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The Call Process

 

In the ELCA, pastors are called to serve in mutual servanthood with member congregations from a roster of ordained pastors.  Pastors are recommended by the synod and called by the congregation.  The call process involves prayer, consultation, deliberation decision and response.  It is a process led by the Holy Spirit.

 

Steps in the Call Process

 

1.    Development of the Congregational Profile

 

The profile is a comprehensive document that summarizes the congregation’s goals in ministry, current practices and structure and past history.  It also seeks to determine where God is leading us and defines our expectations in the leader to help us accomplish God’s mission in our congregation.  This is the most important step in the process because it lays the groundwork for the steps that follow.

 

2.    Presentation of Candidates and Interviewing  

Upon completion of the profile, the Office of the Bishop, submits 3 names for interview by the call committee.  The profile assists the Bishop’s office in selecting candidates from the available pool who possess skills identified in the profile as necessary and/or important to the congregation.

 

The congregation or its members may submit names of pastors who they believe would be possible candidates and who match the gifts and ministry style identified in the profile to the office of the Bishop.  Initial contact of potential candidates will be made through the Synod office. 

 

3.    Recommendation of Candidate to Congregation

When a suitable candidate has been identified, the call committee will notify the congregational council and arrange a congregational meeting to vote on extending a call.

Proper notification shall be given to the congregation far a call meeting.  The call committee may include a vitae of the candidate and a summary of the compensation package to be voted on at the meeting.

The congregational meeting shall contact the synod office to ensure the Bishop or his designee is present at the meeting.

The vote shall be by written ballot to extend the call with a 2/3 majority of the voting members present.  If the vote to extend the call is affirmative, the compensation package and benefit package may be approved by simple majority.

 

4.    Acceptance of the Call

The Letter of Call and Definition of Compensation, Benefits and Responsibilities is completed by the council and signed by the President and Secretary of the congregation and forwarded to the Bishop.  The Bishops attests the call and forwards it to the candidate.  The candidate has 30 days in which to respond to the call.  If the call is accepted, the council and pastor establish a start date.  The call committee assists in transition, moving and start-up.

If the call is not accepted, the call committee moves forward with more interviews of potential candidates.

 

5.    Installation

A date and time for installation shall be set for several weeks after the pastor’s arrival.  The Conference Dean will install our new pastor on behalf of the Bishop.  The pastor to be installed will select who preaches at the service.  Upon installation of the pastor, the official duties of the Call Committee end.

 

 

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