Lay Ministry Formation Info Sessions

We are excited to announce that we are launching a Lay Ministry Formation process for the Northwest Washington Synod! 

Why Lay Ministry Formation? 

In 1 Corinthians we read, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.” As baptized children of God, we all have amazing callings – given to us by God for the good of the world. Has the church spent a disproportionate amount of time, resources, and energy centered on clergy and not enough on how God might be revealed through the diversity of all of God’s children? Intentional focus on Lay Ministry Formation is an attempt to help find a better balance and real opportunities for Christ to minister to us, and we to each other, in maybe unexpected but renewing ways. 

What is Lay Ministry Formation?  

Our new Lay Ministry Formation is a cohort-based, committed journey for our lay leaders to discern and deepen their calling as a minister in context. The two-year formation process engages the Christian tradition through Biblical and theological frames, contextual realities, and practical functions of congregational and community life. This certificate program provides a hybrid learning environment of in-person retreats, online small groups, and guided reflection. In the process, participants grow in their own spiritual calling alongside professionally trained scholars and reflective practitioners. Cost of the program is to be determined. 

Who might be interested? 

This program is open to any congregational lay leaders wishing to discern their own call to ministry or who wish to grow deeper in their callings around practical intersections of faith and love of God. **Although this program is open to all lay leaders, it is required for those seeking to become a Synodically Authorized Lay Minister (SALM), serving local churches as lay ministers as authorized by the Office of the Bishop. 

Where can I find more information? 

There are two upcoming informational meetings where we will discuss in greater detail the process, curriculum and rationale for what the Lay Ministry Formation process is all about. If you know of a lay leader in your congregation who would benefit from this program, or you yourself are interested, join us, Wednesday, May 31 or Wednesday, June 14 6:30-7:30pm via zoom.

You can access the informational meeting Zoom links here: 

• May 31 Zoom Link 
• June 14 Zoom Link   

 For more information or to express your interest, please email live@lutheransnw.org to be added to our email list.