Southeast Michigan Synod • ELCA

Search
Close this search box.

Our mission is to Rise Up! Build Bridges. Bear Burdens. Break Chains. Bring Hope!

Leaders

Candidacy

Candidacy Resource Page

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,

Director of Candidacy

For more information, email news@semisynod.com and direct your message to Candidacy

Licensed Lay Ministry

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 on Zoom, 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, 4800 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201.

Compensation Guidelines — Rostered Leaders

2025 Compensation Guidelines

IRS Mileage Allowance

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2024, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

  • 67 cents per mile driven for business use, up 1.5 cents from 2023.
  • 21 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes for qualified active-duty members of the Armed Forces, a decrease of 1 cent from 2023.
  • 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations; the rate is set by statute and remains unchanged from 2023.

These rates apply to electric and hybrid-electric automobiles as well as gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.

ELCA Rostered Leaders Profile