Apply for the fall 2025 Lay Ministry Training - Northeastern Iowa Synod, ELCA

The Northeastern Iowa Synod is accepting applications for the next Lay Ministry Training cohort, which begins in September 2025.

The training will give lay leaders the tools and support they need to lead worship, preach, make home visits and do other basic pastoral ministries when their congregations are without an ordained pastor or deacon. Lay ministers can use their skills to assist pastors with home visits and pastors who oversee multiple congregations.

The Northeastern Iowa Synod joined with the Western Iowa Synod, Southeastern Iowa Synod and South Central Synod of Wisconsin to offer this coordinated lay ministry training. The two-year program includes participation in online lay training through the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin or the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod.

Priority to join this year’s cohort will be given to lay leaders from congregations/parishes that have been in pastoral transition for an extended period of time, or are not able to afford a full-time pastor and not able to form a sharing partnership with another congregation.

TWO LAYERS OF TRAINING

Training is offered in two layers, which the students take simultaneously through an online Lutheran lay school. The formation layer teaches practical skills for preaching, pastoral care, stewardship, Christian education, leadership and administration. The academic layer offers deeper study of the Bible, Christian history, Lutheran theology and spirituality.

Students take the online classes two Saturdays a month during the school year — all day on one Saturday and the morning for the other. Students also meet once a month in person or through Zoom with their mentor who checks in to see how their training is going and to answer questions. In addition, students gather in person for an annual lay ministry retreat to receive hands-on training, join in spiritual practices, share experiences and ask questions.

Participants who complete both layers will become Certified Lay Assisting Ministers (CLAM). Some lay ministers who complete the training may be approved to serve as Synod Authorized Ministers (SAM) in specific circumstances, which means they can preside over the sacraments of communion and baptism.

Options are available for lay members who are interested in taking a specific class rather than the entire program.

APPLY TODAY!

The application process begins with a questionnaire, which can be downloaded below along with forms to supply congregational and clergy references. In addition, the Northeastern Iowa Synod office requires an interview with the applicant and the congregation council to determine eligibility. Questions can be emailed to Pastor Kristen Corr Rod or call the synod office, 319-352-1414.

To learn how to support this program, visit the Lay Ministry Training Program web page.