Admission to the Pastoral Ministry of The Lutheran Church ... · SMP Colloquy – 2017 1 Admission...

SMPColloquy–2017

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AdmissiontothePastoralMinistryof

TheLutheranChurch—MissouriSynodbyColloquytothe“SpecificMinistryPastor”Roster(for

LicensedLayDeacons)

BylawsandPolicies

ColloquyasaSpecificMinistryPastor

2017

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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







____CompleteApplicationCheckList____Request“ExceptionalCaseApplication”(Form)____SecureDistrictPresident’sStrongApprovalofExceptionalCase____HaveDistrictPresidentPresentCaseforExceptiontoCOPandwithStrongLetterof

Endorsement____SecureApprovalofExceptionfromCouncilofPresidents(SimpleMajority)____ApplyforRegionalSMPColloquyThroughDistrictOfficetotheOfficeoftheFirstVice-

President.____ReceivenotificationfromOfficeofFirstVicePresidentregardinganinterviewtimeandplace.


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BoxFOUR:LicensedLayDeaconsinepisodicorregionalservice(mayormaynotneedexceptionstoapplyforSMPColloquy) ____Securecongregationaffirmationofintenttocall ____Secure“ProtectMyMinistry” ____SecureanyofficialTranscriptsfromEducationInstitutions,ifapplicable ____PrepareautobiographicalStatement ____PrepareOneTheologicalEssay(1550-1800words)onLuther’sSmallCatechism ____ProvidedetailedinformationabouttheApplicant’scurrentservicesin







____CompleteApplicationCheckList____Request“ExceptionalCaseApplication”(Form)ifneeded.____SecureDistrictPresident’sStrongApprovalofexception(ifneeded)andthebasic

circumstancesofthecall.____HaveDistrictPresidentPresentCaseforException(ifneeded)toCOPandwithStrongLetterof

Endorsement____SecureApprovalofExceptionfromCouncilofPresidents(SimpleMajority)____ApplyforRegionalSMPColloquyThroughDistrictOfficetotheOfficeoftheFirstVice-

President.____Receivenotificationfrom1stVice-Presidentregardinginterviewtimeandplace.


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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

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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]

Admission to the Pastoral Ministry of The Lutheran Church ... · SMP Colloquy – 2017 1 Admission...

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