Commissioned colloquy manual gets major update

A mural at the entrance to Word of Life Lutheran School in St. Louis features Luther’s seal. (LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford)

An updated policy manual for commissioned minister colloquy in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) is now available. The LCMS Colloquy Committee for Commissioned Ministry (CCCM), which is responsible for directing the Synod’s activity in this area (Bylaw 3.10.3.2), undertook a thorough review of commissioned colloquy policies and procedures in the previous triennium, involving many stakeholders throughout the process. The results of that review and update are contained in the new policy manual, available here.

A commissioned minister is a rostered member of the Synod who serves in a non-ordained position (e.g., teachers, directors of Christian education, directors of parish music, deaconesses and others). Individuals who did not graduate from a course of study leading to commissioned status in the Synod may apply for colloquy in order to ensure that they have the theological training, understanding of the Synod, and professional and spiritual attributes necessary for Synod membership. More information about commissioned minister colloquy is available at lcms.org/colloquy-commissioned.

Some of the most significant updates in the manual include:

Clarification of the role of the Concordia University System (CUS) institutions in relation to the Concordia University Education Network (CUEnet). CUEnet, a cooperative effort of the CUS, provides an online platform by which the CUS schools may provide theological training for commissioned ministers who did not get their degree at a CUS institution.

Making the Synod’s website the front door for those seeking information about and pursuing colloquy.

Offering a single, standardized colloquy application that is used by all applicants in all categories, that is submitted at the beginning of the process (by the end of the first course) and that requires district endorsement as part of the application.

Providing a checklist for the applicant so he or she fully understands the process and what is required.

Discontinuing the requirement that a teacher who wishes to colloquize must have a state teaching license.

Other notable changes and clarifications relate to candidate eligibility, including:

The candidate must have been a member of an LCMS congregation for one year prior to starting coursework.

The candidate must have been a member of an LCMS congregation for two years at the time of his or her colloquy examination.

While a state teaching license is not required, the candidate must have a bachelor’s degree.

In addition to changes to the process for colloquy applicants, there will also be some procedural changes for LCMS districts. Most notably, districts will now receive the entire application and supporting documentation for a candidate at the same time as it receives the District Endorsement Form.

The Rev. Dr. Paul Philp, executive director of CUEnet, noted that the CUS recently adopted new standards for commissioned worker programs. Both CUEnet and the CCCM will be reviewing these standards as the CCCM develops its own standards for colloquy in keeping with Bylaw 3.10.3.2 (b).

Set Apart to Serve (SAS), the Synod’s initiative to create a culture of church work recruitment, has a strong stake in supporting professionals who are interested in colloquizing to become a commissioned minister in the LCMS.

The Rev. Dr. James A. Baneck, executive director of SAS and the LCMS Office of Pastoral Education, said, “Together with LCMS Colloquy, SAS will develop messaging, strategies and resources to encourage candidates to become rostered church workers and to facilitate conversations about the value of colloquy. To that end, SAS is committed to building awareness of the benefits of becoming a commissioned church worker; providing tools, resources and opportunities to help these adults pursue colloquy; and engaging with and educating those who can influence those considering church work through colloquy.”

The Rev. Peter Lange, LCMS first vice-president, said, “The CCCM is thrilled and thankful to have achieved this milestone with the help and encouragement of a great number of colloquy stakeholders. We look forward now, in partnership with others, to building on this work as we turn our attention to colloquy standards, evaluation and publicity.”

For more information, visit lcms.org/colloquy-commissioned.

Posted Jan. 17, 2025