Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM) is committed to the full participation of persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the life and ministry of the Lutheran church.
Approval Essay
The approval essay consists of four questions based on the ordination vows used by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In each reflection, please comment on how your thoughts have been influenced by the extraordinary circumstances under which you are seeking approval for ordination as a Lutheran pastor.
1. Before almighty God, to whom you must give account, and in the presence of this congregation, I ask: Will you assume this office, believing that the Church’s call is God’s call to the ministry of Word and Sacrament?
Question for reflection: How do you understand the nature of your call? How do you defend your sense of call in the circumstance where your church refuses to recognize it?
2. The church in which you are to be ordained confesses that the Holy Scriptures are the Word of God and are the norm of its faith and life. We accept, teach, and confess the Apostles, the Nicene, and the Athanasian Creeds. We also acknowledge that the Lutheran Confessions are true and faithful expositions of the Holy Scriptures. Will you therefore preach and teach in accordance with the Holy Scriptures and these creeds and confessions?
Question for reflection: How do you understand the role of the historical documents of the Church? What is your method for faithful interpretation?
3. Will you be diligent in your study of the Holy Scriptures and in your use of the means of grace? Will you pray for God’s people, nourish them with the Word and Holy Sacraments, and lead them by your own example in faithful service and holy living?
Question for reflection: What is your understanding of the pastoral office? How will you provide for your own needs as well as those of your parishioners?
4. Will you give faithful witness to the world, that God’s love may be known in all that you do?
Question for reflection: In your understanding, what is this vow asking of you?
For further information about these forms please contact:
Rev. Megan Rohrer
Director of Candidacy
1751 Sacramento St
San Francisco, CA 94109
e-mail: megan@welcomeministry.org
Forms
Application Materials (pdf, doc)
Entrance
Endorsement
Approval
For further information about these forms please contact:
Rev. Megan Rohrer
Director of Candidacy
1751 Sacramento St
San Francisco, CA 94109
e-mail: megan@
welcomeministry.org