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.
Click here for the latest Candidacy Manual and other information, including links to “Definitions and Guidelines” for ordained and rostered lay ministers.
Click here and select the Candidates tab to find more helpful resources. You must create an ELCA Community account before you are able to submit an online candidacy application.
Synod Candidacy Contact
Rev. Heather Culuris, Synod Minister
Southwestern Minnesota Synod
PO Box 499
Redwood Falls, MN 56283
(507) 637-3904
Email
