Northwestern Ohio Synod - Congregational Call Process

Step Five: Congregational Council and Call Process
5.1. The congregational council and the Call Committee jointly interview the candidate.

5.2. The assistant presents the compensation recommendation to the congregational council president and congregational financial representative (usually the treasurer). The assistant explains the necessity of understanding the compensation documents and advocacy for the compensation package by congregational leadership.

With the guidance of the bishop’s staff, it is critical that several members of the congregational council understand the compensation package thoroughly and will serve as advocates at this time and in the future for the pastor’s compensation.

5.3. The congregational council is requested to support the Call Committee’s recommendation with, at least, a 2/3rd vote. In addition, a majority vote by the congregational council is required for acceptance of the compensation package.

5.4. The congregational constitution is reviewed so that compliance is made with all provisions for the announcement of a congregational meeting.

5.5. The congregational council president informs the candidate of the council’s vote and informs the candidate of the compensation package.

5.6. The assistant and candidate are informed of the votes. A date for a congregational call meeting is mutually agreed upon with the assistant.

5.7. At this point, the name of the candidate becomes public information.

5.8. The congregational council may arrange for a time for the candidate to meet the entire congregation prior to the congregational meeting.

Step Six: Congregational Call Meeting
6.1. The meeting is chaired by the congregational council president and attended by the Assistant to the Bishop.

6.2. A printed biographical profile of the candidate should be distributed during the meeting. Members and the chair of the Call Committee are present to answer questions. The compensation package is then presented by the congregational council president. A majority vote by the congregation is needed to pass the recommendation for compensation.

6.3. Following an explanation by the president of the congregational council the process for extending a call per the congregational constitution, the congregational council will seek a 2/3rd vote of those present for the recommended candidate. There will be a separate vote for the compensation package; this vote will require a majority for approval. Results of the vote should be announced at the meeting by the congregational council president.

6.4. Following the votes, the completed Letter of Call is given to the Assistant to the Bishop for the bishop’s signature. It is then forwarded to the candidate by the bishop’s office.

6.5. The congregational council president then informs the candidate of the congregation’s decisions.