To serve your congregation in a deeper way? Do you want to receive more theological and skills training to help your local congregation? Have you been encouraged by other members, your pastor/deacon, or a cluster dean to take on more leadership?
A NWIM Synod Council task group believes that the Montana Synod's Lay Pastoral Associates training program is still a great fit for our synod. (Several synod members went through the program years ago). Montana hopes to have the program entirely online in Fall 2024. What exactly is an LPA?
A Lay Pastoral Associate in the Montana Synod is a congregational lay person who has received religious, educational training, through the Montana Synod, in order to provide (in most cases) short term pulpit supply (ie, preaching) when the pastor is away, or if a congregation is without a pastor. Their role is to fill in for the basic pastoral duties such as providing Word and Sacrament, communion, and other roles as approved by the Bishop. Follow this LINK for more information.
Our synod task group is gauging interest as we consider forming a NWIM cohort to go through Montana's very affordable LPA training program together.
About SAMs and LPAs: Synod bishops can authorize a Synod Authorized Minister (SAM) where the need exists for Word and Sacrament ministry, but it is not feasible to provide a rostered minister of Word and Sacrament. Enrolling in LPA courses does not mean someone is committing to being a Synod Authorized Minister. You could enroll simply for self-edification. However, in our synod, Bishop Manlove will want SAMs to complete the LPA training.
Complete this INTEREST FORM.
Pastors, Deacons, and Council Presidents,
Can you identify someone in your congregation or cluster who might benefit from going through additional theological and skills training? (see above)
Complete this NOMINATING FORM.