I was blessed to be able attend the ACELC conference July 16-17, 2025 in Carlisle, Iowa, just a bit southeast of Des Moines. It was a well-attended conference, perhaps due to the location and also the timely topic as stated in its title: “A Noble Task: Pastoral Formation in the LCMS.” It was a very good conference that dealt with a rising problem—with even a speaker from the other side theologically, who is involved with the group that is promoting a new, unapproved, online program to make pastors (The Unite Leadership Collective).
History of Pastoral Formation
The opening presenter, Rev. Willie Grills of Zion Lutheran Church, Avilla, AR, was prevented from attending due to flight delays and had to speak virtually to us. It was as awkward as most online meetings with a stranger are, yet it did mostly work, despite highlighting unintentionally the frustrations of not being physically there. Obviously, few would have wanted this to be the case, except perhaps for those wanting to zone out and not hear or be actively involved. In that respect it did highlight the divide between real and non-present communication. Perhaps “virtual” and “virtually” are poor and misleading words. Since eating a meal virtually is not actually eating with another person, and “virtual” implies almost real, not merely kind of realistic: “almost or nearly as described, but not completely or according to strict definition.” No one will mistake a virtual meeting or interaction for a real one—it is a poor digital facsimile of a true human, fleshly encounter in all cases.
Rev. Grills gave a historical overview in broad brushstrokes and pointed out historical examples of how Christian pastors were trained and educated in prior times. This did show that there have been different models and ways of going about this important task, yet it was never taken as frivolously nor as remotely as the novel online purveyors of pastoral education would have us allow.
Challenges to the Church Today
The next presentation, thankfully in person, was by Rev. Adam Moline of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Lincoln, NE. He had a prepared and printed paper, which was appreciated. (It is printed on page 8 of this issue of CN.) He spoke as an experienced pastor about the host of problems facing the LCMS, congregations, and pastors. Using the parable of the minas in Luke 19, he set the stage for listing the abuses that are sadly common regarding pastors in our midst.
Christ gives pastors and the Word and sacraments to care for His Church. This application paints not in worldly terms, but in view of faithfulness to Christ and His command, all in view of Judgment Day, His return:
Many of our pastors have forgotten the work Christ has given to His church in preaching and administering His Word. Many have made poor use of the Word and aren’t well-equipped to use the Word rightly. Many of our pastors know sociological constructs and fancy hipster terminology but are unable to speak the way the Scriptures speak. Many of our pastors are nice, friendly, kind, and welcoming but can’t preach a solid scriptural sermon. Many of our pastors are well-intentioned but incapable of fulfilling the command Christ has set. As a result, the Church as God has defined it is hidden away and forgotten about, instead replaced with a social club that meets on Sunday mornings for coffee and a lecture, maybe with a snack. So, I ask you, what will the Lord of the Church say to us when He returns and sees His minas forgotten and buried?
The problems are myriad but revolve around God’s Word.
The first part of Rev. Moline’s paper is subtitled “The Chief Problem amongst LCMS Clergy — a Lack of Use and Knowledge of God’s Word.” This ties in to the theme of education quite well. Specifically, he notes the lack of preaching about sanctification, that is, how to live as a Christian. Weak pastors cannot lead lost sheep well. Not just holding to our teachings, but being able to defend them from Scripture and cogently argue them is critical. Lip service is not enough. He rightly chides pastors for doing a lot of activity in congregations but not making teaching, visiting, and preaching the priority. We spend far more time on devices and social media than in God’s word, on average, we were told.
In another hard-hitting section, we are admonished to not be politicians or overly concerned with the bureaucracy of the synod: “our faith must be in Christ, rather than an elected official.” Amen and well said. We should not care more about the external, man-made structure than the risen Christ. “Our pastors must repent of all that hides God’s Word from their congregations.”
The next section dealt with the statistics-driven approach (typified by Rev. Joe Beran who presented later). We are encouraged to use the gifts and pastors Christ has actually given rather than be emotionally played by statistics that do not reflect the future of the church pastorally or realistically. The correct solution is not to get more (less educated and capable) pastors at any cost. Visible churches on earth are not static, nor is their attitude toward God’s Word.
As I have also argued previously, the synod has opened the door to online seminaries by allowing the SMP program. Although we have Christian freedom, universal synodical agreement and training practice is to be sought, rather than allowing special pathways and exceptions. Rev. Moline highlights some of the sordid SMP history and its implementation.
After highlighting the unfaithfulness of pastors, next the law is applied to congregations which mistreat pastors. Some pastors are not treated well or paid a decent living wage, while others are removed for unbiblical reasons, which is a sin against Christ and His call into the public ministry. A great observation is that the LCMS has been taken over by tribalism. Various factions fight for their peculiar single issues and viewpoints, including worship preferences on both sides of the spectrum. This also includes generational divides. But whatever clouds unity in the truth of God’s Word is evil.
Pastors run the spectrum and mirror the disarray in church and society at large. Some pastors are incapable, some overcome by slavery to sin (or more euphemistically: addiction), and many are isolated. Like parishioners, “The biggest concern is both sides refusing to be corrected by God’s Word in regard to their behavior.” Christ is still returning, and the duty of relaying His Word is still incumbent upon us. God’s Word is still a clear, shining, and saving light for us to treasure and use. Pastor Moline had a good, stern, and clear call to renewed faithfulness to Christ’s Word.
