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The Rostered Leader Profile (RLP) is for use by everyone on the ordained and lay rosters of the ELCA, as well as those who are candidates for these rosters.

The RLP is intended for use only by those on the rosters of the ELCA (or candidates for these rosters) and not by other church professionals (e.g. non-rostered musicians, youth & family ministers, directors of Christian education etc.).

Once completed and submitted, the RLP will be stored in the churchwide database. "RLP Search" (a page available only to synod bishops and authorized persons on their staffs) will make it possible to search the database of RLPs using a large variety of search criteria.

Steps for use of the Rostered Leader Profile

1. Go to "Call Process Forms" on the website to download an RLP.
2. Unlike the MSP, you do not need to create an account in order to download a blank RLP. The RLP account is created automatically when the RLP is filled out and submitted to the system. You will be required to enter your Leader Key (an identifying number used by the Office of Secretary for each rostered leader). If you do not know your Leader Key, please contact your synod office.
3. The RLP is a Formatta form. The option to download Formatta is on the forms page.
4. The RLP will reside on your computer while it is being completed. Take care to save your work and your password as you proceed.
5. When you feel your RLP is complete and ready to submit, connect to the internet and click the “Submit” option at the end of the form. Be sure to enter a submit date as well as save, lock and print a copy for yourself.   Save the password you used to lock the form.   Go to Access Account on the Call Process Web Site to verify receipt of your RLP, especially if the "received with errors" message popped up when you submitted your RLP.
6. Both you and your synod office will receive an email confirming that the RLP has been received, check your email.
7. The RLP does not become active in the system, however, until the Synodical Bishop approves it and the two supporting forms have also arrived:  
       The Authorization and Release (signature) page.
       The Reference Recommendation form. (Go to Access Account on the Call Process Page to find this form)
8. You can, as needed, go to “Access Account” on the web site at any time in order to 
       monitor the status of your RLP, 
       request a copy of your current RLP,
       request supporting forms for your RLP, or to 
       request that your RLP be archived within the system.
9. An existing RLP can be edited and resubmitted. However, a re-submission will require re-approval and a new signed Authorization and Release page. Once the new RLP is approved by the Synod Bishop, you should request that the previous RLP be archived.  Your Bishop will also have to re-submit the Bishop's Recommendation form.

Features of the new forms The MSP and RLP are designed to go beyond previous mobility forms by: Adding an outside recommendation Encouraging greater creativity, initiative and reflection Allowing for flexibility by creating optional components Neither form is meant to be so comprehensive as to substitute for conversation, but rather to stimulate conversation.

Some tips on filling out the RLP

• Be creative
  The RLP gives you the freedom to add comments, share ideas and passions, and present yourself and your gifts. (See especially the “Commentary” section and the optional Twelve Reflections form.) 
• Be thoughtful
  The narrative questions are the most important. It is more important to write clearly and insightfully than to fill the box with words. 
• Be honest
  It never pays to represent yourself in a way that will not prove to be true over time. You are more likely to match successfully with a site if both you and they are honest about your respective ministry, style and gifts. 
• Be specific
  Study the list of skills (question 4, p.4) and preferences (question 17, p.14) and focus your answers. Avoid being too general in your responses. 
• Seek counsel
  Have someone who knows you well review your RLP with you. Ask them to be honest and clear with you. 
• Describing yourself
  Give special attention to how you describe yourself in question 9 (p.8) since this summary will be highlighted for the Synod Bishops who will read your RLP. 
• Consult the bishop
  Never approach a congregation or organization directly about their position without first consulting with their Synod Bishop. Each Synod Bishop has a shepherding role in call process within their synod.

Staying Active in the Database RLPs remain active in the database system until: the user requests that their forms be archived (using “Access Account”), the bishop determines that the account needs to be archived, or one year has elapsed (at which time automatically generated e-mails will request that the RLP be updated and submitted for re-approval).

Three supporting forms

1. Authorization and Release
   You are required to submit a signed copy of the Authorization and Release form to your home synod (page 12 of the RLP). This form is not optional. It may be submitted in hard copy, by fax, or as a pdf attachment to an email. A copy of the signed form will be sent to each call committee considering you. 
2. Twelve Reflections
   You may choose to enhance your RLP by providing additional information on the Twelve Reflections form. The form may be downloaded at “Access Account” on the web site. While the form is optional, some synods may elect to require that one or more of the questions be completed. Twelve Reflections is a Formatta form. 
3. Reference Recommendation
   You are required to provide an outside reference who will complete a recommendation form. The form contains within it a “Gifts Analysis” survey similar to the RLP’s “Competencies” listing, creating an opportunity for the ministry site to pursue some comparison and conversation. You can download the form by going to “Access Account”. The form can then be emailed to your reference as an attachment along with a copy of your signed Authorization and Release form. The Reference Recommendation form is a PDF form, requiring the use of Adobe Acrobat. The reference submits the form by clicking the “Submit” button at the end of the form. The system will record the receipt of the reference form on your Account Status page.

Rostered leaders who are not currently seeking call might consider completing a RLP and allowing it to reside in the Mobility Database System as a sign of your openness to the work of the Holy Spirit.