Ministry Belongs to God’s People
Why We’re Launching a Ministry Apprenticeship Pathway
- The problem: Ministry out of reach
There is no shortage of people who love God’s Word, care about the gospel, and want to serve the church. But all too often, there is no clear path for people to serve. At St. Mark, we try to make your next step as clear as possible. But for some, that call to ministry feels bigger than just a volunteer position. How do you find your way to something more?
It can seem like ministry is for professionals – people with degrees, titles, a formal role. And if you feel that internal call to ministry and you don’t have that, you wonder where you fit. Meanwhile, gifts go underused, leaders are overstretched, and we have people eager to serve without knowing how. This isn’t a problem of willingness or faithfulness, it’s just a lack of clear pathways into ministry.
I’ve heard people say, “I want to serve more, I just don’t know what that looks like.” I’ve sat with people who say, “I feel called to ministry, but I just can’t make the schooling work right now.” One person told me, “I think I don’t know enough to be able to do what you do.”
Those thoughts are both a potential beginning and a potential, depending on how the conversation continues. If no new options are presented, the desire for ministry fizzles and dies. But if we can find some way to open a door, maybe even a few doors, it can be the start of a new season of life.
- The opportunity: We have wisdom and experience at our disposal
Our churches are rich with resources. We have pastors, teachers, and staff ministers who are deeply trained, experienced, and eager to invest in others. We have congregations where real ministry is happening every week. We have a confessional theological heritage that takes both doctrine and vocation seriously.
The opportunity is simple but powerful: connect willing learners with faithful mentors in real ministry settings.
- The precedent: This is how the church grows
This approach is not new. In the early church, ministry formation happened through life together: teaching, mentoring, shared work, and shared faith. Paul trained Timothy. Older believers shaped younger ones. Leaders were formed not only through instruction, but through example, practice, and accountability. We’re not innovating something completely new, we’re resurrecting an ancient, biblical method of ministry development.
- The solution: A mentored pathway into ministry
Ministry Apprenticeship is a flexible, mentored pathway for people who sense a calling to ministry but are not pursuing traditional, residential training programs.
Rather than beginning with a job title or credential, the program begins with formation and discernment. Participants grow in Scripture, are grounded in confessional Lutheran theology, and serve in real ministry contexts while being guided by experienced mentors.
Participation includes:
- Regular cohort learning and discussion
- Guided study of Scripture and theology
- One-on-one mentoring relationships
- Hands-on ministry involvement shaped to each participant’s gifts and context
- Ongoing reflection on calling, character, and readiness
The goal is not speed or credentials. The goal is readiness—to serve faithfully, lead humbly, teach confidently, and continue growing throughout a lifetime of Christian service.
- Reasonable questions—and honest answers
Is this just another Bible study?
No. This is a ministry training and discernment pathway. Scripture study is central, but always connected to formation, mentoring, and real service.
Is this a degree or certification program?
No. Ministry Apprenticeship is not an academic degree. It is a formation-focused pathway that prepares people for service and, if desired, can support future pursuit of formal certification.
Who is this for?
This pathway is especially well suited for adults with life experience—those already serving in congregations, second-career adults, or individuals seeking a local, mentored approach to ministry preparation.
How much time does it take?
The commitment is meaningful but designed to be manageable alongside work, family, and church life. Participants should expect to devote roughly 12 hours per week to learning, mentoring, and ministry.
What kinds of ministry does this lead to?
Rather than assuming one outcome, the program helps participants explore teaching, discipleship, outreach, care, leadership, and support roles—while discerning how God has uniquely gifted them.
An open door, not a pressure point
Ministry Apprenticeship is not for everyone. But for those who have felt a nudge—a question they can’t quite shake—it offers a faithful next step.
Ministry does not belong only to professionals.
It belongs to God’s people.
And when those people are formed, mentored, and supported, the church—and the world—are blessed.