Post-Seminary Applied Learning and Support (PALS) is a collaborative effort of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and our districts to bring together recent seminary graduates for worship, study and discussion in the company of an experienced pastor.  

Education is a life-long process of growth and development. The early years of parish ministry are critical for a pastor as he looks forward to decades of service. During these early years:  
 

• Practices and habits are established that will likely continue for many years to come; 
• Pastors and their wives can encounter situations and circumstances they did not anticipate during the seminary years of formation; and, 
• The need for a pastor’s continued growth and support is probably more acute than at any other time in a pastor’s entire life of service. 

PALS groups offer new pastors personal, spiritual and vocation development, and encourages new pastors and their spouses. At a PALS meeting, participants gather around the Word of God, reflect on parish ministry, study a pertinent topic, and share with each other the joys, struggles, triumphs and trials of parish ministry.   

PALS Group Structure 

After they receive a call, new pastors are assigned to a PALS group by a facilitator, or experienced pastor who guides the group. PALS groups usually begin in the fall and meet for a total of six full days each year. A new pastor remains in the program for three years.  

Wives support the pastors and are therefore vitally important to ensuring a smooth transition in parish ministry. Wives also are involved in shared activities with their husbands and occasionally have separate learning activities with the facilitating pastor’s wife.  

Babysitting is provided for children.   

Facilitators 

Facilitators are a vital part of the Post-Seminary Applied Learning and Support (PALS) program. Facilitators, new and experienced, attend an annual training event held in St. Louis each summer. If you are interested in serving in this capacity, please notify your district president. 

Facilitator Resources 
 

• Study Topic Order Form 
• Facilitator Travel Expense Report (2026) 
• PALS Policy Manual (updated May 28, 2019) 
• PALS Group Participation Form 
• PALS Meeting Expense Report Form — 2026-27 

PALS Meeting Evaluation Forms 
 

• Facilitating Pastor — Submit form online    |     Download form 
• Facilitating Wife — Submit form online    |     Download form 
• Virtual Facilitator Evaluation — Download form 
• Participating Pastor — Download form 
• Participating Wife — Download form