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Call Process Manual
Call Process > Call Process Manual

Call Process Manual updated 4/17/07.

The call process, that of saying goodbye to one pastor and greeting a new one, can be confusing. This section provides a step-by-step guide with lots of information on how to proceed through this process.

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  • Introduction and Table of Contents (176 Kb, pages 1-2)

  • Introduction and Step 1: A Time for Farewell (197 Kb, pages 3-6)

    • Exit Interview with Congregational Leaders

    • Litany of Farewell and Godspeed

    • Litany of Closure of a Ministry 

  • Step 2: A Time for Interim Ministry (255 Kb, pages 7-20)

    • Rationale for the Interim Pastor NOT Being a Candidate

    • Sample Interim Pastor Interview Questions

    • A Sample Welcome – Blessing of the Interim

    • A Sample Interim Litany of Farewell

    • Letter of Agreement for Interim Pastoral Ministry

    • Interim Interview Expense Voucher

    • Review of Interim Pastorate

    • Congregation Exit Interview With Interim Pastor 

  • Step 3: A Time for Self-Study (493 Kb, pages 21-38)

    • Congregational Mission Profile

    • Sample Letter to Be Used With the Ministry Priorities and Skills Survey

    • Download the Trend Report From the ELCA Web Site 

  • Step 4: Elect a Call Committee (236 Kb, pages 39-47)

    • 148A Authorization

    • Call Committee Sign-Up Form

    • To Call a Pastor: Five Brief Devotionals for Call Committees (and others)

  • Step 5: The Work of the Call Committee (261 Kb, pages 48-66)

    • Organization and Duties of the Call Committee

    • A Theological Preface of the Call

    • Expectations

    • From the Service of Installation of a Pastor

    • Are Pastors Hired or Called to Do Ministry?

    • Recognition of the Ministry of the Call Committee

    • How Do You Get Names of Candidates?

    • Pastoral Candidate Nomination Form

    • Interviewing a Pastor

    • Call Committee Report of Interview

    • Sample Letter for Interviewed Candidates

    • Call Committee Interview Expense Voucher

    • Mobility Forms 

  • Step 6: Calling your New Pastor (1 Mb, pages 67-87)

    • The Congregational Meeting

    • Preparing the Letter of Call

    • Sample Letter of Call

    • Definition of Compensation, Benefits, and Responsibilities of the Pastor

    • Minimum Compensation and Benefits Guidelines (separate PDF, 178 Kb, 12 pages)

  • Step 7: Welcome and Installation and Questions and Notes Page (198 Kb, pages 88-93)

    • Welcome and Installation of Your New Pastor

    • Sample Installation Service With Hymns - Version 1

    • Sample Installation Service With Hymns - Version 2

    • Sample Installation Service Without Hymns

If you have any questions, please contact our Call Process Assistant, .