Once the new pastor has been selected and properly called, a letter of call will be prepared by the synod office. The prospective pastor has 30 days to accept or refuse the call. Usually, the process goes much faster. During this time, the congregation should engage in hospitality and welcome.
Your interim pastor has played a very important role in the life of your ministry. It is appropriate to plan a public farewell and thanksgiving. Interim pastors are asked not to continue their involvement in congregational life after the interim is over.
Cleaning and painting the pastor’s office prior to her or his arrival is appropriate, but any serious redecorating should probably be done in consultation with the new pastor.
If there is a parsonage, the home should be clean and presentable. Utilities should be turned on and appliances in good working order. Redecorating should be done in consultation with the new pastor.
The installation must be planned in consultation with the synod office and should ordinarily occur within the first two months of beginning the new ministry
After the congregation has approved the selection for the new pastor, the Call Committee along with the rest of the congregation begins to welcome him or her to the new call. During this time, an installation ceremony will take place. Here is a guide to help you through this process:
Information Guide
As you begin to make plans and arrangements for your installation service, please be advised of the following:
The time between one pastor leaving, and another being called, is called the Transition Process. There are five steps that are included in this process.
Your Constitution
If your congregation is revising its constitution, or if you have a question about your constitution, email the synod secretary, the Rev. Erin Clausen: .
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