Call Process Road Map
Phase 1: Saying Farewell
(We are here)
Pastor/Deacon announces resignation or retirement
Bishop meets with Congregation Council
Plan for transitional leadership
Conclusion of Pastor/Deacon’s ministry
Phase 3: Entering the Call Process
Form Call Committee
Assistant to the Bishop meets with Congregation Council and Call Committee
Preparation of Ministry Site Profile
Interview preparation
Receive & Interview candidates
Phase 5: Welcoming & Celebrating
Determine timeline for rostered minister’s move and start date
Facilitate rostered minister’s move
Schedule installation service with Conference Dean
Phase 2: Exploring God’s Call
Discernment of Mission & Vision
Consensus on Mission & Vision
Identify staffing needed to engage the Mission & Vision
Phase 4: Primary Candidate
Call Committee recommends candidate to Congregation Council
Congregation Council engages with recommended candidate & negotiates compensation
Meet & Greet for candidate and congregation
Congregation meeting with call vote
Glossary of Terms
Types of Interim Leadership:
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Interim Pastor: A part- or full-time pastor who provides typical pastoral leadership for a congregation. The title of Interim/Transitional Pastor indicates that there is a definite destination ahead—typically the calling of a new pastor. Some pastors may have specialized training as intentional interim pastors to help guide a congregation during this time.
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Contract Pastor: A pastor who is contracted for services to a congregation that is not actively in the call process and therefore the "interim" title is not appropriate. This typically includes worship leadership, meeting with the congregation council, and providing pastoral care. Additional duties such as teaching confirmation or leading other ministries may be included.
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Supply Pastor: A pastor who preaches and presides at worship. The current Pulpit Supply list is available on the synod website.
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Pastor of Record: In situations where there is not an interim or contract pastor, this is a pastor who fulfills the constitutional expectation that a pastor is in attendance at congregation council meetings and is identified by the synod office as the pastoral contact for the congregation. Such a pastor is not expected to provide or arrange for pulpit supply but is the point of contact for weddings and funerals and may provide limited pastoral care.
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Bridge Pastor: A pastor who serves as a "bridge" between phases—typically immediately following the pastor who has retired/resigned or immediately before the arrival of the newly called pastor.
Transition Team:
A team of people—typically working under the guidance of an intentional interim pastor or a consultant—who help the congregation discern their mission and vision and then determine the staffing needs for that mission and vision.
Call Committee:
The committee that will prepare the Ministry Site Profile and work with the synod office to interview candidates. They are charged with identifying the candidate to be considered for call. Check your constitution to determine the size of the committee (typically 5-9 people, the Model Constitution specifies six) and how it is elected (it may require a congregation meeting or it may be appointed by the Congregation Council). In addition to the constitutionally mandated number of voting members of the Call Committee, the committee may choose to enlist various resource persons (staff members, people from the community, etc.) as they work through the call process.
Ministry Site Profile:
A document prepared by the Call Committee and submitted on the ELCA website in order to formally enter into a call process. The synod office will provide guidance on accessing and preparing this document.