Synodical Participation
Synods in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have several defined responsibilities in the support of call process in the congregations and organizations of this church.
- Candidacy: to welcome and support candidates for ministry during the years of their studies and formation. Synods approve candidates for entrance into the candidacy process and, at the conclusion, approve candidates as skilled and faithful leaders who are ready for call to this church as ordained and lay rostered leaders.
- Transitions: to assist congregations and organizations in their time of transition with their interim needs, a process for conducting a search for new leadership, recommendations of candidates for interview, and the transfer and rostering of the newly called leaders.
- Mobility: to counsel with ordained and lay rostered leaders about their gifts for ministry, their discernment of call, and the conduct of their search. Bishops must approve all Rostered Leader Profiles, all recommendations for call, and all Letters of Call within the ELCA.
Congregations and organizations related to the ELCA are urged to work closely with the bishop and the call process administrator(s) of their synod, utilizing their expertise and counsel.
Learn more about each synod and the materials they provide for call process.