Application for Advanced Lay Ministries

Screening Questions

As an Advanced Lay Minister, I understand that I will be held accountable to the synod's bishop and the Advanced Lay Ministry (ALM) leadership team regarding "this church's expectations for my speech and conduct set forth in Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline of Rostered Ministers." I understand that I am responsible for informing my bishop regarding any circumstance that might subject me to discipline according to Definitions and Guidelines were I a rostered minister. I understand that the bishop and the ALM leadership team may modify my ALM status in response to my speech and conduct.
Have you ever been terminated or resigned from any employment or volunteer activities due to accusations of misconduct, whether financial, sexual, ethical, or other improper behavior?

YesNo
Have you ever engaged in, been accused or charged with, or convicted of a crime, or illegal conduct, including conduct resulting in suspension or revocation of your driver's license?

YesNo
Have you been convicted of sexual molestation, sexual harassment, child neglect or abuse, spousal neglect or abuse, or financial improprieties.

YesNo
Is there additional information that would assist the SAM Leadership Team in considering your application or that you believe the Leadership Team should know?

YesNo

ENTRANCE ESSAY
The entrance essay is an autobiographical reflection that should contain insights and understandings gained during the period of discernment leading to your decision to apply to the Advanced Lay Ministry Program of the North Carolina Synod. You are asked only to provide an honest assessment of your current self-understanding of your journey thus far and your hope for the future. Your essay will provide the Leadership Team with background that will help guide your interview.

For each question, please enter your responses in a single document that is double-spaced using 12-point font. You will be able to upload your essay before you submit this form.
1. Provide a brief autobiography that includes your faith formation, and current life situation.
2. Describe your relationship with Jesus Christ.
3. Describe your journey of discernment. What have you learned about yourself, the church, and the world?
4. What interests you about becoming an Advanced Lay Minister (ALM)?
5. What obstacles might limit or derail your participation?
6. What gifts or skills has God given you which will influence your ministry as an ALM?
7. How do you see yourself serving as an ALM?
Bring a copy of your essay to your Entrance interview.
Upload Entrance Essay.

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I state that the information in this application is true and correct. I hereby apply for entrance into the process for becoming an Advanced Lay Minister.

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AUTHORIZATION AND RELEASE
I authorize any references, supervisors, ELCA agencies, congregations, or any other person or organization to give any information, including opinions, regarding my character and fitness for ministry to the ALM Leadership Team of the North Carolina Synod, ELCA. I also release any individual, employer, church, reference, or any other person or organization providing information from any and all liability for damage of whatever kind of nature that may exist at any time on account of compliance or any attempts to comply with this authorization, excepting only the communication of knowingly false information.

An email attachment of this signed form, a facsimile, or photocopy of this authorization shall be as valid as the original.
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Application for Advanced Lay Ministries Program