Montana Synod LPA Program
(Lay Pastoral Associate)
A Lay Pastoral Associate in the Montana Synod is a congregational lay person who has received religious, educational training, through the Montana Synod, in order to provide (in most cases) short term pulpit supply (ie, preaching) when the pastor is away, or if a congregation is without a pastor. Their role is to fill in for the basic pastoral duties such as providing Word and Sacrament, communion, and other roles as approved by the Bishop. LPAs are NOT authorized to preside at weddings.