstancesandtherationalefortherecommendedexception.ExceptionstotheseSMPcolloquyrequirementswithrespecttoageandyearsofserviceforlicensedlaydeaconsmaybegrantedbytheappropriateregionalcolloquycommitteewiththeapprovaloftherespectivedistrictpresidentandtheplenaryoftheCouncilofPresidents(Resolution13-02A,fifthresolve).
11. ______Iftheapplicationisforcolloquytothe“specificministrypastor”roster,thesponsoringdistrictpresidentshalldeterminethatallthepartsoftheapplicationpackagelistedinthechecklistunder#12belowarepresent.Iftheapplicationisforcolloquytothe“generalpastor”roster,thesponsoringdistrictpresidentshallrefertotheseparatemanual“AdmissiontothePastoralMinistryofTheLutheranChurch—MissouriSynodbyColloquy.”
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CHECKLISTFORLICENSEDLAYDEACONCOLLOQUYAPPLICATIONSTOTHE“SMP”ROSTER
12. ______Thesponsoringdistrictpresidentshalldeterminethattheapplicationpackageforcolloquytothe“specificministrypastor”roster(Category4)includesallofthefollowingitems(incompleteapplicationpackageswillnotbeconsidereduntiltheyarecomplete):
a. ______Acompletedcopyoftheform“ApplicationbyaLicensedLayDeaconforAdmissiontothe‘SpecificMinistry’PastoralColloquyProgram.”Makesureallsectionsarecompletedandarelegible.Please,ifpossible,usetheelectronicformavailableontheSynodwebsite.
b. ______Ifmarried,theapplicant’swifemustcompleteandsignherportionoftheform.
c. ______Boththeapplicantandthesponsoringdistrictpresidentmustsigntheform.Thedistrictpresidentmustindicatewhetherornothewishestheapplicanttobeplacedinhisdistrict.
d. ______Fullcopyofthereportfrom“ProtectMyMinistry.”
e. ______AutobiographicalstatementasexplainedintheApplicationForm.
f. ______Adetaileddescriptionoftheapplicant’scurrentserviceasadeaconlicensedforWordandSacramentministry.
g. ______Threesermons,writtenordigitallyrecorded.
h. ______DemonstrationofathoroughknowledgeofLuther’sSmallCatechismbymeansofanessaytobeincludedwiththeapplicationform.
i. ______Documentationthattheapplicanthaspassedtheseminaries’basicentrytestsinOldTestamentandNewTestamentordocumentationofsuccessfulcompletionofanequivalentacademiccourse(officialtranscripts).
j. ______DocumentationthattheapplicanthascompletedanintensivecourseontheLutheranapproachtoScriptureanddoctrineofferedbytheseminariesinconjunctionwitharegionalcolloquycommitteeordocumentationofsuccessfulcompletionofanacademiccourseinLutherandoctrine(officialtranscripts).
k. ______AtleastthreewrittentestimoniallettersfromnofewerthanthreereferenceswhohaveknownandobservedtheapplicantastohisChristiancharacterandlife,personality,abilitiesinministry,etc.
l. ______Oneofthesetestimoniallettersmustcomefromthecircuitvisitor(currentorimmediatelypast)ofthecongregationtheapplicantisserving.
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m. ______Inaddition,thesupervisingpastorofthelicensedlaydeaconapplicantmustprovideadetailedassessmentoftheapplicant’ssuitabilityandarecommendationwhetherornottheapplicantshouldbedeclaredqualifiedforacall.PleaseusetheReportFormbelowonpage19.
n. ______Officialtranscriptsfromallcollegesandseminariestheapplicanthasattended.
o. ______Aletterfromthecongregationheservesindicatingtheirintenttoextendacalltohimonceheiscertified(onecannotbeordainedapartfromaregularcall).
p. ______Acoverletterfromthesponsoringdistrictpresidentdeclaringhisstrongendorsementandsponsorshipoftheapplicant.Thedistrictpresident’slettermustgiveclearandcogentreasonswhythecolloquyapplicantcannotentertheseminaryalternaterouteortheseminarySMPprogram.
q. ______SendthecompletedapplicationpackagetotheOfficeoftheFirstVice-PresidentforconsiderationbyoneoftheregionalcolloquycommitteesworkingundertheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistry.
r. ______Rememberingthattheapplicant,ifcertified,willbeplacedontheSMProster,thelicenseddeacon’ssupervisingpastorshouldbeaskedifheiswillingtocontinuetosupervisetheman,orifanothersupervisingpastorshouldbesought(seeBylaw2.13.1).
s. ______Officialrequestsforanynecessaryexceptionsthatmustbemade.
CHECKLISTFORTHEOFFICEOFTHEFIRSTVICE-PRESIDENTUponreceiptofanyColloquyApplicationPackage,theofficeoftheFirstVice-Presidentshall:
13. ______DeterminethatallpartsoftheApplicationPackagearepresent(incompleteapplicationscannotbeconsidereduntiltheyarecompleted).
14. ______Determineunderwhichcategorytheparticularapplicationisbeingmade.
15. ______Iftheapplicationbelongsinoneofthe“general”pastorcategories(Categories1,2&3),heshallbringtheapplicationtoaregularmeetingoftheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistryforconsideration.
16. ______Iftheapplicationisfromalicensedlaydeaconapplyingforcolloquytothe“specificministrypastor”roster,heshallassignandtransmittheapplicationtotheappropriateregionalcolloquycommittee.
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SupervisingPastorReportForm
SUPERVISINGPASTORREPORTFORMLicensedLayDeaconApplicantforSMPColloquy
Applicant’sName: ________________________________________________________________________StreetAddress: ________________________________________________________________________City,State,Zip: ________________________________________________________________________Applicant’sWife: ________________________________________________________________________(Iftheapplicantismarried,thisevaluationmustincludeheraswell.)
PhoneNumber: ________________________________________________________________________Email: ________________________________________________________________________SynodDistrict: ________________________________________________________________________SupervisingPastor: ________________________________________________________________________Signature: ________________________________________________________________________PhoneNumberofSupervisingPastor:__________________________________________________________
QUESTIONSFORSUPERVISINGPASTORSTOANSWERREGARDINGLICENSEDDEACONAPPLICANTSFORSMPCOLLOQUY: 1. Describethenatureofthedeacon’sserviceinhiscongregation. 2. Toyourknowledge,hastheapplicantreadtheBookofConcord? Whatdoyouknowofhis
understandingofLutheranteaching? 3. Howfamiliaristheapplicantwiththeculture,polity,andpracticesofTheLutheranChurch—
Missouri Synod? Howwell does he understand the confessional position of the LCMS asoutlinedinArticleIIofourconstitution?
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4. Istheapplicantwilling/preparedtocompletefurtherrequirementsasmaybedeterminedby
oneoftheSynod’sPastoralColloquyCommittees? 5. If the deacon/applicant ismarried, is the applicant’s wife supportive of his service in the
Church? 6. Inwhat typeof situationdoyouenvision theapplicant serving?Wouldyouappreciate the
applicantservingasyourpastor?Istheapplicantservingorwillingtoservebi-vocationallyasa“workerpriest”?
7. Willthecongregationbeingservedbytheapplicantcallhim,ifheiscertified? 8. Hastheapplicanteverbeenarrested,charged,orconvictedofacrime?SUMMARYStrengthsObserved:ConcernsObserved:________IrecommendthismanforadmissiontotheLCMSbycolloquytotherosterofSMPpastors.________IdonotrecommendthismanforadmissiontotheLCMSbycolloquy.
SupervisingPastor:Pleasereturnthisformto:
TheDistrictOfficeoftheSponsoringDistrictPresident
SponsoringDistrictPresident:ThisformistobeincludedwiththecolloquyapplicationpackagetobesubmittedtotheOfficeoftheFirstVice-President.
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SpecificStepsforImplementationof2016Resolution13-02AIntroduction
WiththeadoptionofResolution13-02A–ToRegularizeStatusofLicensedLayDeaconsInvolvedinWordandSacramentMinistry(page34below)–theSynodisseekingtoclarifythestatusandroleoflicensedlaydeacons(LLD),particularlythosewhohavebeenservingasdefactopastors.Implementationofthisresolutionwilltakepatienceandprayerfulcooperationonthepartofallinvolved.DistrictPresidentswillbecalledupontoidentifyandencouragethoseLLDswhowillneedtoapplyforcolloquytothe“specificministrypastor”(SMP)roster.DistrictPresidentswillalsoneedtoencouragethoseLLDswhoareinvolvedprimarilyinevangelism,mercyworkandvisitation,thusassistingtheirpastors,thattheirserviceisbothappreciatedbytheSynodandneedednowmorethanever.Inotherwords,laytrainingprogramsatthedistrictlevelneedtocontinue.The4-06ATaskForceonLicensedLayDeacons,forinstance,commendeddistrictlay-trainingprogramsandthemanylayservantswhohavesoughttheologicaleducationanddemonstratedadesiretoserveintheircongregationstoassistpastors.EveniftheseprogramsnolongerprimarilyservetopreparementoserveaslicensedlaydeaconsforregularWordandSacramentministry,theyarestillneeded!TheywillcontinuetoprovidecoursesinOldTestament,NewTestament,andChristianDoctrine,introductorypreaching,teachingandpastoralcaretopreparemenforapplicationandentranceintotheseminaries’SpecificMinistryPastorprogram.
