About the Specific Ministry Pastor
The Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program trains pastoral leaders from existing or planned ministry or mission contexts. The curriculum centers around the pastoral acts of baptism, preaching, and the Lord’s Supper. These marks of the church define us as Christians and unite us with the universal church. Pastoral formation takes place through engagement with the Scriptures, the Lutheran Confessions, and the hymnal.
Admission Requirements
The SMP program is designed to fill needs in congregations and other missions when a residentially-trained or commissioned minister cannot be provided.
Because of the doctrinal position of the LCMS, all candidates for the Specific Ministry Pastor program must be men. If you are a woman who would like to enter full-time service in the Church, consider our diaconal programs.
- Knowledge of the Old Testament and New Testament, shown by taking Entry Level Competency Exams or our pre-seminary courses.
- Meet scriptural requirements for pastoral ministry.
- Be identified for pastoral ministry by your ministry site or the district in which your site is located.
Start the SMP Application
Your Next Step
Take the first step toward your vocation. Submit your application now and join a community committed to rigorous study and faithful service.
PRE-ORDINATION
Vicarage (2 years)
Pastoral and Missional Theology in Luke and Acts
The Books of Moses–The Beginning and the New Beginning
Confessing Christ in Today’s World
Heaven on Earth: The Worship of Lutherans Today
Preaching the Faith
Teaching the Faith
The Lutheran Confessions: Introduction and Overview
Baptism: Life in Christ
POST ORDINATION
The Person of Jesus in John’s Gospel
The Epistles of Paul–Planting the Gentile Mission
The Prophets–Christ and His Mission Foretold
The Church in Missiological Perspective
Ministry and Mission in Today’s Pluralistic Context
The Holy Trinity: The Mission of God in Today’s World
The Lutheran Confessions in Today’s World
The Lord’s Supper: Life in Christ Nourished and Sustained
A graduate of the SMP program
- confesses the faith of the Holy Scriptures and Lutheran Confessions
- interprets biblical texts in agreement with the Lutheran Confessions
- embraces baptism, preaching, and the Lord’s Supper
- preaches and teaches biblical truth
- worships, prays, and gives thanks
- views church history as the history of his own family
- defends the faith
- exemplifies Christian life
- cares for the children of God
- gathers those outside the church into the saving fellowship of Christ’s body
- supports his ministry
- commits to continued study
SMP Cost of Attendance (COA)
You can see a breakdown of the costs associated with this program by clicking here. Interested in using our cost of attendance (COA) calculator? Click the button below to get started.