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Virginia Synod ELCA Lay Preaching Academy Handbook and Program Guide August 2021

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. (Philippians 1.2-5)

Introduction: Jesus Christ is the Word of God, in and through whom abundant life has come into being for all humanity. In Jesus, we are shown the glory of God, full of grace and truth (John 1). In Jesus Christ, God has shown such love for the world that God gave Jesus, God’s only Son, so that all who believe would not perish but may have eternal life and so that the world might be saved through him (John 3.16-17). Jesus is the salvation of God for all humanity, through his life, death, and resurrection (Luke 2.30-31). This is the good news – the gospel – of great joy for all people (Luke 2.10). Jesus proclaimed this good news among the people. This gospel message of great love, joy, mercy, forgiveness, peace, hope, and grace. Jesus Christ proclaimed the presence and nearness of God’s dominion – teaching in synagogues, in towns, in cities, sitting by wells or under the cover of darkness, gathered with one or gathered with many (e.g. Matthew 4.23; Mark 1.14; Luke 8.1; John 4). Jesus also called upon those who followed him to proclaim this same good news of God’s love for all humanity in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus (e.g. Matthew 10, Mark 13, Luke 9) and sent them - with the gift of the Holy Spirit (John 20.22) - so that the gospel would be proclaimed to all the nations. Indeed, Jesus commissioned all of those who learned from and with him - all of his disciples - to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28.19-20). This gospel commission of Jesus has been and continues to be a call to all of God’s people. The Spirit of God poured out upon a wide diversity of God’s people (e.g. Matthew 4.18-25, John 1.35-51, John 4.1-41, Acts 2.17-18, Acts 8.26-40, Romans 16, 1 Corinthians 11.4-5, Galatians 3.26-29). The Virginia Synod gives thanks to God for the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, imparting gifts upon God’s holy people and calling us all to use those gifts for the sake of the gospel for the sake of the world. “Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43.18-19a). The Virginia Synod Office of the Bishop gives great thanks for the Spirit’s movement in and through those who feel the Spirit’s nudge to engage more deeply with their own faith and with the scriptures and Lutheran Confessions. The Office of the Bishop also gives great thanks to congregations, deacons, and pastors who have raised up and supported those with gifts for proclamation of the gospel, so that they may serve as commissioned Lay Preachers in the Synod. 2

Together we celebrate the Spirit’s bold witness in and through those who have been recommended to serve as Lay Preachers, those among whom they will proclaim the good news, and among those who will serve, lead, and support this ministry. “For [we are] not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, ‘The one who is righteous will live by faith’” (Romans 1.16-17).

Contact Information: 1. Virginia Synod Office of the Bishop (West): 540-389-1000 2. Ministry Coordinators: a. The Rev. Kelly Bayer Derrick, Assistant to the Bishop i. [email protected] b. The Rev. Colleen Montgomery, Director for Digital Ministry i. [email protected] c. Admin Support: TBD

Statement of Purpose: The Virginia Synod Lay Preaching Academy supports (at least) two intertwining and complementary purposes: 1. Lifting up the gifts of lay people to proclaim the good news of God. The certification and commissioning is based around intensive coursework (Old Testament, New Testament, Interpretation, Preaching, etc.), mentoring, sermon prep, and practice. As these lay preachers discover new ways of engaging with scriptures and grow deeper in their own faith, the ministry of proclamation will be a gift to these people of God who now have a unique opportunity to serve. 2. Training lay supply preachers in the Virginia Synod. As many of the Synod’s smaller congregations, especially, rely on supply pastors and preachers, commissioning trained lay preachers will be a significant gift to the Virginia Synod.

To accomplish these purposes: In celebration of the varieties of gifts of lay people, Lay Preachers will: ● Engage with scripture, perhaps in new, inspiring, and even challenging ways ● Participate in holy listening - with the Holy Spirit and with each other ● Grow deeper in their own faith ● Build community with others who feel called to use their gifts for proclamation ● Support a unique opportunity - and responsibility - to serve God’s people 3

In support of congregations of the Virginia Synod, Lay Preachers: ● Will serve at the endorsement and commission of the bishop, after completing training and practicum work ● Must be nominated by a pastor or deacon, apply to the program, and be accepted into the academy ● Will provide occasional worship leadership and preaching to congregations and worship communities. ○ They will serve as supply preachers only; not serving as the essential pastor of a congregation ○ They may preach, on a short-term basis, on Sunday mornings in congregations without a called pastor or deacon ○ They are not restricted to their own home congregation but may share their gifts in a variety of worship settings. ● Will be formed, evaluated, endorsed, and commissioned into this ministry by synod-based training and oversight (Completion of a program of preparation does not mean that endorsement and commissioning for service as a VA Synod Lay Preacher will follow. There is no guarantee of service within the synod.) ● Participation in training is mandatory - proclamation of the good news is an important means of grace, not to be taken lightly

Application to the Lay Preaching Academy (LPA):

Participants in the Virginia Synod Lay Preaching Academy are active, confirmed, communing, and contributing members of Virginia Synod congregations. Enlightened with gifts of the Holy Spirit and living in their baptismal covenant, they seek to share their gifts for proclamation of the good news of God in Christ through word and deed. They are recognized as leaders by their congregations and uphold the highest standards of the Christian life.

