Colloquy for Ministers of Religion-Commissioned

Colloquy programs prepare men and women who are currently serving in ministry roles for membership in Synod as Ministers of Religion-Commissioned. These programs ensure that those who seek to join the Synod have been educated in theology, have become oriented to service to the Synod and have demonstrated the professional and spiritual attributes that the Synod expects of its members.

Qualified applicants are those who are competent workers in the field for which they seek colloquy. If you are interested in pursuing colloquy as a Minister of Religion-Commissioned, please complete this application by following the directions outlined.

The [LCMS] Colloquy Committee for Commissioned Ministry directs the Synod activities in matters of colloquies for commissioned ministers. (2010 Handbook Bylaw 3.10.3.2) This includes determining prerequisites for colloquy application, required courses of study, and internship expectations. The committee will also establish and monitor academic and theological standards for each of the colloquy programs. The Colloquy for Ministers of Religion-Commissioned in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Policy Manual outlines the current policies and procedures.

Teacher Colloquy via CUEnet

MISSION

By fostering collaboration and employing technology at the behest of the campuses of Concordia University System to facilitate access from a distance to the educational programs of the congregations, high schools, colleges, universities, seminaries and other agencies of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, CUEnet serves the educational objectives of the Synod, functions as a collective symbol of LCMS higher education, encourages creativity and innovation, operates as a catalyst for the exchange of intellectual property and human resources, conducts research in the design and delivery of instruction, spreads cost and fiscal exposure, assists in the development of new constituencies and provides professional training.

PROGRAMS

The Concordia Online Colloquy Program. Colloquy courses online for teachers, Directors of Christian Education, and other professional church workers who seek certification and placement on the roster of the Synod as a Minister of Religion—Commissioned. Each course is college-level, interactive and uses a wide variety of technologies to enhance learning. The courses contain video-streamed lectures by such respected professors as Dr. Robert Kolb, Dr. Patrick Ferry and Dr. J.A.O. Preus III and are taught by colloquy mentors Dr. Ray Halm and Rev. Tim Sternberg. The courses available include: Old Testament, New Testament, History of Theology, Lutheran Confessions, Christian Doctrine, Varieties of Beliefs, Lutheran Teacher I and Lutheran Teacher II.

The Seminar Program: Foundations in Lutheran Teaching. Seminar courses available online for teachers serving in Lutheran schools who are otherwise ineligible for the teacher colloquy program. These courses prepare teachers to serve in Lutheran schools with a fuller understanding of Lutheran doctrine and the mission of Lutheran education. Each course contains video-streamed discussions with Dr. Ray Halm and Rev. Tim Sternberg and guidance is provided by the local Lutheran school's pastor (mentoring guide is provided.) The courses available include: Lutheran Perspectives on the Old Testament, Lutheran Perspectives on the New Testament, History of the Church, Lutheran Doctrine, The Role of the Teacher in a Lutheran School.

Colloquy courses: $675 per course
Seminar courses: $59.95 per course