Candidacy Process
The process of candidacy is established by the ELCA Department of Candidacy. However, to assist potential candidates for rostered ministry, we have included a checklist of initial steps for candidates.
If you feel God is calling you to rostered leadership in the church and are exploring the possibility of seeking candidacy in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, here are some initial steps:
Candidacy Initial Steps
1. Talk with your pastor about your interest.
2. Visit the ELCA Department of Candidacy and read the selections entitled Thinking About Ministry, Types of Rostered Ministry, and The Candidacy Process.
3. Contact Pastor Elaine Watskey or 602.957.3223 and request a copy of the small book, "What Shall I Say?"
4. Read the book, pray for direction and guidance. Continue to have dialogue with your pastor and leaders in your congregation about your interest. You should also read the document Vision and Expectations for Ordained Pastors and for Word & Service Roster. (Associates in Ministry, Deaconesses and Diaconal Ministers).
5. Locate the Application for Entrance to Candidacy form at the ELCA's web site. Read this and prepare an Entrance Essay by responding to the questions indicated. While visiting this portion of the ELCA site, scroll to the top of the page and note the link to "Candidate Checklists." You will find this information helpful.
When you have finished preparing your essay, go on-line and complete the five pages of the Application for Entrance to Candidacy Form, and the Entrance Information Form. Note that you will need to use the ELCA software called Formatta Filler. A free download of this software is located on the upper right-hand side of the "forms page" for both PC & MAC users. You will continue to use this software throughout the candidacy process. Before submitting your forms on-line, print a copy for your files and one to send to the Synod office. At the end of the Application for Entrance to Candidacy Form, follow the directions to lock, hide, and send your application to ELCA Chicago Churchwide office online. Then mail your signed paper copies of the two forms and your Entrance Essay to our Synod office along with a check for $525 (which will be applied to your Background Check and the Career Counseling/Psychological testing). The check should be made out to the Grand Canyon Synod or you may pay online with your PayPal or Credit/Debit Card. If you send your application by mail send it to:
Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA
Attn: Candidacy
7227 N 16th St
Suite #260
Phoenix, AZ 85020
6. When your Application for Entrance to Candidacy, Entrance Information form, Entrance Essay and Application fee are received in the Synod office, you will be sent further information entitled "Next Steps" which will enable you to schedule an Initial Interview, contact the ELCA-certified pscyhologist who will administer the Career Counseling and Psychological Testing, and complete the Background Check. Your congregation will also be asked to complete a registration form and will have an opportunity to indicate the level of financial support they may be able to provide as you fulfill the education requirements for rostered leadership in the ELCA.
7. It is important to remember that candidacy is a process and involves developing a relationship with the Candidacy Committee. As Minister for Candidacy, Rev. Elaine Watskey is available to help you through what may initially seem to be an involved and confusing process. Pr. Watskey can also give you substantial advice and direction along the way. Do not hesitate to make use of her knowledge and experience! Stay in touch with her when you have questions and as you move through the process.
8. While you are in the process of working through these initial steps, you may also explore seeking admission to seminary. The ELCA has eight seminaries. You can find information about them by clicking here.