ALASKA SYNOD
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    • Preaching: SAM Unit
    • Digital Classes
    • Loss, Grief and Nostalgia
    • Free Series on Luther
    • Telling our Stories in the World Workshop
Synodically Authorized Minister (SAM) Process

​SAM Handbook

SAM Coursework Checklist

​SAM Application Form

SAM Mentoring Guidelines 
What is the SAM program?

The Alaska Synod established, in 1997, a program of training and equipping qualified lay persons for congregational-based ministries of preaching, sacraments and worship leadership, and where appropriate, providing leadership for bible study, catechetical instruction, visitation and spiritual growth.

The ELCA, through its Vocation and Education Program Unit, recognizes that certain congregations are in situations where--by reason of geography or economics--they find it impossible to support the ministry of a full time or part time ordained pastor. Thus the church makes provision for training and approving "Synodically Authorized Ministers."  In most instances these persons will already be members of the congregations to be served. But they also may be persons residing in areas adjacent to the communities where the ministry will be conducted. In either case, however, Synodically Authorized Ministers serve at the request of the bishop and are under the supervision of an ordained pastor.

In addition, the Alaska Synod encourages people to participate in the SAM training as preparation for lay preaching, teaching and leading.

Learning more about scripture, church history, and theology are part of maturing as Christians. These are resources that help us shape our daily lives of faith and how we perceive what God is up to in the world. Sometimes this happens individually, sometimes in group studies and classes. Some adults are asked by their congregations to pursue training to serve as Synodically Authorized Ministers. Some serve as lay preachers. Some engage in education for the simple joy of learning. 

SELECT offers courses that congregations and individuals can purchase. SELECT courses cover the full spectrum of preparation for service as a Synodically Authorized Minister -  www.selectlearning.org/content/synodically-authorized-ministry
Picture

​Office of the Alaska Synod
​1847 W. Northern Lights Blvd.
Suite 2
Anchorage, AK 99517

(c) Alaska Synod

​Office (907) 272-8899
Fax (907) 274-3141




​Bishop Shelley Wickstrom

aksynodbishop@gmail.com

DEM Pastor Lisa Smith Fiegel
alaskadem@gmail.com

Chris Aquino,
​    Office Manager

elcaalaska@gmail.com
  • Home
    • About the Synod
    • Around the Synod
    • Giving
    • Region One Financial Services
  • Leadership
    • Becoming a Pastor or Deacon
    • For Pastors and Deacons
    • Partners
    • SAM Process
    • Synod Constitution and Policies
    • Synod Council
    • About the Bishop and DEM
  • Mission
    • First Fruits Grants
    • Mission Funds >
      • Seminary Support Funds
      • SPLM Endowment
      • TEAM and TEAM Grants
    • Mission Table
    • Rooted and Growing in Christ
    • Synod Ministry Plan
  • Congregations
    • Call Process
    • Congregational Transitions
    • Congregational Annual Reports
    • Congregations by Cluster
    • Prayer Concerns
    • Rostered Leader Annual Reports
    • Resources for Congregations
    • Tips on Facebook for Congregations
  • Groups
    • AK Child & Family
    • ASWO - Women of the ELCA
    • For Youth
    • For Youth Workers
    • Hunger Team
    • Kuwaa Mission
    • Lutheran Men in Mission
  • Resources
    • ACEs in Alaska
    • Bible Studies
    • Building Community Now
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Coaching
    • Compassionate, Nonviolent Communication
    • Consultation to Clergy
    • Disaster Preparedness
    • ELCA Social Statements
    • Forms
    • Generosity and Stewardship
    • Links to other helpful resources
    • Online Worship and Engagement
    • Shaping and sharing stories of God
    • Spiritual Practices
    • Staff Booklist
    • Suicide Prevention
  • Events
    • 2023 Assembly Registration
    • 2023 Assembly Home-stay
    • 2023 Assembly Display Space
    • 2023 Pre-Assembly Workshop Registration
    • 2023 Assembly Resources
    • 2023 Collegium Registration
    • Preaching: SAM Unit
    • Digital Classes
    • Loss, Grief and Nostalgia
    • Free Series on Luther
    • Telling our Stories in the World Workshop