Ministry Policies
This page provides the ELCA's current ministry policies and information on the process for implementing changes in ministry policies mandated by the 2009 Churchwide Assembly.
Find out:
Current Ministry Policies
The ELCA has four rosters for public ministry -- pastors, associates in ministry, deaconesses and diaconal ministers. The policies that guide preparation for public ministry are collected in the following official documents:
- Vision and Expectations (for pastors)
This document is a statement of expectations and hopes and an invitation for reflection and consideration of those who seek to serve in the ordained ministry of Word and Sacrament.
- Vision and Expectations (for associates in ministry, deaconesses, diaconal ministers)
This document is for those called to serve in an ELCA rostered ministry of Word and Service and it serves as an invitation for reflection and consideration by those who seek to enter such service.
- Candidacy Manual
This manual contains the policies and procedures that guide the process of discerning and preparing for calls to public ministry and the steps by which this church moves toward approval of candidates for call.
Process for Fulfilling the 2009 Mandate to Change Policy
The 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA took action to allow service in rostered ministry by people who are in publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships. The assembly directed that necessary changes in policy be made and that any additional guidelines be developed. It further directed that within this church provision be made to respect diverse, faith-based commitments on this matter.
The amendment work follows a process mandated in the bylaws of this church, beginning with drafting by the appropriate churchwide units (Office of the Secretary and Vocation and Education) and by the Committee on Appeals, consultation with the Conference of Bishops, and consideration by the Church Council.
Both the drafting and the consultation processes have begun. It is expected that these processes will continue until the April 2010 meeting of the Church Council at the earliest.
2009 Churchwide Assembly Actions
Working Drafts and Notes
The documents linked below are made available for information and for comment by members of this church:
Submit Comments
Comments may be sent to ministrypolicies@elca.org. Messages will be acknowledged and carefully considered by staff in the Vocation and Education unit and the Office of the Secretary, but will not receive an individual response.
This page can be found at http://www.elca.org/ministrypolicies