Inaddition,theSynod,inadoptingResolution13-02A,isconvincedthatcommittedmen
andwomenalikeareneededforongoingtrainingtoprovideassistancetotheircongregationsandpastors.Districttrainingprogramsofferpreparationforlayworkersinmercyministry,outreach,assimilationofnewmembers,visitation,andChristianeducation.ThesetriedandtesteddistrictlayeducationprogramsareexceptionalresourcesforthemissionsandlifetogetherofthechurchesoftheSynod.Currentlicensedlaydeaconswhoarenotregularlypreachingandofficiatingatthesacraments(defactopastors)shouldcontinuetoofferavarietyofassistingservicesunderthesupervisionoftheirpastor.Thisembracesboththedivineofficeofpastorandtheserviceofassistingdeaconswhodonotregularlypreachandpresideatthesacraments.Thereforetheresolvesin13-02Astate:
Resolved, That nothing in this resolution shall be construed as impeding the training, recognition, credentialing or service of deacons who do not publicly preach or administer the sacraments, namely, those who serve in ministries of mercy, education, or visitation, and so forth, or in an outreach role, assisting in evangelism and church planting (but not in public preaching and administration of the sacraments); and be it further
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Resolved, That district presidents may continue to recruit, train, and credential new deacons for general varieties of service in the church that do not include public preaching and administration of the sacraments;
Secondly,thepurposeofResolution13-02AwithrespecttothoseLLDswhoarefunctioningasdefactopastors(i.e.onaconsistentorcontinuingbasispreachingand/oradministeringthesacraments)istoappreciatethemandtorecognizethemforwhattheyinrealityare–aspastors.ThebasicprincipleoutlinedistheWhereasesof13-02Aisthat,ifthechurchsendsamanregularlytodopastoralwork,thechurchshouldrecognizehim(callandordainhim)asapastor.“Specificministrypastors”serveunderdirectsupervisionofanotherpastor(dejurehumano),butthechurchisbeingcleartothemandtotheirpeople–theyarepastors(dejuredivino).TheprocessoutlinedbytheSynodinResolution13-02Aisintendedtobringthesebrothers,overtime,throughacolloquyprocessdesignedspecificallyforthem.StepByStepChecklistsfortheImplementationofResolution13-02AThefollowingmaterialprovidesadetailedlistofstepsthatneedtobetakenbythevariouspersonsandentitiesaffectedbytheprovisionsof2016Resolution13-02A.Therearesix“StepbyStep”listsfor:
1) TheFirstVicePresidentasChairmanoftheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistry.2) TheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistryasawhole.3) TheCouncilofPresidents4) IndividualDistrictPresidentswhohavelicensedlaydeaconsworkingintheirdistricts.5) TheRegionalColloquyCommitteestobeformedas13-02Aisimplemented.6) Individuallicensedlaydeacons.
ONE–“StepByStep”fortheFirstVice-President_______1)ReviewandreviseLLDSMPColloquyPolicyManualwithCOPCommittee._______2)Prepare“StepByStep”processforColloquyCommittees._______3)ReviewpolicymanualsandstepbystepwithCouncilofPresidentsinFebruary._______4) LeadColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistrythroughthemanualsandthe“Stepby
Step”material–February1
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_______5) SurveyDistrictPresidentstoreceiveaccuratenumbersregardingthemenineachofthethreecategorieslistedinthesurvey.
_______6) Formregionalcolloquycommittees,correspondingwitheachoftheentitiesand
stakeholdersinvolved._______7)Workwithstakeholderstofinalizethemembersoftheregionalcolloquycommittees._______8) Finalizewhenandwhereandhowtheseminaryintensivecourseswillbeheld._______9)Workwithgroupsthathavequestionsandconcernsabouttheregionalcolloquyprocess._______10)EnsurethattheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistryapprovesthemanualand
alltheseefforts._______11)Makearrangementsfortheregionalcolloquycommitteestomeetinitially._______12)WorkwithmembersoftheCouncilofPresidentstoanswerquestionsorconcernsabout
theprocess._______13)Publishcompletedpolicymanuals._______14)Workwithdistrictofficestoexplaintheapplicationprocess–conferencecall?_______15)Organizeandtrainregionalcolloquycommittees._______16)Formprocesstosignupforseminaryintensivecourses._______17)Planandorganizeseminaryintensivecourses–location,professors,etc. ____Goalistohelpapplicantsprepareforthecolloquyinterviewbyhelpingthemgrowin
thinkingasaLutheranpastorthinks. ____Preliminarydates–June26-30inMemphis;July10-14inPortland; Otherpossibledates:13-17November;5-9Marchand12-16March2018.Moreare
needed. ____Puttogetherseveralquestionstoenableprofstoevaluatecolloquyapplicantsatthe
endofthecourse. ____Makearrangementstorecorddigitallytheclassestobeusedlocally.Drawup
regulationsastohowotherscanparticipatewithaproctor._______18)ReceiveapplicationpackagessentfromDistrictOffices.
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_______19)Determinethatallpartsoftheapplicationpackagearepresent(seepages17-18inthe
policymanualforchecklist–incompleteapplicationscannotbeconsidereduntiltheyarecomplete).
_______20)Determineunderwhichcategorytheparticularapplicationisbeingmade._______21)Iftheapplicationbelongsinoneofthe“general”pastorcategoriestheFirstVice-
PresidentshallbringtheapplicationpackagetoaregularmeetingoftheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistry.
_______22)Iftheapplicationisfromalicensedlaydeaconapplyingforcolloquytothe“specific
ministrypastor”roster,heshallassignandtransmittheapplicationpackagetotheappropriateregionalcolloquycommitteeforconsideration.
_______23)Chairtheregionalcolloquycommitteesastheyexamineapplicationpackages._______24)Notifyapplicantsofthetimeandplaceoftheirinterview._______25)Preparethenecessarycorrespondenceinresponsetotheregionalcolloquycommittee
actions–includingrequirednotificationsoftheSynodinofficialSynodpublications._______26)Overseetheinterviewprocessbywhichtheregionalcommitteesinterviewapplicants._______27)Notifyapplicantsofthedecisionoftheregionalcolloquycommitteetocertifythe
applicant._______28)Notifythedistrictpresident,COPPlacementCommitteeandSynodPastoralEducation
departmentofcertificationsothattheindividualcanbeplaced._______29)NotifytheSynodthroughofficialpublicationsofthefinalactionofthecommittee.TWO–StepByStepfortheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistry_______1) Reviewboththe“general”andthe“SMPColloquy”policymanualsinourmeeting
February1._______2) SendPolicyManualforthe“general”pastorrostertotheCommissiononConstitutional
Mattersforrequiredreview.
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_______3) ConsultwiththeCOPontheLLDmanualthroughtheCOPcommitteeinthemeeting
February7-10._______4) ReviewallsuggestedchangesatregularmeetingMarch31andapprove._______5) ReviewallchoicesandproceduresfortheregionalcolloquycommitteesJune2,2017._______6) ReviewandfinalizeallproceduresforthecolloquyofLLDstotheSMProsterJune2,
2017._______7) Receiveandratifyalldecisionsoftheregionalcommitteestocertifyastheyarereported._______8) ReportallactionstoSynodthroughappropriatechannels._______9) PerhapsexamineinitialapplicationsforSMPcolloquybyLLDssothattheregional
colloquycommitteesmaybeabletostartquickly.THREE–“StepbyStep”fortheCouncilofPresidents
1) _____DistrictPresidentsconsultwitheachotherandwiththePresidentandFirstVice-PresidentofSynodinimplementingtheoutlinedpoliciesandprocedures
2) _____AteachCouncilofPresidentsmeetingbepreparedtoreviewexceptions
a) _____PriortoeachCOPmeetingmembersofthecouncilwillreceivealistofDeaconspresentedforexceptions
b) _____AccompanyingthelistwillbewrittenexplanationsofsuchexceptionsasrequestedbyaDistrictPresident
c) _____Exceptionalsituationsare:i) deaconsthatdonotfittheageorexperiencerequirementandyetrequestingadmission
toSMPcolloquy.ii) WhetheraparticularcongregationmaybeservedbyaLicensedLayDeaconbeyond
establisheddeadlinesfromResolution13-02A.d) _____TheDistrictPresidentprovidingecclesiasticalsupervisionwillpresenteachexception
requested.Heshalldetailtherationalforrequestinganexception.i) Careneedstobegivenkeepinmindthechallengingcircumstancesforeach
congregationincluding:financial,geographic,demographicasallowedforinResolution13-02A.
