Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM) is committed to the full participation of persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the life and ministry of the Lutheran church.

How to Call a Pastor

How ELM works with congregations in a call process:

1.         The congregation must make the decision to include ELM candidates in addition to ELCA/ELCiC candidates.  For more information on making this decision see “Open your next call to the ELM Roster”.  A member of the ELM Congregation and Ministries committee will be available as a resource during this discernment.  The ELM financial support grant process may also be explained at this time

2.         The Call Committee sends the Congregation Profile and position description to the ELM Call Process Coordinator .

3.         The information from the congregation is sent to all members of the ELM roster.

4.         ELM roster members may send applications directly to the Call Committee.  If the Call Committee prefers, applications could be routed through the ELM Call Process Coordinator.

5.         The congregation should inform the ELCA/ELCiC Synod Bishop that ELM candidates are being included in the call process.

6.         The Call Committee and the Congregation Council should be prepared to discuss this decision with the Bishop or Bishop’s assistant who will probably ask the congregation not to continue with ELM.

7.         The Call Committee considers ELM applicants on an equal basis with ELCA/ELCiC candidates.

8.         If an ELM candidate is chosen by the call committee for recommendation to the congregation, the ELM Call Process Coordinator and the ELCA/ELCiC Synod Bishop are notified.

9.         The call process continues with the ELM Call Process Coordinator providing any required assistance (e.g. in discussion of compensation and benefits).

10.       The ELM Call Process Coordinator will be present at the congregational meeting for the call vote.

11.       ELM will be available to help with installation (and ordination, if required) logistics.

To learn more about this process, please contact:
Mike Wilker
Call Process Coordinator
calls@elm.org