This church affirms the universal priesthood of all its baptized members. In its function and its structure this church commits itself to the equipping and supporting of all its members for their ministries in the world and in this church. It is within this context of ministry that this church calls some of its baptized members for specific ministries in this church.
Constitution of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (7.11)
Associates in ministry are called to serve in one of the officially recognized lay ministries of this church. Associates in ministry shall be persons whose commitment to Christ, soundness of faith, aptness and ability to serve in programmatic ministries which equip and support the people of God, and whose educational and personal qualifications have been examined and approved in the manner prescribed in the documents of this church; who have been called and commissioned, who accept and adhere to the Confession of Faith of this church; who are diligent and faithful in the exercise of the ministry to which they have been called; and whose lives and conduct are consistent with the Gospel. Associates in ministry shall comply with the constitution of this church.
Associates in ministry, together with the whole people of God, are part of the ministry of the baptized. Partners in ministry with pastors and bishops, diaconal ministers, deaconesses, and laity are called to be faithful to Jesus Christ, knowledgeable of the Word of God and the Confessions of this church, respectful of the people of God, and responsive to the needs of a changing world. Associates in ministry serve in congregations and other ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
This document designed for associates in ministry, and "Vision and Expectations: Ordained Ministers in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America", seeks to state both a vision and expectations for the rostered ministers of this church. This document should not be understood as a juridical standard. Neither is it intended to suggest unrealistic or impossible expectations for those who serve on one of the rosters of this church. Instead, it seeks to express the high value and importance that this church places in those who are called to serve in one of its officially recognized ministries, both lay and ordained. This vision and these expectations are for those who are already on the roster as well as an invitation for reflection and consideration of those who seek to serve as associates in ministry.
The basic standards for service as an associate in ministry are set forth in the constitution of the ELCA. These Basic Standards are:
- Commitment to Christ;
- Acceptance of and adherence to the Confession of Faith of this church;
- Willingness and ability to serve in response to the needs of this church;
- Academic and practical qualifications for the position;
- Life consistent with the Gospel and personal qualifications including leadership abilities and competence in interpersonal relationships;
- Receipt and acceptance of a letter of call; and
- Membership in a congregation of this church.
During the service of installation and commissioning, the new associate is ministry is asked:
- "Will you assume this ministry in the confidence that it comes from God?"
- "Will you carry out this ministry in accordance with the teachings and practice of the Lutheran Church?"
- "Will you be diligent in your study of the Holy Scriptures and faithful in your use of the means of grace and in prayer?"
- "Will you trust in God's care, seek to grow in love for those you serve, strive for excellence in your skills, and adorn the Gospel of God with a godly life?"
These Basic Standards and the public statements of commitment contained in the service of installation and commissioning provide a framework for the vision and expectations for those who serve the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as associates in ministry.
I. SERVING IN FAITHFULNESS
Will you assume this ministry in the confidence that it comes from God?
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America believes that the Holy Spirit "calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth and preserves it in union with Jesus Christ in the one true faith" (Small Catechism, Article III). It is the Spirit that provides the church with those persons who are enabled by God to lead the church in carrying out the ministry and mission of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The official documents of the ELCA describe the ministries provided by it members in the context of the priesthood of all the baptized. "This church affirms the universal priesthood of all its baptized members. In its function and its structure this church commits itself to the equipping and supporting of all its members for their ministries in the world and in this church. It is within this context of ministry that this church calls some of its baptized for specific ministries in this church" (ELCA Constitution 7.11).
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America prepares and approves candidates for commissioning as associates in ministry by setting standards, by providing for theological education through the seminaries and colleges of the church, and by evaluating a person's qualifications for service by a Candidacy Committee. Upon approval for commissioning, a person is eligible to receive a letter of call to serve as a fully recognized and rostered associate in ministry.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, therefore, understands that those who serve this church as associates in ministry are:
- called by the Holy Spirit through the church and are not self-chosen or self-appointed. This ministry is seen as a privilege rather than a right; and
- called to serve the church for a ministry of servanthood in full partnership with the whole people of God, both lay and ordained.
Believing that this ministry comes from God, associates in ministry serve believing that the Holy Spirit will uphold, strengthen and sustain them as they provide leadership in the church's ministry.
II. FAITHFULNESS TO THE CHURCH'S CONFESSION
"Will you carry out this ministry in accordance with the teachings and practice of the Lutheran Church?"
All who have been commissioned to serve as associates in ministry in this church are expected to accept and adhere to the Confession of Faith of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as stated in Chapter 2 of the Constitution.
This promise includes confession and teaching the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and the authoritative source and norm of its proclamation, faith and life.
This promise includes acceptance and confession of the ecumenical creeds which are to be taught as true declarations of the faith of this church. The Lutheran Confessions are to be acknowledged as true witnesses and faithful expositions of the Holy Scriptures.
In promising to carry out this ministry in accordance with the teachings and practice of the Lutheran Church, associates in ministry acknowledge that the faith of the church is corporate, catholic and orthodox, and promise to teach nothing "that departs from the Scriptures of the catholic church" (Conclusion to the Augsburg Confession).
