Not everyone studying for ministry sees themselves moving into a traditional pastoral role. And the time and space for deep, focused discernment work can be difficult to find once someone has begun a degree program.

“Candidacy discernment is complicated and requires time and attention,” said Ashley Wheeler, associate director of candidacy. “A lot of people entering seminary programs are still early in their discernment process. So they’re asking if they can picture themselves doing this.”

Luther Seminary offered the Discerning God’s Call retreat—held in Alexandria, Minnesota, in February—so those in a season of discernment could have a focused experience to help better define their path.

The three-day retreat was a true experiment. All were welcome to attend, including those considering a seminary degree and current students. Partnering with synods in the ELCA’s Region 3 led to a more diverse group of attendees.

“The typical pathways that produced pastors have been reformed or even rerouted,” said Jen Gruendler, associate director for enrollment services. Often, those who did not grow up in traditional church settings but who feel called to ministry need help finding the language to describe what they are experiencing.

“The retreat was designed to introduce people to the spectrum of what they can do with their call and with the details of theological education they’re thinking of embarking on. ‘Pastor’ is an option but, of course, not the only option,” Gruendler said.

The retreat explored theological concepts of vocation, including many of the biblical call stories, vocational theologies from the Lutheran tradition, and current theologies and practices around formal spiritual discernment. Steve Thomason, associate professor of spiritual formation, helped guide participants through text study, self-reflection, worship, and small-group work.

“This retreat confirmed the deep need across the church—from those considering their call to those transitioning between calls and leaving calls— to create more space and take more time for intentional discernment,” said Krista Anderson ‘07 M.A., an ELCA candidacy and leadership manager who co-led the retreat. “Anytime the church can offer guided times with tools and resources for discernment, we’ll find that many people will commit their time and energy to participating in such offerings.”