One of the primary ministries for which synods are responsible is candidacy. Candidacy is the process of raising up, walking with, and preparing those who want to serve in public leadership roles in the ELCA. Public leadership roles include pastors and deacons. These leaders are often referred to as “rostered” ministers in the ELCA.
Synods do this work primarily through candidacy committees. The Southeastern Synod Candidacy Committee meets three times a year over a three day period. A candidate is first granted entrance, which means the committee recognizes potential for rostered ministry. Endorsement follows about halfway through the candidacy process and is the point when the candidate specifies, and the committee and seminary faculty validate, a specific roster category. Approval is the last official decision a candidacy committee makes, affirming the candidate’s readiness for rostered ministry. The candidate then goes through the ELCA’s assignment process and is “assigned” a particular synod from which their first call will come.
Steps (in sequence) to enter candidacy:
To begin the candidacy process, speak with Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Jill Henning in the Southeastern Synod Office, 404-589-1977, ext. 222.
Candidacy Committee Meeting Highlights
Upcoming Southeastern Synod Candidacy Committee Meetings:
Learn more about candidacy in the ELCA.
ELCA Definitions and Guidelines (revised March 2020).
Form acknowledging understanding of ELCA's Definitions and Guidelines.
Review the ELCA Candidacy Manual.
Spiritual Direction in the Southeastern Synod
Questions? Contact Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Jill Henning in the Southeastern Synod Office, 404-589-1977, ext. 222.