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Beginning Ministry Together
Congratulations! Calling a rostered minister is a long and prayerful process of discernment.
Now the congregation and the newly called minister can begin preparing for a strong start to ministry together.
Preparing for the Minister’s Arrival
Preparing for the Minister’s Arrival
Preparing for the Minister’s Arrival
As you plan for the beginning of ministry, consider the following details:
- Move-In Date: Work with the incoming minister to determine the move-in timeline.
- Congregations often support this transition by helping with:
- Moving logistics
- Temporary housing if needed
- Welcoming the minister and their family into the community
- Official Start Date
- The first day of salary and the first day of ministry responsibilities may be different. This can allow time for the minister to move and settle in before beginning their work.
- Welcoming the Minister
- Plan a celebratory welcome for the minister, often on their first Sunday in worship.
Administrative Steps
Preparing for the Minister’s Arrival
Preparing for the Minister’s Arrival
Benefits
The congregation president (or designee) should contact Portico Benefit Services to initiate the minister’s benefits package.
Visit: porticobenefits.org
Letter of Call
The rostered minister should have an official Letter of Call before beginning ministry.
Contact the synod office to initiate this process:
Contact Information
Submit the minister’s new contact information to the synod and coordinate the minister’s official start with the congregation.
Installation Service
Final Step: Evaluation
Final Step: Evaluation
The newly called minister will contact the bishop to schedule the installation service.
- This service may take place several weeks after the start date.
- If the candidate is a first-call pastor, their ordination will also be arranged with the bishop.
Final Step: Evaluation
Final Step: Evaluation
Final Step: Evaluation
After the process is complete, the Call Committee should complete the Call Process Evaluation Form.
Your feedback helps synod staff continually improve how we support congregations across the Northwestern Minnesota Synod.
Thank you for your partnership in this important work.
Video
This short video highlights the final step in the call process and offers guidance as congregations prepare to welcome their newly called pastor or deacon and begin ministry together.