There are two levels of participation in the teacher colloquy program. Most participants will be teachers employed by Missouri Synod schools, will be members of Missouri Synod congregations, but will not have had previous opportunity to receive formal training in Lutheran doctrine and therefore are not certified and have not been rostered by The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod as Ministers of Religion, Commissioned. The colloquy program is designed to address the needs of these traditional participants.
Many other teachers and school administrators may also participate in and benefit from the program. For example, the Lutheran who is a public school teacher, the Methodist who teaches at a Lutheran school, indeed any teacher at all, will benefit from the theological insights and discussions of doctrine which comprise the program. It must be understood, however, that these participants are not eligible for certification and rostering with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod as Ministers of Religion, Commissioned.
A student must meet the following requirements to be considered eligible for the colloquy program for the purposes of certification (as specified by the by-laws of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod and interpreted by the Synod's Committee on Colloquy):
- The student must have been an active member of a Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod congregation for at least two years prior to participation.
- The student must be currently employed by a Lutheran school (LCMS) This employment must reach a full year (or two years of part-time) service before the final interview.
- The student must possess a bachelor's degree and be eligible for state certification as a teacher. If you have questions or concerns about eligibility, please contact us at any time.