Candidacy

Vancouver, WA church

For so as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are may, are one body in Christ. . . we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us.. . (Romans 12: 4-6)

Among the many gifts that God bestows is the gift for public leadership in the Church.  The ELCA Candidacy process prepares pastors and deacons to serve as public ministers. This particular call is discerned both personally and in community.  In the ELCA there are many partners who accompany candidates for rostered leadership as they discern and prepare for ministry. 

If you are interested in learning more about the ELCA Candidacy process, all information may be found at https://elca.org/Resources/Candidacy

If you are discerning a call to rostered ministry in the ELCA (pastor or deacon) and would like to have a conversation, please contact Pastor Rebecca Shjerven, Bishop’s Associate, Southwestern Washington Synod via email or call the Synod Office at 253-535-8300.