Mission Training Center/L.A.P. Information

Prerequisites for Training

Be "discipled" as a fellow sojourner, as a partner in ministry, alongside others who are seeking Christian formation and service opportunities locally or globally.

Mission Training Center/L.A.P. admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin.

The general rule for taking lay training is:

  1. The student must be 18 years of age with a high school diploma. In some instances the diploma requirement can be waived based on significant life experience in a Christian setting.
  2. In order to become a certified licensed deacon under the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod the student must be a member of a congregation of the LCMS. People of other denominations may take Mission Training Center/L.A.P. training but the Northwest District cannot certify them for ministry.
  3. Every student must have the permission of either their pastor or their congregation to enter training. We desire to support local ministry, not compete with it. Experience has shown us that students who enter training without congregational approval often want to use their training in their local church but cannot, creating problems and tensions.
  4. Every student, upon completion of a course, is certified to do the ministry taught in that course. All students work under the supervision of an ordained pastor. Students unwilling to minister under supervision are advised against going into the lay training.

How to Register

Mission Training Center/L.A.P. currently has several models of making its courses available to enrollees. First, the Metropolitan Model is available to people in more populous areas such as Portland, Seattle, and Spokane. Courses are offered in a central place, taught by a selected instructor, and within a restricted period of time.

The second model is the Congregational Model. The Mission Training Center/L.A.P. curriculum courses may be included in the educational offerings of a congregation. The course is open to all members of the congregation, but special assignments are given to those enrolled in the Mission Training Center/L.A.P..

The third model is the Video/Mentoring Model. This model concentrates on courses designed around a video program and a study guide with guidance through the class work assisted by a pastor or another mentor. The videos and study guides are available through the Mission Training Center/L.A.P. office only for Old Testament, New Testament, and Christian Faith.

To enroll in the above three models of courses or to attend Concordia University, Portland for the same courses without college credit, please click on the printable application and contact Lenette Schuldheisz at lschuldheisz@cu-portland.edu or 509-485-2211.

The fourth model is the Internet Model. The courses are taught by a variety of pastors and at a specific time so that all interested may connect with the class through the Internet. A good internet connection and a headset with a microphone are needed. A local pastor mentors the student. Apply using the application link above or here.

To enroll for online courses go to Mission Training Center/L.A.P. Online Course Enrollment http://www.nowlcms.org/Expandingministries/LAP/default.aspx

Course Fees

The fee for the each course is $225.00 plus books. Books may be purchased or borrowed from wherever the student can find them. The fee may be paid online (secure link [BLUE button] on enrollment form) or made out to Leadership Advancement Process and mailed to 23 W. Lost Lake Road, Tonasket WA 98855.