Seminarians (Czech, Polish, Slovak, Serbian, Croatian, Slovenian, Russian, Romanian) from Lutheran Seminaries in Central Europe apply to the program if they are interested in gaining an immersive ministry experience in a Lutheran Congregation in the United States, thereby broadening their cultural exposure as well as improving their English. The synod conducts an interview process that screens them for eligibility based on their skill and achievements, and then assesses their talents and strengths (interest in liturgy, music, youth work, senior work, etc.), so that the synod may place them in a congregation that is mutually suitable. They provide us with their medical history. Their application is only given final approval when they receive signatory endorsements from their Seminary Dean and their Presiding Bishop. Once all endorsements are received, we begin the placement process.

We seek congregations that will be willing to accept a seminarian for three months, roughly from mid June to mid September—depending on when seminary classes and examinations end for the academic year. The congregation is financially responsible for the airfare of the seminarian, roughly $1000, depending on when the congregation applies and which U.S. airport is the final destination for the seminarian’s travel.

We expect the seminarian to shadow the pastor initially, making visits to hospitals, nursing homes, parishioners, etc. They are also to fully participate in worship services by reading lessons, or conducting the assisting minister potions of the liturgy where practiced, and ultimately preaching at least once during their stay. Someone is usually appointed to help the seminarian with the lessons and liturgy to ensure full understanding, and correct pronunciation, etc. They are expected to assist in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Adult Forums, Soup Kitchens, or any other parish or community outreach events and programs. All of this varies depending on the congregation and the mentor pastor. Some congregations have had their seminarian attend youth gatherings, synod assemblies, confirmation camps, etc. By their own (home) church’s rule, they are not allowed to celebrate/preside over Holy Communion.

Following U.S. State Department rules, the seminarian is required to write weekly about their activities on a blog site we host for them, Seminarian Sentiments. The blogging is casual, not formal, and allows those interested in the program, as well as parishioners of congregations already participating, to stay updated with their seminarian’s activities week to week. At the end of August, an open book exam is administered to the seminarian and is based on the Manual on the Liturgy, available from Augsburg Fortress Press. This ensures their familiarity with the American liturgy.

Meet some of our past students

Meet just a few of the over 130 to-date students that have participated in this exchange, and hear them reflect on their experiences in American churches. Get your congregation involved, and see for yourself the effect that this experience will have on an upcoming scholar, as well as the ripple effect it will have on the churches they will one day serve.

A. Parish Summer Program for Student Immersion:

The congregation covers the costs of round-trip airfare, provides a host family (or families) for room and board, health insurance (approximately $230 per month), and provides a modest stipend for the student’s personal expenses during this educational experience. On our side of things, we’ll conduct interviews and select an appropriate student, matching the strengths and interests of the student with the gifts of the congregation. We also manage travel arrangements, obtain the necessary endorsement from the student’s Church body and seminary administration, and more (including official visitations, visa(s), communications, etc.). We handle the logistics so that your congregation, as well as the student, can immerse itself in this experience.