Interested in becoming an ordained pastor or rostered deacon? Visit www.elca.org/candidacy.
Lay Ministry Institute (LMI) Mission
Educate and equip lay people for theologically sound ministry. LMI is under the office of the bishop of the Upper Susquehanna Synod which provides oversight and accountability to its programs, and authorizes lay leaders for ministry in our congregations.
Read the LMI Handbook to learn how the Lay Worship Leader program works in our synod today and read about its history.
Process
Interested in being an authorized lay leader? Participants in the programs of the LMI are active, confirmed, communing, and contributing members of Upper Susquehanna Synod congregations. They are recognized as leaders by their congregations, uphold the highest standards of the Christian life, are faithful in their personal lives, and agree to live by the standards expressed in Guidelines for Rostered Ministers in the ELCA. They work closely with a mentoring ordained minister (usually the pastor of their home congregation) throughout the training process.
- Complete an Application including basic personal information, prior church leadership experience, and answers to questions about the applicant’s spiritual formation. Submit with the application fee of $250. Full tuition is $750.
- Supply contact information for three personal references (other than the applicant’s pastor).
- Submit required background checks and recommendations from the pastor and congregation council are also required.
- Participate in an interview with a member of the LMI Board.
With the bishop’s written permission an Authorized Lay Worship Leader may preside at the Eucharist of a particular congregation for a specific time. This is the only LMI program in which all applicants must seek the bishop’s authorization at program’s end. They also will complete
- An agreement to a Statement of Commitment for authorized lay leaders.
- Completion of and signature to an ELCA Standards Questionnaire for authorized lay leaders.
To apply to take part in the Lay Worship Leaders program, complete the online application.