On this page you will find resources and forms to help with administrative duties. Please see side menu for more specific materials.
Congregation Leadership Data
Please update your congregation leadership data annually. The synod office uses this information for the call process, giving statements, and getting helpful resources to the correct person. Click here to update now.
ELCA Congregation Report Forms A & C
Forms A and C are annual forms that are to be filled out by each congregation. This information is submitted to the ELCA to help provide crucial data that assist in assessing the success of existing programs and in preparation of new resources. This data is also shared on your congregation’s full trend report on the ELCA’s website. (To view a congregation’s trend report on the ELCA website, click Find a Congregation and type in the zip code, click on the congregation name.)
To fill out these forms you must have your congregation ID number and password. Passwords change from year to year. Congregation passwords can be found on the mailed form A (top right) or please call the synod office at 507-637-3904.
You can file electronically or by mail.
– Click here to access Forms A & C
– Click here for general instructions (PDF)
– Click here for the Financial Stewardship Worksheet
– Click here for an Annual Parochial Report Discussion Guide
Worship Supply
The Worship Supply list include Ministers of the Word and Ministers on Word & Sacrament who are interested in doing supply preaching in the SW MN Synod.
– Click here for the Worship Supply list
Guidelines for Worship Supply: For Sunday mornings and midweek services, the congregation or parish shall compensate the supply pastor or worship leader $150 for the first worship service, plus $50 for each additional worship service on the same day. Auto reimbursement shall be at the current IRS standard mileage rate.
Ministry Site Profile
Completing your congregation’s Ministry Site Profile is part of the call process. Please click here to Step 3 in the call process.
Mileage Reimbursement
Mileage reimbursement shall be at the current IRS standard mileage rate. As of Jan 1, 2021, the mileage rate is $.56 per mile.
– Click here for a mileage voucher (PDF)
Congregation Remittance Books
Your synod office mails remittance booklets to each congregation annually to help designate financial gifts that are sent to the synod office. If you have misplaced your booklet or need some helpful hints on completing a remittance form please click on the links below.
– Helpful hints on completing the Remittance forms
– Download a Remittance Form
Personnel Resources
Churches are commonly thought of only as places of worship, but it is important to remember that they are also employers with many volunteers. Best practices for all organizations require a number of policies adopted by the organization. The synod office does not provide sample job descriptions, board descriptions, or employee handbooks. We strongly suggest that all organizations take time to create their own personnel guidelines with the help of a legal professional.
The ELCA does offer a variety of resources including sample policies for employees and volunteers. The ELCA Office of the Secretary / Legal Issues section covers copyright laws, employees and volunteers, sample policies, property matters, sexual misconduct prevention, and taxes.
The SW MN Synod enforces the following:
– SW MN Synod Policy Regarding Sexual Misconduct (PDF)
– Preventing and Responding to Abuse in Ministry (PDF)
Helpful Resources:
– Faithful, Fair Feedback – an approach to doing ministry reviews for church staff persons
– Pastor-Parish Relations Committee (PPRC)
