Post-Seminary Applied Learning and Support (PALS)

Why Should We Have PALS?

Our Synod is blessed with excellent seminaries where the foundation for pastoral ministry is properly laid. It is there that our pastors became theologians. In the tradition of Luther, however, our Synod also recognizes that learning for a pastor no less than others is a life-long endeavor and that the early years of ministry is a critical time in that learning process.

The PALS initiative supports this learning, facilitating the transition of pastors and wives from seminary life to parish ministry. PALS offers opportunities to new pastors to apply their seminary education and to hone ministry skills further.

"Perhaps most important, PALS provides a healthy and safe place for pastors and their spouses to seek support and assistance in navigating the sometimes choppy waters of parish life."
Rev. Terry Beltz, Facilitating Pastor, 2011

Taking advantage of these opportunities benefits family, parish, district, Synod, and above all, the effective proclamation of the Gospel.

What Does PALS Hope to Accomplish?

• To help pastors and wives make a successful transition from seminary life to parish ministry.
• To foster and enhance pastors' and wives' personal, spiritual, and vocational formation.
• To eliminate the sense of isolation that pastors and wives often experience in the transition from seminary life to parish ministry.

How Is the Program Funded?

Costs of the program are shared by all who benefit from the program. The Synod pays for the development of all the materials used in the program, as well as facilitators' training. Districts support PALS expenses through a pre-established dollar amount per registered PALS participant.

Congregations reimburse the cost of travel and lodging for pastors and wives. Pastors pay a $25 registration fee each year and are also responsible for the cost of meals.

For more information or to find a PALS group near you, click here.

Click here for a copy of the PALS brochure

To view a recent article on the PALS program, click here

How Are PALS Groups Organized?

After a seminary candidate receives his call, he is assigned to a PALS group in the district of his calling congregation. The facilitating pastor for this PALS group then invites the pastor and his wife (if applicable) to participate in this PALS group.

PALS group meetings begin in the fall of the year, meeting the equivalent of six full days each year. While in many cases these meetings run from noon to noon at a mutually convenient location, other arrangements may be made when warranted by other circumstances, such as distance and schedule.

Who Are the Facilitating Pastors?

These experienced pastors, called "Facilitators," are chosen by the PALS office from a list recommended by the district presidents. Facilitators are generally from the same geographical area as their assigned groups of new pastors.

How Are Wives Involved?

PALS recognizes the support of the pastor's wife as vitally important for both the family and the congregation. PALS is often particularly helpful to the wives for whom this transition can be most challenging. Wives are involved in some shared activities with their husbands and, when desired, in separate learning activities as a wives' group. To accommodate families with young children, babysitting is provided.

"PALS has allowed me to be open and be myself… I have appreciated the opportunity to meet with other pastoral families and to refresh myself for the ministry."
Pastor's Wife

What Happens at PALS Meetings?

The PALS group meetings have four foci, directed toward the personal, spiritual and vocational development and encouragement of new pastors.

• The group gathers around the Word in worship, prayer and study, recognizing that pastors, no less than others, need to be nourished by the same Word that they use to nourish others in their faith.
• Time is allotted at every meeting for each pastor to reflect upon his ministry in his parish and to bring forward cases of casuistry. This is an opportunity to support, encourage and learn from one another. In these discussions, the facilitator is also able to offer direction and suggestions regarding resources and support.
• Time is given to the study of a pertinent topic that offers opportunity for growth in ministry. The PALS office develops the materials for these formal ministry-based studies.
• There is time for personal sharing, not only about parish activities, but also about frustrations, hopes, triumphs and trials.

The wives join their husbands for portions of the meetings but also meet separately following much the same format as the pastors.

All discussions that take place in PALS group meetings remain confidential.

"Of all the meetings that are put on my calendar, this is by far the most helpful and applicable. Thanks!"
Pastor

Is There Any Recognition for Participation in the Program?

A certificate and up to 6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are awarded at the end of each year for faithful participation in PALS meetings. As with other CEUs, these are recorded by district presidents on the Pastor's Information Form.

Here are just a few of the comments we have received from pastors and wives who have participated in the PALS program:

From pastors who have participated:

"Incredibly informative, great interaction, good insight, very honest sharing, encouraging for my future ministry."

"Great time to share honestly about where I'm at – not sure I could do that anywhere else."

"I am benefitting from the advice and experience of our facilitator. He has been through everything we are facing as new pastors, and his perspective is very helpful."
"I've appreciated the time to worship together. It's so important to be able to sit in a pew with my wife!"

"[PALS] has helped me a great deal and aided keeping me in the ministry. Thank you for this program."

From pastors' wives who have participated:

"[Our facilitators] exhibit genuine concern for those struggling and support of pastors and wives. They have been our lifeline for/during two years in a difficult parish."

"This meeting was great! I feel refreshed and encouraged. I also feel that I have gained some new friends. Thanks!"

"Wonderful! As our group changes this year, we all discussed how PALS absolutely accomplished its purpose in building relationships and connections. We have built a network of support that will continue even after PALS."

"This has been a good way to connect with others in the ministry and a good way to "force" a break for my husband."

PALS Facilitators

PALS Facilitators are a vital part of the Post-Seminary Applied Learning and Support (PALS) program. As experienced pastors, facilitators lead and organize PALS meeting groups, helping to prepare recent seminary graduates and their wives for the transition from seminary to congregation through a curriculum including worship, study, discussion, and fellowship.

Facilitator Resources

• Facilitator Policy Manual
• Facilitator Expense Report
• PALS Group Participant Form
• Study Topic Order Form
• Facilitator Meeting Evaluation Form
• PALS - Recruitment Form for Facilitator Contact Tracking
• Wives Meeting Evaluation Form

• PALS Meeting Evaluation Form (Pastor)
• Final PALS Program Evaluation and Feedback (Pastor)
• PALS - First Year PALS Program Evaluation and Feedback (Pastor)
• PALS - Pastors' Wife PALS Evaluation Form (Wives)
• Final PALS Program Evaluation and Feedback (Wives)
• First Year PALS Program Evaluation and Feedback (Wives)

Study Topics (curriculum)

The PALS program has developed a series of video/workbook courses organized around core and elective study topics. Core topics are considered essential study topics for the PALS program. Elective topics will encompass a variety of issues from which you may choose. At the end of the three year program, each PALS group should have studied all core topics and nine electives.

Some study topics are available electronically through our PALS e-Learning collection.
All other study topics must be ordered from the LCMS Pastoral Education department.

If a facilitator plans to use materials which are not produced by the PALS program or to invite an outside speaker to present on a topic and expects reimbursement, please contact the PALS office first to make sure these expenses fit within the projected budget.

As a service to the Synod, the Office of Pastoral Education provides an Annual Report on the PALS initiative.

• This document is available in PDF format by clicking on this link: PALS Annual Report.

To receive additional information concerning the PALS program, please contact:

PALS Program
Office of Pastoral Education
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
1333 South Kirkwood Road
St. Louis, MO 63122-7295
(800) 248-1930 Ext. 1254; (314) 996-1254
PALS@LCMS.org