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e) _____TheCouncilofPresidentswillhaveanopportunitytoaskquestionsofeachexceptionasnecessaryi) TheCouncilisdeterminingwhetherthechallengingcircumstancesofthecongregation
supportanexceptionii) TheCouncilisnotdeterminingthefitnessoftheindividual,norortheyvotingon
personalpreferenceregardingLicensedLayDeaconsingeneral.ExceptionsareallowedbyResolution13-02A.
f) _____TheCouncilofPresidentswillthenvoteoneachexception;eitherYestoallowtheexceptionorNotodeclinetheexceptioni) Asimplemajorityofthecouncilisneededtograntanexception.
3) _____TheSecretaryoftheCouncilofPresidentswillnotifytheCouncilofPresidentsand
appropriateregionalcolloquycommitteeortheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistryofthedecisionoftheCouncil.
OnGrantingExceptionsInansweringthequestionofexceptions,theprimaryfocusneedstobeonthecongregationitselfand her needs. Any situation where the proclamation of the Gospel and the opportunity toregularlyreceivetheSacramentsaretrulyinjeopardymayconstituteanemergencysituation.ThecriteriaoutlinedinResolution13-02A(seeboxbelow)mustalsobefollowed.AstheCouncilofPresidentsmakesdecisionsregardingthesesituations,itsbasicconcernoughttobe–willtherebepeoplewhoarekeptfromhearingthegoodnewsofGod’sloveinJesusChristand receiving His gifts if the Council declines the request for an exception. The Council willevaluateeachindividualrequestforanexceptiononitsmerits.Somepossibleconsiderations:
• Willgrantingtheexceptionexpandmissionopportunitiesinthiscommunity?• Whatfuturedoweenvisionwithoutthisleaderinplace?• Hasthecongregationrespondedtotheleadershipofthisindividual?Isthereahistory
ofdemonstratedfruittohislabor?• Are there true andvalid reasonswhy thedeacon inquestion is not able to enter the
SMPcolloquyprogram?• Additional considerations will be necessary for specialized populations (e.g., deaf
licensedlaydeaconsaswellasthoselackingbasicEnglishskills).• Doesthemaninvolvedhaveahealthyreputationandinfluenceinthecommunity?(The
presenceofsomeonethepeopleinthatlocaleknowmaybeofmuchmorevaluethanapastorwhocomesinonceinawhileandisnotaregularpartofthecommunity).
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• Does thecongregationhave theresources tohelp thedeaconreceiveSMPtrainingorenter SMP colloquy? Are there funds available through Synod’s Office of NationalMissionforthisindividual?
• Distance–whereisthenearestpartnerorsistercongregation?• Finances–doesthecongregationhavethecriticalmassnecessarytocareforapastor
andhisfamily?• Isitpossibletoobtainanordainedpastortoprovideservicesregularly?
SectionsofResolution13-02ARelatingtothePlenaryoftheCouncilofPresidents
WHEREAS,TheLCMShaslongrecognizedthatchallengingcircumstancesmaymakeitdifficult
or impossible to provide a pastor for congregations andministries, for example: (1) financialchallenges (numerous congregations andmissions are unable to support a pastor financially);(2) geographical challenges (small, isolated congregations in remote areas often face financialchallenges and may have no pastors in geographic proximity to them); and (3) demographicchallenges (urban, minority, non-English-speaking, and ethnically diverse congregations andmissionsmayfindnorosteredcandidatesavailabletofilltheirpastoralneeds);and…
Resolved,ThattheLCMSrecognizethat“emergencyknowsnorule”andthatnoSynodactioncan or should prevent a congregation from taking reasonable and scripturally faithful stepsnecessary to provide for theWord to be proclaimed in time of emergency,while at the sametime,everycongregationoftheSynodisrequiredtoaddressmattersinvolvingtheOfficeofthePublicMinistryinawaythatisconsistentwithitssubscriptiontoScriptureandtheConfessions,aswellasitsagreementtoabidebytheSynod’sConstitution;andbeitfurther…
Resolved,ThatexceptionstotheSMPcolloquyrequirementswithrespecttoageandyearsofservice for LLDs may be granted by the appropriate regional colloquy committee with theapprovaloftherespectivedistrictpresidentandtheplenaryoftheCouncilofPresidents;andbeitfurther…
Resolved,Thatuntil January1,2018,districtpresidentsmay trainandannually license laydeacons topreachpublicly and to administer theSacraments.Beyond thatdate in exceptionalcases, as defined in (1) and (2) below, the appropriate district presidentmay annually grantlicensure with the consent of the plenary of the Council of Presidents and the ColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistry:(1)…(2) Thedeaconservesindistinctiveaspectsoftheofficeofpublicministry(thatis,preachingor
administration of the sacraments) only during times of emergency or extraordinary need(when there is no ordained pastor available or able to serve), only on a temporary oroccasionalbasis,andunderthedirectsupervisionofanordainedpastor;
andbeitfurther…
Resolved, That the district president, the plenary of the Council of Presidents, and theregionalcolloquycommittees,inmakingdecisionsrelatedtothethreeresolvesabove,shalldosoinafashionthatnocongregationorcurrentministrywillbeforcedtocloseordiscontinue;…
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FOUR–“StepbyStep”forIndividualDistrictPresidentswithLicensedLayDeacons GeneralConsiderationsforDistrictPresidents
UnderResolution13-02Adistrictpresidentswillberesponsible,asecclesiasticalsupervisors,forcommunicatingwiththelicensedlaydeaconsofhisdistrict,assuringthemof:
o TheappreciationoftheSynodforhishardworkinanoftenthanklesstask.o Remind them of the need for all the LLDs who are regularly preaching and/or
administering the sacraments either to apply to the seminary (alternate route orSMP)ortoapplyforcolloquy(mosttotheSMProster).
o Indicatetothosewhoarenotregularlypreachingandpresidingthattheycontinuetobecredentialedbythedistrictfortheirservice.
Each district president, as ecclesiastical supervisor, will need to determine, as much as
possible, those licensed lay deacons to whom the following requirements of 13-02A apply. Inotherwords,ishe50yearsofageorolder?Hasheonacontinuingbasispreachedandpresidedasade factopastor for twoyears? Will thecongregationbewilling tocallhimasapastor?ThesenumberswillneedtobereportedtotheFirstVice-President.
Eachdistrictpresidentdetermineswhichlicensedlaydeaconsinhisdistrictdonotpreach
andpresideonaconsistentandcontinuingbasis. Inotherwords,doesheserveinministriesofmercy, education,orvisitation, andso forth,or inanoutreach role, assisting inevangelismandchurchplanting(butnot inpublicpreachingandadministrationof thesacramentsasade factopastor). In the future, those deacons presently licensed by the district who do not preach andpresideonaconsistentorcontinuingbasis,shallnotbelicensedforWordandSacramentministryafter January 2, 2018. However, theymay still be credentialed by the district for the assistingministriesoutlinedabove.
Eachdistrictpresidentmakesknowntohisdistrictthatthedistrictmaycontinuetorecruit,
train,andcredentialnewdeaconsforgeneralvarietiesofserviceinthechurchthatdonotincludepublicpreachingandadministrationofthesacraments.
Eachdistrictpresidentwillupliftinprayeranddemonstratetheappreciationofthechurch
atlargeforalllicensedlaydeacons,astheresolutionindicates:o Forthosewhoserveasdefactopastors,thatthey,withthechurch’sencouragement,
seektobecolloquizedandrecognized,calledandordainedasSMPpastors.o For those serving in assisting ministries that they continue with the church’s
blessingandgratitude.
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Districtpresidentswillthereforeneedtoevaluateeachoftheirlicensedlaydeaconsbythefollowingidentifiers:
o TheLLDhas beenpreaching and/orpresiding for the sacraments on a consistentandcontinuingbasisforthepasttwo(2)years.Yesorno?
§ Ifno,continuetoencourage,train,credentialandmakeuseofthemintheirassistingroles.
§ Ifyes,seefollowing:o TheLLDpreachingandpresidingonaconsistentandcontinuingbasisis50yearsof
ageorolder.§ Ifno,thisLLDmust,byJuly1,2018,applyfortheresidentialalternateroute
or the regular SMPprogramat the seminary, or thedistrict presidentmayrequestanexceptionbemade,asoutlined in the fifthresolveofResolution13-02A.
