"...to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ" -- Ephesians 4:12
21st Century congregations require missional and visionary leadership at all levels of the church. Vocations and Leadership encompasses a portfolio of ministries with the common theme of identifying, forming and equipping the church's professional leaders, lay and clergy.
- Candidacy for ordained, consecrated and commissioned ministry
- Mobility for rostered church professionals
- The Bishop's Convocation and other leadership development activities
- Interim Ministry
- Committee of Deans
Candidacy
The candidacy committee and staff, along with partners across the church, identify, nurture and encourage the next generation of our church's professional leaders in order to provide theological, missional leaders for 21st Century congregations.
The candidacy process lifts up, prepares, certifies and places public leaders in the ELCA. Public ministries include commissioned Associates in Ministry, consecrated Deaconesses and Diaconal Ministers, and ordained Pastors. The candidacy process is a partnership between the churchwide organization, synods and bishops, seminaries, congregations, and candidates, their families and friends. The process is administred by a Candidacy Committee in each synod.
To consider your vocation, education and calling, or to learn more about the process, contact: The Rev. Dr. Larry Hand at 610.278.7344 or via
Mobility
Mobility is part of the call process, the unique and prayerful process by which the synods of the ELCA engage their congregations, church-related organizations and rostered leaders in a time of thoughtful assessment and spiritual discernment of the way God may be calling them toward mutual ministry for the sake of the ELCA's mission.
Mobility is the process by which rostered leaders are considered for new places and types of service and discern their call to new opportunities. Learn more about the process at the ELCA website, or visit People and Places for information specific to mobility for each of the rosters.
Leadership development
We provide continuing education and professional advancement opportunities for both rostered and lay leaders, including our innovative Faith & Leadership Academy and Diakonia programs to empower missional lay leaders. Recent Bishop's Convocation speakers have included Phyllis Tickle, Stephen Bouman, Kelly Fryer, David Lose, Nathan Dungan, Leonard Sweet, Jerome Ringo and Mike Foss.
Vocations Staff
Candidacy
The Rev. David Hinkelman
Acting Director of Candidacy
Contact: 267.323.3755 |
The Rev. Nancy Brown
Chair, Candidacy Committee
Contact:
Mobility
Mobility coordinators (for the committee of deans)
The Rev. Ellen Meissgeier
Contact: 267.323.3751 |
The Rev. Paul Sorcek
Contact: 267.323.3751 |
Bill Harp
Bill provides administrative support to the Asst. to the Bishop, Rev. Dr. Larry Hand and SEPA's Vocations and Leadership initiatives, including Candidacy, Mobility, Interim Ministry, Pulpit Supply and Leadership Development.Contact: 267.323.3744 |
Upcoming Related Events
Vocations and Leadership Links
- ELCA.org > Leadership
- ELCA.org > Become a Leader
- ELCA.org > Candidacy
- ELCA.org > Call process
- ELCA.org > Mobility
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How PA Child Abuse Law Relates to Churches
In Pennsylvania, clergy - along with medical professionals, educators, peace officers and other who work with children - are required to report suspected child abuse, although information covered by the state's clergy privilege law is exempt. Surveys of mandated reporters indicate that there is often confusion about what is required. Look for information about the law and resources for reporting after the jump.
Free Resources from Parish Paper
Through our Synod’s subscription to The Parish Paper you have permission to download more than three dozen “Free Resources”—each of which provides practical, how-to-do-it methods that assist committees and staff members in accomplishing particular congregational ministries, such as financial stewardship, worship, attracting new worship attendees, church school, etc.
Health and Savings: 2 for All
This year the ELCA Board of Pensions has two ways for you to live better and save. We’re calling it 2 for All… 2 ways to take healthy steps, 2 ways to earn wellness dollars, and a 2% discount for our congregations: 1) Take the Mayo Clinic Health Assessment by April 30 and get a $150 personal wellness account credit and help our congregations earn a 2% discount on health costs. 2) Earn more personal wellness dollars by completing the GO! Challenge, a four week program to help you eat, live and work healthier.
Save 2% in 2011!
Together we can save $36,800 – 2% on each congregation’s ELCA health plan contributions – if 65% of eligible plan members and spouses complete the online Mayo Clinic Health Assessment by April 30. The assessment brings you a $150 wellness credit and opens the door to additional health resources. If you’re a member of the ELCA health plan, we need your help to reach 65%. If you’re a congregational leader, encourage your church’s plan members to take the assessment.
Healthy Boundaries workshop for rostered leaders
Please register now for our next Healthy Boundaries Workshop at Trinity Lutheran Church located at 1141 W. Chester Pike, Havertown PA 19083, Tel. 610-446-6398 on Wednesday, February 23, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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Synod News
2012 Synod Assembly Registration
2012 Synod Assembly registration materials available for download. Early bird registration deadline is Wednesday, March 14.
Offices Closed Temporarily Due to Fire
Currently the synod office is closed to the public for repair of water damage after a fire in the building. Staff members are working in various locations and will check messages periodically. Thank you for your patience.