Discovering Synod Authorized Ministry

Please Note: This page has been archived until it can be updated. The links and contact information on this page are not current. For current information on Synod Authorized Ministers and the Lay Ministry Academy, please go to: https://vasynod.org/lma/. (April 14, 2025)

Virginia Synod logoAmong the 145 congregations of the Virginia Synod are small congregations that cannot call a full- or part-time pastor because of financial or geographical limitations.

These congregations often depend on supply and interim pastors for worship leadership, preaching, pastoral care, and congregation support.

Recognizing the significance of these small congregations to their members and communities, the Virginia Synod is launching a program for the formation and placement of Synod Authorized Ministers (SAMs).

Synod Authorized Ministry is intended to assist the ELCA and the Virginia Synod to respond pastorally and effectively to emerging opportunities in Christ’s mission where it is not possible to provide an ordained pastor.

A Synod Authorized Minister is someone who serves as a congregational lay minister after completing an 18-month formation program and with final approval from the bishop.

Approved SAMs serve at the discretion of the Virginia Synod bishop. A SAM is approved to preach, plan and lead worship, administer the sacraments, and provide pastoral care to one specific congregation or parish, for a specified period of time.

Has your congregation struggled to support a pastor?

Are you serving as an interim or vice-pastor, with a congregation or parish that lacks the resources to call an ordained pastor?

Do you know of someone who has gifts for ministry who might feel called to serve a congregation as a Synod Authorized Minister?

Are you feeling called to explore serving your congregation as a Synod Authorized Minister?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, then now is the time to learn more about Synod Authorized Ministers.

Synod Authorized Minister Entrance Forms

To apply for the 2023 Synod Authorized Minister Formation program, please complete the following forms by December 1, 2022.

Find Out More about Synod Authorized Ministry

A Synod Authorized Minister (SAM) is someone who serves as a congregational lay minister after completing an 18-month formation program and with final approval from the bishop.

Approved SAMs serve at the discretion of the Virginia Synod bishop. A SAM is approved to preach, plan and lead worship, administer the sacraments, and provide pastoral care to one specific congregation or parish, for a specified period of time.

Download the brochure on the Synod Authorized Ministry Formation Program:

Becoming a Synod Authorized Minister in the Virginia Synod (Brochure version)

Becoming a Synod Authorized Minister in the Virginia Synod (PDF version)

Has your congregation struggled to support a pastor? Are you serving as an interim or vice-pastor, with a congregation or parish that lacks the resources to call an ordained pastor? If so a Synod Authorized Minister may be appropriate in your context.

Congregations and Synod Authorized Ministers (Brochure version)

Congregations and Synod Authorized Ministers (PDF version)

Do you know someone who has gifts for congregational ministry and might feel called to serve a congregation as a Synod Authorized Minister?

Are you feeling called to explore serving your congregation as a Synod Authorized Minister?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, then now is the time to learn more about Synod Authorized Ministers.

Download the Introducing the Synod Authorized Minister Formation Program Brochure and the Synod Authorized Minister FAQ Brochure:

Introducing the Synod Authorized Minister Formation Program (Brochure version)

Introducing the Synod Authorized Ministry Formation Program (PDF version)

Synod Authorized Minister FAQ (Brochure version)

Synod Authorized Minister FAQ (PDF version)

The Synod Authorized Minister Formation Process is being provided in conjunction with the North Carolina Synod over an 18 month period. You can see the proposed schedule for the formation process by downloading the document below.

2023-2024 VA Synod Lay Ministry Formation Schedule Nov 2022 Update

The anticipated program costs are estimated to be $2,250 over the 18-month period. The SAM Formation Program costs are split into two parts:
  • theology, Bible, preaching, and worship (5 courses) = $1,500
  • pastoral care and leadership ( 3 courses) = $750
The cost for the program should be shared between the sponsoring congregation (75%) and the SAM candidate (25%)

Once an individual as been accepted into the SAM formation program, the fees for the program can be paid in one of two ways.

If the congregation or individual is interested in paying the fee through a series of payments, partial payments can be made either online or by check.

Contact the Team

Synod Authorized Ministry Leadership Team

The SAM Leadership Team consists of rostered ministers who give their time and expertise to guide SAM candidates during the formation and placement process. Their work is supported by rostered ministers who mentor SAMS after they have been placed.

The Rev. Anna Havron serves as chair of the SAM Leadership Team and is the first point of contact. The Rev. Kelly Bayer Derrick, Assistant to the Bishop, works with the leadership team.

If you are interested in learning more about the SAM Formation Program or becoming a SAM, please contact:

Pastor Anna Havron
sams@vasynod.org
540-389-1000