first call theological education

First Call Theological Education (FCTE) is a ministry of the ELCA which provides a mentoring process and a support system for all rostered leaders – Word & Service and Word & Sacrament — during their first three years of call.

In the South Carolina Synod, FCTE has four major expectations: participation in a colleague group, attending training in practical ministry elements, openness to mentoring and/or coaching, and attending a retreat.

Rostered leaders in FCTE will meet four/five times during each year with the goal being to equip the rostered leaders with tools to successfully navigate their ministry setting, to provide a space to process ministry challenges, and to develop patterns for healthy ministry.

Training elements are organized by the Lead Team in areas that support a leader’s transition from seminary into practical ministry.

Mentoring connects leaders with other rostered ministers who have interest and experience relative to the individual FCTE leader. The objective is to partner people who will build trust, offer mutual prayer, and share wisdom. Mentors are identified by the FCTE leader, a list of leaders willing to mentor will be provided upon request.

Every three years, Region 9 of the ELCA hosts a Stewardship Retreat for FCTE leaders. This event is an opportunity to meet fellow rostered leaders and to grow in personal and congregational stewardship.

In addition to the above four areas of expectation, the FCTE Lead Team also invites rostered leaders new to the Synod to join with FCTE leaders preceding Fall Convocation for a luncheon as a way of welcome and orientation to the Synod.

FCTE Lead Team

Pastor Steven Curry Gallego – pastorsteven89@gmail.com
Deacon Katie Justice – katie@stjohnsbeaufort.org
Synod Support – Deacon Kimberly Heindl – kimberly@scsynod.com