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Discerning: Exploring God’s Call to Ministry
Find your vocation in God’s unfolding story
About this Course
Discerning: Exploring a Call to Ministry is designed to be your guide to navigating the nuanced process of vocational discernment.
What you’ll learn:
Do you wonder if you have a call to ministry but find yourself hesitating at the crossroads? You're not alone. Many of us seek absolute certainty before taking such a significant step, but clear-cut signs—like a thunderous voice from above—are rare.
Welcome to Discerning: Exploring a Call to Ministry, your guide to navigating the nuanced process of vocational discernment. This course is designed for anyone contemplating a path in ministry, whether in an ordained capacity or as a dedicated volunteer.
Each module is crafted to challenge you, inspire reflection, and help you map out your potential next steps. We'll address key questions about Christian vocation (spoiler alert: we all have one, whether or not it leads to full-time ministry!) and share transformative spiritual practices. These tools will help you discover where your unique gifts and passions align with God's call on your life.
Ready to embark on this journey of discernment? Join us as we explore what ministry might mean for you. It's time to transform your ponderings into purposeful action.
Modules
Welcome
Get oriented to the course, meet your instructor, download the interactive handbook, and more.
Defining Discernment
In this module, you will:
- Define discernment as an ongoing personal and communal spiritual process.
- Develop a discernment spiritual practice.
- Explore your questions around discernment.
The Call for All
In this module, you will:
- Understand more about the priesthood of believers and discernment within that.
- Rest in your identity in Christ.
- Consider your unique giftedness.
The Call's Purpose
In this module, you will:
- Learn more about the concepts of vocation and God's mission of loving the world.
- Explore ways that God called people in the Bible.
- Reflect on ways that God has spoken to you.
Discern God's Movement In Your Life
In this module, you will:
- Define and develop the ways that you have been designed.
- Reflect on the Body of Christ.
- Reflect on your experiences and talents.
The Call to Public Ministry
In this module, you will:
- Develop skills for listening around public ministry.
- Listen to God.
- Practice listening to others around this idea of call, especially in the area of ordination.
Slow Down and Listen
In this module, you will:
- Learn the importance of God's timing.
- Appreciate God's patience.
- Develop habits of slowing down and listening.
Practice and Experiment
In this module, you will:
- Learn about the pattern of action and reflection.
- Pray for God's leading.
- Experiment with what you have learned.
Seasons and Chapters
In this module, you will:
- Consider life and ministry stages.
- Thank God for God's faithfulness.
- Develop strategies for re-examination.
Completing the Course
Find out your next steps as you complete the course. You'll also be encouraged to submit feedback about your course.
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- Modules:
10 Modules
- Format:
Self-Paced, On-Demand
- Access:
Lifetime Access
Get to Know Your Instructors
Terri Elton
Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Leadership
Terri Martinson Elton began teaching at Luther Seminary as an adjunct instructor in 2004 before becoming the director of the Center for Children, Youth and Family Ministry in 2008. In addition to her continued work with the Center, Elton accepted the position of associate professor of Children, Youth and Family Ministry in 2010 and associate professor of Leadership in 2014.
Prior to her call to Luther Seminary, Elton served as an associate to the bishop in the Saint Paul Area Synod where her responsibilities included working with congregations, leadership development, First Call theological education and youth and family ministry.
Before her work in the synod, she served at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville, Minn. for 16 years. While at Prince of Peace she worked in various roles within children, youth and family ministries, as well as served as the director of Changing Church Forum, an outreach ministry of Prince of Peace. She also authored To Know, To Live, To Grow, a confirmation curriculum, and co-authored What Really Matters, a book for congregational leaders, with the Rev. Mike Foss.
Elton holds a B.A. degree in communications from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn. (1986). She earned both her M.A. (1998) and Ph.D. (2007) degrees in Congregational Mission and Leadership from Luther Seminary.
Elton’s research and teaching interests include: congregational leadership, leading in the midst of change and conflict, helping ministry leaders craft a missional ecclesiology with an eye toward the First Third of Life, awakening a vibrant theology of baptism and vocation and reimagining faith and mission practices for children, youth, young adults and their families.
Elton is a member of the Academy of Religious Leadership, the Association of Youth Ministry Educators, the ELCA Youth Ministry Network and the American Society of Missiology and is on the board for Real Resources. Elton spends much of her time working with congregations and congregational leaders and seeks out opportunities for enhancing ministry with those in the First Third of Life within the ELCA.
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What to Expect with a Faith+Lead Academy Course
You’ll get a transformative learning experience that combines trustworthy theological teaching with spiritual practices, interactive elements, and a supportive online community.
Know
Expand your theological toolkit with fresh insights for today’s ministry landscape. Connect timeless wisdom with practical frameworks for navigating change.
Be
Do
Practice skills to lead confidently in your ministry context. Take actionable steps to invite your community into God’s unfolding story.
Every Academy course is designed to
Help your growth in one of these core areas:
Develop a Christ-centered identity, grounded in theology, scripture, and spiritual practice, that empowers community members to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in everyday life.
Tell the story of Jesus and invite neighbors into Jesus’ way of life and love through words and actions they can recognize.
Listen deeply, name God’s presence in the midst of everyday life, and form life-giving relationships across all dimensions of diversity—both within and beyond the church.
Through mutual relationships with the neighbors among whom you’re hosted, join in acts of compassion, justice, and reconciliation as a witness to the ministry of Jesus—especially in places of suffering and despair.
Harness skills of agile leadership, stewardship, fundraising, entrepreneurism, and management to be nimble enough to respond to a changing cultural landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect when I take an Academy course?
Academy courses consist of 6-10 lessons or modules, each walking you through the “know, be, do” learning framework. You’ll learn some new information with instructor videos and other resources (know). You’ll engage in a spiritual practice that will help you develop your faith around the topic (be). Then, you’ll be asked to apply what you’ve learned through activities completed online or in the “real world” (do).
How long will it take me to complete a course?
Each module is designed to take 15-45 minutes. Some learners complete the course in as little as one day. Some do a module a day or even a module a week. We suggest allowing some time between modules to process what you are learning, but not so much time that you lose momentum.
What resources are available if I’m a group leader?
Each course includes a flexible leader’s guide with multiple pathways for group facilitation. You’ll find thought-provoking discussion questions and practical activities that connect faith with daily life, designed to work with whatever preparation time you have available. These resources equip you to foster meaningful discipleship experiences that meet your community where they are.
What do I need to know about the free private online social group?
The private online group allows you to connect with others. Because our courses don’t have a required start or stop date, you will encounter others in different places in the course and even in different courses altogether. This is by design. Feel free to interact as much or as little as you like.
What should I do if I have questions or problems with my registration?
Reach out via email to faithlead@luthersem.edu with your question and we’ll get back to you with a response within two business days.
What if I have a suggestion or request for a course topic?
The best way to connect with us is to complete this form with your suggestion. We always want to hear your feedback. You may also include it in the comments section of the course evaluation.
Don’t see your question addressed?
Email us at faithlead@luthersem.edu for more information. We’ll be delighted to connect!