Northwestern Ohio Synod - Congregational Call Process

Step Seven: Call Meeting Follow-Up
7.1. The candidate has up to 30 days to accept or decline the call of the congregation.

7.2. The Council and the assistant are notified by the candidate of the decision. Assuming an affirmative decision, dates are immediately determined for relocation and installation.

7.3. The called pastor, congregational council president, and assistant coordinate details for the installation, which is usually held on the first available Sunday of the new pastor’s ministry within the congregation.

7.4. In the event the call is declined, the assistant will provide guidance on returning to the call process.

Step Eight: Three-Month Follow-Up
8.1. The assistant will meet with the pastor for a 3-month conversation, commencing from the date of installation as pastor of the congregation.

8.2. The assistant will establish a time for an 18-month ministry review at the time the call is accepted for the purpose to review both the pastoral and congregational ministry.

8.3. If the congregation does not have a Mutual Ministry Committee, the Office of the Bishop recommends that the call committee, in collaboration with the pastor, becomes the newly-formed Mutual Ministry Committee. This committee serves as the Mutual Ministry Committee for a period of two years. This is not the Personnel Committee and does not provide evaluative information for annual staff reviews and/or compensation adjustments.

8.4. The Assistant to the Bishop, together with the congregational council and Mutual Ministry Committee will review with the pastor synodical opportunities and requests for attendance at various events such as the synod assembly, conference meetings, first-call pastoral education and annual leadership retreats. The assistant also reviews with the pastor Expectations for Pastors Called to the Northwestern Ohio Synod, which includes such items as extended stay of at least three years for each call and other particulars related to their ministry with the Northwestern Ohio Synod.

8.5. The Call Committee completes and returns the Call Process Evaluation.