Northwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA

THE GIFTS PROGRAM

"I am the vine, you are the branches... abide in me, and I in you... by this, My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples." St. John 15

"Growing in Faith to Serve" ~ GIFTS Lay theological education and leadership development in the Northwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA.

The GIFTS Program is a three year training program to equip Christian lay-people to serve in the church by giving pastoral care, preaching, teaching, leading liturgy, providing ministry to senior citizens, developing congregational leadership and reaching out to the community.

The GIFTS Program implements the biblical teaching of the "Priesthood of all believers." The Lord has given many gifts to his people to be used in the service of the Gospel.

Lay members of the church have been a powerful force for God's work. They have ministered in their homes, congregations and communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

There is a special need for the participation of lay persons to assist in pastoral ministry in our time. The process of training and educating lay leaders will enrich the life and ministry of local congregations.

"This is what I will do in the last days, God declares, "I will pour out my Spirit on everyone. Your sons and your daughters will proclaim my message; your young men will see visions, your old men will have dreams. Yes, even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will proclaim my message'." (Acts 2:17-18)

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

1. A sense of call to serve the church by serving the needs of your local congregation and/or your local area.

2. 100 education/contact hours in three categories:
     A. Spiritual Formation
     B. Theological Education
           1. Biblical Studies
           2. Church History
           3. Doctrine and Lutheran Confessions
           4. Electives
     C. Leadership Development

3. 3-Year Commitment

HOW DO I JOIN THE PROGRAM?

Ask your pastor about the program and discuss how you may serve in your congregation more fully. Then send your request for a "Registration Form" to become a part of it. It will be a blessing to your life and to your congregation.

Write:   The Gifts Program
             Northwestern Minnesota Synod
             Concordia College
             Moorhead, MN 56562

The individual registration fee is $25.00. Your congregation is also requested to contribute $100.00 per year to support the program. The tuition for the seminary week is $75.00 plus room and board. Your congregation is requested to assist in your costs for attending learning events.

Training events with the seminary faculty are held twice a year at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. You will be instructed by some of the same professors who taught your pastor.

To view the GIFTS web site log on at: www.brainerd.net/~giftselca/