Pastors with Alternate Training (PAT) is a programme of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC), approved and ratified by the synod’s convention in the year 2002. The purpose of the PAT programme is to provide LCC with pastors for extraordinary circumstances in unique ethnic, cultural, or geographical situations where Word and Sacrament ministry is not readily available. It is overseen by the LCC President’s Ministry Council and administered by Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, St. Catharines.
Candidates for the office of holy ministry in LCC are normally formed through residential seminary education. PAT candidates receive theological education and training on a part-time basis while at the same time working in their secular job and at their congregations or PAT site. The residential seminary and PAT programmes are not meant to compete with or mirror each other, but rather to recognise and expound the contextual nature of theological education for those whom the Lord of the Church is calling to serve in extraordinary circumstances and contexts, and who possess a variety of experiences and capabilities. The PAT programme is designed to deliver basic and foundational theological education using a variety of learning strategies, methods, and environments.
The PAT programme is only open to individuals who have the full support of their congregation or the faith community where they will serve. Application is made through the Regional Pastor. See Appendices 1 & 2 below for the two application forms.
Full programme details can be found in the PAT Handbook (below). The curriculum includes 20 courses covering the four areas of Biblical, Historical, Systematic, and Practical Theology. The fee for each course is $500 (plus the cost of the textbook). The courses are taught by a local instructor or through internet video-conferencing.
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The following forms are provided as fillable pdfs. Please download and enter answers on your computer, then save and return by e-mail. If a signature is required, you may add it digitally in Adobe Acrobat Reader, or print, sign, and return on paper.
Appendix 1: Application to Be Approved as a PAT Site
Appendix 2: Application to Be a PAT Student
Appendix 3A: Instructor’s Course Report
Appendix 3B: Student’s Course Report
Appendix 4: Mentor’s Student Assessment
Appendix 5: Student’s Self-Assessment
Appendix 6: Worship and Preaching Evaluation
Appendix 7: Seminary President’s Evaluation
Appendix 8: Regional Pastor’s Interview
Appendix 9: Licence to Lead Services of the Word
Appendix 10: Licence to Preach
Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary 