Theological Education
THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION BY EXTENSION (TEE)- LAY MINISTRY CERTIFICATION PROGRAM:
This is a non-degree program. Student needs to complete Level I prior to taking Level II courses. Generally, four to five years are needed to complete both levels.
LEVEL I - CHURCH WORKER CERTIFICATE
Objectives:
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To promote the theological formation of disciples in their congregational settings.
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To help participants be more conversant with Scripture, the Christian faith, and the Lutheran heritage.
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To enable men and women to exercise their spiritual gifts as parish teachers, evangelists, youth workers, worship assistants, and church leaders in their congregational setting.
Requirements for Level I:
- Submit applications to Concordia University Wisconsin and the TEE-Church Worker Certificate Program to the Lay Ministry Department. You may apply online.
- Provide reference from Pastor of LCMS congregation to enter program.
- Have the ability to perform college level coursework. Must have high school diploma.
- Complete eleven core courses under the Theological Education by Extension Program of Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, WI.
LEVEL II - LAY MINISTRY CERTIFICATION
Objectives:
- To promote the objectives of Church Worker Programs for the church at large.
- To provide an accountability to The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) of the church worker skills in the various functions of auxiliary ministries.
- To provide certification for the position of Commissioned Minister of Religion-Lay Minister in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
Graduates from Level II are eligible to receive calls to serve LCMS congregations as Lay Ministers. Most often a Lay Minister serves as an assistant to the pastor in areas including lay leadership development and education, youth ministry, evangelism, assimilation, visitation, worship, and administration.
Requirements for Level II:
Submit Lay Ministry Level II application to the Lay Ministry Department.
Successful completion of Level I - Church Worker Certificate Program, plus six additional courses, including an Internship under the supervision of a pastor.
Completion of a B.A. Degree, or minimum of an A.A. Degree, required for certification candidacy.
Meet biblical and doctrinal competency by taking a final written and oral exam.
LAY MINISTRY TEE CURRICULUM
LEVEL I: Church Worker Certificate (11 courses)
REL 105 Church Leadership Seminar, 1 credit
REL 201 Old Testament, 3 credits
REL 203 New Testament, 3 credits
REL 383 Interpreting the Gospel of Luke, 3 credits
REL 204 Biblical Theology, 3 credits
REL 221 Lutheran Worship, 3 credits
REL 233 Communicating Bible Messages, 3 credits
ED 306 Methods of Teaching the Faith, 3 credits
REL 287 Christian Caregiving, 3 credits
REL 311 Church in Mission, 3 credits
REL 387 Christ's People Through the Ages, 3 credits
Lay Ministry Certification: Level II (6 courses)
REL 495 Lay Ministry Seminar, 1 credit
REL 328 Family and Youth Ministry, 3 credits
REL 404 Lutheran Confessions, 3 credits
REL 388 Varieties of Belief, 3 credits
REL 420 Lay Ministry Internship, 3 credits
REL 312 Office of the Professional Church Worker, 3 credits
THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION BY EXTENSION (TEE) MODEL OF INSTRUCTION:
Takes place at a site with five students or more within a 150-mile radius of home. Currently, there are sites located in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, Maryland, and Oklahoma. The Lay Ministry program is also available in the Florida-Georgia district through a partnership with Concordia House of Studies.
(Please see activities page for more details regarding site locations and recruitment.)
Involves attending once-a-month, Saturday, intensive sessions at a site and doing independent study at home. Generally, two courses are offered per semester. Four to five years are needed to complete both levels. Tuition for 2008-2009 is $210 per credit hour. (3 credit course is $630.)
Uses study materials and DVDs designed by college educators.
Provides the guidance of local congregational pastors and professional theological faculty from Concordia University Wisconsin.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please address all inquiries regarding admission for the TEE- Lay Ministry Certification program to CUW Lay Ministry Department at 262.243.4343.
To request an application packet for the TEE program: please call the Lay Ministry office at 262.243.4343, or send E-mail to Ellen Leslie, Administrative Assistant or to Dr. Albert Garcia, Director of Lay Ministry. Your complete mailing address is requested.