Nicaraguan church work students examined in lead-up to ordination, consecrations

Prospective church workers in Nicaragua gather for meetings.

NICARAGUA – October 23 marked the second-last set of interviews in Nicaragua for ten vicars (candidates for pastoral ministry) and 17 deaconess-candidates, in the lead-up to their ordinations and consecrations for full-time ministry.

Each student was examined individually by Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) and Lutheran Church Synod of Nicaragua (ILSN) leaders. The interview questions focused on areas of academic knowledge including understanding of the pastoral ministry and diaconal work, the Lutheran liturgy, preaching and teaching, stewardship, and mission work, among other subjects.

Throughout December and early January, the final set of interviews will take place. Following this, those students who have completed the program satisfactorily will be recommended to the ILSN for ordination and commissioning. The ordination of pastorals and commissioning of deaconesses will take place in January. Some students may need to make up for one or two classes to strengthen their theological education, while others may need additional training in a few aspects of their vicarage and practicum. Some others are recommended to continue their studies in Spanish literacy. These factors may postpone the ordination and placement of a few students for six months to a year.

“There is a treasure of human resources for the work of the Lord in this class,” said Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel, LCC’s Executive for Missions and Social Ministry. “The commitment of these students to the church work they are currently involved in, and their desire to finish their vicarages and practicums is amazing.”

“Even though some are very young, there is a richness of experience among the students,” Dr. Neitzel continued. “They are in the front line of Gospel proclamation and children education work on a daily basis. The spontaneity of these students in sharing the love of Jesus with others, praying in public, leading Bible studies and classes on Luther’s Small Catechism is remarkable. We pray that the Lord continue to bless the students that they may continue to serve Him as servants in His kingdom work.”

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