Call Process - Central/Southern Illinois Synod

Call process in a congregation can be a time of high anxiety and worry about the future. It can also be a fruitful time to consider the congregation’s ministry and hopes for the future. What does the call process look like?

step 01

Initial Contact

Your pastor has resigned and you may be asking yourself, “What do we do next?” After notifying the synod office, the Call Process begins here at Step One. Instructions and forms for you to complete are available to you when you click on the links below. If you have any questions at all please call the synod office at (217) 753-7915 or toll-free (844) 330-2747. You may also email Pastor Ken Sandlin at Ken.Sandlin@csis-elca.org

Overview

Checklist

Communications

Bulletin Insert

Announcements

step 02

Interim Ministry

“Who will serve us during the call process?” Step Two is Interim Ministry. In consultation with the bishop, your congregation’s ministry needs are assessed, and an interim pastor is appointed by the bishop with the approval of the Congregation Council(s). The documents listed below describe the process in more detail and give information necessary to put your interim agreement in place.

Letter

Description

Agreement

Guidelines

Supply Pastors

step 03

Ministry Site Profile

After steps one and two are completed, Step Three begins when a member of the synod staff meets with the Congregation Council to introduce the call process, and explains the surveys and, specifically, the procedure for completing and submitting your congregation’s Ministry Site Profile. Only after that meeting, can the council begin working on the MSP. Copies of the documents, that will be referenced at the meeting and used by the council, are available in the list below.

Intro to Surveys

Transition Survey

Pastoral Gifts & Tasks Survey

Documentation Checklist

Instructions for MSP

MSP Example

7 Reflections Example

5 Sources of Potential Pastoral Nominees