Colloquy for Director of Christian Outreach, Director of Christian Education and Lutheran Classroom Teacher

The word colloquy is Latin for "interview" or "dialog together." It is a word used in number of contexts. The Lutheran Church utilizes the colloquy (formal interview or dialog) to certify those who seek to be pastors, teachers, Directors of Christian Outreach or Directors of Christian Education in Lutheran congregations or Recognized Service Organizations but who have not, for one reason or another, had formal training in a college, university or seminary of the denomination.

Those who utilize the colloquy system demonstrate mastery of required outcomes for those who seek to serve as Ministers of Religion, Commissioned. The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod states that the candidate must seek entry into the colloquy program through one of the ten campuses of the Concordia University System or through the colloquy program being offered electronically by CUENET on behalf of the Concordia University System.

Successful admission through the colloquy process leads the candidate to Certification as a Minister of Religion, Commissioned either as a Director of Christian Outreach, a Director of Christian Education or a Lutheran Classroom Teacher. Upon certification, the candidate becomes eligible for a Call and placement into a calling entity of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

Rationale
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has charged certain colleges of the Concordia University System with the task of preparing men and women to serve as Directors of Christian Outreach, Directors of Christian Education and Lutheran Classroom Teachers. This preparation has led to Certification, Placement, and Installation as a Minister of Religion, Commissioned of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.