For most people that possibility is a terrifying thought and it should be! It is an awesome privilege to know and respond to God's call to serve the Church. There are a variety of types of service in the church which require varying degrees of preparation and training. Not all service is for ordained clergy, some is specialized ministry by trained and commissioned lay people.

• First step is to pray, and keep praying
• Next, contact one of the pastors of your congregation so that they can help you discern your call and pray with you
• Go to the following website on the Division for Ministry in the ELCA which provides helpful information regarding the process, types of service, suggestions for discernment and ELCA seminaries in the United States.
• Go to this page to see the process for candidacy in ordained or lay ministry
• Go to this page to see the list of ELCA Seminaries ELCA Seminaries
• Go to this page to learn more about our own Seminary Program in Austin, Texas Lutheran Seminary Program of the Southwest