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Home » Growing in Faith » The ELCA and Education » Lifelong Learning » First Call Theological Education » Program Goals

The three goal areas for learning in First Call Theological Education are:

Ministerial Identity
Assume a religious leadership role and finding a balance between ministerial and personal identity.

Ministry Skills
Learn how to provide leadership for the variety of functions in the life of a congregation or agency being served.

Context of Ministry
Discover the history, values, and commitments that shape ministry in this particular place.

Learning in FCTE involves theological reflection, experimental learning and learning from peers and colleagues as well as from congregational leaders. The congregation is considered part of the broad theological education network, providing a context for mutual learning between rostered leaders and congregational leaders for the purpose of strengthening faith commitments of members. Such mutuality can result in revitalizing mission and ministry within the congregation and to the broader community.

Synods and regional FCTE efforts design their own core learning programs, building on the above three churchwide goal areas. These core programs often take place in retreat settings where participants can have stimulating conversations with synod leaders, workshop leaders, and peers as well as receive spiritual nurture through worship, walks in nature, and quiet meditative time.