Call Process

Calling a Rostered Leader

Calling a rostered leader — an Ordained Pastor, Associate in Ministry, Deaconess or Diaconal Minister — is one of the most important things a congregation can do. Our synod’s Transition Process has been created to help find the right leader for the particular mission and ministry to which God has called each congregation.

 

When a congregation needs to get into the Transition Process it should download “When A Pastor Is Leaving” and contact Pastor Don Carlson at the Synod Office, 281-873-5665.  The complete “Transition Process Manual” is also available for download.

 

Interim Ministry

Between pastors it is often helpful for a congregation to make use of Interim Ministry to build a bridge to God’s preferred future. An “Interim Ministry Handbook” and “Interim Ministry Brochure” explain the value of an interim. A contract for interim pastor is also available for download.

Electronic Data Base

The ELCA has an electronic data base that lists all rostered people that are open to call and all ministry sites that are in the call process. The “Ministry Site Profile” and “Rostered Leader Profile” guides will help in using this data base.

Formatta Filler is the free form tool used by the ELCA.

Windows version of Formatta Filler for PCs to complete, save and send ELCA forms.
Formatta Filler (smaller version for faster download.)

Formatta Filler - Full ( larger version, includes spell checker and dictionary.)

Macintosh version of Formatta Filler for Mac.

Various Guidelines

When a rostered leader is called the synod’s compensation, ordination and installation guidelines should be followed (see links in the left column).

ELCA Call Process page for more information.