ABSTRACT

Carolyn is the provost at a public institution and is applying for the presidency of a moderate-sized private institution owned by the Lutheran Congregation. Carolyn is a nonpracticing Protestant but was ordained as a Protestant minister. She hasn’t practiced her ministry in about 15 years. Carolyn sees this employment as an opportunity to return to her ministry and to continue her work in higher education. When questioned regarding the mission of the institution, Carolyn expressed her desire to reenter her ministry. She isn’t knowledgeable of the Lutheran religion and questions whether or not she is matched for the position. She is in the final round and is considering withdrawing her name because of what she perceives as a possible conflict between her religious practices and that of the institution to which she is applying. She seeks counseling from a licensed professional counselor to explore her options and to express her concerns.