Ministries

Formation for vocation is comprehensive, involving the whole Christian life. As such, vocation and formation becomes a broad umbrella encompassing many synod and related ministries. People of all ages, walks of life and backgrounds are called to God’s work in the world.

Campus Ministry: a crucial ministry in both context and timing, because students identities are taking shape for adulthood.
Candidacy to prepare leaders for public ministries. As the quality of its leaders directly impacts the health, vitality and faithfulness of the church, candidacy as a ministry of leadership formation is significant.
Christian Education: Lutheran Association of Christian Educators (LACE) aims to connect educators and help provide resources and educational opportunities.
Deaconess Community: a roster of theologically trained, professionally prepared women, called to ministry and service in the ELCA
First Call Theological Education: formation for ordained ministry does not stop with seminary graduation and ordination. The synod offers new leaders continuing education for the first three years of ordained vocational life, focusing on an Institute for Congregational Ministry event for several days each January.
Fund for Leaders and financial aid for those in candidacy. Formation for public ministry is costly and labor-intensive. Please give generously to the ELCA Fund for Leaders program.
Healthy Leaders and Wellness Promotion: formation of leaders includes attention to the whole of life: our spiritual, intellectual, social, interpersonal, emotional, physical, financial and vocational well-being.
Lutheran Schools Association: Lutheran schools and congregational early childhood learning centers contribute much to the intentional formation of disciples and good citizens.
Ministerium Meetings: synod pastors meet periodically for continuing education, inspiration, and discussions on matters of concern. These collegial gatherings contribute to their ongoing formation.
Synod Diaconate:The synod is well served by locally trained and set apart synod deacons who carry out ministries of Word and Service in the synod.
Synodical Retreats: These are times set apart for refreshment, inspiration, prayer, creative visioning and planning for various synod leaders such as deans, synod staff, candidates for rostered ministries, pastors, and synod council members.