Church Certification Programs

Requirements for Admission to Professional Program

An applicant to a College of Vocation and Ministry Church Certification program must meet the following criteria. The applicant must be:

1. A student in good standing at Concordia University (Faculty Handbook 7.41; Student Guide);
2. Meet the requirements for admission to the public ministry of the Church appropriate for the entry-level. Distinction is made between those entering the program and those finishing the program. The applicant must demonstrate
   1. Soundness in doctrine with evidence of a vibrant Christian faith;
   2. A life above reproach, giving faithful Christian witness;
   3. Evidence for potential competency in ministry content and skill, etc.
3. A Member in good standing (minimum two years) of a congregation of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) for those desiring to be on the roster as a Minister of Religion-Commissioned for the LCMS or a member of a congregation of The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America for those desiring to apply to serve as Associates in Ministry. The pastor of the congregation where membership is held must write a letter of verification and recommendation to be included in the professional portfolio.
4. At the appropriate level of credit hours for the certification process being utilized, normally must be at 48 credit hours by the end of the semester of application or possess a baccalaureate degree.
5. Academically eligible with a CGPA of 2.50 or higher. Specialists enter with the cumulative grade point average transferred from other institutions but must have achieved a 2.50 CGPA for admission to the program.
6. At the minimum score of the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST). Applicants pass by attaining the standards set by the State of Minnesota which requires a minimum score of 173 in reading, 171 in mathematics, and 172 in writing.
7. Able to demonstrate potential for development in a professional program through presentation of a professional portfolio:
   1. Application for admission to professional program.
   2. Copy of current transcript.
   3. Applicant's resume.
   4. Personal and spiritual autobiography.
   5. A one-two page essay in which the applicant sets personal goals and objectives for the pursuit of the certification that apply to the stated objectives of the major.
   6. One letter of recommendation and endorsement from the applicant's pastor.
   7. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the character and potential of the applicant (congregational leader, former employer, etc.)
   8. Two faculty recommendations.
   9. Demonstrating an understanding of health and wellness in the professional setting by writing an essay, "The Healthy Minister of the Church." The essay should utilize the structure of the Wellness Wheel developed by the Inter-Lutheran Commission on Wellness.
   10. Demonstrate an awareness and value of working with diverse populations through the program specific activities. Applicants must have completed 50 hours of human relations activities that meet the objectives of the Human Relations Program.
8. Able to demonstrate and assess potential as a leader through completion of the following assessment instruments. Each department will have an individual list of assessment instruments they will use. Example: DCE: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Emotional Intelligence, the Success Profiler-Education Version, California Psychological Indicator.
9. Endorsed by the Portfolio Review Committee recommendation.
10. Approved by the program director and the Dean of the College of Vocation and Ministry.
11. Approved by the College of Vocation and Ministry.

In the event that the candidate is denied admission, the applicant may reapply, if so desired, as early as the following semester.

Continuation in the Program

Continuation in the program will be contingent upon the following:

1. Maintain a minimum (CGPA) of 2.50.
2. Continuous enrollment at the University.
3. Successful involvement in fieldwork and clinical experiences.
4. Maintain a 2.50 (GPA) in the major and minor.
5. Live a life consistent with Christian witness. Refer to Concordia University student code article III Sec. B of the Student Guide). Director of Christian Education candidates are expected to express and live the ethics and values adopted in the Ethical Guidelines for Directors of Christian Education of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.