Call Process

Overview

The Call Process
Hiring Clergy in the ELCA

When a church in the ELCA sets out to hire a new pastor, they embark upon "the Call Process" -- a path of discernment and deliberation unique to the ELCA.   

Often at St. John's the Council solicits applications from members of the congregation and from this pool chooses the Call Committee, composed of between seven and nine members as dictated by the Constitution.

The Call Committee is bound by confidentiality as they are making very important decisions about the careers of pastors who may be serving other congregations while seeking a new call.  So often months go by without hearing anything about a call process, but that doesn't mean that progress is not being made.  

If you have questions about the Call Process or about the work of a current Call Committee, please contact Pastor Frank Espegren, Senior Pastor.  

Event

Meet with the Call Committee
Sunday, April 28 at 10:15 am

Meet with the Call Committee: Sunday, April 28 at 10:15 am in the Sanctuary

The Associate Pastor Call Committee  and Pastor Frank Espegren will be discussing the Associate Pastor call process and the Congregational Profile which is available in draft form to download.  Read the profile and bring your thoughts on it to this important meeting.

Post

Associate Pastor Call Committee Named

From a strong pool of applicants the Congregational Council has chosen the following people to serve on the Associate Pastor Call Committee: 

Pastor Frank Espegren
Bob Huckfeldt, Committee Chair
Shelly Brassil
Amy Chance
Vicki Ibarra
Joel Kimmelshue
Steve Mercer

Thanks to all those who applied! 
 

Post

Senior Pastor Call Process Completed

With the calling of Pastor Frank Espegren as Senior Pastor, this call process is now complete.  We give thanks to the dedicated men and women who served on the Call Committee, giving of their time and talents to make this important decision.  

Special Announcement

Pr. Frank Espegren: Our New Senior Pastor
Congregational Vote Affirms Call Committee's Recommendation

Image of Pr. Frank Espegren: Our New Senior Pastor

This afternoon the congregation of St. John’s Lutheran Church met to vote on the Call Committee’s recommendation that Pastor Frank Espegren be called as Senior Pastor. After a thoughtful and enthusiastic presentation by the Call Committee, Pastor Espegren was called by an overwhelming majority of the voting members present.  The congregation also voted to approve the compensation package as recommended by the Congregational Council. 

Thanks be to God! 

Post

Congregational Meeting Procedures and Rules
September 9, 2012 at 1 pm

Important information about the Special Congregational Call Meeting to be held September 9, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.

Because a number of people are wondering about the process and rules for this special meeting, the following information should prove helpful.

Commands