Northwestern Ohio Synod - Congregational Call Process

Step Three: Assistant to the Bishop and Call Committee
3.1. After receipt and clarification of the profile, the assistant will submit profiles of candidates for interviews, which could include those suggested by the congregation. If the profile is that of a new seminary graduate, only that profile will be given to the Call Committee.

3.2. The process for interviews is reviewed, including a review of what expenses will be covered by the congregation for those being interviewed. Typically, a congregation should cover travel expenses including transportation, meals and accommodations. Mileage for travel by car should be reimbursed at the IRS reimbursable rate.

3.3. The Call Committee is responsible for the following:

a) Determining a schedule for the interviews and authorizing the Call Committee chair to contact the candidates;

b) Establishing a consistent interview process for all candidates. The process should focus on congregational mission goals and the profile; and

c) Providing each candidate (and spouse, if appropriate) with a tour of the church and the community as part of the interview. Since typically, interviews are held in the evening, the Call Committee may wish to share a meal with the candidate before or after the interview.

d) Keeping candidates informed of developments in the call process in a timely manner.

3.4. An information packet of community and local interest information, including education, recreation, housing and the like should be sent to the candidate well before the interview.

3.5. The Call Committee may wish to set up a mock interview with a local or a retired pastor.

Step Four: Call Committee and Interview Process
4.1. The goal is to select one candidate, with at least a 2/3rd vote of the Call Committee, for recommendation to the congregational council.

4.2. Interviews should be scheduled close together, with focus on the interview process established in Step Three. This process should be in a written form so that consistent questions are asked. Provide an opportunity in each interview for the candidate to ask questions of the Call Committee.

4.3. Spouse and family vocational and educational needs should be considered, and therefore, it is appropriate to invite the spouse to the interview, if applicable.

4.4. If geographic distance is a consideration for the interview, the committee may choose to substitute the personal interview with an interview via telephone conference calling or other web-based interactive video conferencing.

4.5. If, following the interview, the committee wishes to visit the pastor’s current congregational worship or other settings, great care and discretion are necessary. No interviewing should take place during such a visit. Audio or video tapes, CDs and other media of the candidate’s sermons may be requested by the Call Committee.

4.6. Following the candidate’s interview, the Call Committee may choose to have one or more of the candidates return for a second interview.

4.7. Once the 2/3rd vote has been achieved, the pastor’s name and profile are forwarded to the congregational council as a recommendation for call. When this occurs, all candidates that have been interviewed are informed by the Call Committee chair that a recommendation has been made by the Call Committee.