Northwestern Ohio Synod ELCA
Congregational Call Process
July 2002

To the Congregation:
When your pastor resigns contact the deployed Assistant to the Bishop assigned to your congregation as soon as possible. The assistant will want to initiate the process outlined below or in this brochure* (PDF/116k).

Step One:	Assistant to the Bishop and Congregational Council
Step Two:	Assistant to the Bishop and Call Committee
Step Three:	Assistant to the Bishop and Call Committee
Step Four:	Call Committee and Interview Process
Step Five:	Congregational Council and Call Process
Step Five:	Congregational Council and Call Process
Step Seven:	Call Meeting Follow-Up
Step Eight:	Three-Month Follow-Up
Call Process Evaluation

Step One: Assistant to the Bishop and Congregational Council
Initial discussion once the vacancy is known:

1.1. An exit interview should be conducted with the departing pastor to address the current and past pastoral and congregational ministry. In addition, the interview should include conversation regarding appropriate closure and appreciation, to be celebrated within the congregation, for the pastor’s ministry. During this interview the pastor and the congregational council president should sign a Covenant of Separation.

1.2. This Congregational Call Process document should be reviewed with the congregational council.

1.3. During Step One, the following should occur:

a) The assistant and congregational council president will determine what arrangements should be made for an interim ministry during the vacancy.

b) An appropriate climate should be established for beginning the call process for a new pastor. Agreement should be reached regarding mutual congregational support, as well as congregational support with prayer for pastors, congregations of the synod and the Office of the Bishop.

c) Suggestions are made by the assistant regarding organization of a Call Committee, its purpose and function, as well as its membership. It is recommended the Call Committee be comprised of 6 to 8 members with representation from the congregational council and other groups representative of the congregation. A liaison that is a member of the Call Committee and the congregational council is important to maintain the communication necessary between the council and the Call Committee during the call process.

d) The Congregational Mission Strategy is introduced, and if necessary, updated. Questions regarding content and completion of the strategy, including timetable when strategy is due, are discussed. The strategy is typically completed by the congregational council, in concert with the congregation and submitted to the assistant within four weeks.

Step Two: Assistant to the Bishop and Call Committee
2.1. The Congregational Profile is introduced. Questions regarding content and completion of the profile, including timetable when the profile is due, are discussed. The profile is typically completed and submitted to the assistant within 2 months.

The Office of the Bishop recommends that prayerful, purposeful deliberation should be taken with the profile to ensure it is reflective of the congregation’s mission and ministry needs.

2.2. After submission of the profile, the Assistant to the Bishop will develop a list of candidates. The determination of the list of candidates is developed with the Bishop, the Call Committee and the assistant. The assistant will review the process whereby the congregation may suggest prospective candidates.

2.3. The assistant will review the purpose and responsibilities of the Call Committee, including its communication with the congregation and the congregational council.

2.4. Confidentiality of the call process is explained.

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