Pasque Pathway for Synod Authorized Ministers
These resources have been locally created to build courage, confidence and capacity among the Synod Authorized Ministers of the South Dakota Synod.
What is a SAM?
A Synod Authorized Minister (SAM) in the ELCA is a lay leader who has been equipped and authorized by the bishop to serve in ministry in a particular congregation or ministry setting. Many SAMs serve in rural and small-town congregations, helping ensure that communities continue to gather around Word, Sacrament, and shared life in Christ.
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Strengthen your ability to lead worship, preach, and guide the life of the congregation.
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Deepen your grounding in Lutheran theology and the mission of the ELCA.
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Develop practical tools for pastoral leadership in the real-life context of your congregation.
About the Pathway
The Pasque Pathway for Synod Authorized Ministers offers a growing library of resources in key areas of ministry, including worship, preaching, Lutheran tradition, discipleship, sacraments, and leadership. Courses are self-paced and may be taken in any order, allowing you to begin where it is most helpful in your current context.
Participation in the Pasque Pathway is expected for South Dakota SAMs as part of their ongoing formation, and includes a required membership that provides full access to courses, coaching, weekly text study, and the digital community. Lay leaders who are not SAMs are welcome to enroll in individual courses to deepen their learning, without joining the membership.
The Pasque Pathway equips individuals for ministry but does not confer SAM status. Synod Authorized Ministers are authorized and serve at the discretion of the bishop.
Introduction to Pasque Pathways
A "welcome" message from Pastor Kari.
Pasque Pathways for SAMs
South Dakota SAMs receive full access to these resources through their Pasque Pathways membership, which includes coaching, a weekly Zoom text study, a digital community, and all of the courses listed below. Lay leaders who are not SAMs are welcome to enroll in individual courses for a one-time fee to strengthen their leadership capacity.
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Luther and Lutherans: Yesterday & Today
CourseExplore Martin Luther’s Reformation and the Small Catechism. Through history, theology, and contemporary reflection, discover how Luther’s message of grace continues to shape Christian faith and the Lutheran tradition TODAY.
$50
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Stewarding the Sacraments
CourseExplore Baptism and Holy Communion in Lutheran congregational life. This course equips Synod Authorized Ministers to steward the sacraments with theological clarity, pastoral care, and faithful attention to the life of the local church
$50
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Leading Lutheran Worship
CourseWhy do we worship? What brings us together, hungry for God's word and the very presence of Christ? Join Pastor Kari as we embark together on a quest for a deeper understanding of Christian worship.
$50
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Theologians of the Cross
CourseWhatever we say about the cross, we are also saying about God. So, what does the cross mean? What can it tell us about God? How can it help us approach, understand, and know God better? Dr. David Lose invites you to learn together.
$50
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Boundaries in Ministry Settings
CourseLearn to lead with integrity, trust, and care. This boundaries course from the South Dakota Synod blends theology, humor, relevant real-life scenarios, and downloadable tools to support healthy ministries.
$50
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Called to Lead
CourseIs the Holy Spirit calling you to consider church leadership? This course will give you space to listen to that call, while offering concrete steps to help you discover your next most faithful step forward.
$50
What Folks Are Saying...
“The online platform worked really well for me, and it is very well organized. Easy to understand. Probably some of the most valuable parts are when Rev. Webb shared her personal experiences and recommendations for constructing and leading a service.”
Participant, Leading Lutheran Worship
“Everything! To go deeper, I really, really, appreciated the section on Power and Trust. I was able to think about aspects of my boundaries that I hadn't thought about as much, which has helped me to reorientate and tweak a few things so that my boundaries can be healthier and stronger. I also appreciated naming that boundary erosion happens to everyone, but what matters is recognizing the signs of erosion and take the steps to mend places of erosion.”
Participant, Boundaries in Ministry Training
“This is the best boundaries training I have done. I have done an in-person training, a Zoom training, and now this self-paced series of modules. The modules were well-thought out and clear. The information was relevant and helpful. The modules were short enough to complete in one sitting while also relaying important information in an interesting, attention-grabbing manner (the videos, images, etc.). Receiving personal feedback directly from Pastor Kari was a lovely gift, too. ”
Participant, Boundaries in Ministry Settings
“I found the course incredibly comforting. The tone of the videos was perfect, and i really appreciated the mix of reading and listening: it kept me interested the whole time. ”
Participant, Leading Lutheran Worship