ELCA Church Council Approves Major Revisions to the Roster Manual
Significant updates to roster policies across the ELCA are now officially in effect following Church Council action this week. These changes—rooted in the work of the Task Force on On-Leave and Specialized Ministry and aligned with constitutional revisions adopted by the 2025 Churchwide Assembly—provide greater clarity and flexibility for congregations, synods, and rostered ministers.
The updated roster manual is now available (PDF attached to Keith Fry’s announcement and forthcoming on the Office of the Secretary’s webpage). Leaders are encouraged to discard all previous versions and begin using the new manual immediately.
Key Areas of Change
The revised roster manual includes updates in the following primary areas:
On-leave status
Retired status
Interim ministry
Supply ministry
Expanded exceptions to the three-year congregational service bylaw
New minimum of 10 hours/week for part-time calls
These updates reflect the ELCA’s ongoing commitment to supporting the vocations of rostered ministers while equipping congregations for healthy, flexible ministry in diverse contexts.
Webinar: Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 1:00–2:00 p.m. Central
To help rostered ministers, synod staff, and congregational leaders understand and implement these changes, The Rev. Keith Fry, Executive for Office of the Secretary Administration, will host a one-hour webinar:
Topic: COB – Keith Fry Policy Updates
Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Time: 1:00–2:00 p.m. Central
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85159197176
Meeting ID: 851 5919 7176
The session will be recorded for later viewing. Synod staff, congregational officers, and those working with roster matters are encouraged to attend or share the recording.
Questions and comments may be directed to Rev. Fry at Keith.Fry@ELCA.org.
As we accompany one another in ministry across the Grand Canyon Synod, these updated policies serve as tools to support faithful leadership, strengthen accountability, and encourage the flourishing of our communities.
