Leaders
In the ELCA, candidates for public ministry discern for two tracks of rostered leadership: Word and Sacrament (pastors) and Word and Service (deacons). When a candidate is entranced, s/he need not be specific on the track being pursued; one’s track needs to be settled by the endorsement stage.
All inquirers to public ministry in the ELCA are strongly encouraged to attend one of these retreats for gaining further information and experiencing further discernment about church leadership.
You may also visit the ELCA website at www.elca.org/candidacy.
Blessings upon your leadership, and upon the church leaders of tomorrow.
In Christ,
Denise Russell,
Director of Candidacy
d.russell@semisynod.com
God has given gifts to his church so that his people can be equipped for ministry. As a part of that process, the Southeast Michigan Synod has established a program called “Ministry Academy.” It consists of 12 courses in the areas of church history, biblical interpretation, Old and New Testament studies, worship, Christian discipleship, and more.
Classes are taught by synod pastors in local churches, and all classes are open to anyone interested in deepening his or her faith-understanding and gaining skills for involvement in the work of the church. The Academy also serves as a training program for those interested in becoming Licensed Lay Ministers, a licensed position in the synod. Licensed Lay Ministers serve congregations in a variety of ways, such as in outreach programs, leading Bible or Confirmation classes, ministering to people in nursing homes or other institutions. They also are trained to preach and preside at the altar when needed.
If you are interested in learning more about the Academy or the role of Licensed Lay Minister, please call the Synod Office (313-821-1055) or email news@semisynod.com. A brochure giving course descriptions, a schedule of classes, and guidelines for the office of Licensed Lay Minister are all available for the asking. The mailing address is: Licensed Lay Ministry, 8115 E Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48214.
IRS Mileage Allowance
Beginning on January 1, 2023, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: 65.5 cents per mile driven for business use, up 3 cents from the midyear increase setting the rate for the second half of 2022.
- 22 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes for qualified active-duty members of the Armed Forces, consistent with the increased midyear rate set for the second half of 2022.
- 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations; the rate is set by statute and remains unchanged from 2022.
These rates apply to electric and hybrid-electric automobiles, as well as gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles. (see IRS.gov)