Expectations of Participants

Every ELCA program of FCTE will include four components. Each participant will be expected to complete:

Core program of 25 contact hours (one "contact hour" equals 50 minutes of educational activity to meet the goals of the program).
Electives directed toward specific needs and interests totaling 25 contact hours.
Mentoring and/or colleague groups for peer support and guidance.
Structured reading which supports and extends the other educational components and overall goals of the program.

In addition, during their first call, participants of the program are required to:

Attend core events sponsored by their synod or region
Participate in a colleague group on a regular basis
Work with congregational committee (Mutual Ministry Committee, Parish Support Committee, etc.) to develop a "learning covenant" and select continuing education electives. These should benefit the congregation's ministry goals as well as one's own professional development goals
Commit to sharing with the congregation one's learnings from FCTE
Set aside some personal continuing education funds