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Official Clergy Entry Process

Official Clergy Entry Process

Welcome! We appreciate your interest in finding out more about pastoral ministry in Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC). We thank the Lord for calling men and women to the ministry of Word and Sacrament. As you consider certification as a LCMC pastor, we pray that our gracious God will bless you with wisdom and discernment. We encourage your prayerful consideration of the Lord’s calling on your life and ministry.

In LCMC we have intentionally chosen to live on the freedom side of the organizational continuum rather than the control side. Being “rostered” in LCMC means something different than in most mainline denominations.

Inclusion on the Certified and/or Seeking Call lists requires checking academic credentials, discussion of one’s history, faith commitment, and “fit” within LCMC. Thorough background checks are the responsibility of the congregations or calling agencies. The process for calling a pastor or a pastor receiving a call is carried out entirely between the congregation and the candidates. No third party controls or assists the process. We have chosen the path of freedom and open processes that are based more on trust than mistrust.

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Steps to become certified for ministry within LCMC:

  1. Familiarize yourself with the LCMC Statement of Faith (LCMC Constitution, Article 2), Ministry Standards, and LCMC Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).  You may also wish to familiarize yourself with the LCMC Retirement Plan and Benefits Programs.
  2. Contact LCMC's Coordinator for Pastoral Ministry, Rev. Perry Fruhling (perry@lcmc.net), for initial conversation. He will electronically send the certification process form.
  3. The applying pastor will complete the Certification Form, attach a copy of their MDiv and ordination certificate, and electronically return the paperwork to the Coordinator for Pastoral Ministry.
  4. Upon receipt of the Certification Form, the Coordinator for Pastoral Ministry will arrange the Certification Interview geographically.
  5. An interview is conducted that gives both the candidate and the representatives of LCMC an opportunity to share their histories and values, as well as ask pertinent questions.
  6. Upon completion of the interview, the candidate will be recommended to the Ministry Board for acceptance, denial, or deferral.  
  7. District Coordinators also will receive the list of those recommended for acceptance.
  8. Notification of acceptance will be forwarded to the LCMC office.
  9. The LCMC Coordinator will send notification to the candidate of acceptance onto appropriate list, and name will be added to website.

More Information

To learn more about the call process, pastoral certification & training opportunities, click here.