Southeast Michigan Synod • ELCA

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,

Rev. Jen Kiefer, Director of Candidacy

For more information, email j.kiefer@semisynod.com

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

The standard mileage rates for 2025 are:

  • Self-employed and business: 70 cents/mile 
  • Charities: 14 cents/mile 
  • Medical: 21 cents/mile 
  • Moving (military only): 21 cents/mile 

For more information on mileage, visit https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/standard-mileage-rates

ELCA Rostered Leaders Profile