§ Ifyes,thisLLDmust,byJuly1,2018,applyfortheresidentialalternaterouteor the regular SMP program at the seminary, OR, this LLD may makeapplication through the office of the First Vice-President to one of theregionalcolloquycommitteesforcolloquytotheSMProsterofpastors.
o TheLLDhasbeenpreachingandadministeringthesacramentsonaconsistentandcontinuingbasisformorethantwoyears.
§ Ifno,thisLLDmust,byJuly1,2018,applyfortheresidentialalternaterouteor the regular SMPprogramat the seminary, or thedistrict presidentmayrequestanexceptionbemade,asoutlinedinResolution13-02A.
§ Ifyes,thisLLDmust,byJuly1,2018,applyfortheresidentialalternaterouteor the regular SMP program at the seminary, OR, this LLD may makeapplication to one of the regional colloquy committees for colloquy to theSMProsterofpastors.
o All involved shall always be mindful of the needs of the congregations, as theresolutionstates:
Resolved, That the district president, the plenary of the Council of Presidents, and the regional colloquy committees, in making decisions related to the three resolves above, shall do so in a fashion that no congregation or current ministry will be forced to close or discontinue;
o AlllicensedlaydeaconswhohavebeenservinginthefullpastoralministryofWordand Sacrament for 10 years ormore shall be given the option of applying to theColloquyCommittee for the PastoralMinistry for colloquy to the “general” pastorroster, or to apply to one of the regional colloquy committees for colloquy to the“specificministrypastor”roster.
SpecificStepsforIndividualDistrictPresidentswithLicensedLayDeacons:
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1. _____Reviewboththe“General”andthe“SMP”Colloquymanualsthoroughly2. _____CommunicatewitheachLicensedLayDeacon(LLD)inyourDistrictabouttheprocess
ingeneral3. _____AssessthestatusofeachLLDanddeterminewhetherResolution13-02Aappliesto
theirserviceTheLLDstowhomResolution13-02Aappliesareasfollows:
• ThoseservingastheproviderofWordand/orSacramentministryonaconsistentbasis
• ThoseservingastheproviderofWordandSacramentministrytothecongregationsinacircuitorgeographicregiononaconsistentbasis
ThelaydeaconsforwhomtheLLDcolloquytoSMPprocessdoesnotapply:• Thoseservingaslayassistantstothepastoroftheircongregation• Thosewhooccasionallypreachonaninconsistentbasis
4. _____Forthosedeaconstowhomitdoesapply,makeaninitialassignmenttotheappropriatecategorytowhichtheybelong:
_____Generalcolloquy–thosewhohaveatleasttenyearsofserviceasanLLD_____SMPcolloquy–thosewhoareatleast50yearsofageandhavehadatleasttwoyearsofserviceasanLLD
5. _____ForthoseLLDstowhomtheresolutiondoesapplyandwhodonotmeettheageand/orservicerequirement,determineiftherequestforanexceptionisappropriate
6. _____Communicatewitheachdeaconpersonally,informingthemoftheirplaceintheprocess
7. _____PersonallyintervieweachdeacontowhomResolution13-02Aapplies.Thisinterviewshouldaddressthefollowingissues:• AffirmormodifythecategorytowhichtheLLDwasinitiallyassigned• Determinethecandidate’spreferredactionplan• Determinethecandidate’ssuitabilityforfulfillingthatactionplan• Prepareastrategyforaccomplishingtheplan,addressingissuesoftime,the
expenditureofresources,andthefutureoftheministryinwhichtheyareserving• Iftherequestforanexceptionisneeded,prepareforthatrequest
8. _____PreparethecaseforandbringarequestforexceptionstotheCouncilofPresidents9. _____ForwardthelistofthoseapplyingforGeneralColloquytotheFirstVice-President.10. _____ForwardthelistofthoseapplyingforSMPColloquytotheFirstVice-President.11. _____AssisttheLLDswiththeirindividualcolloquyapplications.12. _____ForwardallColloquyapplicationstotheFirstVice-President.
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FlowChartForEvaluatingtheSituationofIndividualLicensedLayDeacons
SMPColloquy–2017
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FIVE–“StepByStep”forRegionalColloquyCommittees_______1) OrganizewiththeFirstVice-PresidentasChairman–theFirstVice-Presidentwillorient
thegrouptoitstask._______2)ReceivethecolloquyapplicationfromtheofficeoftheFirstVice-President._______3) Examinetheapplicationtoverifythatallpartsofthepackagearepresentandthatthe
applicanthascompletedalltheprerequisites(seepages17-18ofpolicymanual)._______4) Decideonanyrequestsforexceptionstotheageandexperiencerequirements–notify
theapplicantandhisdistrictpresidentofthedecision(subjecttotheapprovaloftheindividualdistrictpresidentandtheCouncilofPresidents).
_______5) Receiverequestsforexceptionstotherequirementofenteringseminary,orSMPorSMP
colloquybyJuly1,2018.ReportdecisionstotheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistry.
_______6) Interviewapplicants_______7) Decideonacourseofactionfortheapplicant:ImmediatecertificationfortheSMP
rosterorremedialworkleadingtocertification._______8) ReportactionstocertifytotheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistrywhoshall
ratifytheactionandthroughtheofficeoftheFirstVice-PresidentnotifySynod.SIX–“StepbyStep”forIndividualLicensedLayDeacons___1.Districtsnotifylicensedlaydeaconsaboutoptionsforcurrentstatusandfuturerole.____2.Districtnotifylicensedlaydeaconsofapplicationdeadlineformovingtowardre-classification.____3.Districtscreateresponseformsothatthelicensedlaydeaconmay:____4.LicensedlaydeaconinformsDistrictPresidentofintenttoseekordination,oroptforun-ordainedservice.Inallcases,foralicensedlaydeacontoapplyforcolloquy,theremustbeacongregationoreligibleentitywillingtoextendacalltohimtobeapastor.
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____5.Licensedlaydeacon,withtheassistanceoftheDistrictPresident,choosestheappropriatecourseofactionasoutlinedbelow:
____Thelicensedlaydeaconwhoisroutinelyandconsistentlypreachingandpresidingasadefactopastorformorethan10years(CategoryThreeabove,p.9)mayapplythroughthedistrictofficetotheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistryforcolloquyasa“general”pastor.Ifso,gotochecklistinBoxONEbelow.IfthislicensedlaydeacondesiresinsteadtoapplyforSMPcolloquy,gotoBoxTWO.____Thelicensedlaydeaconover50yearsofageJuly1,2018whohasbeenroutinelyandconsistentlypreachingand/orpresidingasadefactorpastorforatleasttwoyears(CategoryFourabove,p.9)mustbyJuly1,2018eitherapplyforaseminary“alternateroute”oraseminarySMPprogram,orapplytoaregionalcolloquycommitteeforcolloquytotheSMProsterofpastors.Ifso,pleasegotoBoxTWObelow.____ThelicensedlaydeaconwhoiscurrentlyinvolvedinroutinelyandconsistentlypreachingtheWordand/orpresidingforthesacramentbutdoesnotmeetoneorbothoftheeligibilityrequirements(50yearsofage,twoyearsexperience)mustbyJuly1,2018eitherapplyforaseminary“alternateroute”oraseminarySMPprogram,orapplyforanexceptiontooneoftheeligibilityrequirementssoastobeallowedtoapplytoaregionalcolloquycommitteeforcolloquytotheSMProsterofpastors.Ifso,pleasegotoBoxTHREEbelow.____Thelicensedlaydeaconwhoisoccasionallyinvolvedinpreachingandpresidingonanepisodicbasis,orforwhomthemajorityofhispreachingandpresidingistofillinforvacanciesandvacationsinhiscircuitorregion,whootherwisemeetstheageandexperiencerequirementsandforwhomthereisacongregationwillingtocallhim,mayapplytoaregionalcolloquycommitteeforcolloquytotheSMProsterofpastors.Ifso,pleasegotoBoxFOURbelow.
