Call Process Outline

The following is a general outline of the call process in the Northern Illinois Synod. Local circumstances sometimes require variations.

1. Pastor resigns.

2. An exit interview is conducted at the discretion of the synod staff.

3. Examination of congregation’s records is discussed.

4. Synod staff liaison meets with Congregation Council to determine vacancy needs, discuss appointment of an interim pastor and the call process.

5. The Congregation Council negotiates a contract with interim pastor.

6. Congregation Council determines process for completion of Congregational Mission Profile.

7. A call committee is elected or appointed as determined by the congregation’s constitution.

8. Congregational Mission Profile is submitted to the synod office.

9. Congregation Council receives feedback on profile from synod staff liaison.

10. Synod staff liaison meets with call committee to discuss committee responsibilities and to coach effective interviewing.

11. Synod staff liaison provides name(s) and profile(s) of potential candidate(s). In case of an associate or assistant pastor, the senior pastor reviews the name(s) first.

12. Call committee interviews candidate(s) and arranges to hear candidate(s) preach. Synod staff liaison arranges neutral preaching points, if necessary.

13. Call committee chooses one candidate to recommend to congregation council. Candidate’s mobility form and other information are shared with council. All of the remaining candidates are released from the process either in writing or by phone. If none is selected, synod staff liaison meets with call committee to discuss situation and additional candidate(s).

14. Congregation council meets candidate, informs candidate of salary/benefits offer, and votes to recommend candidate to the congregation.

15. Congregation council sets date for congregational meeting.

16. Congregation council arranges for candidate to meet congregation members in an informal setting.

17. Synod staff liaison sends Letter of Call information to council president.

18. Synod staff liaison attends congregational vote meeting, if possible.

19. Congregation votes. 2/3 majority required to call pastor.

20. Congregation leaders sign Letter of Call and forward it to synod office for bishop’s signature.

21. Synod office forwards Letter of Call to pastor.

22. Within 30 days of the vote, the pastor accepts or declines call.

23. If candidate accepts call, starting date is arranged and an installation date is set with the synod staff liaison.

24. If candidate declines call, process begins with new candidate(s) at step 11.

25. The call committee disbands following the acceptance of a call.