THE PROGRAM

The Lay Ministry program prepares people for service in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod as lay ministers in a variety of capacities throughout the church.  Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) has been affiliated with lay ministry for many years, Over the past ten years, extension sites have been established throughout the US, and are now available in Florida and Georgia through a partnership between CUW and The Concordia House of Studies (CHS).

The Lay Ministry program is designed to help participants be more conversant with Scripture, the Christian faith, and the Lutheran heritage and to enable men and women to exercise their spiritual gifts as parish teachers, evangelists, youth workers, worship assistants, and church leaders in their congregational setting

Our CHS Lay Ministry program is currently being taught in North Miami, Florida and Atlanta Georgia.  Courses are taught by local mentors, usually pastors, and by professors from CUW.  This system allows students to continue in their regular career in their home area while pursuing Lay Ministry credentials. 

certification levels

There are two levels in this non-degree program.  Generally four to five years are needed to complete both levels.

Level I

This leads to a Church Worker certificate.  Students entering Level I of the program must have a high school diploma.  Eleven courses are required for the Church Worker Certificate:

Rel 105   Church Leadership Seminar, 1 credit

Rel 201 The Old Testament, 3 credits *

Rel 203 The New Testament, 3 credits *

Rel 383 Interpreting the Gospel of Luke, 3 credits

Rel 204 Biblical Theology, 3 credits *

Rel 221 Lutheran Worship, 3 credits *

Rel 233 Communicating Bible Messages, 3 credits *

Ed 306  Teaching the Faith, 3 credits *

Rel 287 Christian Caregiving, 3 credits

Rel 311 Church in Mission, 3 credits *

Rel 387 Christ’s People Though the Ages, 3 credits

*= SMP Entry Level Requirements

Level II

This results in Lay Ministry Certification.  Lay Ministry Certifications allows the student to be eligible for a call as a rostered Commissioned Minister of Religion-Lay Minister with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.  Either a Bachelor’s degree or a minimum of an Associates degree is needed for certification  Six courses following Level I comprise Level II.

Rel 495 Lay Ministry Seminar, 1 credit

Rel 328 Family and Youth Ministry, 3 credits

Rel 404 Lutheran Confessions, 3 credits

Rel 388 Varieties of Belief, 3 credits

Rel 420 Lay Ministry Internship, 3 credits

Rel 312 Office of the Professional Church Worker, 3 credits

Schedule

The CHS Lay Ministry Program typically brings students together for two Saturdays per month, September through June.  This will allow students to complete four to five classes per term.  The intensive weekend sessions permit greater flexibility and will allow a larger pool of instructors.  It will also allow students to travel from other nearby cities or locations.

                Tuition

Tuition is currently $135 per credit hour with an additional cost for books. 

Applying

1.   Enroll at Concordia House of Studies

▪online here

2.      After enrolling in CHS

▪an application, registration form and book-order form for the Lay Ministry program and Concordia University Wisconsin will be mailed to the student from CHS