Applications to participate in the Lay Preaching Academy include the following:

● Completed application form, including basic personal information (Appendix ??) ○ Application Info - Lay Preaching Academy (Formstack Link) ● Autobiographical Essay (Appendix ??) (Google doc link) ● A written Congregation Recommendation form from their pastor or deacon and congregation council (Appendix ??) ○ CONGREGATION RECOMMENDATION - LAY PREACHING ACADEMY (Formstack Link) ● Completed VA Synod background check (using the form in Appendix ??) (Google doc link)

Based on the completed application, the Virginia Synod determines whether an applicant may be admitted to the Academy. 4

Expectations: Persons who serve as Lay Preachers, commissioned and endorsed by the Virginia Synod Office of the Bishop, are expected to meet and maintain the following expectations: ● Evidence of a robust Christian faith and commitment to Christ, rooted in the presence and activity of the triune God; ● Proclamation of the good news of God’s radical love for all humanity and the ways that God’s love impacts the real lives of people today; ● Active participation in God’s mission as a part of the church, in part through active membership in a congregation of the Virginia Synod; ● Cultivation of one's own faith through participation in the use of spiritual disciplines (e.g., prayer, biblical and theological reflection, worship, etc.); ● Commitment to show forth in word and deed God's saving gospel of justification by grace through faith, and so equip the baptized for their ministry in daily life; ● Knowledge and acceptance of, and preaching and teaching in accordance with, the Confession of Faith of this church; ● Expressed commitment to and public support and positive interpretation of the mission and ministries of the Virginia Synod and the ELCA; ● Demonstration of appropriate ministry and leadership skills; ● Required participation in and satisfactory completion of Virginia Synod program of preparation; ● Willingness to meet and continue in this church’s expectations concerning the personal conduct and behavior of persons serving in public ministry, such as boundaries and inclusion education and other continuing education opportunities.

Responsibilities of the Virginia Synod:

The Lay Preaching Academy is administered by the Virginia Synod Office of the Bishop, in cooperation with congregations, pastors, and deacons. The responsibilities of the Virginia Synod include:

● Application: determining requirements for application to the Academy ● Administrative support: creating application forms; making application forms readily available to applicants; reviewing, cataloging and securing all applicant files; and determining which applicants may be admitted ● Curriculum: determining educational requirements for endorsement and commissioning as a Lay Preacher, including: developing coursework; recruiting instructors and cohort leaders; giving guidance to instructors for Academy expectations; creating / suggesting course schedules; etc. ● Evaluation: creating guidelines for reviewing progress; creating and reviewing evaluations forms for cohort leaders / mentors; etc. ● Endorsement: reviewing and evaluating students’ files; determining and enforcing standards for eligibility for commissioning 5

● Commissioning: recommending suitable participants to the bishop for commissioning; establishing requirements for continued endorsement of such lay preachers over time ● Expectations: creating a code of practice for commissioned lay preachers and distributing it widely among leaders and congregations ● Ongoing supervision: offering support and guidance after the initial training as well as monitoring and supervising the service of lay preachers in the Virginia Synod

Responsibilities of Lay Preachers:

Lay Preachers will be responsible for preaching and leading worship, consistent with local practice and Lutheran standards of worship and practice. The lay preacher will practice open communication with congregations before and during fulfillment of duties.

All endorsed and commissioned lay preachers shall:

● Represent Christ and Christ’s church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the Virginia Synod with the grace, dignity, respect, and responsibility required of their position ● Follow the normal worship practices of the congregations in which they are serving ● Be diligent in their sermon preparation ● Be entitled to compensation for their services at the supply rate set by the Virginia Synod, including reimbursement for mileage, at the current IRS reimbursement rate, or for public transit or rideshare. ● Report any difficulties and/or irregularities to the office of the bishop within 48 hours

The lay preacher is not to be expected to fill the role of pastor. Therefore, the lay preacher will not:

● Be expected to fulfill administrative responsibilities ● Be addressed as “pastor” or “deacon” in person or in print ● Provide pastoral counseling ● Wear clerical vestments ● Preside at communion ● Officiate at weddings or conduct funerals ● Normally not baptize someone during a regular service of worship or in private except under the provisions of the church for emergency baptisms. (Any Christian may baptize in an emergency situation and report such a baptism to the pastor of the congregation.)

