ELCA approves Word and Service roster

     NEW ORLEANS (Aug.12, 2016) –The 2016 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Churchwide Assembly, by a vote of 811 to 55, approved adoption of the roster of Ministry of Word and Service.

     Beginning Jan. 1, 2017, associates in ministry, deaconesses of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and diaconal ministers will be a single, unified roster of Ministry of Word and Service. The accompanying constitutional amendments related to the roster were also considered and approved by the assembly.

     "Riding the waves of decades of prayerful discussion and discernment and standing on the firm foundation laid by associates in ministry, deaconesses and diaconal ministers, we are now poised to move forward even more faithfully, energetically and creatively in being church for the sake of the world in the name and way of Jesus," said the Rev. William O. Gafkjen, bishop of the ELCA Indiana-Kentucky Synod, chair of the ELCA Conference of Bishops and co-chair of the Word and Service task force.

     "I can imagine all sorts of new and creative possibilities for pastors and deacons working and leading side by side, each with their own particular gifts and call, in addressing the missional needs of the church as we walk together into God's unfolding future. I am also hopeful that deacons, in whatever role or arena they serve, will also assist the whole people of God in living deeply into their own call to serve as Jesus serves in daily life," continued Gafkjen.

     The assembly – the highest legislative authority of the ELCA – is meeting at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. Meeting under the theme "Freed and Renewed in Christ: 500 Years of God's Grace in Action," the assembly's business will include preparations for observing the 500^th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017.

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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with more than 3.7 million members in more than 9,300 congregations across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer, Martin Luther.​

For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
773-380-2877
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
Nathan Gafkjen **
Nathan.Gafkjen@ELCA.org​

**Nathan Gafkjen is an intern for the Strategic Communications team of the ELCA. He is a 2016 graduate of Valparaiso (Ind.) University, with a Bachelor of Arts in theology and ministry and a minor in communications.

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