____6.ReturnformstoDistrictPresidentBEFOREJuly1,2018.____7.DistrictPresidenttoidentifyandnotifyLLD’sforoptions:
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BoxONE:LicensedLayDeaconinWord/Sacrament(Routinelyandconsistentlyscheduledformorethan10years–seealsoColloquyPolicyManualfor“General”Pastors) ____Securecongregationaffirmationofintenttocall ____Secure“ProtectMyMinistry” ____SecureanyofficialTranscriptsfromEducationInstitutions,ifapplicable ____PrepareautobiographicalStatement____PrepareTwo(2)TheologicalEssays(1550-1800wordseach)asindicatedontheapplicationform.• Luther’sSmallCatechism• TheologyoftheWord,PersonofChrist,justificationbyfaithetc.____ProvidedetailedinformationabouttheApplicant’scurrentservicesinWordandSacramentMinistry. ____SecureThree(3)References• ____EcclesiasticalSupervisorNOTE:(IfthelicensedlaydeaconhasservedinthepastasapastorontherosteroftheSynod,heisnotallowedtoapplyforcolloquybutmustapplyforreinstatementtotherosterthroughthenormalreinstatementprocessoftheCouncilofPresidents.Anypersonwhohasservedontherosterofsynodandthenhasleftforanyreasoncancomebackontotherosteronlythroughreinstatement.SeeBylaw2.18.)• Home/SupervisingPastor• Oneother ____CompleteDistrictInterview(Wifeincludedifapplicable) ____SecureDistrictPresidentApprovalofApplication ____AcquireApplicationforColloquyforPastoralMinistry• ApplicantandWife,ifApplicablemustsignapplication
____CompleteApplicationCheckList____DistrictforwardsapplicationtoColloquyCommittee
____ReceivenotificationfromtheColloquyCommitteeregardinganinterviewtimeandplace. ____CompleteColloquyInterview ____AwaitColloquyCommitteeDecision ____AwaitCouncilofPresidentsApprovalofCallandPlacement ____ScheduleOrdination/Installation
SMPColloquy–2017
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BoxTWO:LicensedLayDeaconsover50yearsofageandservingforatleast2yearsapplyingforSMPColloquy ____Securecongregationaffirmationofintenttocall ____Secure“ProtectMyMinistry” ____SecureanyofficialTranscriptsfromEducationInstitutions,ifapplicable ____PrepareautobiographicalStatement ____PrepareOneTheologicalEssay(1550-1800words)onLuther’sSmallCatechism ____ProvidedetailedinformationabouttheApplicant’scurrentservicesin
WordandSacramentMinistry ____PresentThree(3)examplesofSermons(digitalrecordingortypewritten)
____SecureThree(3)References____EcclesiasticalSupervisorNOTE:(Ifthelicensedlaydeaconhasservedinthepastasa
pastorontherosteroftheSynod,heisnotallowedtoapplyforcolloquybutmustapplyforreinstatementtotherosterthroughthenormalreinstatementprocessoftheCouncilofPresidents.Anypersonwhohasservedontherosterofsynodandthenhasleftforanyreasoncancomebackontotherosteronlythroughreinstatement.SeeBylaw2.18.)____Home/SupervisingPastor____Atleastoneother ____SupervisingPastorCompletesReportForminApplication ____SecureDistrictPresidentApprovalofApplication
____ApplicantandWife,ifApplicablemustsignapplication____PassseminarybasicentrytestsinOldandNewTestamentorpresenttranscriptsfrom
comparablecourses.____ChoseOptionofTakingRegionalIntensiveTheologicalCourseDealingwith:
LutheranBiblicalInterpretation,by:____Takingthecourseviaelectronicmeans____Takingthecourseinperson____Optingoutofcoursebypresentingtranscriptsfromequivalentcourse
____CompleteApplicationCheckList____ApplyforRegionalSMPColloquyThroughDistrictOfficetotheOfficeoftheFirstVice-
President.____ReceivenotificationfromOfficeofFirstVicePresidentregardinganinterviewtimeandplace.
____CompleteColloquyInterviewwithRegionalColloquyCommittee ____AwaitColloquyCommitteeDecision ____AwaitCouncilofPresidentsApprovalofCallandPlacement ____ScheduleOrdination/Installation
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BoxTHREE:LicensedLayDeaconneedingexceptiontoeligibilityrequirementsforageandexperiencetoapplyforSMPColloquy ____Securecongregationaffirmationofintenttocall ____Secure“ProtectMyMinistry” ____SecureanyofficialTranscriptsfromEducationInstitutions,ifapplicable ____PrepareautobiographicalStatement ____PrepareOneTheologicalEssay(1550-1800words)onLuther’sSmallCatechism _____ProvidedetailedinformationabouttheApplicant’scurrentservicesin
WordandSacramentMinistry ____PresentThree(3)examplesofSermons(digitalrecordingortypewritten)
____SecureThree(3)References____EcclesiasticalSupervisorNOTE:(Ifthelicensedlaydeaconhasservedinthepastasa
pastorontherosteroftheSynod,heisnotallowedtoapplyforcolloquybutmustapplyforreinstatementtotherosterthroughthenormalreinstatementprocessoftheCouncilofPresidents.Anypersonwhohasservedontherosterofsynodandthenhasleftforanyreasoncancomebackontotherosteronlythroughreinstatement.SeeBylaw2.18.)____Home/SupervisingPastor____Atleastoneother ____SupervisingPastorCompletesReportForminApplication ____SecureDistrictPresidentApprovalofApplication
____ApplicantandWife,ifApplicablemustsignapplication____PassseminarybasicentrytestsinOldandNewTestamentorpresenttranscriptsfrom
comparablecourses.____ChoseOptionofTakingRegionalIntensiveTheologicalCourseDealingwith:
LutheranBiblicalInterpretation,by:____Takingthecourseviaelectronicmeans____Takingthecourseinperson____Optingoutofcoursebypresentingtranscriptsfromequivalentcourse
____CompleteApplicationCheckList____Request“ExceptionalCaseApplication”(Form)____SecureDistrictPresident’sStrongApprovalofExceptionalCase____HaveDistrictPresidentPresentCaseforExceptiontoCOPandwithStrongLetterof
Endorsement____SecureApprovalofExceptionfromCouncilofPresidents(SimpleMajority)____ApplyforRegionalSMPColloquyThroughDistrictOfficetotheOfficeoftheFirstVice-
President.____ReceivenotificationfromOfficeofFirstVicePresidentregardinganinterviewtimeandplace.
____CompleteColloquyInterviewwithRegionalColloquyCommittee ____AwaitColloquyCommitteeDecision ____AwaitCouncilofPresidentsApprovalofCallandPlacement ____ScheduleOrdination/Installation
SMPColloquy–2017
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BoxFOUR:LicensedLayDeaconsinepisodicorregionalservice(mayormaynotneedexceptionstoapplyforSMPColloquy) ____Securecongregationaffirmationofintenttocall ____Secure“ProtectMyMinistry” ____SecureanyofficialTranscriptsfromEducationInstitutions,ifapplicable ____PrepareautobiographicalStatement ____PrepareOneTheologicalEssay(1550-1800words)onLuther’sSmallCatechism ____ProvidedetailedinformationabouttheApplicant’scurrentservicesin
WordandSacramentMinistry ____PresentThree(3)examplesofSermons(digitalrecordingortypewritten)
____SecureThree(3)References____EcclesiasticalSupervisorNOTE:(Ifthelicensedlaydeaconhasservedinthepastasa
pastorontherosteroftheSynod,heisnotallowedtoapplyforcolloquybutmustapplyforreinstatementtotherosterthroughthenormalreinstatementprocessoftheCouncilofPresidents.Anypersonwhohasservedontherosterofsynodandthenhasleftforanyreasoncancomebackontotherosteronlythroughreinstatement.SeeBylaw2.18.)____Home/SupervisingPastor____Atleastoneother ____SupervisingPastorCompletesReportForminApplication ____SecureDistrictPresidentApprovalofApplication
____ApplicantandWife,ifApplicablemustsignapplication____PassseminarybasicentrytestsinOldandNewTestamentorpresenttranscriptsfrom
comparablecourses.____ChoseOptionofTakingRegionalIntensiveTheologicalCourseDealingwith:
LutheranBiblicalInterpretation,by:____Takingthecourseviaelectronicmeans____Takingthecourseinperson____Optingoutofcoursebypresentingtranscriptsfromequivalentcourse
____CompleteApplicationCheckList____Request“ExceptionalCaseApplication”(Form)ifneeded.____SecureDistrictPresident’sStrongApprovalofexception(ifneeded)andthebasic
circumstancesofthecall.____HaveDistrictPresidentPresentCaseforException(ifneeded)toCOPandwithStrongLetterof
Endorsement____SecureApprovalofExceptionfromCouncilofPresidents(SimpleMajority)____ApplyforRegionalSMPColloquyThroughDistrictOfficetotheOfficeoftheFirstVice-
President.____Receivenotificationfrom1stVice-Presidentregardinginterviewtimeandplace.
____CompleteColloquyInterviewwithRegionalColloquyCommittee ____AwaitColloquyCommitteeDecision ____AwaitCouncilofPresidentsApprovalofCallandPlacement ____ScheduleOrdination/Installation
SMPColloquy–2017
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____8.LicensedLayDeaconsServinginVisitation,Teaching,Outreach,etc.
____NotifytheDistrictPresidentofthelicensedlaydeacon’sintentionnottopursuecolloquyforordination.____ContinueEducationalOpportunitiesthroughDistrict,ConcordiaUniversitySystem,SeminariesorotherapprovedEducationtoenhancesupplementalministries.
