Call Process

 

The calling of a pastor represents a valuable partnership between God, the congregation, the synod and the ELCA. Each member of the partnership is enriched when the call process results in a good match between pastor and congregation. The total mission of the church is furthered when each member of the partnership is honored, respected and fulfills its appropriate role in the process.

Synod Call Process

The Northeastern Iowa Synod Constitution outlines the process for calling rostered persons.

S14.16.01.A2000 The calling of a pastor represents a valuable partnership between God, the congregation, the synod and the ELCA. Each member of the partnership is enriched when the call process results in a good match between pastor and congregation. The total mission of the church is furthered when each member of the partnership is honored, respected, and fulfills its appropriate role in the process.

We seek to follow a process which builds on trust and openness, relies on good communication, and results in a call which is pleasing to God. Throughout this process the congregation holds the authority to call a pastor on the roster of the ELCA. The congregation, the pastors, and the office of the bishop must follow the constitutions of the congregation, synod and ELCA throughout this process. For the sake of an orderly process and good communication, the congregation is encouraged to follow the guidelines of the synod.

When Your Pastor Resigns
Download the complete Constitutional Guidelines for Calling a Pastor in the Northeastern Iowa Synod for how to proceed when your pastor resigns.

 

ELCA Call Process

The call process on the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America website supports those involved in call process work—rostered leaders, congregations, church-related organizations and synods.

This interactive page includes a searchable churchwide database that allows ministry sites to publish their vacancies, and rostered leaders to have their mobility information readily accessible to synod bishops.

The “Getting Started” section will guide you on how to use the page. If you need additional help, you may contact our synod’s call process administrator, Linda Sue Hamilton, at 319-352-1414 or send her an email.

www.elca.org/call-process

 

 

 

Congregations in the Call Process

Rev. 9-14-2020

Installing
  • Rev. Peter Kowitz, Decorah, Decorah, Sept. 20
  • Rev. Becky Sogge, First, Northwood, Oct. 4
  • Rev. Kristen Briner Wipperman, St. Matthew and Luther Manor, Dubuque, pending
  • Rev. Katie Pals, Trinity Belmond, pending

 

Interviewing

 

Self Study

 

Supply Pastors

Rev. 9-8-2020

Retired Clergy
Bauer, Norm   Charles City
Carpenter, Jim   Waverly
Christensen, Daniel   Lime Springs
Edwards, Robert   Story City
Ellingson, Wayne   Decorah
Engelbrecht, Caroline   Waverly
Engelhardt, Marcus   Des Moines
Fricke, Vincent   Waverly
Gannett, Jack   Mason City
Gerrietts, Darrel   Waverly
Godson, Jerome   Volga
Granzow, Jane   Iowa Falls
Haug, Joan    Dubuque
Jensen, Jim   Albert Lea, Minn.
McKinstry, Roger   Marion
McMillin, Harold   Garnavillo
Nelson, Paul   Waverly
Nelson, Ron   Boone
Nielsen, Randy   Mason City
Olson, Phillip   Ossian
Rehfeldt, Richard yyy Rochester, Minn.
Shaw, Patricia   Waverly
Sherer, Michael   Waverly
Shriver, Ruth Ann   Cedar Falls
Tomlinson, Keith   Waverly
Trachte, Larry   Waverly
     
Clergy
Bohls, Sid yyy Mason City
Mechler, Kent   Sheffield
Retz, Elizabeth   Waterloo
Smith, Steve   Waldorf College, Forest City
     
Non-Sacramental Ministry
Adamcik, Eric yyy Waldorf College, Forest City
Strike, Paul   Dubuque
     
Contact Persons for Colleges/Seminary
Rev. Brian Beckstrom   Wartburg College, Waverly
Rev. Anne Edison-Albright   Luther College, Decorah

 

Compensation for Temporary Ministries
Supply Ministry

Compensation should include preparation time, travel time, and mileage for worship services, Bible studies, confirmation, visitation, and funeral planning. It is courteous to have a check on hand to reimburse one-time supply ministers immediately. When supply is provided for multiple weeks or on an ongoing basis, payment arrangements may be agreed upon by the congregation and the supply minister. (Revised 2018)

In the event that weather or some other issue requires the cancellation of a worship service, the supply minister must be notified as soon as possible. The supply minister shall be paid $100 for preparation time. No mileage shall be paid, unless the minister was already traveling to the congregation before being notified of the cancellation. Only the round-trip mileage actually traveled will be paid to the supply minister in this case. (Revised 2018)

Weekly Worship
Single service – $150; each additional service – $40 

If a class is taught – $40 additional 

Communion presider only – $30 per service.

Total mileage should be paid at the IRS approved rate.
(57.5 cents per miles for 2020)

Other Services
(Weddings, Funerals, etc.)
$120 per service, plus mileage at the IRS approved rate, paid by the congregation. This would be in addition to any honorarium the pastor might receive from the family members. 

 

Resources & Forms

Synod Staff Contact

Rev. Stephen Brackett