Ministry Policies
The ELCA has four rosters for public ministry — pastors, associates in ministry, deaconesses and diaconal ministers. The standards and policies that guide service in and preparation for public ministry are collected in the following official documents:
- Vision and Expectations for pastors (April 2010)
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. Download 
- Vision and Expectations for associates in ministry, deaconesses, diaconal ministers (April 2010)
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. Download
- Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline
This document describes the grounds for which rostered ministers may be subject to discipline according to the practice of this church.
Please note: This document was revised and approved by the ELCA Church Council at its April 2010 meeting. To download an amended and adopted — but unformatted — version of this document, click on the link above. The formatted version will be posted soon.
- Candidacy Manual (February 2012)
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. Download
- Manual of Policies and Procedures for Management of the Rosters (November 2010)
A selection of policy documents related to aspects of rostered ministry such as the ecclesiastical endorsement of chaplains, military chaplaincy, reinstatement to the rosters, interim ministry and retirement.
This page can be found at www.elca.org/MinistryPolicies