As I get settled into the worship community, lots of good conversations have led to exploring the differences between being a pastor and an intern. One way to approach this difference is to become accustom to the candidacy route that someone undergoes to become a pastor.
Here at Lord of Life, we have a long history of supporting future leaders of the Church. Currently, there are several people connected to Lord of Life that are going through candidacy in the ELCA. For example, Corey Wagonfield has completed “Entrance” and has already begun his first course at Trinity Lutheran Seminary. I, being the intern, have completed “Endorsement” and will spend two years on internship at Lord of Life. Others have been leading congregations for many years, before following the typical trajectory of candidacy. Pastora Carmen Colón-Brown, who serves as a Deaconess in the VEIL community, is one such leader. Diaconal Minister, Becky Mastalerz, serves as a hospice nurse. Pastor Lowell Michelson has rounded home and has been serving as an ordained pastor for many years, and now helps to support those still working toward crossing home plate.
Below is a helpful diagram that outlines the steps toward ordination. If you would like to talk about my process more, or hear about ministry opportunities, please be in touch.
Intern Lucas McSurley,
