ELCA Associate in Ministry Theological Education

Overview

Trinity Lutheran College offers courses that may fulfill the theological education requirements for becoming an Associate in Ministry (AIM). An AIM is a person recognized, commissioned, and called by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) as a lay minister in the area of social service, the arts, Christian education, youth ministry, administration, or other area of specialized ministry. Requirements for commissioning include a bachelor’s degree, basic theological education, 600 hours of approved supervised field experience, and approval for call by the ELCA. Interested persons are advised to contact their synod’s candidacy committee before enrolling in courses.

Options for completing theological education

The following are suggested courses the college offers that may meet AIM theological education requirements. Interested persons must first contact their synod’s candidacy committee to determine appropriate courses.

Biblical Studies – Old Testament
RELI 103      Altar and Street
RELI 201      Creation and New Creation
RELI 202      Light of the World
RELI 322      History of Ancient Israel
RELI 323      Prophetic Literature
RELI 324      Wisdom Literature

Biblical Studies – New Testament
RELI 101      Faith and Discipleship
RELI 103      Altar and Street
RELI 201      Creation and New Creation
RELI 202      Light of the World
RELI 331      Luke-Acts
RELI 332      Pauline Literature
RELI 336      Hebrews and General Epistles
RELI 337      Johannine Literature

Lutheran Theology & Confessional Writings
(none currently offered)

Introductory Systematic Theology
RELI 343      History of Christian Thought

Lutheran Church History
HIST 210      The Church & Western Civilization
HIST 310      Reformation History
RELI 431      Contemporary Theology

Options for completing specialized studies and field experience

AIM candidates may also complete specialized studies in Christian education, youth ministry, intercultural studies, administration, or music and worship through courses offered at Trinity. Interested persons must first contact their synod’s candidacy committee to determine appropriate courses.

If approved by a synod candidacy committee, students may accrue supervised field experience hours through Trinity’s Service Learning Practicum or Field Experience program while earning college credit.