Congregational Resources Overview

Quick Links

• Call Process: Call a pastor to serve your congregation

• Compensation information: Determine fair compensation for church leaders

• Substitute/fill-in pastors

• Forms for congregations and expense reports

• Guidelines for congregations discerning their future: Closing, selling, blessing

• Part-time ministry guidelines

• View the Grand Canyon Synod Constitution

• View the Grand Canyon Synod Personnel Policies

• Creating Space for Conversation: Resources and Inspirations For Reaching Common Ground

  ELCA Resources

• Get your 501(c)(3) exempt status letter from the ELCA

• ELCA.org’s Compensation & Benefits form: Definition of Compensation, Benefits, And Responsibilities for Ministers of Word and Sacrament Under Call (PDF)

• Administration Matters is a bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders. It addresses common, practical issues including finance, governance, risk management, tax, legal concerns and topics of interest about day to day operations and management in church settings.

Constitution Resources

• Procedures to change a congregation constitution

• Procedures to change congregation bylaws

• Constitutions - Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (elca.org) and the latest Model Constitution for Congregations

ELCA Portico Information

The ELCA Pension and other benefits program provides health, retirement, disability and survivor benefits presented as one comprehensive program to members. www.PorticoBenefits.org

• Grand Canyon Synod Regional Representative: Andrea Arey

• 800 Marquette Ave., Ste. 1050 / Minneapolis, MN 55402-2892

• 949.338.9573 / 800.352.2876 ext. 4405

• aarey@PorticoBenefits.org

Congregational Planning Resources

• Administrator calculators - Administrators can use the contribution amounts and compensation calculators for annual budgeting and planning.

Background Checks

To promote the safest and most secure environment possible, the ELCA and the Grand Canyon Synod strongly encourage our congregations to screen all employees and volunteers, both new and existing, especially those who interact with children.

For information about background checks for lay leaders and volunteers please contact the Synod office.