About Synod Authorized Ministry
Learn about Synod Authorized Ministers serving Northwestern Minnesota. Discover how they provide spiritual leadership and support church partnerships.
Continuing Education & Formation
Explore continuing education opportunities through our Region 3 partners.
Start Your Journey
We appreciate your prayerful discernment. Becoming a Synod Authorized Minister (SAM) is a meaningful journey of faith, preparation, and community. The process involves application, reference checks, educational steps, mentorship, and formal authorization.
Feel free to engage in discernment conversations before starting the process.
Apply & Discern
Start Your Application Process
Formation & Pact
Guidelines & Agreements
Get Involved
Support & Growth
Congregation Resources
Resources for Congregation Engagement
Mentor Support
Mentor Resources & Guidelines
Meet Your SAM Coordinator
Questions? Let's Connect!
Synod Authorized Ministry is a shared journey of discernment, formation, and partnership. If you have questions about any stage of the process — whether you are exploring, serving, mentoring, or representing a congregation — we invite you to reach out.
Kip Fontaine serves as the SAM Coordinator for the Northwestern Minnesota Synod and can help guide you through the next steps.
© 2026, Northwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA. All Rights Reserved.
