LUTHERAN CHURCH–CANADA

Church Work Vocations

Pastor

A candidate for the pastoral ministry begins his journey as an active member of a Lutheran ChurchCanada congregation or a partner church, showing evidence of his commitment to Christian ministry, being of good character, enjoying satisfactory health, and demonstrating pastoral suitability.

Upon completion of a three- or four- year undergraduate degree in any discipline, students apply to a seminary for their pastoral education. The four-year seminary program for Lutheran ChurchCanada is offered at Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton, and Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, St. Catharines.

Students wishing to enrol in a seminary find it helpful to take a broad liberal arts program at the university/college level. Courses to include are English, speech, humanities, philosophy, social sciences, natural sciences, and psychology. Introductory courses in Greek and Hebrew prior to seminary are also needed.

Prepared pastors - servants called and sent by the Holy Spirit - witness to salvation by grace through faith in Christ Jesus and serve in God's world.

Deacons

Director of Parish Services

Serving in a team ministry with the pastor, staff, and members of a congregation, a Director of Parish Services offers skills in evangelism and outreach, parish education, hospital and elderly visitation, and youth/young adult ministry.

To become a Director of Parish Services, a student completes a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Religious Studies and a minor in Parish Services, together with certified practical experiences and a year of internship.

Students enrol in the Director of Parish Services Program at Concordia University College of Alberta, Edmonton.

Teacher

Elementary and secondary school teachers are prepared for service in Lutheran ChurchCanada by way of the Lutheran Teacher Colloquy program. Teachers are equipped to work in Lutheran schools where the primary goal is educating and nurturing children within the context of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Prepare for Action - RSVP 2000 is a recruitment initiative of Lutheran Church-Canada which asks members of congregations to identify men and women whom they believe have the gifts and talents for church work vocations.