Lutheran teaching on apostolic succession

The answer can vary depending on which Lutheran church body you have in mind. Lutherans generally do not see the possibility or the necessity of having an unbroken chain of bishops going back to Jesus’ apostles.

Exceptions to that view would include the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and some Scandinavian Lutheran church bodies. ELCA’s position on apostolic succession changed formally in connection with their full communion agreement with the Episcopal Church.

WELS does not recognize apostolic succession as being necessary or commanded in Scripture.