Rostered Ministers of the ELCA

Doing God’s work in the world calls for leaders who bring a variety of training, skills, interests and life experiences to the work they do in congregations, communities and partner organizations. Many of these leaders are called to serve as ministers on one of the rosters of the ELCA: Ministers of Word and Sacrament and Ministers of Word and Service.

Rostered ministers carry out the work and mission of this church, sharing God’s love with the world through the good news of Jesus Christ. The different types of rostered ministers in the ELCA include:

• Ministers of Word and Sacrament.  Pastors, serve with active, courageous faith to offer the hope of the sacraments and to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ in congregations and other ministry settings. Some pastors are called to specialized ministries such as chaplaincy and campus ministry.
• Ministers of Word and Service. Deacons serve in congregations and other ministries of the ELCA, including family ministries, youth, administration, volunteer ministry, social services, music or parish nursing. Deacons connect the church with the needs of the world and work to equip others to lead a living, active and caring Christian life.

Every rostered minister goes through theological training and a candidacy process. The candidacy process raises up, prepares, certifies and places public leaders in the ELCA. Family, friends, congregations, ministry organizations, synods, seminaries and staff from the churchwide organization all play important roles in this process. Do you have a sense that God may be calling you to serve as a rostered minister in the ELCA? We welcome the opportunity to help you with your discernment, and explore what opportunities are available to you for preparation and serving in a leadership role.