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Identifying and Interviewing Candidates
During the call process, the call committee works closely with synod staff to identify and discern potential candidates for the congregation’s next leader.
Gathering Candidate Names
Gathering Candidate Names
Gathering Candidate Names
The call committee may invite members of the congregation to suggest potential candidates.
- The call committee should not contact these individuals directly.
- All suggested names should be forwarded to synod staff.
- Synod staff will follow up with the candidate’s bishop to determine availability and interest in call.
In addition to congregational suggestions, synod staff will identify potential candidates from:
- Rostered ministers serving in the Northwestern Minnesota Synod
- Ministers who have submitted Rostered Minister Profiles (RMP) to the ELCA mobility database
- Other appropriate sources within the wider church
First Call Candidates
Gathering Candidate Names
Gathering Candidate Names
Recent seminary graduates (first-call candidates) follow a slightly different process.
If your congregation is open to receiving a first-call candidate, and the bishop agrees:
- The call committee will receive one candidate name at a time.
- This ensures that first-call candidates are not interviewing against more experienced rostered ministers.
It is important to notify the synod promptly when a decision has been made to continue or discontinue conversation with a first-call candidate.
Availability of Candidates
Gathering Candidate Names
Availability of Candidates
Each call process is unique. The number and timing of candidates may vary depending on several factors.
- Some committees may receive multiple candidates quickly.
- In other cases, it may take several months before receiving a candidate name.
Synod call process staff meet weekly to review open calls and explore potential candidate matches.
Confidentiality
First Conversation (Zoom Meet-and-Greet)
Availability of Candidates
Confidentiality is essential throughout the call process.
The call committee must keep all candidate names confidential until the candidate gives permission for their name to be shared beyond the committee.
This protects the integrity of the candidate’s current ministry setting.
Initial Contact with Candidates
First Conversation (Zoom Meet-and-Greet)
First Conversation (Zoom Meet-and-Greet)
Once the call committee receives a candidate’s Rostered Minister Profile (RMP):
- The call committee chair (or designee) should contact the candidate within 48 hours to acknowledge receipt of the profile.
- Maintain regular communication throughout the process so candidates understand the timeline and next steps.
For example:
“Our committee will review the profiles we have and will follow up with you by [date].”
First Conversation (Zoom Meet-and-Greet)
First Conversation (Zoom Meet-and-Greet)
First Conversation (Zoom Meet-and-Greet)
We recommend that each candidate participate in an initial informal Zoom interview.
This conversation allows both the candidate and the committee to:
- Get to know one another
- Ask preliminary questions
- Discern whether to continue the process
In-Person Interviews
Final Candidate Discernment
Final Candidate Discernment
After initial conversations, the call committee may invite one or more candidates for an in-person interview.
Helpful resources:
- Sample Interview Agenda
- Sample Interview Questions
A second interview is strongly encouraged, though not required. This conversation often allows for deeper discussion and further discernment.
At this stage you may also:
- Contact references listed on the RMP
- Discuss availability, moving timelines, and family or spouse considerations
- Invite the candidate’s spouse or family to visit and experience the congregation
Final Candidate Discernment
Final Candidate Discernment
Final Candidate Discernment
Once the call committee has identified a final candidate to recommend:
- Complete reference checks (in consultation with the candidate).
- Notify the Associate to the Bishop for Leadership so the search for additional candidates can be paused.
Candidates who are not moving forward should be notified as soon as possible.
Video
This short video offers guidance for congregations as they move into the candidate interview stage.