Colloquy committee provides certification path for graduates of disaffirmed, discontinued programs

On Aug. 2, 2023, during the 68th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) in Milwaukee, the convention adopted Resolution 7-04B. Among other things, the resolution added two bylaws addressing commissioned ministry candidacy for graduates of disaffirmed or discontinued Concordia University System (CUS) programs. These new bylaws apply to graduates of programs that have now been discontinued — e.g., by reason of school closure — as well as to graduates of programs that have been disaffirmed by the CUS.

The bylaws are:

8.4.1, which states that a graduate of a program that was affirmed by the CUS at the time of matriculation but is no longer affirmed or no longer in existence at the time of qualification for a first call may apply to the Colloquy Committee for Commissioned Ministry (CCCM) for examination, any necessary remediation and certification; and

10.3.3, which states that the CCCM shall additionally facilitate, under Bylaw 2.8.4.1.1F, the examination, remediation and qualification for first call of suitable candidates from disaffirmed or discontinued programs applying.

The CCCM, as directed by the Synod convention, has now adopted a set of policies and procedures by which affected graduates may pursue certification and initial placement in the LCMS. Qualified graduates who are interested in pursuing this path, or who want to learn more, may contact the Office of the LCMS First Vice-President. As the situation requires, the First Vice-President’s office will connect the applicant to an appropriate CUS school to work with him or her to gather necessary documents; handle examination, any necessary remediation, and certification; and facilitate initial placement, which will then be officially assigned by the LCMS Council of Presidents.

LCMS First Vice-President Rev. Peter K. Lange said, “The CCCM meets regularly to carry out its work. In addition to adopting these new policies, the CCCM continues its other work that was already in the queue. We pray that this new set of policies and procedures for graduates of discontinued or disaffirmed programs will address an important need in the church and be a blessing to those who find themselves in need of an alternative path to certification.”

Read and/or download the new policy.

Learn more about the colloquy process.

For more information, contact the Office of the First Vice-President at lcms1stvp@lcms.org.

Posted Feb. 6, 2024