Want to Become a Minister?
                       You already ARE a Minister!

All baptized people of God are called to ministry in this world. In the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), we understand that we all share in the "work" of God — that we have a special calling or vocation. The voice of God speaks to us and through us. If you are thinking of becoming a minister, remember — you ARE a minister — just where you are!

Ministry in Daily Life
Learn more about how other people of God live-out this calling in their daily lives.

Exploring Your Call
A call is what gives meaning and purpose to our lives. Each of us is called and blessed with gifts.

Rostered Ministry
The ELCA has public ministries that are needed for witness and service in the world. Some people are called by God and confirmed by the church to be set apart for these particular forms of ministry.

Candidacy
The ELCA has a process that offers hospitality, formation, and evaluation to those preparing for public ministries.

ELCA Seminaries
Most candidates for public ministry pursue academic preparation at one of the eight ELCA seminaries across the United States. Many other people also attend seminary to learn how to "think theologically."

Chaplains and Counselors
Leaders in the ELCA serve in many settings as they offer pastoral care in a world in need of healing.

Life, Jobs, Careers:
Talking to Youth about the Lutheran Understanding of Vocation
Vocation means “calling.” From a Lutheran viewpoint, pastors or others who work for the church have a vocation, but Christians who work outside the church do too. Any job or career becomes a “Christian vocation” if a Christian remembers to do a job as part of her or his call from God to serve others.