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:

1. To promote the theological formation of disciples in their congregational settings.
2. To help participants be more conversant with Scripture, the Christian faith, and the Lutheran   heritage.
3. 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:

1. Submit applications to Concordia University Wisconsin and the TEE-Church Worker Certificate Program to the Lay Ministry Department.  (The application process is handled by the Lay Ministry Department.  Please do not apply online to the traditional undergraduate program.)
2. Provide reference from Pastor of LCMS congregation to enter program.
3. Have the ability to perform college level coursework.  Must have high school diploma.
4. Complete eleven core courses under the Theological Education by Extension Program of Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, WI.

LEVEL II - LAY MINISTRY CERTIFICATION

Objectives:

1. To promote the objectives of Church Worker Programs for the church at large.
2. To provide an accountability to The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) of the church worker skills in the various functions of auxiliary ministries.
3. 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.)

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  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 2007-2008 is $190 per credit hour.  (3 credit course is $570.)
  
  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.

Please note: The Lay Ministry program does not have an online application process available at this time. The CUW online application is only used for the traditional undergraduate or graduate degree programs and is not intended for the  Lay Ministry-TEE certification program.