Cindy Manning Answers the Call: TCLC and the ELCA TEEM Program

We are overjoyed to share that Cindy Manning has accepted a call to the Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM) program at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary — and that upon her ordination, she will answer a call to serve as pastor of Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church.

What Is TEEM?

TEEM is a non-residential, contextual pathway to ordained ministry in the ELCA, offered through PLTS in collaboration with Lutheran Seminary. Rather than relocating to a seminary campus, students study from home with a local pastor-mentor while continuing to serve in their congregation. The program includes 16 courses, four workshops, an internship, and Clinical Pastoral Education.

Cindy is being sponsored through the Southeastern Synod — the synod of which Triumphant Cross is a member congregation — and is working directly with Bishop Kevin Strickland and Pastor Jonathan Hemphill at the Synod. TEEM has been producing pastors for over 25 years, with approximately 200 graduates from the PLTS-Lutheran program.

Cindy’s path to ordination is expected to take approximately 18 months.

Why This Matters

The ELCA faces a significant pastoral shortage. By some estimates, roughly 5,000 congregations are currently without a pastor or actively seeking one. Triumphant Cross has navigated this reality firsthand — we have been in a call process for over two years, and several faithful supply pastors have generously served our congregation while we waited and prayed.

TEEM exists precisely for moments like this one: to prepare gifted, Spirit-called individuals from within communities for the ministry those communities need.

What Comes Next

Cindy will complete the TEEM program and, upon ordination, formally accept her call to Triumphant Cross. We walk this road with her — in prayer, in support, and in great anticipation of what God is doing in and through our congregation.

Please keep Cindy in your prayers as she begins this journey. If you would like to learn more about the TEEM program, visit plts.edu.