Lay Preaching Academy Training and Formation:

Lay Preachers will participate in a rigorous program of training and formation prior to their endorsement and commissioning for service.

Core Elements:

Primary Text: A Lay Preacher’s Guide: How to Craft a Faithful Sermon by the Rev. Dr. Karoline M. Lewis 6

(From Fortress Press): In A Lay Preacher's Guide: How to Craft a Faithful Sermon, Karoline M. Lewis provides lay preachers with an essential and accessible guide to the basics of Sunday morning preaching.

Laypeople are increasingly called to serve congregations and are preaching regularly. But often they do not have immediate, reliable, or trusted access to homiletical instruction or support for their preaching. As a result, these church leaders--feeling called to ministry and to preach, and affirmed by denominational leaders to do so--are left on their own to figure out how to preach.

In A Lay Preacher's Guide, Lewis gives this unique subset of preachers the foundations of biblical preaching, so they can preach faithfully in their unique contexts. She lays out in a concise and clear format the steps to preaching a faithful sermon, a process that can be immediately applied to weekly sermon preparation. This book is a go-to resource for lay preachers, providing a basic course for faithful preaching. Participants are expected to purchase the textbook for themselves and to read the assigned chapter in preparation for each cohort meeting. Ten-Session Video-based Format, allowing for: ● Cohorts to gather online, or in-person if preferable and possible ● Wide participation from across the Synod and diverse cohort groups ● Flexibility in scheduling ● Honoring of participants’ commitments to family, friends, and vocation ● Respect for participants’ time and resources Session Specifics:

1. Topics, from chapters in A Lay Preacher’s Guide: a. Intro Session b. A Faithful Sermon is Biblical c. A Faithful Sermon is Autobiographical d. A Faithful Sermon is Contextual e. A Faithful Sermon is Theological f. A Faithful Sermon is Intellectual g. A Faithful Sermon is Emotional h. A Faithful Sermon is Inspirational i. A Faithful Preaching Life j. Wrap Up Session 2. Video-based sessions, provided by diverse voices of pastors and deacons from across the synod a. Video will include slide with sermon/liturgical Sunday title, biblical text, preacher name and location 3. Engage with the biblical text using Lectio Divina 4. Small group discussions, with guiding questions 5. Each session will be about 90 minutes 7

Small Group Cohorts: 1. Made up of 4-5 people, from across the Virginia Synod 2. Cohorts led small group leaders who are rostered ministers in the VA Synod 3. The Lay Preaching Academy coordinators will create the cohorts and will assign the cohort leaders. 4. Suggested outline for cohort gatherings (with minutes for each): a. Review chapter from A Lay Preacher’s Guide - 10 b. Engage with sermon biblical text (Lectio Divina and art, poetry, etc.) - 15 c. Video & Discussion: book content - 20-30 d. Video & Discussion: preacher’s sermon - 20-30 e. Final Thoughts & Prayer - 10 5. Videos will be recorded in sections, so groups can pause and discuss as they go 6. Each cohort will be able to set their own schedule for the ten sessions. a. The Lay Preaching Academy coordinators recommend meeting once per month, for ten months, from September to June. 7. The goal is to commission VA Synod Llay Preachers at Power in the Spirit, each July.

Lutheran Catechesis:

*The Virginia Synod is working with Dr. Vincent Evener, Associate Professor of Reformation and Luther Studies at United Lutheran Seminary, on a Lutheran Theology 101 course. Watch for more information.

Preaching Practicums: 1. Cohorts will have regular feedback from their peers and from the cohort leader. 2. Each cohort participant will preach one sermon for their cohort a. The cohort leader will preach first; then the participants b. Cohorts are encouraged to offer feedback using: affirmation - critique and questions - strong affirmation 3. The cohort leader and participants will also complete a feedback form for the participant. The form will be provided by the VA Synod. 4. Cohort participants should complete at least 4 sessions before they begin to share a sermon. 5. Each preaching practicum should last about 30 minutes: read gospel, preach sermon, give feedback 6. The cohorts may determine how best to include the Preaching Practicum, for example: a. Add an additional 30 minutes to several of your meetings b. Add a few additional meetings, which can include 2-3 preachers c. Etc. 7. Please complete all preaching practicums by July 1 each year 8

Evaluation and Endorsement:

Completion of the training includes: 1. Completion of all course content 2. Participation in cohort gatherings 3. Receiving and providing feedback in preaching practicums 4. Discernment between the cohort leader and the lay preacher, to determine readiness for service 5. A written evaluation from the cohort leader. 6. Endorsement by a team of evaluators chosen by the Virginia Synod Office of the Bishop

Ongoing Supervision and Accountability

*Plans are still being developed.