Unite Leadership Collective’s Perspective on Pastoral Formation
Rev. Joe Beran, listed as “Pastor-elect, Christ Lutheran Church, Lincoln, NE,” spoke as one involved in the leadership of Unite Leadership Collective (ULC). It seems to me he mentioned Pastor Tim Ahlman (of the ULC) as much, if not more, than Jesus or Scripture. The presentation was guided by statistics and numbers, at least at first. (See a review of his book, which also takes this seemingly neutral approach, on p6 of this issue).
The great need is laid out numerically: “9.5% of our churches (562 out of 5900) lack a called pastor. The stark reality demands our attention and a willingness to consider new approaches for the sake of the church.” It does demand our attention, but does it not reflect a bigger reality that requires real thinking and good theology? Are those churches capable of supporting a pastor? Do they even want one to lead and shepherd them, rather than just to have one because they are supposed to? It is a shallow approach on the whole: things are bad, we must do something very different. That is not the steadfastness Christians are called to: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Cor. 15:58.”
The supposed demographic need, without analyzing why that is the case and what the future need could be, immediately requires drastic action, we are told: “We must applaud innovation, like the LCC in Wyoming, and explore new pathways to train pastors effectively.” I think this refers to the Luther Classical College, which is off because that is not radical innovation as much as trying to go back to a more fruitful time academically and educationally. It has nothing to do with online education, as far as I am aware—which is the issue with the ULC.
The claim that “Digital learning can be rigorous, even more so than existing programs” must be evaluated. The rigor is really about self-study, which is dependent on the student. But the issue is not academics, per se, but about the formation of the man who serves as God’s representative and servant of the Word. “Many digital paths included face-to-face mentorship, aligning with Jesus’ teaching methods.” Aligning is a strong word. Some face-to-face time does make it equal to being with the very Son of God in the flesh. That is quite a logical jump. He cannot dismiss in-person education, but uses it as a prop for digital programs.
No hard line is taken, but the implication is that we must do something new. “Let’s open ourselves to novel training models and approaches that can effectively equip a new generation of spiritual leaders for our diverse communities.” Are the congregations of any sinners really that diverse by the standards of God’s Word? Don’t all sinners need the forgiving Gospel and power to live for Christ a renewed life in the Spirit? To say otherwise is not a theological approach but focuses on what is not commended to us in Scripture.
In the end, Rev. Beran’s approach is crystal clear. It is not theologically driven, and He did not want to engage on that level when the copious questions came at the conference. He is articulate and quite patient. Yet, I am not sure he won a single person over to his viewpoint, in what was was basically “enemy territory.” It came across like the church-growth everything-is-great approach, but on the pastoral and educational level. The whole undercurrent seems detached from a robust theological basis.
Pastoral Formation: Seminary Perspectives
Rev. Dr. Jon Bruss, the President of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, had an excellent theological rebuttal to Rev. Beran’s rather milquetoast and timid presentation. He was fiery and bold in the doctrinal defense of in-person seminary education. While he did not have a prepared paper, he did cite many passages from the Old and New Testament of Scripture.
Dr. Bruss said we should not “treat people as statistics”; the averages and current numbers do not reflect actual situations, and important issues such as congregational viability, distance between parishes, and ages. Statistics cannot make a determination for us.
By even recent historical standards, we are flush with pastors. He cites that in 1890 the LCMS had one pastor for every 3 churches and 1 school. Even secular research shows that online education results in diminished academic achievement.
The education of pastors, and more widely of the saving work of Christ, is real, or in Pastor Bruss’ words, “The entire thing is fleshly.” We do not virtually baptize; we must use real water and Christ’s words. Online communion is not a true participation or fellowship—one watching a concert or game on TV cannot truly say he was there to experience it.
Bible verses that speak of “being mutually encouraged by one another” were explicated. 1 Thess. 2:17-18 was also quoted: “But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us.” The incarnational aspect of Christianity should not stop at Christ’s flesh, since we, the Church, are His body. Paul longs to be with his flock—distance is never a blessing or preferable in this respect. This is “rooted in the incarnation,” according to Rev. Bruss.
It was also emphasized that pastors must truly be led by Christ if they are to faithfully lead. That means leaving their comfy life and safe coexistence they know well. Jesus’ disciples left their things and even were to told to not bury their relatives: “And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him” (Luke 5:11); “To another he said, ‘Follow me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, let me first go and bury my father.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’ Yet another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God’ (Luke 9:59-62).” The point is well taken. Being a pastor under Christ means true physical sacrifice. It will not be easy—it is not like “attending church” virtually in pajamas with a bowl of cereal on the lap in bed—at least for a faithful man of God.
Br. Bruss also highlighted perhaps a more sinister reason for promoting online education than just laziness. Many want to “keep their personal empire” in the church. Big mega-churches love theologically illiterate pastors who will not rock the boat. Many SMP pastors are not serving in remote areas, but joining a massive mega-church staff to re-enforce an edifice of programs or a cult of (a pastor’s) personality. We need instead real men to speak with all the power and authority of Christ. He relayed that the majority of St. Louis Seminary SMP pastors go to churches that already have a pastor serving.
Dr. Bruss did an excellent and convincing job and concluded strongly that “residential pastors are the only way to train theological pastors for lifetime service in LCMS.”
Solutions for the Future
Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Oakmont, PA, was the last speaker.
I am not sure how many solutions he provided (I did not take notes for this one), but I would recommend listening to it (there was not a prepared paper) if the ACELC eventually puts up the video of this in the future. I do recall that Rev. Koontz did emphasize that stats do not tell the circumstances and story of actual congregations. So we must be careful in reading into them a carte blanche approach of doing what is radically new with reckless abandon. It was a sobering conclusion to a thoughtful and well-done conference I was honored to attend. —ed.
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