calc’s mandate
It is CALC’s mission to assist member congregations in the training and discipline of an ordained ministry for the administration of the Means of Grace. CALC’s Shepherd’s Pathway to Pastoral Ministry (“Shepherd’s Pathway”) is the program approved by our congregations by which CALC’s future pastors are trained. The Shepherd’s Pathway establishes qualifications for Ministers of Word and Sacrament and states goals and targets that the candidate for ministry must achieve in order for the candidate to be ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament. The Shepherd’s Pathway is a congregationally driven program. Candidates for the pastoral ministry hear their call to ministry and take their training while a member of a CALC congregation. The program is summarized below.
Our Seminary
The Institute of Lutheran Theology (ILT) of Brookings, SD, USA, is CALC’s seminary. ILT is an accredited seminary which utilizes online video conferencing to create a virtual classroom. ILT’s virtual campus allows a candidate to train for ministry without leaving home. All theological training for the Shepherd’s Pathway can be completed at ILT. To access ILT’s website click here.
God’s Call & the Candidate’s Awareness of the Call
The office of ordained ministry, defined by our Lutheran Confessions as “the ministry of teaching the gospel and administering the sacraments” (Augsburg Confession, Article V), has been instituted by God. Men and women are ordained to the ministry of word and sacrament because they have been called by God and God’s call has been affirmed by the call of a congregation.
Candidates for the pastoral ministry become aware of their gifts and God’s call to ministry in various ways. Some become aware at a critical moment in their lives or the life of their congregation. Some are urged by others in the church to consider their call. Some struggle for years with their call and their circumstances. At some point the Candidate is moved to share this call with their spouse, their pastor and other key people in the candidate’s life.
Discernment of the call
When this internal call is expressed, the Candidate, his/her spouse, and their pastor should engage in a time of discernment. God’s call and the candidate’s gifts for ministry must be deeply considered. CALC offers a program entitled “40 Days of Discernment – Wrestling With God’s Call to Become a Shepherd.” These devotional readings help the Candidate to discern the qualities of, or the ‘heart of,” a pastor. Click here to access an electronic copy of the 40 Days of Discernment.
Candidate’s for seminary training should demonstrate a strong Lutheran identity and have a deep desire to serve as a pastor according to the Lutheran Tradition.
Application for Entry Into the Program
The candidate completes an application for entry into the Shepherd’s Pathway to Pastoral Ministry. The application is designed to elicit detailed information relating to the candidate’s faith journey, church membership and participation, leadership experience, academic background and employment history. The application, plus all supporting documents, are submitted to CALC’s Managing Director. Click here to access the application.
Educational Pathway
Following the processing of the application by CALC, the Candidate will embark on one of two educational pathways:
The traditional 90 credit-hour Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree. The candidate earns the MDiv through ILT’s Christ School of Theology (CST), a graduate school that offers Masters, Doctor of Ministry and PhD degrees. CST is accredited by both the ABHE and ATS. The MDiv degree consists of the equivalent of three years fulltime study and a supervised 12 month internship in a parish setting. For information on CST and their MDiv degree program click here to access the school’s website.
A candidate on the MDiv track who has taken courses on the MDiv tack which are the equivalent of the twelve courses for the PMC may apply to ILT to receive a PMC and be considered for call and ordination to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament. The candidate continues taking courses toward the attainment of an MDiv while serving in the parish. Contact ILT’s Registrar for details.
The Pastoral Ministry Certificate (PMC) track. The PMC is earned when a candidate completes twelve core courses that are offered through ILT’s Christ College (CC), an undergraduate school that offers various Certificates and Associate and Baccalaureate degrees. Upon the completion of the required twelve courses and supervised parish experience, a certificate will be awarded and the candidate may be considered for call and ordination to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament. For information on CC and their PMC program click here to access the school’s website.
Participation in Congregational Life
The candidate, under the direction and supervision of his her/pastor, is encouraged to participate in congregational life, which may include occasionally preaching, teaching, leading congregational program and/or visitation. In this way the candidate applies what he or she has learned in class directly in the parish setting. The candidate will meet periodically with the PRP to discuss the candidate’s educational progress.
PASTOR-IN-TRAINING PROGRAM
CALC Congregations are free to call a Pastor-in-Training (PIT). A PIT is a candidate who is willing to engage in a course of study acceptable to CALC and the Congregation under the Shepherd’s Pathway while serving in the congregation at the same time. Information on this program is found below.
Call & Ordination
Upon the completion of the educational pathway the candidate may be interviewed and vetted for call by a CALC congregation.
comprehensive information
Click here to access more comprehensive information on the Shepherd’s Pathway to Pastoral Ministry.
Pastor-in-Training Program
CALC Congregations are free to call a Pastor-in Training (PIT). A PIT is serves a congregation by preaching, teaching, administering the Sacraments, and providing pastoral care while simultaneously studying with ILT. The Candidate is required to complete three foundational courses under the PMC program (Biblical interpretation, preaching and a course on Luther and his Catechisms). The Candidate is supervised by a seasoned pastor. CALC has established guidelines for the call f a PIT.
Small Congregation: The ideal setting for the call of a PIT is a small congregation with access to retired or active CALC pastor(s) who could be called upon to supervise and mentor the Candidate. The demands of a smaller congregation are such that allows time for study, parish work and family life for the Candidate. The Candidate (under the supervision and mentorship of a seasoned pastor and the training received through ILT) and the congregation can grow together in faith, life and numbers.
Succession Planning: The PIT model could be used in a congregation where the existing pastor is contemplating retirement. The incumbent pastor has agreed reduce his/her ministry incrementally over a three to five year period. The PIT would assume greater responsibility for congregational life each year until he/she would assume sole leadership of the congregation.
Click here to access more information on the Pastor in Training Program.
Click here for access to guidelines for establishing the terms of the call of the pastor in training and conducting the special meeting for the call of a candidate.
To access the model letter of call for a Pastor-in Training and associated evaluative tools click on the desired document.
PIT - Model Letter of Call (WORD file)
PIT - Model Letter of Call (PDF file)
PIT - Lay Committee Evaluation (WORD file)
PIT - Lay Committee Evaluation (PDF file)