The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is blessed with excellent seminaries where seminarians receive a solid foundation for pastoral ministry. In the tradition of Luther, however, our Synod also recognizes that learning for a pastor, no less than others, is a life-long process and that the early years of ministry are a critical time in that learning process. Time spent in reflection and learning can help a pastor become and remain more productive and joyful in his ministry.

The PALS Program has been designed to support the learning process, facilitating the transition of new pastors and wives from seminary life to parish ministry. The program provides an opportunity for new pastors to apply what they learned at the seminary. They develop new ministry skills right in the context of their ministries. The program has proven to benefit pastor and family, parish, District, Synod and, above all, the effective proclamation of the Gospel.

PALS is a program of the Commission on Ministerial Growth and Support (CMGS) of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Benefits and positive results of the PALS program that have already been seen include:

• The personal, spiritual and professional formation of the pastors is regularly fostered and enhanced.
• Pastors and wives make a successful transition from seminary life to a parish ministry.
• Pastors and wives do not experience the sense of isolation that often accompanies that transition.
• Pastors' ministries are more readily valued and accepted by their congregations.
• Pastor-congregation relationships are positive and joyful, resulting in extended first-call ministries.
• Pastors continue to develop skills to give positive and healthy leadership to their congregations.
• Pastors and parishes value continuous learning as an important and ongoing ingredient of pastoral ministry.

Costs of the program are shared by all who benefit from the program. The CMGS pays for the development of all the materials used in the program and for training the Facilitators. Each District supports PALS by a yearly contribution of $500 per PALS participant serving the district. Participating congregations reimburse the cost of travel and lodging for pastors and wives. The pastors pay a $25 registration fee each year and are also responsible for the cost of meals and some study materials. Some funding for PALS has come from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans through its Growth in Excellence in Ministry (GEM) Program.

You can also help with this excellent program! As with everything, all costs increase right along with the cost of living. The increasing success of the program only increases its popularity. Since it is an ongoing program, lasting for three years, these increases only compound the costs.

For more information on PALS Facilitators, click here.

For more information, see these topics:

How are the experienced pastors who work with the PALS groups selected?
How are the PALS groups organized?
How are the pastors' wives involved?
What happens at a PALS group meeting?
Is there any recognition for participation in the program?

How are the experienced pastors who work with the PALS groups selected?

These experienced pastors, called "Facilitators," are chosen by the CMGS from a list recommended by District Presidents. Facilitators are generally from the same geographical area as their assigned group of new pastors. (Back)

How are the PALS groups organized?

In the spring of each year when seminary candidates receive their calls, they will also receive information from the CMGS regarding the PALS program. This information includes an outline of the program and a congregational history research instrument designed to help pastors become familiar with their new parishes.

In the late summer of the year, each Facilitator contacts the pastors and wives assigned to him to begin the formation of their PALS group and to arrange for a social event to provide an opportunity to become acquainted. He is also available to offer assistance in completing the congregational history research instruments.

PALS group meetings begin in the fall of the year, meeting the equivalent of six full days each year. While in many cases these meetings run from noon to noon at a mutually convenient location, other arrangements may be made when warranted by unique circumstances.

The PALS program includes two types of groups. Some first year pastors will participate in groups that essentially have the same membership for the entire three years of their participation. In other circumstances where sufficient numbers of new pastors are not available to form an entire group of five to eight in a given year, pastors are added to existing groups in which new pastors are annually cycled in and after three years cycled out. (Back)

How are the pastors' wives involved?

The PALS program recognizes the support of the pastor's wife as vitally important for both the family and the congregation. Wives are involved in some shared activities with their husbands and, when desired, in separate activities as a wives' group. (Back)

What happens at a PALS group meeting?

PALS group meetings have three foci directed toward the personal, spiritual and professional development and encouragement of new pastors:

First, the group gathers around the Word in worship, prayer and study, recognizing that pastors no less than others need to be nourished by the same Word that they use to nourish others in their faith.

Second, time is allotted at each meeting for each pastor to reflect upon his ministry in his parish and to bring forward cases of casuistry. This is an opportunity to support, encourage and learn from one another. In these discussions, the Facilitator is also able to offer direction and suggestions regarding resources and support.

Third, time is also be given to the study of a pertinent topic that offers opportunity for growth in excellence in ministry. The CMGS will develop the materials for these formal ministry-based studies. All discussions in PALS group meetings remain confidential. (Back)

Is there any recognition for participation in the program?

A certificate of completion and 4.8 CEU (Continuing Education Units) is awarded at the end of each year of faithful participation in the PALS program. As with other continuing education credits, these are recorded by District Presidents on the Pastor's Information Form. (Back)