# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1986_S197 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) oor eimai ely hints ikea Ak cae ans ee mR See oe asin ecR ho Ade Sart a AAPA Wise LSE a RMN cnt ee ERE ee had 8 EM NASR om RAS, ERE LOR REN SO ks HSIN Sah SEED jem tas Shick MA ui ti ARNIS MAE MA Se SED NI ORO Sa I E))—0)0)—)00 EES SSS Se HIGHER EDUCATION 197 PRESENT WORDING 5.131 Committee for Lay Ministers a. Membership. The Committee for Lay Ministers shall consist of one district president, one parish pastor, one member of a synodical seminary faculty, one mem- ber representing the lay ministry program at Concordia College, Wisconsin, a Vice-President of the Synod, who shall serve as chairman, and the Executive Secretary of the Board for Professional Education Services or his representative in an advisory capacity. c. Functions. The Board for Lay Ministers shall: 1. direct the colloquy program for lay ministry ac- cording to regulations adopted by the Synod; 4. establish the academic and theological standards for admissions to the lay ministry by colloquy in con- sultation with the faculty of Concordia College, Wiscon- sin; 5. approve for admission to the colloquy program for lay ministry those applicants who meet the preliminary requirements; 5.133 Eligibility Applicants shall be at least 20 years old, or have 2 years of college, and agree to have administered pre- scribed aptitude, achievement, personality, and voca- tional entrance tests. Personal interviews may be required. 5.135 Application for Admission a. Applications for men and women for admission to the lay ministry colloquy program shall be directed to Concordia College, Wisconsin. The application will be accompanied by the following documents: 1. Complete background information setting forth clearly the applicant’s background, religious affiliation, previous church-work activity and experience, employ- ment record, formal and informal education, and rea- sons for wishing to qualify for lay ministry service in the Synod. 2. Official transcripts of the applicant’s secondary and collegiate training and a full description of non- credit academic work done by the applicant. 3. Testimonials as to Christian character and life, personality, ability, and previous service from the ap- plicant’s pastor and two previous employers or persons who have observed the applicant for at least two years. 4. A letter of endorsement from the applicant’s dis- trict president. 5.137 Publication of Applicants Request The name of an applicant requesting admission to the lay ministry program shall be published in an official periodical of the Synod after his application has been endorsed by the district president and approved by the committee. If no valid objection is filed within four weeks after publication of such notice, the colloquy pro- cedure may continue. 5.139 Academic and Theological Requirements Applicants for admission to lay ministry by colloquy shall be expected to meet the following academic and theological requirements before their final examination by the board: a. A college program culminating in the Associate in Arts degree or its demonstrated equivalent. b. The completion of required courses or their equiv- alent in the areas of general education, Christian doc- trine, Biblical interpretation, church history, and practice, to meet the academic and theological stan- dards established by the board. c. Evidence of successful service in a church agency within the Synod prior to regular placement in the church. d. Residence at a synodical college as determined necessary or desirable by the committee. PROPOSED WORDING 5.131 Committee for Lay Ministers a. Full-time or part-time staff may be engaged by the committee as conditions may warrant and require, with the approval of the Board of Directors. c. Functions. The Committee for Lay Ministers shall 1. (Delete.) 4. Establish the academic and theological standards for admissions into the Lay Ministry Program in con- sultation with the faculty of Concordia College Wiscon- sin. 5. Approve for admission to the Lay Ministry Pro- gram those applicants who meet the preliminary re- quirements. 5.133 Eligibility Applicants shall be at least 20 years old and be high school graduates and agree to have administered pre- scribed aptitude, achievement, personality, and voca- tional entrance tests. Personal interviews may be required. 5.135 Application for Admission a. Applications for men and women for admission to the Lay Ministry Program shall be directed to Concordia College Wisconsin. The application shall be accom- panied by the following documents: 1. (No change.) 2. (No change.) 3. (No change.) 4. (No change.) 5.137 (Delete.) 5.139 Academic and Theological Requirements To be certified as a lay minister the candidate must complete the prescribed associate in arts degree pro- gram at Concordia College Wisconsin and be recom- mended by the faculty.