What is a Synod Authorized Minister (SAM)?
A SAM, or Synodically Authorized Minister, is a lay person identified by a congregation and approved by the Bishop and the Candidacy Committee to assist a church in preaching, visitation, teaching, and/or presiding at communion in a specific location for a specific amount of time when it is not feasible to provide a minister of Word and Sacrament. In some settings, a SAM may provide support and be part of a ministry team alongside a called pastor. In others, they may be the primary minister. SAMs are valuable leaders and their ministry and leadership is unique and vital to our congregations and the wider church.
A Synod Authorized Minister is Not…
- An ordained pastor or deacon.
- An intentional interim pastor.
- “A cheap way to fill the pulpit” (or in any other way devalue the SAM’s gifts or ministry.)
- A way to avoid conversations about current and future ministry realities: shared ministry, holy closure, etc.
- The Synod’s or the ELCA’s plan to replace clergy at a fraction of the cost
Braham Evangelical Lutheran, Braham, is hosting the Minneapolis Area Synod’s first Synodically Authorized Minister!