CALL PROCESS SUMMARY
 

We believe the call process for any congregation is a “Spirit-led time of renewal.”  It is our general custom to set an initial meeting between the Congregational Council and the Bishop or one of the Assistants to the Bishop to review the steps of the Call Process. At that time a copy of the South Carolina Synod Call Process Manual, A Spirit Led Time of Renewal, will be given to your Congregational Council. This Manual should be passed on to the Chair of your Call Committee once he or she is named. (Note: Most of these steps also pertain to calling a lay rostered leader.)

Step 1.  A Rostered leader always consults with the Bishop and turns in updated mobility paperwork before engaging in a Call process with another congregation. (Click here for "Mobility Notes and Ethics" document.)

Step 2.  When a Rostered leader accepts a new call he or she submits a letter of resignation to the Congregational Council at a called council meeting; the letter of resignation is copied and distributed to the Bishop’s office and to the congregation along with a letter of acceptance from Council including any plans being made for a farewell event if those are known.

Step 3.  Pastor and Council complete any obligations to one another (parochial records updated and certified to synod; any financial obligations between Rostered leader and congregation).

Step 4.  An exit interview for the Rostered Leader led by Congregational Leaders may be helpful.

Step 5.  Farewell event and clarification of expectations.

Step 6.  The Office of Bishop conducts a Congregational Council visit, including setting a date for the “Congregational Event.”

Step 7.  The Congregational Council works with Bishop’s office for selection of Interim Pastor.

Step 8.  The Call Committee is established according to constitutional provision 13.05.

Step 9.  The Office of the Bishop provides leadership for a “Spirit-led Time of Renewal Congregational Event.”

Step 10.  The Call Committee develops and submits to the Bishop’s office a “Ministry Site Profile” and a compilation of the data collected at the Congregational Event. The Ministry Site Profile (MSP) can be accessed online (click here); just click MSP and follow instructions for completion. If you have questions about the form please feel free to call the Synod Office for assistance. 

Step 11. The Office of the Bishop enters into a time of intentional prayer and discernment to find and determine potential candidates to offer your Call Committee for interviews.

Step 12. The Office of the Bishop meets with the Call Committee; Committee may receive names of candidates and begin the interview process.

Step 13. The Call Committee interviews candidates, remains in contact with the bishop’s office and ultimately recommends a pastor to the council; The council interviews and recommends the Candidate to the Congregation and sets a Congregational meeting date.

Step 14.  Congregation votes to extend a call to this pastor, and on a second ballot votes on the compensation package; The Candidate accepts call and notifies congregation and the Office of the Bishop of their start date. 

Step 15.  The new pastor is installed by a representative of the Office of Bishop on an agreed upon Sunday.