Careers in Church Work

Ever thought about a career in church work?  Want to become a pastor or serve in some other way? What’s the next step?

You may think the only way you can serve the church is to become a pastor.  NOT SO. 

God's people join together around Word and Sacrament, reaching out to a lost world.  Dedicated, faithful workers assist and lead people in participating in the fulfillment of the Great Commission, building up the Body of Christ.  The following vocations represent the many ways in which you can serve the Church in its vital ministries.

• Pastor
• Teacher
• Deaconess
• Director of Christian Education
• Director of Christian Outreach
• Director of Family Life Ministry
• Director of Parish Music
• Lay Minister  

Want to know more?  

• This PDF explains the role of each vocation.
• Find out which Concordia Universities offer which programs.
• Learn more about what it means to be a Deaconess.
• Visit Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
• Visit Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne

Colloquy

What is colloquy?

Colloquy is a certification process for professional church workers. It assures that the individual has been properly educated in the doctrines and practices of the Synod and commits to serve the Synod in a specific role as a professional church worker such as teacher, director of Christian education, Christian outreach, parish music, parish family life, deaconess, lay minister or parish pastor. Upon certification, an individual is classified as “minister of religion-commissioned” or “minister of religion-ordained” (ordained refers only to parish pastors).

Who should be colloquyized?

Individuals who wish to serve the church in professional roles but have not been certified by the church to perform the duties prescribed by Synod are eligible to apply for colloquy.

Where can one obtain certification?

• For information on “Minister of Religion—Commissioned” colloquy, click here.
• For information on “Minister of Religion—Ordained” colloquy, click here.