What is a Congregational Assistant? A Congregational Assistant is a called worker who works within his or her own congregation assisting the congregation and its pastor in various areas of service.

There are many areas of service to which an assistant can be called There are many areas of service to which an assistant can be called. The work an assistant may do mainly depends on the needs of the congregation and the talents of the worker. Some of the areas of service that assistants have been called to include outreach and evangelism, senior ministry, youth and family ministry, adult spiritual growth, assimilation, visitation ministry, mentoring and coordinating volunteers.

An assistant call could take the form of a volunteer position, a part-time salaried position, or a full-time salaried position. Because calling bodies may find needs for assistants of either gender, the program is open to men and women alike. One strength of the program is that students are able to serve while they are studying, and what is learned can immediately be applied in the local setting.

Relationship with other WELS Training Programs Nine of the twenty assistant courses are taken from the former WELS Curriculum for Congregational Service and Outreach. These courses are useful training for all congregational leaders. Taking these courses may also increase a leader's desire to serve in the public ministry as an congregational assistant, staff minister or pastor.

If a student begins taking the courses with a desire to become an evangelist, it is strongly encouraged that the practical courses in evangelism also be started from the very beginning so that it can be seen whether the Lord has given the necessary gifts for outreach. The sample charts give scenarios for completing the program in three years, four years and five years.

Training The majority of the courses are taught by the student's local pastor or called worker, and they are often scheduled as part of the congregation's offerings for adult spiritual growth; this minimizes the additional work of the called worker and expands the variety of opportunities for nurture within the congregation. Where there are interested individuals and congregations in geographic proximity, pastors are able to take turns and share the teaching load of the courses. Some of the courses can also be taught by an outside instructor as weekend seminar.

The final component of the program, the only element that is not offered locally, is a 10-day Capstone Session split between New Ulm, Minnesota and Milwaukee and Mequon, Wisconsin. Students typically participate in Capstone after completing the other program requirements over a three or four year period. The assistant courses do not earn credit toward any other form of synod certification except the Pastoral Studies Institute of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.

Costs The only cost for the courses is the cost of the books and materials. The cost for one complete set of materials is under $100.00. The materials may be purchased from the program administrative assistant. For the two-week Capstone Session there is a minimal fee for the courses taught, a fee for room and board, and whatever the student's transportation costs might be.

Hosting a one-day seminar requires a $300 Hosting a one-day seminar  requires a $300.00 fee from the host congregation and $10.00 from each participant. Congregations may work together and co-host a seminar and share the $300.00 fee.

Admission and Supervision Since the assistant position is a form of local ministry, each local congregation and pastor will approve candidates for the program. Materials are  made available through the program secretary. The program is under the supervision of a committee made up of representatives from various synodical divisions.

Who is eligible to enroll? Any WELS member can enroll in the program. People who are not interested in serving as congregational assistants might profit from the courses as well. However, if someone is interested in possibly serving as an assistant, he or she should officially enroll in the program.

How does someone get started? A student can begin at any time of the year. Simply fill out an enrollment form (available on-line or from the administrative assistant). The pastor will fill out a recommendation form for the student (available on-line or from the administrative assistant). After receiving an official letter of acceptance, the local pastor can order the necessary course materials and begin teaching the courses.

Courses

Life of Christ 13 lessons. Study of the historicity, person, life and meaning of Jesus Christ for humanity. A harmony of the four Gospel accounts provides the basic chronology. [The Life of Christ, W. Kessel] 

New Testament 12 lessons. Overview of the early history of the Christian Church as described in the New Testament. Brief look at the Gospels, followed by examination of the Acts of the Apostles, the letters written by Paul, Peter, John, and others, and the book of Revelation. [The Living Church: The New Testament, W. Kessel]

Old Testament 17 lessons. Introductory course ranging from creation to the end of the Old Testament. Emphasizes the promises of God, faith in those promises, and their ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. [God and His People, K. Wessel and B. Keller] 

