Besides the classes, are there other events or activities?
Yes, there are. Retreats and fellowship opportunities during the course year are planned well in advance. These may or may not be mandatory.
Are classes available online?
Currently, all classes are online via Zoom. There may be opportunity to come back to classroom learning, but that is not feasible at this time.
How long is each course?
Each course within the Growing In Faith program is 5 weeks long. Classes are held each week for those 5 weeks. Classes are 3 hours long. Some courses may have an interruption in the contiguous 5 weeks to allow for holiday breaks. There is typically 1 week off between scheduled courses.
How much time is spent on homework?
The average homework time is from 3 to 6 hours per week. The amount of time will vary depending on the course and how much reading is required. Time can also be spent on written presentations or oral presentations.
When is Graduation?
Graduation is typically near the end of June and the in-person ceremony is held in the area where most of the graduates live. Currently Phoenix or Tucson.
What are the costs?
There is a one-time registration fee of $25 which is non-refundable. Classes are $70 ($420 per year). Textbook costs vary from $5 to $50. The average cost per class is about $30. If you choose to attend a retreat, there is typically an additional fee to cover the retreat leader’s fee/honorarium.
What if I cannot afford the costs?
The class registration is required. Students may ask their congregation to cover the costs or there is Financial Aid and Scholarships available. An application for scholarship form must be completed and signed by your pastor. Forward the application to your local Community Manager for approval. Generally, scholarships are available for 50% of the tuition per class.
Do students become rostered after the completion of the program?
The short answer is no; graduates do not automatically become rostered leaders. Participants do not earn professional certification or ordination but will receive a strong foundation of biblical and theological knowledge as well as skills for lay ministry. Growing in Faith is about faith formation and through the program students may discern a calling to become a Minister of Word and Sacrament (pastor) or a Minister of Word and Service (deacon). Those rostered positions do require attendance at church-wide sponsored institutions.
Is there homework?
Most classes have homework of some kind. It is dependent upon the nature of the class. All classes will have reading assignments; others will have oral presentations and/or written papers to submit.
What do I need to attend classes with Zoom?
The minimum requirement is a good internet connection and a laptop or desktop computer with a microphone and camera. You can use a mobile device such as a tablet or phone, but the ability to see the instructor and your classmates is severely restricted. If you do not have a computer or laptop, there may be one available to you on loan.
What happens after graduation?
We will keep in touch with you after graduation when graduate courses and/or retreats become available. The events will be posted on the website, and you will be notified via email when they are available.
What if I want to only take one class, do I have to pay the registration fee?
Growing in Faith registration fee will be waived if the student takes one class. Registration fee applies if the student takes more than one class.
What is the refund policy?
A refund may be issued for a class provided the student has taken no more than 2 sessions.
When are classes held?
Classes are held between August and early May. See the Class Schedule on our website. Each community within the synod holds classes on different days of the week.
When must all requirements for a class be met?
Students must complete all requirements for a course within 30 days of the last session date.
Can a class be audited?
Rules around auditing classes for non-graduates: Students must be members of a Lutheran congregation who are not formally enrolled in the Growing In Faith program or a non-member with instructor’s consent, may audit up to one class per calendar year. There shall be a registration fee and the regular tuition fee apply.
Those currently active in the Growing In Faith program may NOT audit a course.
Rules around auditing classes for graduates of Growing In Faith: Graduates of the Growing In Faith program may audit one class per calendar year if space is deemed available by the instructor. There will be no registration fee and participants shall pay the regular tuition for the class.