____9.LicensedLayDeaconsengagedinpreachingandpresidingonaconsistentorcontinuingbasiswhohavenotqualifiedforGeneralColloquyorSMPColloquy
____ByJuly1,2018,theLLDmustapplyforRegularSMPfromoneoftheSeminariesOR
____ApplyforResidentialSeminarythroughtheAlternateRoute,EIIT,HispanicStudies,oroneoftheotherResidentialOptions.OR____ApplyforanexceptionasoutlinedinResolution13-02AOR____CeasethisactivitybyJuly1,2018.
AdditionalFactorstobeConsidered
o TheOfficeofNationalMissionandtheFirstVice-Presidentshalldevelopthemeansby which the Synod shall, “in partnership with districts, congregations, andindividuals,providefundingtoensurethatfinancialconstraintswillnotpreventanyeligible licensed lay deacon from participating in an LCMS seminary ordination-trackprogram”(Resolution13-02A).
o Courseofactiontotakewhenthedistrictpresidentand/orcongregationhaveamanwhomtheydesiretolicenseorcredentialasadeacon:
§ Inthefuture,ifhewillnotbepreachingandpresidingonacontinuingbasis,thedistrictpresident,uponcompletionofthedistricttraining,willcredentialhim in a manner appropriate to that district for evangelistic work, mercyworkand/orvisitation,andthelike.
§ Ifitisexpectedthatthedeaconinquestionwillpreachand/oradministerthesacramentsonacontinuingbasis,anditisbeforeJanuary1,2018,thedistrictpresident may license the man in the same manner as before July 2016(rememberingthatheshallhaveuntilJuly1,2018todecideasabove).
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§ Ifitisexpectedthatthedeaconinquestionwillpreachand/oradministerthesacramentsonacontinuingbasis,anditisafterJanuary1,2018,Resolution13-02Astatesthat“inexceptionalcases,asdefinedin(1)and(2)below,theappropriatedistrictpresidentmayannuallygrantlicensurewiththeconsentof theplenaryof theCouncilofPresidentsand theColloquyCommittee forthePastoralMinistry:
(1) The deacon serves under the direct supervision of an ordainedpastor and is currently enrolled in or preparing for one of theLCMS training tracks for the office of public ministry andparticipatesinthepublicministryasanaspectofhistraining,e.g.,inpreparationforSMP,EIIT,etc.);or
(2) The deacon serves in distinctive aspects of the office of publicministry (that is, preachingor administrationof the sacraments)only during times of emergency or extraordinary need (whenthere isnoordainedpastoravailableorable to serve),onlyonatemporaryoroccasionalbasis,andunderthedirectsupervisionofanordainedpastor”(Resolution13-02A).
§ District presidents will need to use their best judgment in applying thesecriteria, consulting with their peers and/or the Colloquy Committee inborderlineordoubtfulcases.Inallcases,amancannotbeordainedwithoutaregularcall.
o TheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistry,inconsultationwithlocaldistrict
presidentsandthePresidentofSynod,shallbyJune1,2017establishatleastthreeregional colloquy committees (centered, for example, in Portland, OR, Irvine, CA,Memphis,TNand,perhaps,Detroit,MIorPittsburgh,PA).Theseregionalcolloquycommitteesshallbeselectedasprovidedabove(page7).
o District presidents shall consultwith each other andwith the President and FirstVice-PresidentofSynodtoobtainthenecessaryhelpinimplementingthesepoliciesandprocedures.TheCouncilofPresidentsmustseektobeingeneralagreementastohowtheseprocesseswillworkandmustdevelopcommonapproaches.
ReporttotheSynod
TheregionalcolloquycommitteesshallreporttotheSynodinConventionthroughtheFirstVice-PresidentandtheColloquyCommitteeforthePastoralMinistry.
RevisedFebruary2017
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Appendices
AppendixOneINSTRUCTIONS AND CHECKLIST FOR THE PLACEMENT OF COLLOQUY CANDIDATES INTOTHE PASTORAL MINISTRY (For the use of the District Office. See Bylaws 2.10.1-2.10.4, 2016Handbook)
Note: A man certified for pastoral ministry by the Colloquy Committee for the PastoralMinistry isnoteligible toreceiveacallbyplacingtheman’snameonatraditionalcall list,since he is not amember of the Synod.Instead, hemust be placed into his first call by theCouncil of Presidents serving as the Board of Assignments. Consequently, the sponsoringdistrict president, after consultation with the colloquy applicant, should approach anappropriate congregation and ask the congregation to consider calling the man.If thecongregationagreestodoso,theprocesstobefollowedissimilartothatusedinthecallingofa seminary graduate. Colloquy certification is valid for three years. If the man has notreceivedplacementinacallafterthreeyears,certificationmustberenewedbytheColloquyCommitteeorthisrequirementwaivedbyresolutionoftheCouncilofPresidents.
Thefollowingactionstepsaretobetakenafter: � Acolloquycandidatehasbeendeclaredqualifiedforpastoralministryandcertifiedby
theColloquyCommitteeforPastoralMinistryoftheSynodforplacement.(InclusionontheSynod’srostertakesplaceafterthecandidatehasbeenplacedinafirstcallandhehasbeeninstalledinthatcall),and
� A letter has been received by the district president and the colloquy candidateinforming that the colloquy committee has declared qualified and certified thecandidateforplacement.
¬ ¬ ¬
1. _____ Followingthecompletionofallcolloquyrequirements,a“ColloquyCertificationLetter”willbesentbytheFirstVice-PresidentoftheSynodtotheSynod’sOfficeforPastoralEducationand thedistrictpresidentwhosubmitted theapplication forcolloquywithcopiessenttotheChairmanoftheCOPPlacementCommitteeandSynod’sRostersandStatisticsDepartment.
2. _____ Thecongregation(s)beingservedbythelicensedlaydeaconwhohasbeencertifiedfor
callandplacementnowofficiallyextendsacalltothemancolloquized.
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3. _____ The calling congregation prepares the Call Document for Ordained Ministers andsubmitssametothedistrictpresidentforhisreviewandsignature.
4. _____ Oncethedistrictpresidenthassignedthecalldocumentandhasmadeacopyforthe
districtfile,hemailstheoriginaldocumenttotheSynod’sOfficeforPastoralEducation.Whensubmittingacallforacolloquycandidate,pleaseinclude:
• AcoverletterthatinformstheOfficeofPastoralEducationthatthisisacallfora
colloquycandidate.• A copyof the letter that states that the candidate hasmet all requirements and
was declared qualified and certified for pastoral ministry by the colloquycommitteeonaparticulardate.
• Thecompletedandsignedcalldocument.• The address where the document should be sent when approved. If this is not
included,thedocumentswillbereturnedtothedistrictoffice.
ThePastoralEducationOfficewillthenverifythatthe:
• Candidatehascompletedrequirementsandwasdeclaredqualifiedandcertifiedforpastoralministry.
• COPPlacementCommitteehasgrantedplacement.• Documentwasmailedtothecandidateandthedistrictoffice.
NOTE:Interimplacementcanberequested,inwritingorbyemail,ifplacementisnot
closetothetimeofaregularmeetingoftheCouncilofPresidents.5. _____ OnceinterimplacementapprovalhasbeenreceivedbytheSynod’sOfficeforPastoral
Education from theChairmanof theCouncil of PresidentsPlacementCommittee, theSynod’s Office for Pastoral Education notifies the district president that the calldocuments are being sent to the colloquy candidate at the address provided by thedistrict.
6. _____ Thecolloquycandidateaccepts thecall, inwriting, to theentitywhich issuedthecall
andincludesasignedcopyofpagesix(6)ofthecalldocumentindicatingacceptanceofthe call. A copy of the acceptance letter and page six (6) are also to be sent to thedistrictpresident.
7._____ The district president assigns a supervising pastor for the colloquy candidate after
obtainingthepermissionofthecongregationandtheman.8. _____ The district president sends the colloquy candidate a new member packet, which
containsthefollowingitemsnecessarytocompletethemembershipprocess: _____ApplicationforMembershipForm.
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_____RequestforOrdinationorCommissioningForm. _____Pastor’sInformationForm(PIF) _____SelfEvaluationTool(SET)(http://www.holybytes.com/COP/Docs)9._____ The colloquy candidate applies for membership in The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod as a minister of religion—ordained by completing the “Application forMembership” form(indicatinghe isa “specificministrypastor”)and forwarding it tothedistrictpresidentofthedistrictinwhichthecallingentityislocated.
10. _____ Thecolloquycandidaterequestsordinationand/orinstallationintheentitywhichhas
issuedthecallbycompletingthe“RequestforOrdinationorCommissioning”formandforwardingittothepresidentofthedistrictinwhichthecallingentityislocatedwellinadvanceoftheinstallationdate.
