Recruitment

A Career in Church Work? Me??

Ever thought about a career in church work? Want to become a pastor or serve in some other way? What’s the next step?

You may think the only way you can serve the church is to become a pastor. NOT SO. God's people join together around Word and Sacrament, reaching out to a lost world. Dedicated, faithful workers assist and lead people in participating in the fulfillment of the Great Commission, building up the Body of Christ. The following vocations represent the many ways in which you can serve the Church in its vital ministries.

PASTOR

As pastor, you will be considered both shepherd and servant of God's flock. Through you, on a daily basis, God will carry out His most wonderful work, that of saving the lost. As you care for the members a congregation, you will be active in preaching, teaching, administering the Sacraments, visiting members, comforting the sorrowing, giving godly counsel, and providing a vision of outreach. You may also serve as a military or institutional chaplain, a missionary, a church administrator, an educator, or a campus pastor.

TEACHER

If you have a passion for working with students in a Christian setting, this is the vocation for you. You will help each student reach his/her potential while integrating faith into their learning. You will partner with pastors and parents in the joy of preparing students for a life of service to Church and world.

Teachers serve in Lutheran preschool, elementary or secondary settings. You will also be able to utilize your gifts and talents in coaching, music, drama, art, or other educational arenas.

DEACONESS

Deaconess means "servant.” As a Christian woman in the role of deaconess, you will share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through acts of human care and mercy. This may include visiting the sick and homebound, teaching Bible studies, or working with individuals with special needs. Deaconesses serve in congregations, hospitals and other institutions, inner cities and foreign mission fields.

DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

These individuals coordinate with the pastor to focus on the vision and leadership of a congregation's various educational ministries. This can involve all ages, nourishing children, youth, adults, and family groups in Christian instruction and growth in personal faith through Bible classes, Sunday School, Midweek programs, Vacation Bible School, youth programs or outdoor ministry.

DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN OUTREACH

As a Director of Christian Outreach, you are a valuable member of an outreach-oriented ministry team. Your primary function is to stimulate, educate, mobilize, and support parishioners in witnessing, evangelizing, and assimilating new members. You might also serve in a mission congregation or develop cross-cultural outreach in the United States or on a foreign mission field.

DIRECTOR OF FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY

Families with a strong commitment to Christ and a life of service to others provide a positive influence in and throughout the world. As a Director of Family Life Ministry, you will support and equip healthy relationships in families. The Family Life graduate will be certified by the National Council on Family Relations and equipped to develop and implement programming in a congregation to strengthen healthy families. The Director of Family Life Ministry will serve as a partner on a congregation's ministry team.

DIRECTOR OF PARISH MUSIC

Music is a delightful, noble gift of God, one of His gifts to His people. As a Director of Parish Music, you will use your talents and spiritual sensitivity to enhance the music life and worship experiences in a congregation. You will give leadership to choirs, instrumental ensembles, and soloists by playing an integral role in the life of the church and by enhancing your congregation's love for communal worship.

LAY MINISTER

Ministry is a team effort. The lay minister works under a pastor's guidance and direction in a variety of ways. You might be involved in evangelism, visitation, Christian education, youth work, senior ministry, parish administration, assimilation and spiritual gifts administration and other ministries.

The Concordia University System provides a path toward serving the church through its theology and religious vocation education programs. To learn more about majors and programs offered at Concordia University System campuses, visit www.cus.edu and look for "Majors and Programs.”

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