What Is Candidacy?

Candidacy in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is the pathway of discernment to determine if an individual is called to ordained ministry.

Ordained ministry is the vocation of serving as a rostered minister of the ELCA: a Pastor or a Deacon. We trust that a call to any vocation is received both internally and externally. In discerning a call to ordained ministry, the Candidacy committee discerns with individuals as they prepare for ministry.

Fill out the discernment interest form or contact Megan Macpherson at megan@spselca.org.

Note: Megan Macpherson (she/hers), Assistant to the Bishop, will be away from her position on maternity leave until February 2, 2026. Please refer to the resource page for answers to commonly asked questions, and who to go to for specific needs.

Discernment Interest Form

What Is Candidacy?

Candidacy in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is the pathway of discernment to determine if an individual is called to ordained ministry.​

Fill out the discernment interest form or contact Megan Macpherson at megan@spselca.org.

Candidacy in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is the pathway of discernment to determine if an individual is called to ordained ministry.