SYNODIACALLY AUTHORIZED Ministers (SAM)

Think of us (SAM’s) in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God's mysteries.

1 Corinthians 4:1

A SAM, or Synodically Authorized Minister, is someone identified by a congregation and approved by the Bishop and the Candidacy Committee to assist a church in preaching, visitation, teaching, and/or presiding at communion in a specific location for a specific amount of time when it is not feasible to provide a minister of Word and Sacrament.

a SAM is not:

  • An ordained pastor or deacon.

  • An intentional interim pastor.

  • "A cheap way to fill the pulpit" (or in any other way devalue the SAM's gifts or ministry.)

  • A way to avoid conversations about current and future ministry realities: shared ministry, holy closure, etc.

These distinctions are made to clarify and emphasize the need to value the ministry of SAMs as lay leaders; their ministry and leadership is unique and vital to our congregations and the wider church.

more about being a SAM

    1. Identified and recommended as a candidate by a congregation in the ECSW.

    2. Participation in and completion of Lay School and three additional classes in preaching, Theology of the Congregation, and Pastoral Care; previous seminary education will be taken into consideration. These classes may be taken while assisting a congregation.

    3. Beginning the first level of candidacy, which includes an essay, background check, psychological evaluation, and interview.

    4. Engaging regularly with an appointed mentor, attending a synodically arranged cohort retreat each year, and taking at least one continuing education course each year after the basic education requirements have been met.

    5. Participate in the three year cycle of anti-racism, anti-bias, and boundaries/ethics training offered by the Synod. This can be considered the continuing education requirement for those three years.

    6. Submit a yearly report to the synod.

    7. Undergo an evaluation by the Synod each year.

    1. Contacting Pastor Asher O’Callahan and Pastor Dara Clifford to indicate a need for a SAM.

    2. Congregations are essential for identifying potential candidates for the SAM program, taking into consideration their spiritual maturity, leadership potential, and willingness to learn and serve.

    3. The congregation’s recommendation becomes official after a positive vote by the congregation / parish council and the application is submitted to the Synod.

    4. Assist the SAM candidate with financial costs associated with required learning (Lay School) and the candidacy process.

    5. Once the candidate is approved, the congregation will enter into a contract with the SAM which will include desired duties and compensation.

    6. The congregation assists in the evaluation of the SAM each year.

    7. Pray for the SAM.

    8. Congregations will recognize that a SAM is not an ordained, rostered leader and will not refer to them as Pastor or Reverend, or Deacon. Neither will the congregation rely on the SAM for counseling or long term vision planning.


  • ELCA Requirements:

    1. Bible

    2. Lutheran theology, the Lutheran Confessions, and the Confession of Faith and polity of the ELCA

    3. Worship

    4. Spiritual discernment and faith development

    5. Leadership expectations and identity

    6. Contextual understanding

    7. Pastoral skills including preaching, catechetics, worship leadership, visitation, pastoral care, and outreach



    Lay School Equivalents:

    1. Old and New Testament

    2. Lutheran Confessions

    3. Liturgy and Life

    4. Faith and Spirituality 1 and 2

    5. Covered via Wartburg’s Theology of the Congregation

    6. Preaching and Wartburg’s Pastoral Care class


    Note: Specific learning regarding Lutheran polity is sprinkled throughout, but I would suggest a session via the Synod Office.


    Some of these courses my also be covered online through Select Learning Courses with prior approval.


    Learn more about Lay School at www.ecswlayschool.org.

  • If your congregation and leaders are ready to recommend a candidate for the SAM process, please write an official letter (such as this example) and send it to the synod office, attention to Pastor Dara Clifford.

    Pastor Dara Clifford
    PO Box 655
    Appleton, WI 54912-055

    Email: ecsw@ecsw.org