SAM Initial Ministry Agreement

SAM Initial Ministry Agreement
Between
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and
Enter Congregation Name
on

Month Day Year
Enter or select Date
to December 31 of
Enter year

The Initial SAM Ministry Agreement will begin on the date agreed to by the SAM and the congregation council and end the following December 31. If this agreement is entered into in October, November, or December, it will be up for renewal on December 31 of the following year. SAM Ministry Renewal Agreements are dated from January 1 to December 31.

In Holy Baptism we are called by the promise of God into a relationship of faith toward God and love toward one another. This relationship finds expression in our gathering as congregations of the church to hear God's Word, eat and drink at the Lord's Table, and minister to the needs of the community and God's world.

As Lutheran congregations, we set apart and equip persons to lead and assist us in our ministry: to preach, teach, comfort, and guide us in and with the love of God, and to oversee the events and activities of our life in Christ. Our Confessions identify those set apart for such service as ordained Ministers of Word and Sacrament.

The ELCA recognizes that in certain circumstances, leadership by an ordained pastor may not be a possibility. In such circumstances, it falls to the bishop to ensure that Word and Sacrament ministry is provided. This church provides for the appointment and authorization of properly prepared laypersons to provide this ministry as an extension of the bishop's office.

Certified Synod Authorized Ministers (SAMs) have been identified, instructed, and equipped for service in a congregation when full or part-time pastoral services are not available or where ministry needs exceed the resources of the present leadership. Assigned SAMs may be authorized for sacraments, funerals, and weddings—for their congregation(s) only—according to the policies of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the North Carolina Synod. Sacramental authorization must be renewed annually.

As a Synod Authorized Minister, I promise before God:
- To be under the direct supervision of an ordained pastor on the roster of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and meet with this pastor at least monthly.
- To assist where needed in the church. To visit with members, prospective members, and non-members, as needed.
- To visit people in hospitals, nursing homes, and the homebound, as needed.
- To work with the church council and committees in pursuing the ministry of the parish.
- To remain in consultation with synod staff throughout the ministry.
- To be accountable to the bishop in all matters of professional ethics and practice by adhering to Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline.
- To abide by the policies of the SAM Program.
The goals of our shared ministry will be:
- To support ministry in daily life of the membership.
- To carry out the mission of the congregation.
- To address specific needs of the congregation/community where needed.
- To proclaim God's love and good news.
- To strengthen our ties with the North Carolina Synod.
- To strengthen our ties with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

The Congregation, North Carolina Synod, and Synod Authorized Minister acknowledge the following conditions:
The Synod Authorized Minister (SAM) is anticipated to work
Enter hours per week
According to the following schedule:
If housing is needed, describe the arrangement:
COMPENSATION

Choose (1) monthly salary or (2) per worship service/hourly rate.
OPTION 1: A monthly salary of $
Enter dollar amount
payable on the
OPTION 2: Worship services at the rate of $150 (this includes sermon prep, Sunday morning tasks, leading worship, and preaching). An additional service using the same readings and the same sermon is compensated at $50.
AND

$22 per hour for any time worked on Sunday afternoon and evening, and any time worked during the week.
MILEAGE

Auto reimbursement at the prevailing IRS rate for ministry-related work and travel.
[Click this link for IRS standard mileage rates.]

BENEFITS
- Vacation: SAMs should receive two weeks, plus Sundays, for vacation. Vacation time is scheduled in consultation with the congregation council.
- Other leave: Should be negotiated between the SAM and the congregation council and documented here.
- Continuing Education: SAMs should be provided a continuing education allowance of $300 each year, plus 5 days. Continuing education time is scheduled in consultation with the congregation council.
- The congregation pays registration, room, meal, and travel expenses for the SAM to represent the congregation at meetings and events such as synod assemblies, theological conferences, and other official meetings requiring pastoral attendance.
Reimbursement of ministry expenses incurred (i.e., postage, cell phone, etc.); specify:
Supervising Pastor
The SAM will work under the supervision of:
Enter Pastor's Name
Congregation
Enter congregation's name and location

SAM INITIAL MINISTRY AGREEMENT SIGNATURES
Synod Authorized Minister (SAM)
Print Name
Date

Month Day Year
Date
Signature

Clear
President of the Congregation Council
Print Name
Date

Month Day Year
Date
Signature

Clear
Reviewed and approved by Bishop
Print Name
Date

Month Day Year
Date
Should be Empty:

SAM Initial Ministry Agreement

The Congregation, North Carolina Synod, and Synod Authorized Minister acknowledge the following conditions:

COMPENSATION

Supervising Pastor

SAM INITIAL MINISTRY AGREEMENT SIGNATURES