Resources

A Theology of Call
In the waters of baptism people receive the promise of eternal life and the forgiveness of sins. They are named children of God, sealed with the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever. Through these waters each one is initiated into the body of Christ and becomes a member of the priesthood of all believers. They are nurtured in this community, equipped to carry out the ministry to which they are called, and sent out in service as ambassadors for Christ in and to the world. continue

The Call Process in the ELCA: The story of the ELCA's new Mobility Database Project

I have been in hundreds of the call processes. Literally. I usually have 25 the call processes going on at any one time. Over a period of 14 years as assistant to the bishop in two synods, it has been my calling to guide congregations and rostered leaders through the call process. I have found it to be complicated work that is nuanced in every setting where it is attempted. It creates its own stresses for call committee members, rostered leaders, and the call process administrators. When I had the opportunity (1994 — 98) to use my D.Min. program to focus energy on understanding and improving the call process, I took it. I needed to go into “ponder mode” about the call process. And I wanted to develop a rationale for this activity that was clearly communicated in the materials and procedures that the synod would use. continue

Together for Ministry
What is the nature of Christian ministry? What forms of ministry will best serve the mission of the Church in the world today? How can this Church in all its expressions work together for ministry? These are the questions before the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America today. They arise out of three contexts: the formation of this church in 1988, the changing world in which the Church serves, and the ecumenical relationships this church has with other churches. continue

Resources

Discernment Process