…to equip the saints for works of service, building up the body of Christ.   (Ephesians 4:12)
​

The  LCMS  Pacific  Southwest  District  LAY  MINISTRY  TRAINING  PROGRAM (LMT)
Would you like to sharpen your leadership skills or take Christian discipleship deeper in your faith walk with Christ? The Lay Ministry Training program is designed to provide active church lay people with training to further equip them for effectiveness in sharing the love of Christ with others within their congregation and community.

​Filling that niche between Sunday school and seminary, there is a level of programming that is just right for you. Look over the levels of participation in the LMT program listed below, or go straight to our list of CURRENT & REQUIRED  COURSES.

Level One - Personal Growth

This level focuses on one's own personal spiritual enrichment through disciplined study. It may or may not be intended to assume a leadership role in your congregation. The cost to participate in courses on this level is only $50 for 18 hours of class instruction by an ordained parish pastor or other experienced and approved instructor.

Level Two - Parish Ministry Assistant

Congregations do well to look for and encourage gifted men and women among them who are willing to receive training for service such as visitation, evangelism, music, caregiving and other ministries. The $200 cost per course on this level leads to certification by the Pacific Southwest District President. Pastoral recommendation is required to initiate this level of participation in the LMT program. 

Level Three - Deacon

After pastoral recommendation a candidate at this level is required to take 2 additional courses above those in the other levels. A six-month mentoring program under his local pastor then qualifies the deacon-in-training to move on to screening and licensing (on an annually renewed basis) at the District Office. Cost is also $200 per course.