11. _____ The colloquy candidate continues communication with the calling entity and the
districtpresident,asneeded,includingcopiesofallcorrespondenceasappropriate.Heshalltakespecialcareto:
a. _____ Confirm the arrival date, installation date, and other plans with the
appropriateindividuals. b. _____ Checkthatthedistrictpresidenthasauthorizedtheinstallation. c. _____ Work with the circuit counselor who is responsible for planning the
installationservice. d. _____ Confirmhis“moving”planswiththecallingentity,ifapplicable. e. _____ Confirmhishousingneeds,ifapplicable. f. _____ Confirmwith the calling entity the starting date for his salary and health
benefits.12. _____ The district president’s office completes Form I (indicating this is for a “specific
ministry pastor”) and mails it to the officiant(s) authorized to conduct theordination/installation. Following the ordination/installation service, the officiantsignsandreturnstheformtothedistrictpresident(alongwithacopyoftheworshipservicefolderforinclusioninthecolloquycandidate’sfile).
13. _____ WhenFormIhasbeenreturnedtothedistrictpresident,makethreecopiesoftheform.
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14._____ Mail the original Form I to the Department of Rosters & Statistics at the LCMSInternationalCenter. The individual isnowofficiallyon the rosterof theSynodasa“specificministrypastor.”
15._____DistributethecopiesofFormIasfollows:
_____ Districtpresident’sfile(Districtpresident’scopy)_____ Colloquypastor’spersonnelfile(Filecopy)_____ Colloquypastor(Member’scopy)
16. _____ Create a record for the new pastor in the district’s contacts database and add his
nametotherecordofthechurchwherehehasbeencalledtoserve.17. _____ Create a record for the new pastor in the centralized PIF database. Enter the
informationthatyouhaveavailableintotherecord.18. _____ Importthecolloquypastor’sSETintothecentralizedSETdatabase.19. _____ Senda“welcometothedistrict”lettertothenewpastor.
RevisedFebruary2017
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AppendixTwoQUESTIONSREGARDINGBACKGROUNDCHECKSThe Clergy, Call, and Roster Committee (CCRC) of the Council of Presidents has prepared“Frequently Asked Questions” regarding the process of background checks for CommissionedMinister colloquy applicants. Background checks are also required for pastoral colloquyapplicants. Therefore, the following items adapted from the FAQs provided by the CCRC areapplicabletothepastoralcolloquyapplicationprocess.
FrequentlyAskedQuestionsregardingBackgroundChecksforColloquyApplicants
WhatbackgroundchecksneedtobedoneonColloquyApplicants? The Council of Presidents has determined that all background checks need to be done
throughProtectMyMinistry, a serviceproviderwhichhas anational contractwith theSynod. While ProtectMyMinistry is able to provide a number of different backgroundchecks, the Council of Presidents has determined that the following six (6) searches aremandatoryforallcolloquyapplicants:
CountyandStatewideCourtSearchesCreditHistoryReport(ifallowedbystatelaw)MotorVehicleSearchNationalCriminalDatabaseSearchNationalSexOffenderRegistrySearchSocialSecurityTrace
Isthereafeeinvolvedfordoingthebackgroundchecks?
Yes. Protect My Ministry has a standard fee associated with each of the searchesmandated by the Council of Presidents. Various counties and states charge fees inadditiontothosechargedbyProtectMyMinistry.Thedistrictpresidentcaninformyouof the cost basedon the counties and stateswhichneed tobe contacted to completeyourbackgroundchecks. Thecurrent feeschargedbyProtectMyMinistry forthesix(6)requiredsearchesrangesfrom$31.00-$100.00.
Whopaysforthebackgroundchecks? Thecolloquyapplicantisresponsibleforthecostofthebackgroundchecks.Theapplicant
willneedtopayforthebackgroundchecksatthetimehesubmitsthesignedauthorizationformwhichisneededtoconductthebackgroundchecks.
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Whendothebackgroundchecksneedtobedone? Themandatorybackgroundchecksarethefirststepinthecolloquyprocessfollowingthe
submissionofanapplicationforcolloquy. Onceanindividualhassubmittedanapplicationforcolloquy,heshouldcontacthisdistrict
presidenttomakearrangementsforthemandatorybackgroundcheckstobedone.Whodoesthebackgroundchecks? District presidents are responsible for completing the background checks as part of the
colloquy process. Each district president has designated someone in his office who isauthorizedtoarrangefortheProtectMyMinistrybackgroundcheckstobedone.
Whoinitiatesthebackgroundcheckprocess? The applicant is responsible for contacting the appropriate district president’s office to
arrangeforthebackgroundcheckstobedone.Howlongdoesittaketocompletethebackgroundprocess? TheresultsformostProtectMyMinistrybackgroundchecksarenormallyavailablewithin
72hours.Howlongarethebackgroundchecksvalid? The background checks which are completed through Protect My Ministry, like any
backgroundcheck,areasnapshot.Theyreflectwhatisknownatthetimethebackgroundcheckisdone.Thebackgroundcheckswillbeconsideredvalidforaperiodofoneyear.
Willthebackgroundchecksberetained?Ifso,whowillhavecustodyofthem? Yes. The background checks which are done as part of the colloquy process will be
retainedindefinitelybythedistrictpresident. Inthecaseofpastoralcolloquyapplicants,copiesofthebackgroundcheckreportswiththesocialsecuritynumberblockedoutwillbesenttotheColloquyCommitteewiththeapplication.ThisispartofthenormalworkoftheCouncilofPresidentsinpartnershipwiththeColloquyCommittee(byconsensusoftheCOPinSeptember2011).
Wherearethebackgroundcheckreportssent? Theresultsofthebackgroundcheckswillberetainedbythedistrictpresident.Copieswill
notbesharedwithotherentities(butseeabovewithrespecttotheworkof thePastoralColloquy Committee). Verification that the background check has been done, and
SMPColloquy–2017
47
informationrelevanttothecolloquyprocess,willbesharedwiththoseentitieswhichneedthisinformation.
What about colloquy applications which are already “in the pipeline?” Do backgroundchecksneedtobedoneonthem? Thedecisiontorequirebackgroundchecksonallcolloquyapplicantswasadoptedbythe
Council ofPresidents inNovember2008. Therefore, itdoesnot apply to thosewhohadsubmittedtheirapplicationforcolloquypriortoNovember2008.
Howwillthosecolloquyapplicantswhohavealreadybeencertifiedbutwhohavenotyetbeenplacedbehandled? Thedecisiontorequirebackgroundchecksonallcolloquyapplicantswasadoptedbythe
CouncilofPresidents inNovember2008. Therefore, itdoesnotapplytothosewhohavebeencertifiedbutnotyetplaced.
Howdocongregationsorthedistrictsubscribe/workwithProtectMyMinistry? Congregations, schools, and Districts can subscribe to use the services of Protect My
Ministry. Additional information regarding this service provider is available at:http://www.protectmyministry.com/lcms. Allbackgroundcheck requests, aswell as theresults,arehandledviatheInternet.
