NWIM Synod Lay Ministry Associate (LMA)
Lay Ministry Associate formation
(a partnership with the Montana Synod-ELCA)
Lay Ministry Associates will help with pulpit supply, pastoral care, faith formation, or church leadership. What you do with this formation will depend on your gifts and passions and the needs of local ministry sites.
Costs to expect (for you and/or your congregation):
$250 to the NWIM Synod for background check and some overhead
$150 (average cost) of the in-person annual retreat. We expect LMA students to attend for two years.
$200 to the Montana Synod (through the LMA website) for the four foundational courses (Old Testament, New Testament, Lutheran Theology, Reformation). This can be done over two years (so $100 per year). Montana Synod has several additional courses ($20-$35) that we encourage you to take.
After you complete this two-year program, the NWIM Synod expects you to enroll in a Boundaries Training from Leaderwise, United Lutheran Seminary, or an in-person training offered by the synod.