WHAT IS A VICAR?

The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod has a set standard for the training of their pastors. They are required to have a bachelors degree before being admitted into one of our seminaries:

• Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana
• Concordia Seminary in Saint Louis, Missouri

Future pastors begin their studies by completing two successful years (six quarters) of theological study. This makes them eligible to begin their vicarage or internship.

Vicarage takes place in one calendar year, usually beginning in August. The synod has prepared over 200 congregations, throughout the nation, to accept vicars. Throughout that year the local pastor trains the vicar in writing and preaching sermons, teaching, making sick calls, working with the youth, serving with parish boards, attending conferences, and in general exposing them to and preparing them for the work of the parish ministry.

When this year is successfully completed, the candidate returns to the Seminary for one more year (three quarters) of study. Then, upon graduation, he will receive a call into the ministry and assigned a congregation.

The following is a list of the vicars who have served Shepherd of the Valley. The first vicar served under Pastor Boye, 1984-2000 served under Pastor Shoemaker, and the latest vicar served under Pastor Weller.

We dearly love all the vicars who served at Shepherd of the Valley. It is our hope that we will be able to resume this program in the future.