Costs of the Lay Preaching Academy:

TOTAL Cost for the Lay Preaching Academy = $420 1. Lay Preaching Academy = $350 a. Split between participant and congregation b. $175 / participant c. $175 / congregation 2. Purchase the text: A Lay Preacher’s Guide: How to Craft a Faithful Sermon by the Rev. Dr. Karoline M. Lewis = $20 3. Participate in Lutheran Theology 101 course = $50.00 4. Finances should not be a reason for anyone not to participate in the Lay Preaching Academy. Please contact Pastor Kelly Bayer Derrick for information about scholarships.

Info for Cohort Leaders:

Info for Session Presenters: 9

APPENDIX ???

You are a commissioned Lay Preacher – Here’s What You Need to Know

Your participation in our inaugural lay preaching cohort has been a gift to us. We hope that it has enriched your faith and deepened your love for God’s Word. Attached to this document is the sheet sent to every congregation that is hosting you as a supply preacher for worship. Please use it as a reference for expectations.

Below are Frequently Asked Questions for Lay Preachers

How do I get assigned to preach at a congregation? We encourage you to talk with your home congregation and offer to supply during times of vacation or heavy preaching times like Lent. Additionally, the VA Synod Office of the Bishop updates the list of supply preachers on the VA Synod website: https://www.vasynod.org/resources/pulpit-supply/ The Bishop’s Office can add your contact information to the website. You can also make yourself available to other pastors throughout the synod on a personal basis. All pastors must find their own coverage for vacation, etc.

How do I know the details about the worship service? Two weeks prior to the date which you are preaching, you should contact the congregational contact information provided when you scheduled to serve as their supply preacher. You should ask for a bulletin, details, etc.

Will the congregation know I’m coming? We have encouraged congregations to print in their bulletin or announce the following on the Sunday you are preaching, “We welcome (NAME) this morning as our guest preacher. (NAME) is a commissioned lay preacher in the Virginia Synod. The Lay Preaching Academy began in 2021 and has commissioned its first cohort of preachers. Participants explored Scripture study and preaching through small groups, retreats, giving sermons, and intentional feedback. Each lay preacher is endorsed to serve in this capacity by Bishop Humphrey. We are excited to have (NAME) with us this morning.”

What should I wear? You should dress professionally. If you have an alb (white robe) or choir robe, you are welcome to wear that. You may also wear a pectoral cross. Under no circumstances are you to wear a stole or a clerical collar while participating as a lay preacher.

How early should I show up? We suggest arriving 30 to 45 minutes early for a worship service. This gives you time to scout the layout and review the bulletin. Additionally, check in with the sound person. Confirm whether or not you are using a microphone and if you need to turn it on/off yourself or it will be done by the soundboard.

Am I leading the whole service? We have communicated the following to congregations, “The lay preacher will have some experience with parts of worship. They will not be cantoring. We highly encourage you to use your lay leadership to lead the liturgy.” Ask for a bulletin prior to the supply preaching date to see all you will be responsible for leading. 10

What text should I preach on? We have trained you to focus on the gospel lesson as the primary text for proclamation and communicated this to congregations. Please confirm the Gospel text for the Sunday you are preaching with the congregation.

Will I be doing children’s sermons? We have communicated the following to congregations, “Lay preachers have been given some instruction on leading children’s sermons, but we are not assuming that all feel comfortable. If you have a children’s sermon time and want the lay preacher to lead it, please communicate that prior to the Sunday that they are preaching. Our recommendation is to use a lay leader in the congregation to lead the children’s sermon.”

Will I be presiding at communion? No, lay preachers are not authorized by the bishop to preside at the table. They are lay preachers and not Synod Authorized Ministers or licensed local pastors. Therefore, lay preachers should not preside at communion.

What is the compensation? The 2021 compensation for a lay preacher is $150 for one service and $50 for each additional service, plus mileage or the cost for public transit or rideshare. You are usually paid on the Sunday on which you preach.

If I find a congregation that is a really good fit, can I just preach there forever? A lay preacher is not intended to serve as de facto pastor in any congregation. The lay preacher cannot preach more than six weeks in a row in a congregation at a given time. If a congregation is seeking someone to serve in a way that is more than occasional Sunday supply, they should contact the Synod Office for more information about Synod Authorized Ministry (SAMs). . 11

APPENDIX ???

Hosting a Lay Preacher: What You Need to Know

We are thrilled that your congregation is host to one of our synod’s commissioned lay preachers. Lay preachers participate in a year-long training process that includes retreat, small groups, giving live sermons, sermon feedback, and endorsement by the synodical bishop. As they are a lay preacher, there are a few things we want you to know as you host them.

Welcoming the Lay Preacher - As a way of communicating with your congregation about your lay preacher, we encourage you to print the following in your bulletin or make an announcement at the beginning of worship:

“We welcome (NAME) this morning as our guest preacher. (NAME) is a commissioned lay preacher in the Virginia Synod. The Lay Preaching Academy began in 2021 and has commissioned its first cohort of preachers. Participants explored Scripture study and preaching through small groups, retreats, giving sermons, and intentional feedback. Each lay preacher is endorsed to serve in this capacity by Bishop Humphrey. We are excited to have (NAME) with us this morning.”

How do we find lay preachers who have been commissioned and can preach at our congregation? The VA Synod Office of the Bishop updates the list of supply preachers on the VA Synod website: https://www.vasynod.org/resources/pulpit-supply/ The Bishop’s Office will include all of those who have been commissioned as lay preachers, if they choose to have their information shared.

How do we share the details about the worship service with our lay preacher? At least two weeks prior to the date on which the lay preacher is preaching, please contact your lay preacher using the contact information provided when you scheduled the lay preacher to serve. You should provide a bulletin, details, etc.

Compensation – The 2021 compensation for a lay preacher is $150 for one service and $50 for each additional service, plus mileage or the cost for public transit or rideshare. Congregations should pay the lay preacher on the Sunday on which they preach.

Worship Leadership – The lay preacher will have some experience with parts of worship. They will not be cantoring. We highly encourage you to use your lay leadership to lead the liturgy. Please provide a bulletin to the lay preacher as soon as the bulletin is available.

Preaching on the Gospel – Lay preachers have been trained to focus on the gospel lesson as the primary text for proclamation. Please confirm - prior to the Sunday that they are preaching - the Gospel text for the Sunday that the lay preacher is preaching with your congregation.

Children’s Sermons – Lay preachers have been given some instruction on leading children’s sermons, but we are not assuming that all feel comfortable. If you have a children’s sermon time and want the lay preacher to lead it, please communicate that prior to the Sunday that they are preaching. Our recommendation is to use a lay leader in the congregation to lead the children’s sermon. 12

Presiding at Communion – Lay preachers are not authorized by the bishop to preside at the table. They are lay preachers and not Synod Authorized Ministers or licensed local pastors. Therefore, lay preachers should not preside at communion.

We loved our lay preacher. Can they come back? A lay preacher is not intended to serve as de facto pastor in any congregation. The lay preacher cannot preach more than six weeks in a row in a congregation at a given time. If a congregation is seeking someone to serve in a way that is more than occasional Sunday supply, they should contact the Synod Office for more information about Synod Authorized Ministry (SAMs).

Again, we are thankful for your hosting of lay preachers and look forward to hearing how it has been a mutual blessing for both the lay preacher and host congregation. 13

APPENDIX ???

LETTER OF AGREEMENT FOR LAY PREACHING

In keeping with the policies and practices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Virginia Synod, and in order to set forth clearly the agreement to serve as a certified Lay Preacher the

Virginia Synod agrees that NAME will serve as a lay preacher approved to be available to ______(Home Congregation/Whole Synod/Other) with the endorsement of the bishop. This certification is valid if and only if the following requirements have been met:

• full participation in the lay preaching training; • completion of all assignments for lay preaching; • completion and approval in Safe Gatherings Boundary training; • participation in a yearly continuing education event for lay preachers; • endorsement by all parties including local pastor, lay preaching training team and bishop.

All payment for lay preaching supply commitments will be made by the host congregation at a rate of $150 for one service with an additional $50 per service plus mileage. Lay preachers that preach will file the appropriate paperwork for taxes declaring their income. Lay preachers will fill out appropriate financial paperwork with host congregations.

We, the undersigned, accept the terms of this agreement:

______Lay Preacher Date

______Bishop, VA Synod Date 14

APPENDIX ???

2020 Virginia Synod Pulpit Supply

We recommend the following compensation for pulpit supply: ● One Service………………………………………$150.00 ● Each Additional Service…………………….$50.00 ● Plus the current IRS rate for the ROUND TRIP mileage ● OR reimbursement for the cost of public transit or rideshare