I certainly agree with and support the rigorous training and the high standards of theological study that our LCMS has promulgated through our fine seminary programs. I also would mention the importance of maintaining the concept of mediacy in the Call. But the wholesale emergence of unauthorized programs is borne out of a reticence of our two seminaries to address the shortage of pastoral candidates in a substantive way that meets the congregations and the potential candidates needs and concerns. If our administrative leaders would open their eyes and hearts to the availability and quality of zooming and streaming on the internet, for example, they would make a huge inroad into the spirit and search for workaround programs. No matter what you believe, the LCMS no longer carries the weight with the Lutheran polity, particularly in smaller congregation as they think it does, and it is showing up in those congregation's insistence to find alternatives that we could so easily provide. After my own years' long searchings and attempts, district officials' help notwithstanding, I met up again and again with the reasons why alternatives wouldn't work, couldn't work, or need-not-apply. Mercy and grace and wisdom and power are in abundant supply in our Lord Jesus. When will our leaders start to design programs that WILL work on a larger scale? When will they stop loving scarcity? The fields are white unto harvest.