III. FAITHFUL RENEWAL
"Will you be diligent in your study of the Holy Scriptures nd faithful in your use of the means of grace and in prayer?"
Associates in ministry, in partnership with ordained clergy, are called upon to enable and equip others in their Christian lives and for their ministry in the world as the baptized people of God. In order to do this, associates in ministry need to develop and nurture a sound knowledge of the Scriptures, both intellectually and devotionally. Associates in ministry will seek regular opportunities for personal participation in the means of grace, including the renewal of baptismal grace in individual confession and absolution, and to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion, thus receiving God's renewing, sustaining, empowering Spirit both personally and in the practice of ministry.
Associates in ministry engage in daily prayer and encourage others in the practice of regular prayer.
IV. FAITHFUL LIVING
"Will you trust in God's care, seek to grow in love for those you serve, strive for excellence in your skills, and adorn the Gospel of God with a godly life?"
Associates in ministry must be members of a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. As a member of such a community of faith, the associate in ministry is an integral part of a community in which mutual love and support is given and in which care, forgiveness, and healing occur.
Associates in ministry support not only the work of the congregation, institution or agency in which they are called, but also the synodical and churchwide ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Associates in ministry are expected to work in a collegial relationship with pastors and other associates in ministry, and to share in mutual accountability with those in positions of leadership and oversight in this church. The associate in ministry is willing and able to serve in response to the needs of the church.
Associates in ministry recognize the importance of life-long growth in learning. Such growth is intended to renew, extend, and deepen insight into the Scriptures and the doctrinal teaching of the church, and to enable one to respond to the insights and challenges of the world with greater awareness and a more faithful confession. In an increasingly complex and educated society, the development of an informed intellect and professional skills is crucial to competent ministry. This church expects its ordained and commissioned ministers to participate in regular and disciplined time of personal study, study in the company of others, and in programs of continuing education. Congregations and other entities of this church are expected to provide the time and assistance with the financial resources needed for such study.
Associates in ministry need to be examples of self-care, as well as caring for others. Caring for self includes seeking counseling and/or medical care when needed, as well as adequate time taken for vacation and rest.
Associates in ministry promise to be examples of responsible and faithful, living in the exercise of God's gifts of sexuality and family. The qualities of which include the following:
Responsibility to family
Whether married or single, associates in ministry are expected to uphold an understanding of marriage in their public ministry as well as in private life that is biblically informed and consistent with the teachings of this church. Spouse and children, if any, are to be regarded with love, respect, and commitment. Within the family, forgiveness, reconciliation, healing and mutual care are to be expressed.
Separation, Divorce and Remarriage
Associates in ministry are expected to keep their marriage inviolate until death, to cultivate love and respect for their spouse, and to seek marital counseling when it is needed. It is recognized that due to human sin and brokenness, in some cases, the marital relationship may have to be dissolved. An associate in ministry seeking to divorce, will seek the pastoral care, counsel and guidance of the synodical bishop. Similarly, an associate in ministry deciding to marry following a divorce, will seek the counsel and guidance of the synodical bishop.
Sexual Conduct
The expectations of this church regarding the sexual conduct of its ordained and commissioned ministers are grounded in the understanding that human sexuality is a gift from God and that all baptized Christians are to live in such a way as to honor this gift. All who serve in public ministry are expected to reject sexual promiscuity, the manipulation of others for the purposes of sexual gratification, and all attempts of sexual seduction of others. Single persons are expected to live a chaste life. Married persons are expected to live in fidelity to their spouses, giving expression to sexual intimacy within a marriage relationship that is mutual, chaste, and faithful. Ordained and commissioned ministers who are homosexual in their self-understanding are expected to abstain from homosexual sexual relationships.
Associates in ministry are called to specific ministries which equip and support the ministries of the whole people of God. The charges to witness and minister to the world are given to the church today as it was to the apostles of the early church and to all Christians throughout history. The content of that witness is God's revelation in Jesus Christ: God's creative self-disclosure as the Word made flesh; Jesus Christ victorious over death for the salvation of God's people; and the promise of everlasting life. The testimony of these acts of God's grace and forgiveness are expressed in both word and deed carried out in a lifestyle exemplified by Christ the servant. Called to render a particular service in the church, associates in ministry witness to the world through expressions of compassion, hospitality, patience, forgiveness; through seeking peace and justice for all people; through care for all of God's creation; and through sharing one's faith in various expressions and functions of ministry.
Our Lord, who came among us as a servant, calls us to faith and a life of loving service to our neighbor. You stand among us as one called to render a particular service, a gift from God go inspire us to love and good works.
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, guide, bless, and keep you, that you may be faithful in the ministry to which you have been called.
Installation of a Lay Professional Leader, Lutheran Book of Worship Occasional Services
The Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, in its October 1990 meeting, adopted Vision and Expectations: Ordained Ministers in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as a statement of this church and authorized its distribution to the congregations, ordained ministers, candidacy committees and seminaries of this church.
The 1993 Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA voted to retain and continue to develop the roster of associates in ministry. The Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, in its December 1993 meeting, adopted Vision and Expectations: Associates in Ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as a statement of this church and authorized its distribution.