The Rocky Mountain Synod is a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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Candidacy

Candidacy in the Rocky Mountain Synod is a faithful journey of discernment, formation, and support for those considering a call to serve - whether as ordained pastors and deacons. Through a structured process of Entrance, Endorsement, and Approval, our Candidacy Committee walks with each candidate in prayer, mentorship, and guidance as they explore their vocation and prepare for ministry. For some called to serve in smaller, emerging, or non-traditional ministry contexts, the TEEM track offers theological education and practical formation in a flexible, contextually rooted path that leads to Word-and-Sacrament ministry. Whether you feel a nudge toward ordained ministry, we're here to walk beside you, to support your discernment, equip you for service, and accompany you as you respond to God's call in your life and community.

The Rocky Mountain Synod participates in a Churchwide candidacy process. The three basic steps are Entrance, Endorsement, and Approval. You are asked to begin the process for Entrance 9 - 12 months prior to the date you hope to begin theological study at an ELCA seminary or other ATS accredited seminary.

Where to Start?

Are you wondering about becoming a professional leader in the church? We encourage you to first be in conversation and prayer with an ELCA pastor or deacon.

The ELCA provides some excellent resources for those exploring their vocation. If you are just beginning to explore and discern: 

When you are ready for further conversation about Candidacy, please contact Pastor Diana Linden, Synod Minister for Lay and Rostered Leaders.

Explore ELCA Seminaries

Applicants are encouraged to begin exploring seven ELCA seminaries as early as possible. The admission process takes place at the same time as the Entrance process. ELCA students must receive a positive entrance decision prior to being fully admitted to ELCA seminaries. If you are interested in attending a different ATS accredited seminary, please be in contact with Pastor Diana Linden at dlinden-johnson@rmselca.org. Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary is located in Berkeley, California, and is the seminary related to and supported by the Rocky Mountain Synod. 
Explore ELCA Seminaries

Explore Scholarship Opportunties

As you pursue your call to rostered ministry, there are several sources of financial support available, including: 


  • Support through your home congregation: Many congregations offer scholarships or financial aid to members entering seminary. Check with your pastor or council to learn what support may be available.
  • Support through your seminary: ELCA seminaries often have internal scholarship funds and aid packages for incoming and continuing students. Contact your seminary’s financial aid office for details.
  • RMS Seminary Scholarship Fund: The Rocky Mountain Synod administers a seminary scholarship fund each year, with applications typically distributed in the summer.
  • The ELCA Fund for Leaders: This option offers significant scholarships for students preparing for rostered ministry in the ELCA—including full‑tuition awards, Federal Chaplaincy Ministries scholarships, mission developer support, and synod/congregation scholarships. Eligibility generally requires participation in the ELCA candidacy process and enrollment at an ELCA seminary.
  • Hayes Memorial Scholarship: A scholarship for first‑year seminarians from the Rocky Mountain Synod, intended to support students pursuing rostered ministry (pastor or deacon). Preference is often given to candidates whose home congregation is in designated regions of the Synod, and recipients may receive multi‑year support.