Synod Authorized Ministry (SAM)
Protocol for Lay Ministers.
About the Program
The Synod Authorized Ministry (SAM) Program of the Upstate New York Synod identifies and nurtures the gifts God has given God’s people for public ministry. The SAM Program of the Upstate New York Synod is an implementation of Synod Authorized Ministry as described in the Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
§ 7.31.10
Synod Authorized Ministry. When need exists to render Word and Sacrament ministry for a congregation or ministry of this church where it is not feasible to provide rostered ministers of Word and Sacrament, the synod bishop—acting with the consent of the congregation or ministry, in consultation with the Synod Council, and in accord with standards and qualifications developed by the appropriate churchwide unit, reviewed by the Conference of Bishops, and approved by the Church Council—may authorize a person who is a member of a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to offer this ministry. Such an individual shall be supervised by a minister of Word and Sacrament appointed by the synod bishop; such service shall be rendered during its duration under the sacramental authority of the bishop as the synod’s pastor. Such an individual will be trained to fulfill this ministry for a specified period of time and in a given location only. Authorization, remuneration, direct supervision, and accountability are to be determined by the appropriate synod leadership according to churchwide standards and qualifications for this type of ministry. Authorization for such service shall be reviewed annually and renewed only when a demonstrated need remains for its continuation
Role Definitions
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Synod Authorized Minister (SAM)
A person raised up as a leader in the church who has been vetted, trained, and authorized to serve as a lay minister in organizations of the Upstate New York Synod. We distinguish between Certified SAMs, who primarily serve as worship leaders and lay preachers in pastoral absences, and Assigned SAMs, who serve a single congregation or ministry setting for an extended period of time under the supervision of a rostered minister of Word and Sacrament.
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Students & Mentors
SAM Student: an enrolled student who has not completed their studies.
Certified SAM: a SAM who has completed their studies and is certified for ministry. These SAMs are available to supply preach and/or preside with permission from the bishop.
Assigned SAM: a SAM who has completed studies, is certified for ministry, and is assigned by the bishop to serve a congregation or ministry setting.
SAM Mentor: an ordained ELCA pastor working with SAM Student(s) or certified SAM(s)
SAM Supervisor: an ordained ELCA pastor supervising an assigned SAM.
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Congregational Authorized Lay Minister (CALM)
A lay leader serving in their home congregation under the direction of their pastor. CALMs are not under the direct supervision of the SAM program, but if they are presiding over the Sacrament of Holy Communion the pastor must seek authorization from the Office of the Bishop. The Office of the Bishop may request a copy of the congregation’s background check performed on the CALM or certification from the pastor that the CALM has a clear, recent, background check.
Note that “CALM” is not intended to be a formal title for persons in local ministries. Rather, it is a group descriptor for many different local ministries. Within the congregation, we encourage language specific to the area of service. Some possible examples include: “Lay Eucharistic Minister,” “Lay Preacher,” “Visitation Team,” etc.
Become a Certified SAM
Certification Start
Read the SAM Student and Certified SAM sections of the SAM Manual and familiarize yourself with the requirements of the SAM Student Program.
Discuss the possibility with your pastor.
Contact Deacon Rachel Sosebee, Lay Ministry Administrator for a conversation prior to submitting an application. mobility@upstatenysynod.org