Call Process Booklet

Liturgy for Receiving an Interim Pastor
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America holds the congregation and the office of ordained
ministry in high regard. Consequently, the ELCA invests resources in support of congregations
during times of change in pastoral leadership. The interim between permanent pastors provides
opportunity for evaluation, renewal, and transition from the extended service of a previous pastor,
and can help congregations to remain faithful, creative, and vital in mission and ministry.
When possible, a member of the synod staff will attend this service to preside over the assignment
of the interim minister. When that is not possible, a member of the executive committee, a deacon,
an assisting minister or other designated lay leader may take the role of the presiding minister for
this portion of the service.
This liturgy takes place following the hymn of the day.
P Having been authorized by the Church to assign [full name], our co-worker in the Gospel, as
interim pastor, I now ask for certification of this appointment.
A representative of the Congregation Council comes forward and addresses the minister:
L We, of _____________, after prayerful deliberation, have concurred with the appointment of
[name] to be interim pastor. I present him/her for appointment under the terms of our
agreement.
PJesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you
forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.””
John 20:21–23
And again: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make
disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am
with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18–20
Hear the words addressed to Timothy: Set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in
love, in faith, in purity. Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting,
to teaching. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy
with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Put these things into practice, devote
yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Pay close attention to yourself and to your
teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.
1 Timothy 4:12–16
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