ASSISTING MINISTERS
Ordained clergy have a long tradition in the Lutheran church in the role of preacher and presider in worship. This is grounded in the church’s need for good order.  Having ordained clergy who are trained in the seminaries of the church insures that what is preached and how the sacraments are celebrated are in concert with not only the Lutheran tradition, but with the “whole Christian church.”

The pastor’s role in liturgy is to lead those parts which are associated most closely with Christ’s earthly ministry. For example:Confession/Forgiveness, Apostolic Greeting, Sermon,
Great Thanksgiving (Communion), Benediction, Baptisms, Installations Our LBW manual says: “Lay people should be encouraged to share in the assisting roles as their abilities allow, in addition to the clergy of the parish.  They are not just helpers in the absence of ordained people, they have their own rightful role to fulfill.”

An assisting minister is an intercessor – they do the action of pleading on somebody’s behalf, pray to God on behalf of congregation, and are a representative of the congregation. Therefore they lead the Kyrie, Creed, Prayers, and Dismissal.

We are reclaiming the original intent of our liturgy by fulfilling the “Expectation of the church’s rubrics that other members of the congregation, especially lay persons, lead those parts of the liturgy which do not require an ordained minister.” Assisting Minister’s Handbook
The roles of both pastors and assisting ministers are an honor.  Together they work with the congregation to bring to life the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We look forward to further conversations with you about this, and if you are feeling the Spirit nudging you to serve as an assisting minister, please talk to one of the pastors!