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 Plan for Mission.
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 http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Vocation/Rostered-Leadership/Call-Process.aspx
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: Where do I find the listing of current job openings at the ELCA churchwide office?
A: Current listings of openings may be found on the ELCA Job Board.
Q: How do I apply for a position with the ELCA churchwide organization?
A: If you are interested in a position with the ELCA churchwide organization please complete our online application found on the ELCA Job Board.
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 position posted on our job board.
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: Should I email, mail, or fax my completed resume and/or application to the ELCA churchwide office?
A: To be considered for an open position, the online application must be completed.
Q: What benefits does the ELCA offer to employees?
A: Portico Benefit Services manages five benefit plans for the churchwide organization:
- The Retirement Plan.
- Health and Wellness
- Flexible Spending Account
- Disability Plan
- Survivor Benefits Plan
In addition to the benefits provided by Portico Benefit Services, 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 organization:
- New Year’s Day
- Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Good Friday
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day & day After Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
Q: What types of training programs are available for employees of the ELCA?
A: Our staff development 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.