Candidacy Process

There are seven basic stages to the candidacy process:

Discovery / Discernment
A period of prayer, conversation, information gathering and discernment. Selecting and applying to a seminary is a key activity. For stories about what diaconal ministers do, click here.

This is a wonderful time to talk with actively serving diaconal ministers. They are listed in the ELCA Yearbook, you may search for one online, or you are invited to contact the Diaconal Ministry Leadership Team members for specific referrals to diaconal ministers serving in your area of interest.

Entrance
The first official step in the seminary candidacy process that includes enrolling in a seminary, an interview with your synod's candidacy committee and attending the Diaconal Ministry Formation Event. For more information about ELCA seminaries, click here.

An important document is the Candidacy Manual that explains the candidacy process (entrance, endorsement and approval) in detail with a section specifically about diaconal ministry. For more information about the Formation Event or to access application forms, click here.

Endorsement
Field experience, the diaconal ministry project, spiritual direction and identification of an area of specialization and the second interview with the candidacy committee are key activities.

Approval
Important activities include identifying preferred ministry location(s) and assignment to a synod. People and Places Online is the ELCA database for matching lay rostered candidates with ministry opportunities.

Call Process
Grounded in Community is one of the six marks of diaconal ministry. "Diaconal ministers need the support and shared vision of a community of leaders committed to a common calling. This grounding in a diaconal community serves as a reminder to seek to build community in all ministry settings."

First Call Theological Education
Rostered leaders in the ELCA participate in First Call Theological Education (FCTE) for the first three years of ministry. The format of FCTE varies from synod to synod and provides continuing education and support for the transition to ministry. To learn more about First Call Theological Education, click here.

Community
Grounded in Community is one of the six marks of diaconal ministry. "Diaconal ministers need the support and shared vision of a community of leaders committed to a common calling. This grounding in a diaconal community serves as a reminder to seek to build community in all ministry settings."

Disce rnment | Criteria | Candidacy | Call Process | First Call