About
There are many God-pleasing vocations for your life. If you are considering full-time ministry, you should be informed about the blessings and challenges unique to this career. Ministry Recruitment Counselors exist to answer your questions and have honest conversations.
Common Questions
How do I know if ministry is right for me?
You don’t need a dramatic “calling moment” — many pastors and teachers didn’t have one. Curiosity, care for people, and a love for God’s Word are great starting points. Exploring is exactly what you’re supposed to be doing right now.
Will I have to move away from home?
Yes — training for ministry involves time at Martin Luther College and then, for pastors, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, both residential programs. But the community you build there becomes a lifelong support system.
What does the path actually look like — pastor, teacher, staff minister?
Each track has a distinct pathway. Pastors train at MLC and then WLS. Teachers train at MLC. Staff ministers have additional program options. A Ministry Recruitment Counselor can walk you through the specifics and help you find which track fits your gifts.
What about school debt?
There are tuition assistance programs, congregational matching grants, and financial planning resources available. Most WELS workers find their salary and benefits support their needs, and many find the financial picture more manageable than they expected.
What if I’m shy or introverted?
Many pastors and teachers were at one point or still are! What matters most is caring about people and sharing God’s Word — not being the loudest person in the room. Your style of ministry will develop uniquely to who you are.
What does a typical week look like in ministry?
It varies by role, but expect a mix of preparation, teaching or preaching, pastoral care, community involvement, and lots of behind-the-scenes work. No two weeks are identical, and that variety is something most called workers love.
What‘s my first step if I’m curious?
Talk with a pastor, teacher, or staff minister at your church. Visit a synod school if you can. Take a spiritual gift survey. And reach out to a Ministry Recruitment Counselor — they’re happy to have an honest, no-pressure conversation.
View Resources
Scholarship Links
Explore the financial resources available to help you pursue a path into full-time ministry.
Awake and Alive
Be prepared for ministry through personal and spiritual growth during the transitions of life in your 20s.
Campus Ministry
Stay rooted in your faith and connected to a solid community while you pursue your college education, no matter where you study.
Transformed: WELS Teen Devotions
Stay grounded in God’s Word with daily devotions written especially for the joys, challenges, and big questions of the teenage years.
WELS National Teen Bible Study
Connect with other WELS students with an online Bible study that builds community and strengthens faith from wherever you are.
WELS Youth Rally
Experience an unforgettable week of faith, fellowship, and worship at this gathering of WELS youth from across the country.
WELS Mission Journeys
Experience ministry firsthand through a short-term experience at a WELS mission.
Tour Martin Luther College
Take a peek at the campus of Martin Luther College, located in New Ulm, Minnesota, from home.
Tour Luther Preparatory School
Take a peek at the campus of Luther Preparatory School, located in Watertown, Wisconsin, from home.
Tour Michigan Lutheran Seminary
Take a peek at the campus of Michigan Lutheran Seminary, located in Saginaw, Michigan, from home.