Vicarage - Concordia Theological Seminary

We are very happy that you are considering the vicarage program and that you have requested information about this specialized year of internship. You may procure a vicarage application from your District President's office.

Both the responsibility of service expected from the student and the supervision of the pastor should be seriously considered when entering this program. The goal of vicarage, in terms of providing opportunities for learning, is that the congregation allows the student to be totally involved through direct experience and observation in every facet of pastoral ministry in which the pastor is engaged. The student is not responsible directly to the congregation during vicarage, but to the pastor. Consequently, the vicar is an assistant to the pastor, not an assistant pastor.

It is our recommendation that a student preach at least an average of once a month. Because of the festival half of the church year, however, this usually averages out to twice a month for a twelve-month term. It is also our expectation that he be involved in the educational, evangelism, pastoral care, worship, board and committee activity, and administrative aspects of the congregational program.

A corollary recommendation and concern is that the pastor gives the time necessary for good supervision. This means sitting down with the student regularly, formally and informally, to discuss and evaluate his work. It also means helping the vicar to grow in theological understanding, professional identity and attitude, all within the context of a supportive and encouraging environment. If there is a primary concern, it would be that the supervising pastor be an excellent role model. All of this, of course, takes the pastor's time. On the other hand, a vicar can contribute meaningfully in many areas of parish life.

The term of a vicar, established by Synodical Handbook policy (bylaw 6.85), is one year. A two-week paid vacation, at a mutually convenient time, is ordinarily included within that year and often taken at the end of the vicar's service. Most vicarages start during the summer. However, a few men are available for vicarage assignment beginning December 1 and March 1.

You are encouraged to have your vicarage applications to the District Office by the following dates or by dates as directed by your district president:

Annually, the Council of Presidents sets a suggested financial package for vicars. Currently, the guidelines are as follows:

BASIC SALARY:
(1) $1400.00 minimum per month for a single man or a married man.
(2) If a vicar is Alternate Route or M.Div. Delayed and the vicarage is expected to convert to a call, the salary should meet the district scale for a new graduate.

VICARAGE FEE: A vicarage fee of $579 per year is paid to the seminary to help cover the cost of administering the vicarage program.

HOUSING AND UTILITIES: Adequate housing and reasonable utilities should be provided without cost to the vicar. He may be housed in a house or specific apartment provided, or paid for, by the congregation. Otherwise, he should receive a monthly allowance, which is the average rental value of a home or apartment in the geographical area of the vicarage congregation, plus utilities.

TRAVEL/MOVING: Round-trip travel between the student's seminary and the vicarage location should be provided at no cost to the vicar. This includes mileage, food, housing, tolls, border fees (Canada), etc. Moving expenses may vary. Single students as a rule have only a few essentials to bring along; while married students may require a trailer, or a truck to move their furniture. Each case must be considered individually. If no moving allowance is offered, sufficiently furnished housing should be provided, unless the vicar chooses to pay his own moving costs for the sake of using his furniture during the vicarage. The responsibility for the cost of moving a non-converting Alternate Route or M.Div. Delayed vicar from the vicarage congregation to the congregation calling him is upon the calling congregation.

CAR AND CAR EXPENSES: Transportation or on-the-job expenses for a car should be provided at no cost to the vicar. Provision for on-the-job expenses can be either a fixed, periodic allowance or reimbursement based on a specified rate for business mileage.

HEALTH INSURANCE: Please refer the Health Services and Insurance page - Student & Vicar Requirements.

INCOME TAXES/EDUCATIONAL FEE: The congregation should be aware that the student must cover many costs in connection with his service as a vicar. For tax purposes, the vicar is an employee of the congregation, so the congregation must withhold and remit federal (and state) income taxes for the vicar, and the vicar's portion of Social Security. The congregation also must remit the employer's share of Social Security. By making adequate financial provision for the vicar, the congregation actually is assisting the entire synod in the synodical program of ministerial training. Please note that a housing allowance, or alternatively the fair rental value of housing provided, is taxable to the vicar. The only exception is housing on or adjacent to the church property, and then only when the church requires the vicar to live there for the benefit of the church. Such a requirement must be documented by a proper resolution of the congregation.

We certainly hope that the above information will answer many of your questions. Should you have any further questions that have not been covered, please be assured of our complete cooperation upon your specific request.

May our shared ministries continue to give all glory to the Triune God.


© 2008 Concordia Theological Seminary. All rights reserved. Further Information: Rev. Richard T. Nuffer General contact information	6600 North Clinton Street Fort Wayne, IN 46825 (260) 452-2100 Print this page