Apostolic succession

I wonder why American Lutherans (not counting the ELCA and LOC) aren't in valid apostolic succession and don't make use of episcopacy, however many Lutheran church bodies in Europe make use of both. I've read on the LCMS website that: "Missouri Synod does not now nor has it ever recognized this practice as divinely mandated, or required for the well-being of the church's ministry." (http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=2693) I believe that there is biblical evidence for apostolic succession...however this website can explain it better then I can. (http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2005/0504sbs.asp).