From the Bishop...
The Lutheran Church understands the Office of Ordained Ministry as one instituted by Christ and given to the Church. It is the office of ordained ministry through which the means of grace, Word and Sacraments, are proclaimed and given. Its purpose is to build up the Body of Christ, enabling it to witness faithfully to the good news of Jesus Christ.
A bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America exercises the church's authority to ordain persons as pastors for the whole church. The church's relationship with its pastors, therefore, is not the same as one between employer and employee. It is instead one of mutual servanthood. Pastors are not "hired." Instead, pastors are recommended by the Synod and are called by a congregation in an interdependent relationship, a process that involves prayer, consultation, visitation, deliberation, decision and response, as led by the Holy Spirit.
The relationship between pastor and congregation is one that involves the recognition that we are servants of Christ and partners in ministry.
David G. Mullen
Bishop
Introduction
The Calling of a pastor, diaconal minister or Associate in Ministry is a time of significant change, both for professional leaders and congregations. There are special needs and circumstances in every situation, even as there are special opportunities to express love for one another, complete a ministry, make evaluations and prepare for the future.
There are certain responsibilities that arise at this time, both to pastors and congregations, and there are procedures that are uniquely ours, as Lutheran Christians. It is important for professional leaders and congregations to understand and respect each other's responsibilities. For the purposes of this document, the term “pastor”is assumed to include Diaconal Ministers, Associates in Ministry or others that are set apart for special ministry by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and are recognized and included on the rosters of this church.
This manual seeks to make clear to all concerned what the process is, and how we provide for the mobility of pastors and the staffing of congregations. Throughout the process, all concerned need to avail themselves of prayer, so that this process is not a mere mechanical event. We need God's Holy Spirit at every step, and it is right to ask for divine guidance.
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