Pastoral Ministry in CALC

Considering its relatively small size, CALC does not have a seminary of its own for training pastors. However, CALC does not necessarily consider that a limitation as that allows CALC's congregations to spread their nets wider to find a pastor aligned with CALC's Confession of Faith.

As well, in cooperation with the Institute of Lutheran Theology this has opened up the opportunity for CALC to introduce a new innovative program for pastoral preparation - called the "Holistic Pathway" - to meet the diverse needs of CALC's congregations, particularly smaller, rural congregations.

Today, many are wondering where all the Lutheran pastors have gone. It is widely acknowledged that the traditional model, its length, and its program are not adequately meeting congregations' needs for pastoral shepherds. The HP model provides an alternative pathway for training pastors quickly, adequately and innovatively.

The HP model encourages congregations to raise up home-growin' pastors from within their midst, not only for themselves but to provide pastors to further the greater mission of the church.

A key feature of the new model is working as you go, learning along the way, and receiving the best possible support and guidance from a mature pastor providing mentorship.

The following schematic provides a quick explanation of the Holistic Pathway for Pastoral Ministry in CALC:

Click here to download a document that provides a brief explanation of each step. Note that the Holistic Pathway for Pastoral Ministry in CALC applies to both those who are interested in training so as to enter into pastoral ministry in CALC as well as to pastors who are willing to be called by a CALC congregation.

Click here to download a document, prepared by Pastor Rick Bergh, CALC's Pastoral Personnel Director, which provides a comprehensive description of Holistic Pathway for Pastoral Ministry in CALC.

Click here to download a document describing the course modules for the CCPF program.

Those who are interested in entering CALC's pastoral training program or pastors who are interested in being considered for a call by a CALC congregation are encouraged to contact CALC's Pastoral Personnel Director, Pastor Rick Bergh via CALC's toll-free telephone (877-853-4801) or by email.

The application form for entering CALC's pastoral training program can be downloaded here.

The application form to be used by a pastor wishing to be considered for a call by a CALC congregation can be downloaded here.