ST. LOUIS – The Council of Presidents of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, the new Board for Pastoral Education and the Synod’s seminary faculties will develop a curriculum for lay-training programs under a proposal adopted by the Synod’s 62nd Regular Convention July 14.
Amended Res. 5-09, presented by the floor committee for higher education, was adopted 927-244 after brief debate. It also affirms the role of lay people in “expanding the mission of the church” and recognizes the need to equip them for mission work. The resolution encourages the work of districts in developing lay education programs.
Delegates amended the resolution with a proposal by Rev. David R. Mueller, Goodland, Ind., who asked that new Board for Pastoral Education and faculty seminaries be included in developing a curriculum for lay training. He said the new board and the seminary faculties could contribute to the curriculum development.
In a separate action, delegates adopted Res. 5-12A, 997-117, which amends the LCMS Constitution and Bylaws regarding colloquy programs for Ministers of Religion—Commissioned. Colloquy programs prepare men and women who are currently serving in ministry roles for membership in the Synod (and inclusion on the official roster) by providing theological education to qualified individuals.
The bylaws address colloquy programs for teachers, deaconesses, lay ministers, and directors of Christian education, Christian outreach, parish music and family life ministry.
Posted July 14, 2004
