Concordia College -- Church Professions

Catalog Contents

Return to:

Church Professions

While all Christians have a calling, they express their call to service in numerous ways and through a variety of occupations. Among them are professions in church work. While Concordia does not have a church vocations major, the college offers many courses that provide appropriate preparation for careers connected with the church. Students who anticipate preparing for a position with a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America should register with the candidacy committe in their synod. This may be done through their home synod office.

Ordained Parish Minister

Concordia has a long and distinguished history in preparing candidates for seminary. In fact, more ELCA pastors in the United States have taken their undergraduate work at Concordia than at any other college or university.
While seminaries do not require a specific major, they prefer students with a liberal arts background. They encourage a religion major or minor or at least some religion courses in preparation for seminary work. Some seminaries require courses in Greek and philosophy (both of which are offered at Concordia) as prerequisites.
Advisers
Department of Religion

Associates in Ministry

In addition to the ordained ministry, many employment opportunities exist for the lay church professional. The ELCA offers certification for such workers called associates in ministry. To qualify for certification as an associate in ministry, candidates must have a bachelor's degree in a field appropriate to the position; at least 20 semester credits in studies focused on the Christian/Lutheran tradition, including Bible, theology, confessions and church history; and one year of successful, supervised field experience in the area of specialty. Requirements by other denominations may be similar. The following are examples of associate in ministry positions:

Christian Day School Teacher
The ELCA has 141 elementary and secondary schools serving more than 30,000 students nationwide. Preparation includes an elementary or secondary education major and a minor in religion with courses in Bible and theology in the Lutheran traditions.
Advisers
Michael D. Wohlfeil and Linda L. Stoen
Department of Education

Director of Christian Education
Many congregations employ people to direct the Christian education programs. This position involves teaching as well as coordinating and supervising the parish education program for children and adults. Preparation includes a major in elementary or secondary education, a minor in religion and supervised experience in a parish education program. Graduate study is encouraged.
Advisers
Michael D. Wohlfeil and Linda L. Stoen
Department of Education

Director of Youth Ministry
One position in heavy demand by many congregations is director of youth ministry. Concordia's preparation for youth ministry involves a combination of classroom study and a Cooperative Education experience, including supervised work with youth in a parish. A major in religion is recommended, with selected courses in sociology, psychology and physical education. Graduate study is encouraged.
Advisers
Department of Religion

Minister of Music
Many of the skills used by church musicians are developed in the music education program. Music education with a choral emphasis, particularly if it includes organ, is an excellent preparation for music ministry. Also recommended are courses in religion, including the course Worship in the Christian Community. Graduate study is encouraged.
Advisers
David T. Childs and John E. Close
Department of Music

Parish Nursing

Many congregations across the country are adding parish nurses to the professional church staff. The parish nurse serves the congregation as a health educator, health counselor, referral source, coordinator of volunteers and as an integrator of faith and health issues. A student interested in parish nursing may gain firsthand experience in this role through supervised work with nursing instructors and parish nurses.
Advisers
Louella M. Vitalis
Parish Nurse Center
Department of Nursing