Sending the Forms
After completing and saving the forms in a folder on your computer, you are now ready to send them to the churchwide office. Open a new e-mail message and attach the appropriate files.
Make sure that your forms are not open when attaching and sending them. Address your e-mail to
assignment@elca.org and include a subject line. We expect to receive all assignment forms electronically and discourage duplicate paper copies sent via postal mail. An automatic reply e-mail will be sent as soon as your e-mail is received into the Assignment in-box. A personal confirmation e-mail will be sent to you from a staff person within a few days after your submission depending on the volume of forms we have received.
Part I: Forms filed by the Candidate
To download the Assignment Process Preparation checklist (to help get you prepared for the process), click here.
In oder to be included in an assignment process you must complete and send in the Candidate Assignment Paperwork Form (pages A,B,R-if restricting, and candidate commentary).
Sending the Forms
After completing and saving the forms in a folder on your computer, you are now ready to send them to the churchwide office. Open a new e-mail message and attach the appropriate files. Make sure that your forms are not open when attaching and sending them. Address your e-mail to assignment@elca.org and include a subject line. We expect to receive all assignment forms electronically and discourage duplicate paper copies sent via postal mail. We also expect to receive all forms on the same day. It is not helpful to send them one at a time as you complete them. A confirmation e-mail will be sent to you within a few days after your submission depending on the volume of forms we have received.
Candidate Assignment Paperwork Form
Roster Information, Preferences and Restriction Request (pages A,B,R-if restricting, and candidate commentary)
(Please note: Candidate Assignment Forms A, B and R were formally three separate forms. We have now combine them into one, 4-page form, adding a new fourth page.)
-Page 1 (or Form A) Roster information provided by the candidate includes general biographical information that becomes part of the Roster Information System administered by the Office of the Secretary of the ELCA.
-Page 2 (or Form B) This form includes information about the candidate’s interests and preferences for call and appointment. This information may be used to make decisions about placement location and setting. It also offers the candidate an opportunity to describe his/her sense of call and gifts for ministry.
-Page 3 (or Form R) This form is completed for those requesting a formal restriction. The Regional Coordinator to which the restriction was requested will follow-up on the candidate’s request for restriction and let candidates know as soon as possible if their request has been approved by the bishops involved. It is not the candidate’s responsibility to obtain any signatures on Form R. If you are not requesting a restriction page 3 can be left blank.
-Page 4 (Candidate Commentary) This page allows you to expand your assignment paperwork with information that reveals your passions for ministry, your expertise, your experience and visions for ministry. You are invited to be creative as you add any commentary that you feel will support this paperwork.
Because of the nature of this process in general and the additional time needed for conversation with bishops and the seminary representatives regarding restrictions, it is critical that this Candidate Assignment Paperwork is e-mailed to assignment@elca.org by the deadlines listed in the assignment schedule!
Rostered Leader Profile (RLP): Mobility Paperwork 
The Rostered Leader Profile also needs to be completed and submitted to the mobility database by the same deadlines as the Candidate Assignment Paperwork form. Once you have submitted your RLP to the Mobility Database System, the system will send you a confirmation e-mail. *****Please note that if you are using a Mac computer, you should be able to successfully download the Formatta Filler Program to your computer to complete the form (see right-hand tool bar for instructions). You will not, however, be able to submit your RLP successfully. Please complete the submission process on a Windows PC.*****
Part II: Forms Filed By Others
Form D: Report of the Seminary Faculty and Internship
This report is completed by seminary personnel and sent electronically, as an attachment to an e-mail to assignment@elca.org The faculty provides summary statements about the candidate’s suitability for ministry, recommendations to the candidacy committee for the approval decision, and for evaluation of the student. The form also includes summary comments from the internship supervisor, internship committee, and intern.
Form E: Approval Report of the Candidacy Committee
This report is completed by the Candidacy Committee and filed electronically by submitting it to the ELCA Candidacy Portal within the Congregational and Synodical Mission Unit. This report contains the official recommendation for commissioning, consecration, or ordination. The Candidacy Committee also makes summary statements about the candidate’s suitability for ministry and recommendations for continuing growth and First Call Theological Education.