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Licensed Ministry Program
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| Written by David Hudson |
| Quite a number of you have asked about the details concerning my study to be a Licensed Lay Minister. I thought this blog would be the perfect place to describe the program. The program of preparation for a Licensed Lay Minister is 10-12 units (courses) of study given over a 2-year period. The program covers material from the Old and New Testament, Basic Theology, Worship, Church History (2 courses), Discipleship, Christian Ethics, Teaching the Word, and Practical Ministry (Visitation). My plan is to supplement the Practical Ministry course with training as a Stephen Minister and serving an internship with a hospital chaplin. Each class is given on 5 consecutive Saturdays of 3-hours each. Units are taught by pastors of the Southeast Michigan Synod who, so far, have graduate degrees beyond their Seminary training. The courses are taught using college-level text books and supplemental readings (about 125 pages/week), always involve extensive class discussions/participation, and typically requires one or more presentations (between 5-30 minutes) or some type of written assignment by each student. There are no grades. At the beginning of the second year candidates must submit a second application and pass an interview with the Synod Lay Ministry Advisory Committee, a psychological evaluation, and a background check. As far as I can tell, I'm in the third class of this program so the Synod is still trying to work out some of the bugs. My class consists of 12 candidates; 6 women, 6 men, all approximately my age. Upon successful completion of the program of study and a six-month internship (~180 hours), a specific congregation and its pastor must submit a Letter of Appointment to the Bishop outlining the duties and responsiblities for the candidate. A favorable recommendation from the Synod Advisory Committee and an endorsement by the Bishop authorizes the individual to serve solely within the congregation or Synod and not elsewhere in the ELCA. The individual is not subject to the "call" process. The position is non-rostered so it carries not title and no salary. Clerical collars and stoles (the 4-inch band of colored/decorated cloth worn around the Pastor's neck) cannot be worn. Wearing an “alb and cincture” (the white robe worn by Pastor Mark) is acceptable during worship services. Because of Michigan state regulations Licensed Ministers should not perform weddings. I'm excited about the program and anxious to participate. My goal is to bring some credibility to my service at St. John and help Pastor Mark improve our relationship with Jesus Christ. Peace, Dave Hudson
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