MONTANA SYNOD ELCA
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Interested in becoming an LMA?

1.     Talk to your church pastor. Ask what it means to fill in for him or her. Ask about the traits of one who ministers to the souls of others. 

2.     If your church does not have a pastor, feel free to contact our office.  We’ll put you in touch with someone who can shed some light on the role of an LMA.

3. Have your church pastor contact Bishop Quanbeck or Rev. Stacey Heggem, Associate to the Bishop for Lay Ministry, via email.  This communication will be your pastor’s recommendation for your participation in the MT Synod LMA program.

Next, alongside approval from the Bishop (to enter the program), please send in the following items (via post or scan/email) at least 3 weeks before the next upcoming retreat. 

1.     A recommendation from your church council. Either a formal letter from your council or a copy of your council's minutes will suffice. If submitting minutes, ensure they reference your council's approval of your intent to enter the program.

2.     Your completed biographical application (Pr. Stacey will send this to you). 

3.     Instructions for initiating a required background check (Pr. Stacey will send this to you as well). 


4.     First year’s payment of $250 via check made out to “MT Synod” with “LMA Training Program” in the check’s memo section.  You can send this to the Synod Office via post or bring it to your first retreat.

Still have questions?   Call our Synod office at 406-453-1461


Have questions? Want to enroll?! Please contact Pr. Stacey Heggem or our Synod Office Manager.  

Rev. Stacey Heggem
Associate to the Bishop for Lay Ministry       
[email protected]
​

Office Manager              
[email protected]

Download the LMA Handbook Here!*
*The current LMA Handbook is being updated. The new edition will be made available in January of 2026. ​

1221 24th Street South - Great Falls, MT 59405-5034  [Phone] 406.453.1461 
© 2026 Montana Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
  • Home
  • Faith Formation
    • Faith Formation
    • Coaching in the Montana Synod >
      • Coaching FAQ
      • Coaching Testamonials
      • Coaching Contact
    • Lay Ministry Associates >
      • Current LPA Candidates & Students
    • NRIT >
      • Jessica Crist Scholarship Fund
  • Montana Synod Information
    • Montana Synod Information >
      • Constitution
    • About
    • Staff
    • Stewardship and Mission Support
    • Changing Climate Taskforce
    • Directories
    • Racial Justice Taskforce
    • Synod Council
    • Gift Policy
    • Clusters
    • Staff Blogs >
      • Laurie Jungling - From the Bishop Blog
    • Ecuminical & Interfaith Partners
    • Partner Ministries >
      • WELCA News
    • ELCA >
      • ELCA Statements
  • For Rostered Leaders
    • Leaders >
      • Leaders
    • Faithful Living
  • Congregations
    • Congregations
    • Future Church
    • Transitions
    • Holy Closure
    • For Congregations
    • Disaster Response Resources
  • News & Events
    • 50-40-10 Women's Ordination Anniversaries
    • Events Calendar
    • Archive >
      • From the Bishop Blog - Jessica Crist
      • Synod Assembly Archive
      • Quincentenary
      • South Africa 2015
      • Bolivia Recap Blog
    • Sexual Misconduct Policies
    • News & Events >
      • 2023 News Archive
      • 2024 News Archive
      • 2025 News Archive
    • Multimedia
  • Contact Us