In partnership with Dubuque Theological Seminary, the Synod is launching a Commissioned Pastor (CRE) Training Program designed to cultivate strong, accessible, and unified preparation for Ruling Elders call to pastoral leaders across our region.
This initiative reflects a shared commitment to developing a cohesive, Synod-wide model that:
- Expands equitable access to theological and pastoral education
- Strengthens leadership pipelines for small, rural, immigrant, and under-resourced congregations
- Supports ruling elders who are discerning a call to commissioned pastoral service
- Provides mid councils with consistent, high-quality preparation for CREs and the congregations they serve
Together, this program seeks to deepen leadership capacity across the Synod while ensuring that all communities—regardless of size or context—have access to well-prepared pastoral leadership.
Learn more about the program by watching this short video.
Ready to apply? Complete your cohort application here.
