Lay School of Ministry

Equipping Lay Leaders For Ministry


The Lay School of Ministry (LSM) is an educational ministry of the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin (ELCA),
which assists lay people to a deeper Christian identity and participation in the mission of the whole church.

The curriculum and educational objectives of the Lay School of Ministry emphasize the baptismal vocation of all Christians.

Courses are designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of the Bible, Worship, Spirituality, Christian History and Lutheran Theology.

Lay School of Ministry Website
Mentoring Guidelines

Registration  Information

Tuition for the Lay School of Ministry is $475 per year. Books used for the first two years cost approximately $250. Please ask your home congregation if they can provide congregational support for your education. While the Lay School of Ministry program offers scholarship support to members of the NW Synod of Wisconsin to
encourage participation, it also encourages congregations to support their participation. Please include your tuition deposit of $100 with your application.

You can register and make payments by credit card on line using the form and button below.
PLEASE forward your online payment receipt to Vicki Fankhauser, Registrar, at vickilfankhauser@gmail.com so she can properly credit your payment.
You can also submit the following registration form and then send a check payable to
Northwest Synod of Wisconsin  to registrar Vicki Fankhauser  2210 Priddy Street , Bloomer, WI 54724

Lay School Registration

Personal Information


Congregational Information
Application Questions
Onsite classes will be held at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 1300 Mansfield St, Chippewa Falls, WI.
First and second year students will have the opportunity to learn with their covenant groups monthly onsite September through May. If unable to physically attend, or if the weather makes travel hazardous, students are able to participate each month through Zoom.
Continuing Education students will meet on site, September – November, and March – May. Winter months of December – March will be via Zoom. Please note that attending virtually will also be available during the months of onsite learning. September, October and November of 2026 and March, April and May of 2027 will be in-person at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 1300 W. Mansfield, Chippewa Falls. Zoom will also be an option, but in-person attendance is encouraged! The most challenging winter months of December through March will be Zoom only. If April brings us bad traveling weather, Zoom will replace in-person learning

Will a meal plan be offered?
Yes. Friday night suppers will be catered again this year . Pricing for the meals will be provided before the first session in September . If you prefer to bring our own meal, please come and enjoy the lively Friday night fellowship prior to classes starting. Covenant groups are encouraged to plan some meals together.
Submit
Pay Lay School Registration Fee Here -----------         (Click 'Lay School Registration' from the Dropdown menu)