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First Call Theological Education (FCTE) is a three-year structured program of theological education designed to assist newly called leaders in the transition to rostered ministry. One of the most dramatic transitions in the life of a newly rostered person is the transition from seminary or non-rostered status to the first call to public ministry. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has prescribed standards and expectations for continuing theological education during the first three years of rostered service under call.

Theological education doesn't end with graduation ceremonies at our seminaries. Rather, theological education is a process of lifelong learning which addresses ministry in our changing community and societal contexts. This requires faithful leaders with abundant gifts and special qualities such as:

• depth in the faith
• practical congregational skills
• competence to communicate across cultures
• capacity to reach out to unchurched people
• ability to make connections between faith and everyday life.

Foundations for these competencies have been laid in seminary education. To a large extent, however, the ministry skills are finally realized only in the practice of ministry in the setting of a specific congregation and its larger social, economic, and cultural context. Newly called leaders learn to do ministry and develop a "habit of the heart" for lifelong learning during these early years of service.

FCTE programs are designed, offered, supervised and evaluated by synods, following churchwide standards. Synods may do this individually or in cooperation with other synods in their region. 

Most ELCA synods offer core programs with other synods. Contact your synod office to find the First Call Theological Education contact in your area.