Specific Ministry Pastor to General Pastor Certification (GPC)

Admission to the SMP to GPC track is contingent upon the applicant’s current status on the roster of the LCMS as a Specific Ministry Pastor. Each applicant must have completed the SMP program and be in good standing on the LCMS roster.

College Preparation

All SMP courses are taught at the master’s level. Students in the Program should have the educational experience to demonstrate the capability to study at the master’s level.

Admissions Standards and Decisions

Admissions decisions are based on multiple criteria; each applicant’s overall record is examined in detail. Academic criteria includes a minimum SMP GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale). An applicant will not be declined solely on the basis of a non-qualifying GPA.

Additional criteria include the results of the applicant’s background check, the letter of recommendation from the president of the LCMS district in which the applicant serves and the letter of endorsement from congregational leadership. The care and completeness with which an applicant prepares the application and responds to its questions are also factors.

Any such items must be completed in accordance with announced deadlines or the offer of admission may be withdrawn.

For more information, review the Academic Catalog and Entry Level Competency Exam requirements.

The curriculum for SMP to GPC requires 60.5 semester hours of credit distributed as outlined in the Credit Distribution Cart. Most courses are M.Div. residential courses with GPC students participating online, and some courses are offered to GPC students on campus in an intensive format. Students will be advised academically and registered by the Registrar.

Because students in this track are already ordained, they are not required to complete Resident Field Education or a vicarage.

General Pastor Certification (GPC) Credit Distribution

Please see page 50 of the Academic Catalog.