Candidacy is a process of discernment and formation. In the MNO Synod, it is a partnership between many people: the candidate; the bishop; the Candidacy Committee; the seminary; and local ministries. Normally, it will take a minimum of 4 years for pastors and 3 years for deacons before being eligible for ordination.

The process includes:

• Discernment and conversation with a pastor or deacon
• Conversation with congregational leadership, and their support
• Registering with the Candidacy Committee
  • Providing all registration materials
  • Structured interview
  • Psychological assessment
• Initial endorsement by the Candidacy Committee, and annual endorsements throughout the candidacy process
• Seminary education
  • Admission into seminary
  • Completion of all academic requirements for the chosen roster (normally an M.Div. degree for pastors; MTS or Diaconal Certificate for deacons)
  • Completion of an internship
• Endorsement and recommendation for Ordained Ministry
• Receipt and acceptance of a call within the ELCIC

A full description of the process and requirements are set out in the ELCIC Candidacy Manual. There you will also find the forms needed for candidates to register with the MNO Synod Candidacy Committee.

The bishop and/or the synod office is a resource for candidates throughout the formation/discernment process.

Seminary is where our Ordained Pastors and Deacons receive their higher level theological education. It is required for those want to be ordained in the ELCIC. Seminary training is an academic pursuit. An undergraduate degree from an accredited university is normally required for admission to the M.Div. or MTS programs, but admission requirements are set by the seminaries themselves.

Candidates are required to complete their training at a seminary recognized by the ELCIC. You may attend other seminaries, but often additional coursework will need to be done before being endorsed for ordination.

Here are some of the seminaries candidates can attend:

• Lutheran Theological Seminary Saskatoon – This seminary is jointly supported by the MNO Synod in partnership with the BC Synod, Synod of Alberta and the Territories, and the Saskatchewan Synod. It is located on the University of Saskatchewan Campus. Almost all courses are offered as one and two week intensive classes, most of which can be completed by distance.
• Martin Luther University College, Waterloo – This seminary is supported by the Eastern Synod and is located on the Wilfred Laurier University Campus
• Candidates may also consider Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN or another seminary within the ELCA.

If you’re not sure about seminary just yet, the Lay Academy has courses on leadership, theology, and ministry that may help in your discernment. These are valuable courses, but would not be transferable to a degree program.

The First Call Program (FCP) involves ordained pastors and deacons in the ELCIC who are part of an intentional continuing education program for a three-year period during their first call to ministry in the ELCIC.

Each year, FCP participants connect with others in their First Call for a time of learning, reflection and support. Participants are able to reflect on expectations, develop skills and habits to help them be successful, sharpen their existing skills, and learn about contemporary issues in the church. FCP is facilitated by the MNO Synod in collaboration with the other synods in the ELCIC, giving First Call clergy a chance to connect with colleagues in other contexts.