The
ELCA’s Candidacy Manual provides helpful insight into the sorts of expectations
and responsibilities applicants to candidacy should be aware of as they contemplate
this next step in discernment: Expectations
of Applicants and CandidatesPersonal
faith and commitment to Christ is at the heart of one’s decision to seek
to serve in ordained ministry or in rostered lay ministry as an associate in ministry,
deaconess, or diaconal minister. That decision often comes after uncertainty
and a lengthy period of prayer and thought. It should involve others in a process
of discernment and reflection about an individual’s gifts and abilities for
rostered ministry. The process of discernment and the utilization of What Shall
I Say? Discerning God’s Call to Ministry are key elements in beginning
the Candidacy Process. The
decision to begin study for rostered ministry is one that will be tested, not
only by the one seeking to serve but by the community of faith, the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America. A decision to serve this church through rostered
ministry is not made alone but includes conversations with and support from a
congregation, representatives of a synod, and theological education partners.
A
person seeking to serve this church contacts the office of the synod where congregational
membership is held to begin the Candidacy Process. A candidate will need to
exercise initiative in completing the steps of candidacy and demonstrate competence
in the tasks of theological education and practical preparation for ministry. Growth
and development are expected as one seeks to become equipped for rostered ministry.
A candidate is expected to be a mature, healthy, and trustworthy partner in the
process of preparation, formation, and evaluation for rostered ministry. The candidate
provides a signed release to the Candidacy Committee so that the partners in the
Candidacy Process (and personal references) may fully and openly communicate. A
candidate for rostered ministry must be willing to serve in response to the leadership
needs of this church, wherever that call may be. Candidates
approved by a Candidacy Committee are recognized and available for a first call
to one of the four rosters of public ministry in the ELCA. Assignment for
first calls is based on churchwide need. It is the clear expectation that candidates
are willing to serve in response to the needs of this church. While the church
is committed to considering the unique circumstances of individual candidates
and their families, restrictions that limit a candidate’s ability to serve
may delay or prevent the receipt of a call to service in the ELCA. Candidates
are expected to make every effort to be able to respond to the leadership needs
of this church. Responsibilities
of Applicants and CandidatesResponsibilities
of those persons engaged in the process of candidacy in the ELCA are many. Significant
among these responsibilities are the following, which seek to assist the candidate
in movement toward a lifestyle that attends to all dimensions of health and wellness
and encourages life-long discernment of call: A.
Candidates have: 1.
love for Jesus Christ
2. love for people
3. a desire to participate in the
mission of the church
4. acceptance of and adherence to the Confessions of
Faith of this church
5. integrity
6. passion for justice
7. compassion
8.
self-awareness
9. leadership gifts
10. capacity for intellectual growth
11.
ability to share faith
12. capacity for critical reflection
13. faithfulness
14.
sense of call
15. competence
B.
Candidates are active members of an ELCA congregation for at least one year prior
to their entrance interview C.
Candidates demonstrate an understanding of and follow the guidelines for living
a lifestyle appropriate to leadership among God’s people as stated in the
document Vision and Expectations. D.
Candidates honor and fully participate in the established process of candidacy
in the ELCA. E.
Candidates shall submit all required documents and information related to the
Candidacy Process requested by the other partners within the agreed-upon time
frame. F.
Candidates shall fully and openly communicate with all the partners in the process. G.
Candidates are accountable for all aspects of preparation. H.
Candidates engage in the on-going work of self-discovery, self-evaluation, reflection,
and healthy lifestyle that enhance a leader’s ability to fully and actively
carry out the responsibilities of ministry as illustrated in the Wholeness Wheel. | 
