Teaching Ministry Certification
A Program for Teachers Who Wish to Teach in WELS Schools
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
2 Timothy 2:2
Having grown up attending WELS schools, I had a solid foundation
Certification courses helped me realize that
The professors guided me through more complex
classroom skills and philosophical explorations that have shaped my teaching ministry deeply.”
How is the work of a teacher in a WELS school unique?
Teaching in any school is a wonderful way to honor God and serve children and families. Teaching in a WELS school carries an additional responsibility: the spiritual nurture of children and their families. This task includes . . .
• teaching God’s Word accurately and in accord with the Lutheran Confessions;
• applying law and gospel correctly to children’s lives;
• teaching all lessons in the light of God’s Word;
• ministering to the spiritual needs of children and their families; and
• serving as a spiritual leader in the congregation and school.
Teachers in WELS schools, then, should be WELS members who are both skilled at teaching and also possess a deep understanding of God’s Word and Lutheran doctrine. This instruction prepares them for the gospel ministry they do in their classrooms, a ministry they see as a great privilege and joy.
“ I worked for seven years as a kindergarten aide and saw the blessings of teaching about our Lord and Savior to his lambs. In my teaching ministry certification courses, I was blessed to learn more about my Savior and how to teach his Word to those in my care. I now teach 2-year-olds, and I may be the first one to teach a little one about Jesus. It’s very rewarding at the end of each year when the children know that Jesus died on the cross to take away their sins and rose again.”
Michelle Schoeller
PreK teacher
Bethany Fort Atkinson WI
Graduate of University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
How does one become a called WELS teacher?
By divine call. WELS teachers are called by a congregation or school under the auspices of one of the 12 WELS district presidents. District presidents oversee matters of doctrine and practice, so it’s their responsibility to authorize candidates for public ministry, approve their calling, and ensure they serve faithfully.
How does one prepare for a divine call?
MLC: The majority of teachers in WELS schools have graduated from Martin Luther College, whose sole mission is to instill the habits of mind and heart required of gospel ministers.
Teaching Ministry Certification: Sometimes teachers who received their degrees from other colleges wish to teach in a WELS school. Already being qualified as teachers, they need only complete the ministry certification.
Most often, teachers are called to WELS schools after completing their ministry training through MLC or through ministry certification. In cases where a teacher prepared for gospel ministry is not available, a district president may permit a congregation or school to issue a provisional call to a qualified teacher. By accepting the provisional call, the teacher agrees to complete teaching ministry certification within six years.
“ I took one class on the MLC campus during summer break, one class in person at St. Marcus, and one or two classes online. I especially appreciated the review of doctrine in the late Prof. Lyle Lange’s class. Another great aspect was the contagious enthusiasm for teaching (and reading!) of Prof. Jon Roux.”
Emily Baxter
Former teacher
Zion South Milwaukee WI
Graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran College
What does teaching ministry certification entail?
Teaching ministry certification provides assurance that the teacher . . .
• is a WELS member in good standing who faithfully makes use of the means of grace;
• holds the proper teaching credentials (bachelor’s degree or license) for the called responsibilities;
• is able to teach;
• knows and can apply the Word of God, Christian doctrine, and the Lutheran Confessions in a Lutheran school setting; and
• has received the same ministry training as graduates of Martin Luther College.
Teaching ministry certification provides ministry training only, not an education degree or teaching license. It’s only available to those who are already teachers.
The certification process requires 18 credits through Martin Luther College. Most courses can be completed online, and the others can be completed at a location near you. In some situations, a teacher may need to come to MLC to complete a course.
Certification candidates are also required to demonstrate their ability to teach and apply God’s Word in all aspects of teaching and classroom management as a culminating experience. Their principals are asked to observe in their classrooms and complete an evaluation form to complete this requirement.
“ I really appreciated the diversity of learners in the courses I had to take at MLC. Some of the students were still in college, others had been in education many years, some were new to WELS, and some were lifelong WELS members but new to ministry. The different backgrounds of the people enrolled in the classes really brought a wide variety of perspectives and insights that I truly valued.”
Patrick Hurley
Principal & Development Director
Grace Christian Academy Falls Church VA
Graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran College
What are the teaching ministry certification courses?
