Preparation for Ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

In cooperation with the Rocky Mountain Synod of the ELCA, Iliff offers courses in Lutheran Studies.

Candidacy in the ELCA

ELCA students preparing to serve as Ministers of Word and Sacrament (pastors) or Ministers of Word and Service (deacons) must be in contact with their synodical Candidacy Committee prior to beginning study so they may be accompanied through a time of discernment, leading to entrance into Candidacy.

There are three steps in Candidacy: Entrance, Endorsement and Approval. Information regarding the Candidacy process may be obtained from the Synod office or online at www.elca.org/candidacy. ELCA candidates must be a member of an ELCA congregation and work with the Candidacy Committee of their home congregation's Synod.

 

Affiliation with an ELCA Seminary

ELCA candidates for ministry must be recommended by the faculty of an ELCA seminary. To be considered for recommendation, ELCA students at Iliff enter into a relationship of “affiliation” with an ELCA seminary, which will advise the candidate throughout the process, supervise the internship year, provide a required year of resident theological study, and submit a recommendation for ordination or consecration for approval to the candidate’s Synod.

ELCA students must be in regular consultation with their ELCA faculty advisors in order to make the best possible use of the resources at Iliff.