Small Catechism 11 lessons. Examination of Luther's famous writing which summarizes and explains the 10 Commandments, the Apostle's Creed, Lord's Prayer, Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, and the Keys and Confession. [Luther's Small Catechism, and Small Catechism Study Questions, D. Kuske]

Law and Gospel 7 lessons. Study of what the church is and how it accomplishes its work through the public and private ministry of its members. [Church and Ministry, K. Wessel, and Church--Mission--Ministry, A. Schuetze]

Life of Luther 6 lessons. Life, times, writings, and impact of the great Reformer, Martin Luther. Emphasis given to how his teachings differed from those of the Roman Catholics. [The Monk Who Conquered Rome, J. Moldenhauer, Luther (video), Study Questions, G. Thompson]

Christian Family 8 lessons. Examination of the biblical teachings concerning marriage, obligations of husbands and wives, procreation, obligations of parents and children, and divorce. Discussion of social problems threatening the Christian family. [The Christian Family, L. Olson] 

Christian Leadership 6 lessons. The biblical teaching about leadership is studied using Paul's Letter to Titus and 3 case studies of biblical leaders: Stephen, Peter and Paul. [Christian Leadership, P. Prange] 

Biblical Worship 8 lessons. An active search of Scriptures clarifies and enlightens our understanding of worship. Includes discussion of culture and fellowship. [An Introduction to Biblical Worship, G. Thompson] 

Doctrine Topical presentation of Bible teachings including: Scripture, God, the Person and Work of Christ, Conversion, Faith, Justification, Good Works, Prayer, Election, Means of Grace, and Last Things. See "More information" for further explanation of the course and recommended study material.

Teaching 1-2 The first part includes what to teach (curriculum) and how to teach Bible class. The second part covers congregational teaching in Sunday School and Bible class. See "More information" for further explanation of the course.

Evangelism 1-3 The first part includes what to teach (curriculum) and how to teach Bible class. The second part covers congregational teaching in Sunday School and Bible class. See "More information" for further explanation of the course. 

Other Churches and Religions Comparison of our church and others. Study may include examination of appropriate traditional religions, non-Lutheran Christian churches, non-Christian churches and cults. See "More information" for further course description and recommended study material. 

CAPstone The final component of the program, the only element that is not offered locally, is the 10-day CAPstone session split between New Ulm, Minnesota, and Milwaukee and Mequon, Wisconsin. Students may participate in the CAPstone session after completing the other program requirements. Those who, for legitimate reasons, are unable to attend should contact the director to see whether alternate arrangements can be made.

The CAPstone session is typically held once a year in the summer The CAPstone session is typically held once a year in the summer. CAPstone participants will spend Saturday evening through Friday morning on the Martin Luther College campus in New Ulm studying Biblical Interpretation and Basics of Culture. Friday afternoon the group will travel to Milwaukee. On Saturday the participants will spend the day learning about and conducting ethnographic interviews for one of the local Milwaukee churches.

Sunday the group will take a tour of the Milwaukee area visiting various historic sights important to the history of WELS. Events on Monday and Tuesday will include lectures on the various organizations and boards within WELS and a tour of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. The following is a list of the CAPstone courses and the materials participants will need to read before attending CAPstone.

WELS History and Structure Brief history of WELS and its place in American church history. Overview of synodical mission statement, structure and work of its divisions. Visits to synodical headquarters and WLS as well as meeting synod leaders.Note for the WELS History and Structure Course: Prior required reading - Together in Christ: A History of the Wisconsin Ev. Lutheran Synod by John Braun. Available from the program's administrative assistant.

Basics of Culture Introduction to what culture is, how cultures vary, and how to learn to understand other cultures.Note for the Basics of Culture Course: Prior required reading - Change by E. Allen Sorum. Available from the program's administrative assistant.

Biblical Interpretation Review of principles of Bible interpretation. Examples and effects of improper interpretation. Note for the Biblical Interpretation Course: Prior required reading - Biblical Interpretation: The Only Right Way by David P. Kuske. Available from the program's administrative assistant.