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 Ministers of Word and Sacrament (ordained pastors) and Ministers of Word and Service (deacons and deaconesses). 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:

or visit the ELCA Candidacy website.