ELCA Ministry Board to Discuss Seminarian Internships

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The board for the Division for Ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) adopted a set of guidelines for internships by candidates for ordained ministry, and it adopted a related proposal to discuss at some future meeting education for ordained ministry, especially concerns related to internships. The board met here Oct. 12-13.
In the ELCA candidates for ordained ministry are required to complete an approved internship, normally in a congregation. The internship is usually for one full year, and it occurs in the third year of the candidate's four-year seminary education program.
"I am not convinced that the internship in the third year is good," said Michael J. Root, associate in ministry, Columbus, Ohio. Root, who is Edward C. Fendt professor of systematic theology, Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, said, in his experience, the disadvantages of an internship in the third year may outweigh the benefits. Three years of seminary education followed by an internship before ordination may be better, he said.
The Rev. Jonathan P. Strandjord, acting executive director, ELCA Division for Ministry, said, while a review may be needed, a change in internship procedures may be a concern for bishops because it may affect the approval and placement process for seminarians.
The board is expected to continue its discussion on the topic at its meetings next year. "This is the kind of thing boards should spend their time on, asking what we're doing and examining how we're doing it," said Kevin J. Boatright, board chair, Lawrence, Kan., in an interview. "It is legitimate to surface these questions about the role of internships."
The board also took action on several other matters:
+ It endorsed the recommendation of the Division for Ministry staff to change policy regarding ELCA ministry candidates and affiliation with an ELCA seminary. A candidate for ministry who attends a non-ELCA seminary must affiliate with a seminary of the ELCA during the candidate's first full term. Candidates for diaconal ministry -- consecrated lay leaders in the church who carry out public ministry of witness and service -- have been required since 1993 to affiliate with the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Pa. Under the plan endorsed by the board, diaconal ministry candidates may affiliate with one of three other seminaries in addition to the Gettysburg seminary: Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa, or Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn.
+ The board affirmed a staff recommendation that present polices for ordained ministry, which appear in "Vision and Expectations for Candidates for Ordained Ministry," must be upheld while the ELCA Studies on Sexuality proceed. The ELCA Conference of Bishops previously endorsed the same proposal. Candidacy committees that oversee candidates for ordained ministry have reported that some committee members who disagree with the church's standards for ordained ministers, especially those related to gay and lesbian people, have suggested the standards can be changed now in light of the sexuality studies, said the Rev. A. Craig Settlage, associate executive director, ELCA Division for Ministry. Present ELCA policy expects ordained ministers who are homosexual in their self-understanding to refrain from homosexual sexual relationships. The studies and any recommendations that may result are to be presented for consideration to the 2005 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
"It was important to make a statement on behalf of the staff and whole board that, while sexuality studies are taking place, 'Vision andExpectations' remains the guide," Boatright said.
+The board recognized and thanked the Rev. Carl E. Linder, editor of "Lutheran Partners," who retired from active ministry this month. Linder has been the only editor for the magazine since the ELCA was formed in 1988. Because of financial concerns, the editor's position will remain unfilled for the remainder of fiscal year 2002. William A. Decker, associate in ministry and managing editor for the magazine, will fulfill the responsibilities of editor until a permanent successor to Linder is named.
+ The Rev. Stanley N. Olson, who will become the division's executive director Nov. 1, shared some preliminary thoughts about his new role. Olson said he sees himself as a "pastoral administrator." The division staff members are "servant leaders," he said, adding that it is the responsibility of the division to "offer leadership in the church" on matters related to ordained ministry. Olson said he has no immediate plans for changing the structure of the Division for Ministry. His early priority is to visit each of the eight ELCA seminaries twice, he said. The first visit will be to meet with administrators, faculty and students, and a second visit will be to participate in a board meeting at each seminary, Olson said. Olson resigned effective Oct. 31 as bishop of the ELCA Southwestern Minnesota Synod to become executive director of the division.
+ The board met briefly with Beth A. Lewis, who recently assumed the role of president and chief executive officer of Augsburg Fortress, the publishing house of the ELCA. She said she has concentrated on communication, accountability and asking for "grace" from customers as she begins her work. "We really want to energize Augsburg Fortress so you're proud of us, and we want you to be a partner in ministry with us," she said.
+ Board members engaged in the ELCA strategic planning process. All boards and committees of the church are participating. The process is expected to result in strategic directions for the church to be determined in 2003.

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