Partners in Discernment

You aren’t on this journey alone

The gift of prayer
Talking with God is at the heart of discernment.

The gift of family and friends
The ones who know you best can help you discern gifts, talents and growing edges.

The gift of communities of faith
Your home pastor and congregation council register you for candidacy and promise support in every way possible.

Outdoor and campus ministries are often communities of faith where a call to public ministry develops. These pastors and faith friends offer discerning space and words of blessing.

The gift of candidacy committees
Your synodical candidacy committee offers welcome, evaluation and formation in your discernment. Men and women, professional church leaders and congregational members of all ages and backgrounds serve along with representatives of our seminaries and churchwide process.

The gift of our seminaries
Admissions directors, financial aid officers, professors and fellow travelers in discernment offer another perspective. Seminary sampler weekends are offered at all our ELCA seminaries.