Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: What are the strategic directions of the ELCA?
A: The strategic directions of the ELCA can be viewed at: http://archive.elca.org/planning/directions.html
Q: Where can I view the Personnel Policies of the ELCA?
A: The Personnel Policies are available online in PDF format. 
Q: Where can I find Mobility Papers?
A: Mobility Papers can be found at www.elca.org/synods/mobility.html
Q: Do you need to be located in Chicago to work for the ELCA Churchwide office?
A: All positions are Chicago-based unless otherwise stated in the posting.
Q: How do I apply for a specific position posted on the internet?
A: If you are interested in a position that is posted on the internet, simply fill out the application. The application is currently available in Adobe Acrobat PDF and Formatta Filler. Both can easily be downloaded to your computer, free of charge.
Q: Can I submit a general application for positions within the ELCA, or do I need to reference a specific position?
A: We consider an individual for possible employment if we have a completed Application for Employment and if that application is in response to a specific, advertised position.
Q: Where do I find the application for employment for the ELCA churchwide office?
A: The application for employment can be accessed by clicking here or by clicking on the ELCA Application for Employment icon in the right hand column.
Q: Where do I find the listing of current job openings at the ELCA churchwide office?
A: Current listings of openings are listed under career opportunities on the Human Resources Web site.
Q: Do I have to be Lutheran to apply for positions with the ELCA churchwide office?
A: You do not have to be Lutheran to work at the ELCA, unless membership in an ELCA congregation is noted in the position description. However, many positions do require extensive knowledge of Lutheranism and the ELCA.
Q: How important is inclusivity to the ELCA churchwide office hiring?
A: The ELCA makes it our mission to hire at least 10 percent persons of color and/or persons whose primary language is other than English. Our headquarters in Chicago has consistently been nearly 30 percent people of color. The ELCA Constitution directs the Churchwide Organization to strive for inclusivity in all aspects of its hiring.
Q: What do the different salary grades on positions mean?
A: To remain consistent and fair in a non-profit environment, we specifically designate salary grades to positions. Each position receives a grade. New employees usually start at or near the minimum point of the salary grade for that position.
Q: What does "close date" for applications mean?
A: The close date for positions is the last day that resumes will be accepted by the hiring unit. The cut off time for credentials is 5 pm central time. After the close date, all credentials will be sent to the Search Committee to determine which candidates that they'd like to interview.
Q: Should I email, mail, or fax my completed resume and/or application to the ELCA churchwide office?
A: All methods (e-mail, fax, or mailing) are acceptable ways to submit your resume and/or application.
Q: What employee benefits does the ELCA offer to employees?
A: The ELCA Board of Pensions manages four benefits for the churchwide organization:
- The Retirement Plan - Vested on the first day of employment; the employing unit contributes an amount based on 10% of employee's annual salary.
- Health and Wellness - This includes medical, dental and chiropractic benefits. An Employee Assistance Program (confidential counseling) and discounted vision care is also included. Premiums for the health plan are paid by the employing unit for the employee and eligible dependents.
- Disability Plan - Allows qualified employees to continue to receive salary and health benefits.
- Survivor Benefits Plan - Serves as a form of life insurance for employees.
In addition to the benefits provided by the Board of Pensions, the churchwide organization provides a number of benefits to its employees.
Q: When am I eligible for these benefits?
A: If an employee is hired and works more than 20 hours a week, they are eligible for most benefits on the first day of employment.
Q: What are the Churchwide Office holidays?
A: The following holidays are observed by the ELCA Churchwide Office and will be closed on these days:
- New Year’s Day
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Good Friday
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day & Day After Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
Q: What sorts of training programs are available for employees of the ELCA?
A: Our training program has a number of required courses and various optional classes.
Q: Do I have to work for the ELCA for any specific length of time before I'm eligible for training?
A: No. Training is arranged for employees through their supervisor.
Q: Are part-time employees eligible for training programs?
A: Yes, part-time employees are eligible for training with their supervisors consent.