THE SPECIFIC MINISTRY PASTOR PROGRAM (SMP) AND DISTANCE EDUCATION LEADING TO ORDINATION (DELTO)

In 1995 Concordia Theological Seminary initiated theological education via distance, which allowed men to prepare for the office of the ministry in context. "Distance Education Leading to Ordination" (DELTO) was designed for men who were serving in very specific ministry and missionary situations. As DELTO grew and developed changes were incorporated. Eventually the first ten of the thirty required courses were offered by the districts, with the final twenty courses taught on-line through one of the two LCMS seminaries.

After receiving recommendations from the DELTO Oversight Committee, the July 2007 convention of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod resolved to establish the "Specific Ministry Pastor" (SMP) program, which provides for ordination at an earlier point in the student's course of study.

Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, is committed to and prepared to move forward on the Specific Minister Program. Information on the development of SMP may be found in the SMP FAQs here. Individuals interested in pursuing the SMP program should contact the seminary via Dr. Douglas Rutt, dean for distance learning.

The initiation of the SMP program does mean that DELTO will ultimately be phased out. In the interim, however, Concordia Theological Seminary continues to accept applications from those who are currently taking part in the ten courses offered by the districts of Synod. Individuals wishing to be a part of the DELTO program who are currently enrolled in the district ten courses, should make application to Concordia Theological Seminary as soon as possible.

For more information, see the following documents or contact the SMP division of the Distance Learning Department at smp@ctsfw.edu.

Admission Criteria
Admission Sequence
Admission Form
Partnership Covenant
Supervisor Position Description
Instructions to Congregations Applying for SMP Concurrent Vicarage