Call Process
Call Process is the unique and prayerful way by which the synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America engage their congregations, church-related organizations and rostered leaders (ordained ministers, associates in ministry, diaconal ministers, deaconesses, including candidates for each of these rosters) in a time of thoughtful assessment and spiritual discernment of the way God may be drawing each toward the other for mutual ministry for the sake of the mission and ministry of the church. Each of the sixty-five synods of the ELCA is responsible for the management of the call process within the territory of their respective synod.
Below you will find helpful resources for congregations and church-related organizations that are entering into the call process as well as resources for rostered leaders who are interested in making themselves available for call.
RESOURCES FOR CONGREGATIONS
The first step in the call process is to appoint a call committee and meet with a member of the synod staff. All congregations must submit a Ministry Site Profileonline. In completing this document, call committees are invited into a process of reflecting on the gifts and needs of the congregation and the mission God has called them to be engaged in.
To access the Ministry Site Profile visit www.elca.org/call and click on "Call Process Forms" in the menu on the left.
After completing the Ministry Site Profile, congregations are also asked to submit two other forms, which can be downloaded by once again visiting www.elca.org/call and clicking on "Access Account" on the menu on the left:
- Reference Form (please download, attach to an e-mail, and send to the individual serving as a reference for your congregation)
- 7 Reflections (this is an optional form that provides candidates with additional information about your congregation and community
Resources for Congregations in the Call Process:
- A Guide to Completing the Ministry Site Profile
- The Calling of a Pastor (step by step process)
- To Call A Pastor (VHS tape that follows one congregation through the call process. This can be requested from the synod office at 701-223-5312)
- Current Compensation Guidelines
- Definition of Compensation, Benefits and Responsibilities Forms
RESOURCES FOR ROSTERED LEADERS
The first step in making yourself available for call is beginning the conversation with your synodical bishop about your unfolding discernment and the second step is completing your Rostered Leader Profile. Beginning in June of 2009, the ELCA implemented an online resource for submitting availability for call forms which makes your paperwork available to all synods of the ELCA. You can still indicate synods of preference, and those synods that you indicate are notified of your interest.
To access the Rostered Leader Profile visit www.elca.org/call and click on "Call Process Forms" in the menu on the left.
For assistance in completing your Rostered Leader Profile, please download:
A Guide to Completing the Rostered Leader Profile
After completing the Rostered Leader Profile, please also submit two other forms, which can be downloaded by once again visiting www.elca.org/call and clicking on "Access Account" on the menu on the left:
- Reference Form (please download, attach to an e-mail, and send to the individual serving as a reference for your congregation)
- 7 Reflections (this is an optional form that provides candidates with additional information about your congregation and community)
The new call process resource also provides a searchable database which allows rostered leaders to search for current openings throughout the ELCA. To access this database, visit www.elca.org/call and click on "Ministry Opportunities" in the menu on the left.
Congregations in the Call Process
(All positions are for solo pastors or senior pastors, unless otherwise noted.)
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If congregations have completed a Ministry Site Profile, summaries are available at www.elca.org/call then click on Ministry Opportunities.