Lay Pastoral Associates

A Lay Pastoral Associate in the Montana Synod is a congregational lay person who has received religious, educational training, through the Montana Synod, in order to provide (in most cases)  short term pulpit supply (ie, preaching) when the pastor is away, or if a congregation is without a pastor.  Their role is to fill in for the basic pastoral duties such as providing Word and Sacrament, communion, and other roles as approved by the Bishop. 
​LPAs are NOT authorized to preside at weddings.

Armand Lohof,
LPA, Class of 2002

Armand has been a Lay Pastor Associate for some time, and doing the work of a LPA for even longer. When he was attending one of the four LPA courses, Armand said he was solidified in his call when the pastor said "You are called"; his calling was affirmed.  Armand is a retired high school social studies teacher; he is currently involved in the Boy Scouts of America as a Scout Leader, and a Leader in the Lewis & Clark Expedition.  Armand has been married to his lovely wife, Arle for over 58 years; and have two children and four grandchildren. 

Bryan Moreland,
​LPA Candidate, Class of 2018

Bryan graduated from high school in 2003, and has had a couple hand full of jobs before finally settling in the retail area. Bryan is part of the store leadership team at one of the Walgreen's stores in Billings; and is also a nationally certified and state licensed pharmacy technician. Bryan has studied at Yellowstone Christian College in Billings, and participated in the UMC Mountain Sky Area Local Pastor School of the Rockies (class of 2012). He is very passionate about suicide prevention, loves to go target shooting at the range, and horseback riding at the family ranch. Bryan started attending FELC in 2014, and is a rostered active member of the church.  Bryan sings in the choir and likes to help serve communion. Bryan's call to ministry includes serving in administrative areas such as church council tasks and pastoral care. 

Cindy Linse,
​LPA Candidate, Class of 2018

Cindy is a Billings native and currently works as a substitute teacher in the Billings public school system. In the past, she has taught at Montana State University, Billings.  She spent 6 years studying psychology in Paris France. In the church, Cindy is the chairperson of the church council  and helps the church find participants to assist in serving communion. In her spare time, Cindy likes read a great book and attend to her garden.