Staff ministers and pastors
With such a pastor shortage, why don’t we just have congregations go to one pastor, then have staff ministers help the pastor? We have a staff minister at our church and he is basically an associate pastor. Why doesn’t the WELS just do this until the pastor shortage is lessened?
Ministry staffing decisions are made at the congregational level. Congregations can receive guidance on staffing needs at the circuit, district and synodical levels, but congregations are entrusted with assessing their ministry needs and calling qualified individuals to meet them.
With a shortage of pastors, staff ministers are certainly in a position to help meet the ministry needs of congregations. Students who prepare for staff ministry receive basic theological skills and practical skills to focus on specific areas of parish ministry. They do not receive the training to replace the sole pastor of a congregation.
When congregations consider adding to or replacing ministry staff, they will want to examine their preaching needs. If they need additional preaching assistance, they will want to call a pastor. If current staffing meets their preaching needs but they want a called worker to focus on other areas of ministry such as visitation, outreach, youth and family, administration, Christian education within the congregation or parish music, then a staff minister can serve them well.
It sounds like you are well acquainted with the staff ministry program of our synod. For others who may want additional information, this link will take you to the appropriate section of the Martin Luther College website.