Clergy,Call,andRosterCommittee(2-09)AdaptedbythePastoralColloquyCommittee(12-11)
SlightlyRevised(11-16)
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AppendixThree
To Regularize Status of Licensed Lay Deacons Involved in Word
and Sacrament Ministry
RESOLUTION 13-02A Overtures 13-01–47, 49–50 (CW, pp. 437–464)
WHEREAS, The Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions teach that our Lord gave the keys of the kingdom to His whole church, the royal priesthood of believers (Matt. 16:15–19; Matt. 18:18–20; 1 Peter 2:9; Augsburg Confession [AC] Article XXVIII, paragraph 10; Smalcald Articles [SA], Section III, paragraph 7; Treatise [Tr] paragraph 11; see also Walther’s Church and Ministry/Office); and
WHEREAS, The Scriptures and Confessions also teach that Christ established an office that is distinct from the priesthood of believers (the Office of the Public Ministry) for teaching and nurturing His royal priests by means of preaching the Gospel and administering the Sacraments (1 Cor. 12:29; Rom. 10:15; James 3:1; AC XIV; see also Walther’s Church and Ministry/Office); and
WHEREAS, The royal priesthood and the Office of the Public Ministry are to have a complementary and not a competitive or conflicted relationship; and
WHEREAS, In its history the Lutheran church has always maintained the divine requirement (de jure divino) of the Office of the Public Ministry, while it has in many and various ways prepared men for the Office of the Public Ministry, since the manner of preparation for the office is by human arrangement (de jure humano); and
WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church has always ensured, on the basis of Scripture: (1) that men who are to serve in the Office of Public Ministry are examined as to their doctrine and life; (2) that the congregations they serve willingly call them into service; and (3) that the wider church (other churches in fellowship with the congregation) also affirms them as fellow ministers of the Word and Sacraments (see Acts 1:15–26; Acts 14:23; 1 Tim. 3:1–7; Titus 1:5; see also Tr 24, 26, 67–70); and
WHEREAS, The rite of ordination, although not a divine institution (Church and Ministry, Ministry Thesis VI), is the apostolic custom by which Lutherans have designated and publicly acknowledged a man as a minister of Word and Sacrament, that is, as one who is in the Office of the Public Ministry and recognized by the wider fellowship as a fellow minister (Ap XIII 11-13); and
WHEREAS, In faithfulness to the Word of God and to its confession requiring a regular call for those who preach and administer the sacraments publicly in the church (AC XIV; Ap XIV), The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) has followed the practice of identifying those who are eligible to be called into the Office of the Public Ministry by the certification of one of the seminary faculties or the Colloquy Committee for the Pastoral Ministry; and
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WHEREAS, In a human institution such as the LCMS, such human arrangements are necessary in
order to foster harmony and prevent needless confusion and division; and
WHEREAS, The LCMS has long recognized that challenging circumstances may make it difficult or impossible to provide a pastor for congregations and ministries, for example: (1) financial challenges (numerous congregations and missions are unable to support a pastor financially); (2) geographical challenges (small, isolated congregations in remote areas often face financial challenges and may have no pastors in geographic proximity to them); and (3) demographic challenges (urban, minority, non-English-speaking, and ethnically diverse congregations and missions may find no rostered candidates available to fill their pastoral needs); and
WHEREAS, The practice of licensing lay deacons for temporary service in certain difficult circumstances, like the afore-mentioned examples, was approved by the LCMS in 1989 Res. 3-05B as a means to address the need for regular preaching of the Word and administration of the Sacraments by utilizing trained and supervised laymen to serve “temporarily” in Word and Sacrament ministry when “no pastor [is] available” and “in exceptional circumstances or in emergencies” (1989 Res. 3-05B, Nomenclature 4, Guidelines 1 b); and
WHEREAS, There has been significant dissension in the LCMS over the Synod-approved practice of licensing laymen to preach and administer the Sacraments while under the supervision of an ordained pastor, but the Synod needs to move forward together with deep concern for fidelity to the word of Christ as we confess it together and for faithfulness in the mission that Christ has given to His Church; and
WHEREAS, 1989 Res. 3-05B repeatedly references temporary service for deacons when no pastor is
available in emergencies and exceptional circumstances, but in some cases deacons have served for years regularly preaching and administering the Sacraments; and
WHEREAS, The presence of continuing dissension about licensed lay deacons is an aspect of further
disagreement about elements of doctrine and practice, e.g., the understanding of the pastoral office, the relationship between the Office of the Public Ministry and the royal priesthood, the understanding of call and ordination, and faithful and effective ways to share the Gospel and plant churches in our post-Christian world; and
WHEREAS, The Specific Ministry Pastors (SMP) program was established by the LCMS convention
(2007 Res. 5-01B) in response to the need for effective theological education and practical training to prepare pastors to serve in particularly challenging settings and situations that prevent them from enrolling in residential theological education; and
WHEREAS, The Synod recognizes a need for flexibility in its approach to preparing men to serve in the Office of the Public Ministry while upholding the biblical requirement that they be men who are “above reproach” and “able to teach,” and so offers approved training programs to prepare pastors for urban and cross-cultural service, namely, the Center for Hispanic Studies, the Cross-Cultural Ministry Center, the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology (EIIT), all at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and the Spanish-speaking SMP track at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW); and
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WHEREAS, There is a need within the LCMS to regularize the status of licensed lay deacons who are
engaged in Word and Sacrament ministry; and WHEREAS, The Synod directed the President to appoint a task force to address question 2 about the
practice of licensing lay deacons, and the task force, as required, reported a recommended plan to address questions (see Convention Workbook, pp.234–255) and the theological framework of the report has been affirmed by both seminary faculties and the Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR); and
WHEREAS, The Synod has budgeted $40,000 for the remainder of the current fiscal year and is
committed to budgeting at least $150,000 per year for the next two years to assist deacons entering the SMP and EIIT programs; therefore be it
Resolved, That the LCMS recognize that “emergency knows no rule” and that no Synod action can or should prevent a congregation from taking reasonable and scripturally faithful steps necessary to provide for the Word to be proclaimed in time of emergency, while at the same time, every congregation of the Synod is required to address matters involving the Office of the Public Ministry in a way that is consistent with its subscription to Scripture and the Confessions, as well as its agreement to abide by the Synod’s Constitution; and be it further
Resolved, That the LCMS affirm and give thanks for the men who have recognized the needs of the
church and its mission, serving as licensed lay deacons, preaching and administering the Sacraments in keeping with 1989 Res. 3-05B, often without remuneration and at personal cost, lest congregations be deprived of the means of grace; and be it further
Resolved, That the LCMS, while mindful of the need for continued conversation within the church,
affirm the theological framework of the “2013 Resolution 4-06A Task Force Report,” namely, that a right calling to the office of public ministry requires that a man be properly prepared and examined regarding doctrine and life, be called by the congregation (or ministry) where he is to serve, and publicly appointed in a way so that the entire church fellowship recognizes the validity of his service (Acts 13:1–3; 14:21–23; 2 Tim. 2:24–26; Titus 1:5); and be it further
Resolved, That the Colloquy Committee for the Pastoral Ministry establish and implement an expanded regional colloquy program (with appropriate regional colloquy committees) to regularize the status of current licensed lay deacons (LLDs) who are 50 years of age or older and who have been preaching the Gospel and/or administering the Sacraments publicly on behalf of the church for the past 2 years (de facto pastors), so that these servants of Christ can be called and ordained according to the order of the LCMS and be rostered as pastors with SMP status; and be it further
Resolved, That exceptions to the SMP colloquy requirements with respect to age and years of service
for LLDs may be granted by the appropriate regional colloquy committee with the approval of the respective district president and the plenary of the Council of Presidents; and be it further
Resolved, That nothing in this resolution shall be construed as impeding the training, recognition,
credentialing or service of deacons who do not publicly preach or administer the sacraments, namely,
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those who serve in ministries of mercy, education, or visitation, and so forth, or in an outreach role, assisting in evangelism and church planting (but not in public preaching and administration of the sacraments); and be it further
Resolved, That district presidents may continue to recruit, train, and credential new deacons for
general varieties of service in the church that do not include public preaching and administration of the sacraments; and be it further
Resolved, That until January 1, 2018, district presidents may train and annually license lay deacons
to preach publicly and to administer the Sacraments. Beyond that date in exceptional cases, as defined in (1) and (2) below, the appropriate district president may annually grant licensure with the consent of the plenary of the Council of Presidents and the Colloquy Committee for the Pastoral Ministry:
(1) The deacon serves under the direct supervision of an ordained pastor and is currently enrolled in or preparing for one of the LCMS training tracks for the office of public ministry and participates in the public ministry as an aspect of his training, e.g., in preparation for SMP, EIIT, etc.); or (2) The deacon serves in distinctive aspects of the office of public ministry (that is, preaching or administration of the sacraments) only during times of emergency or extraordinary need (when there is no ordained pastor available or able to serve), only on a temporary or occasional basis, and under the direct supervision of an ordained pastor;
and be it further
Resolved, That those deacons currently licensed for and serving in Word and Sacrament Ministry (that is, publicly preaching and administering the sacraments) shall have until July 1, 2018, to:
(1) apply to one of our seminaries for admission into an alternate route program, (2) apply for entrance into an SMP program, or (3) apply to the regional colloquy committee for admission to the SMP roster, unless granted a waiver by his district president, the plenary of the Council of Presidents, and the appropriate regional colloquy committee;
and be it further
Resolved, That the district president, the plenary of the Council of Presidents, and the regional colloquy committees, in making decisions related to the three resolves above, shall do so in a fashion that no congregation or current ministry will be forced to close or discontinue; and be it further
Resolved, That lay deacons licensed for Word and Sacrament Ministry who have applied for
colloquy to the SMP roster prior to July 1, 2018, shall continue to serve under their current district licensure until the colloquy process is complete and certification is given by the Colloquy Committee; and be it further
Resolved, That upon the certification of the Colloquy Committee, the licensed lay deacons will be
eligible to be called by the congregations where they have been serving, ordained into the Office of the Public Ministry, and placed on the roster of SMP pastors; and be it further
Resolved, That as recommended by the Res. 4-06A Task Force, the LCMS, in partnership with
districts, congregations, and individuals, provide funding to ensure that financial constraints will not
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prevent any eligible licensed lay deacon from participating in an LCMS seminary ordination-track program; and be it further
Resolved, That the First Vice-President of the Synod and three members of the Council of Presidents appointed by the Council be directed to draft by June 1, 2017, necessary policies and procedures for the implementation of this resolution, such policies and procedures to be finalized and approved by the Colloquy Committee for the Pastoral Ministry; and be it finally
Resolved, That the LCMS thank and commend the Res. 4-06A Task Force for its work on the
question of licensed lay deacons.
[Proceedings of the 2016 Convention of Synod]
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