CERTIFICATE IN LAY MINISTRY

Program Tracks

This certificate program is used as a standard to recognize lay ministry for institutional use and personal growth. It is to meet the national ELCIC standards for “Synodically Authorized Lay Ministry of the Word”. (See the separate ELCIC policy which governs such ministry).

Three Tracks are available to lay persons to complete the certificate program.

1.     Personal Growth

• For those interested in theological study for study purpose only
• No accountability or evaluative process is expected but students may do the evaluative requirements for interest sake.
• Students will develop electives based on interests not needs
• Students will learn and participate with students in all tracks of study, i.e. congregational needs or synodically authorized ministry.
• Students may take occasional courses, up to four courses without submission of the program registration fee of $25.00 to the synod office.
• No screening or monitoring of program required
• No continuing education component required
• Flexibility for candidate

2.     Congregational Needs

• For candidates who are working in congregations or their congregation has a need for training in specific areas, i.e. youth workers, musicians, parish worker, church school coordinators, etc.
• Accountability is to congregation but synod office administer their progress through the program.
• Congregation may require students to complete an evaluative process of each course as indicated by the instructor or facilitator. Congregation may also require further monitoring of program as arranged in advance with the student.
• Electives are based on needs of congregation and/or candidate
• Students will learn and participate with students in all tracks of the program, i.e. personal growth or synodically authorized ministry
• Students may register with Synod Office for future opportunities in parishes and a talent bank of potential lay ministers
• Prior learning assessment will be made available as requested by congregation or student.
• Program registration fee is $35.00.

3.     Synodically Authorized Ministry

• At invitation of Bishop and with congregational consultation and identification of candidates
• Education standards are to be met by candidates identified for this program, i.e. skills, knowledge and values (CTEL approval is required)
• Mandatory completion of core courses and electives
• Mandatory evaluative tools for each course
• Required annual continuing education component; to be determined in consultation between candidate, congregation and bishop.
• Registration required with MNO Synod Committee for Theological Education and Leadership for screening, support and endorsement. All costs related to registration requirements are the responsibility of the candidate and/or the congregation
• Prior learning assessment is available if requested
• Student is accountable to Bishop and Supervising Pastor
• A Mentor accompanies a candidate through process. Mentorship guidelines are to be followed
• Program registration fee is $50.00