Call Process
Call Process is that 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.
(from www.ELCA.org/call)
Below are the resources and information specific to the call process in the Southeastern Minnesota Synod.
Call Process Manual for Congregations
The call process, that of saying goodbye to one pastor and greeting a new one, can be confusing. This section provides a step-by-step guide with lots of information on how to proceed through this process. These files are all PDFs, viewable with Adobe Reader.
- Download the entire manual (Also be sure to download the current Minimum Compensation and Benefits Guidelines, which accompany the manual)
- Introduction and Table of Contents
- Step 1: A Time for Farewell
- Step 2: A Time for Interim Ministry
- Step 3: A Time for Self-Study
- Step 4: Elect a Call Committee
- Step 5: The Work of the Call Committee
- Step 6: Calling Your New Pastor (Download the current Minimum Compensation and Benefits Guidelines, which are a part of this chapter)
- Step 7: Welcome, Installation, Questions, and Notes
Call Update
An update of congregations in the call process is published monthly in River Crossings.
Interim Ministry
Forms and information for interims.
Ministry Site Profile
An early step in calling a rostered leader is completing a Ministry Site Profile, a document that describes your congregation’s history, ministry, membership, community, and leadership needs.
Rostered Leader Profile
Rostered leaders in the ELCA complete a Rostered Leader Profile to enter the call process. These forms tell synod staff and possible ministry sites (congregations or other ministries) more about the leader.