Lutheran Church of Mahomet, The Invitation 2019 Worship Invitation | Página 6

Our Synodically Authorized Minister Candidates: Chris
Edmonds, Pete Farm, and Tim Scott share
The role of Synodically Author-
ized Ministers (SAM’s) was
originally conceptualized as a lay
person with enough theological
training to preside over worship
during the absence of a pastor.
As a shortage of pastors has
made filling interim positions
harder, SAM’s have also recently
been authorized to fill short-term
Interim positions as needed.
In order to become a SAM, can-
didates dedicate a significant
amount of time and scholarship
to learn about theology and min-
istry. They complete 3 years of
training. During each of these
years, they take 3 classes, each
one twelve weeks long, and they
attend bi-annual retreats, in addi-
tion to any electives they may
choose to add on. In these clas-
ses, they learn about everything
from the Reformation, interpret-
ing the Word, worship practices,
and the theology behind sacra-
ments like Baptism and Com-
munion. They then utilize all of
these skills to serve the congre-
gations in their community
through leadership and Ministry.
At the Lutheran Church of Ma-
homet, we are lucky enough to
have 3 SAM Candidates working
through this extensive process.
Chris Edmonds, Pete Farm, and
Tim Scott have all been dedicat-
ing their time to the SAM pro-
cess, in addition to all of the
work they have been doing with-
in the church to lead special wor-
ship services.
A couple of our SAM’s were
able to take some time out of
their busy schedules to talk a bit
about what lead them to this min-
istry and what they’ve learned so
far. The path to becoming and
SAM, is not always straightfor-
ward. Both shared trials and trib-
ulations that affected them in
unexpected ways. As tragedies of
loss led to stronger relationships
with God, and opportunities--
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