Candidacy

Candidacy is a process by which individuals are raised up, prepared, certified, and placed as public leaders in the ELCA. This process is meant to be a welcoming and joyful time for people discerning how to serve through the church. It is a partnership among the applicant/candidate, congregation, synod, candidacy committee, seminary, and Congregational and Synodical Mission Unit of the ELCA.

Prior to submitting a candidacy application form, a person has discerned a sense of call and readiness for candidacy. If you are feeling called to serve as a rostered leader and are active in a congregation or campus ministry in our synod, your journey begins by contacting our office.

Growth and development are expected as candidates seek to become equipped for rostered leadership. A candidate is expected to be a mature, healthy, and trustworthy partner in the process of preparation, formation, and evaluation for rostered leadership.

Upon completion of the candidacy process, it is a clear expectation that candidates are willing to serve in response to the needs of the church.