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The Why Among the 145 congregations of the Virginia Synod are small congregations that cannot call a full or part time pastor because of financial or geographical limitations These congregations often depend on supply and interim pastors for worship leadership preaching pastoral care and congregation support The VA Synod recognizes the significance of these small congregations to their members and communities Therefore the VA Synod is launching a program for the formation and placement of Synod Authorized Ministers SAM Synod Authorized Ministry is intended to assist the ELCA and the VA Synod to respond pastorally and effectively to emerging opportunities in Christ s mission where it is not possible to provide a minister of Word and Sacrament We believe the Spirit may tug at the heart of SAMs to inspire them to consider a formal rostered call in the ELCA When this happens the SAM will work with the Rev Kelly Bayer Derrick Assistant to the Bishop to consider their next steps SAM Leadership Team The SAM Leadership Team consists of rostered ministers who give their time and expertise to guide SAM candidates during the formation and placement process Their work is supported by rostered ministers who mentor SAMS after they have been placed The Rev Anna Havron serves as chair of the SAM Leadership Team and is the first point of contact The Rev Kelly Bayer Derrick Assistant to the Bishop works with the leadership team Interested If you are interested in learning more about the SAM Formation Program or becoming a SAM please contact Pastor Anna Havron at sams vasynod org For more information vasynod org synod authorized ministers Virginia Synod ELCA 540 389 1000 www vasynod org PO Box 70 Salem VA 24153 Introducing the Synod Authorized Ministers Formation Program Now there are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit and there are varieties of services but the same Lord and there are varieties of activities but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good 1 Corinthians 12 4 7 NRSV
The What Synod Authorized Ministers SAMs are identified and equipped persons for service in congregations as described by the ELCA constitution 7 31 09 and administered by the ELCA Conference of Bishops SAMs may be invited by the Office of the Bishop or identified by the congregation and approved by the bishop SAMs are assigned by the VA Synod bishop and authorized for certain leadership functions in specific synodrelated locations for a specified length of time SAMs will be paired with a supervising pastor for as long as they serve While leading worship it s appropriate for a SAM to wear an alb but not clerical collars or stoles SAMs should be called by the title Minister or SAM SAMs must agree to attend boundary training complete continuing education and abide by ELCA guidelines Compensation SAMs are compensated by the congregation they serve and the compensation for each worship service they lead should be between 200 and 300 The SAM Leadership Team is developing guidelines for additional SAM compensation The Who SAMs are active members of an ELCA congregation for at least one year with a commitment to remain an active member They Complete an application form provide references and receive affirmation from their congregation council Demonstrate a sense of call spiritual maturity leadership skills commitment to the ELCA and a willingness to learn and serve Make a commitment to successfully complete the required formation Program Costs The How The steps for becoming a SAM resemble the ELCA candidacy process for pastors and deacons but the SAM program is administered by the Virginia Synod APPLICATION Complete and submit the SAM application background check references and entrance essay ENTRANCE The SAM Leadership Team will review the documents and schedule an entrance interview ENDORSEMENT About halfway through the formation lay ministry candidates will be invited into further mutual discernment about serving as a SAM including personal reflection mentor evaluation and psychological evaluation The non refundable application fee is 50 This fee covers the background check and administrative costs FORMATION During formation SAMs will be accompanied by a mentor and their entrance panel who will read evaluations and provide ongoing support The anticipated program costs are estimated to be 2 250 over the 18 month period The SAM Formation Program costs are split into two parts 1 theology bible preaching and worship 5 courses 1 500 2 pastoral care and leadership 3 courses 750 APPROVAL The panel will do a final approval interview The approval decision will be forwarded to the bishop who in consultation with the synod council may approve the candidate for ministry as a SAM The cost for the program should be shared between the sponsoring congregation 75 and the SAM candidate 25 AFTER APPROVAL Each SAM will be paired with a mentor supervising pastor They are expected to meet together monthly as long as the SAM is serving in a congregation