18 CREDITS
K-16 Teachers
Biblical History & Literature I (3cr)
18 CREDITS
ECE Directors
Biblical History & Literature I (3cr)
18 CREDITS
ECE Teachers
Old Testament
Bible Lessons (2cr)
Biblical History & Literature II (3cr)
Biblical History & Literature II (3cr)
New Testament
Bible Lessons (2cr)
Biblical History & Literature III (3cr)
Biblical History & Literature III (3cr)
Christian Doctrine I (3cr)
Christian Doctrine I (3cr)
Christian Doctrine II (3cr)
Christian Doctrine II (3cr)
Grounded in Scripture (3cr)
Christian Education (5cr)
ECE Music & Worship (1cr)
Home & School Relationships (1cr)
Roles/Responsibilities of
Lutheran ECE (1cr)
ECE in Outreach (1cr)
ECE Bible Story Telling (1cr)
EC Education (6cr)
18 CREDITS
Graduate Theology
Certificate – All Levels
Old Testament Theology (3cr)
New Testament Theology (3cr)
Biblical Hermeneutics (3cr)
History of Christianity (3cr)
Systematic Theology (3cr)
Foundations of Ministry (3cr)
Principles of Christian Ed (3cr)
Choose 3 credits:
ECE Music & Worship (1cr)
Home & School Relationships (1cr)
Roles/Responsibilities of
Lutheran ECE (1cr)
ECE in Outreach (1cr)
ECE Bible Story Telling (1cr)
Preprimary Curriculum I (1cr)
Preprimary Curriculum II (1cr)
Operation & Management of ECE (1cr)
Assessment of Young Children (2cr)
Physical & Motor Devel’t (1cr)
Intel, Social & Emotional Devel’t (1cr)
Health & Safety in EC (1cr)
Encouraging Literacy Devel’t (1cr)
Frequently Asked Questions
If I’m already a highly qualified teacher and lifelong WELS member, why do I need to get ministry certified?
Teaching ministry certification ensures that you’ve been thoroughly instructed in God’s Word, Christian doctrine, the Lutheran Confessions, law and gospel application, and integration of the Word into all subjects taught in the classroom. Most people, no matter how well-qualified they are as teachers or how devoted they are to the Lord, do not possess the depth of understanding in God’s Word expected of called gospel ministers.
It feels as if WELS doesn’t value me as a real teacher unless I’ve gone through MLC.
District presidents and calling bodies recognize and celebrate all teaching gifts God gives, and they’re grateful to all institutions that prepare men and women to teach. But they also recognize that
teaching in WELS schools requires not only an education degree or license, but also thorough instruction in God’s Word and the Lutheran Confessions. As the WELS College of Ministry, MLC has been tasked by the synod to provide that instruction. When all teachers in WELS schools have received the same thorough religious instruction, we enjoy a unity of confession and practice that other church bodies’ school systems do not enjoy.
If I’m an early childhood teacher, should I pursue teaching ministry certification or the CDA credential through MLC’s Early Educator Series?
The two programs share content, so a teacher can work on both at the same time.
“
I’ve taken both online courses and courses offered at St. Marcus. I approached the courses like a Bible study—to strengthen my faith and gain a deeper understanding of doctrine and the Lutheran Confessions.”
April Richter
North Campus Principal
St. Marcus
Milwaukee
Graduate of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee & Alverno College
Why do early childhood directors and teachers need such extensive ministry training?
Because early childhood directors provide spiritual direction for the staff and minister to parents, many of whom are nonmembers, a solid foundation in God’s Word and doctrine is essential. A director’s certification qualifies for K-16 as well. Early childhood teachers have modified training requirements. Because their duties are primarily teaching Bible lessons and carrying out gospel ministry in the classroom, their courses focus on practical applications of God’s Word. Some pedagogical training is also included for those who have not formally prepared for teaching young children.
Can I transfer my credits from another Lutheran college into my certification program?
Yes. We accept all applicable credits earned at Wisconsin Lutheran College and Bethany Lutheran College. The deans of these colleges have agreed upon the courses that have content similar to the teaching ministry certification courses and are therefore transferable. Religion
courses that do not have the same content, such as Introduction to Christianity, would not be transferable. Religion courses from colleges not in our fellowship are not transferable.
What is recertification?
Ministry-certified teachers who step out of called ministry for a while need to be recertified before entering called ministry again. Recertification varies, depending on how long a person has been out of the WELS classroom, but generally it involves 1) seeking permission from the district president and 2) demonstrating how teaching and ministry skills remain sharp. Once the district president is satisfied a teacher is ready, he authorizes the teacher as a candidate for calls into ministry.
“
I had gotten my degree from Concordia College (LCMS). I was on the MLC campus for two summer classes. I think all education is important, so I did find the classes worthwhile. The professors were excellent.”
Heidi Rixe Teacher
St. Paul Norfolk NE
Graduate of Concordia University Wisconsin
Teaching Ministry Certification is a program of the WELS Conference of Presidents facilitated by Martin Luther College. For more information, contact: Office of Teaching Ministry Certification teachingministrycert@mlc-wels.edu 507.354.8221
“ Although I’d attended Lutheran grade school and high school, I appreciated the depth of knowledge our professors brought to class. It was amazing to hear and learn. I cannot say that I pull out my Doctrine I or II notes often now, but I know I gained new insights and a deepening of context that gave and still gives me confidence in relaying the truths of the Word to others .”
Michael Koestler Principal Shoreland LHS Graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato