Entrance into Candidacy in the ELCA

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (I Corinthians 12:4-7, NRSV)

Important Information about Entrance

  1. The Entrance process in candidacy is the first formal discernment by a candidacy committee and applicants of their readiness for candidacy. 
  2. A decision to grant Entrance officially accepts an applicant into candidacy. 
  3. Normally, a candidacy committee will grant Entrance prior to an applicant’s beginning seminary studies. (In unusual circumstances an applicant may begin seminary studies for a period of six months before an Entrance decision is granted.)
  4. Be familiar with the ELCA Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline. All candidates for ministry are held accountable to the synod’s candidacy committee regarding this church’s expectations for my speech and conduct as set forward in Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline of Rostered Ministers  expected to live in accord with its standards of conduct as a candidate and as a rostered minister in the ELCA.

Materials needed Prior to an Entrance Interview

The candidate should ensure that ALL materials are received in the Synod Office at least TWO weeks prior to the Candidacy Committee meeting at which your Entrance interview is scheduled. Please email all materials to Deacon Lisa Geiger (geiger@vasynod.org). 

  • Apply for Candidacy in the ELCA following the steps here
  • AFTER creating your ELCA Community account:
    1. You will be directed to the Candidacy Application 
    2. Contact Pastor Colleen Hetrick at hetrick@vasynod.org to inform her that you have applied for Candidacy
  • The application will sent electronically to the Virginia Synod

  • The questions are found at the end of the Candidacy Application

  • Pastor Colleen will connect you with a member of the Virginia Synod Candidacy Committee, who will conduct this interview

  • This form is completed by your home congregation

  • This form is completed by your home congregation

  • Non-family member
  • Worshipping community member (other than the pastor)
  • Letters of reference do not require a particular form. The author should email the letters to Deacon Lisa Geiger at geiger@vasynod.org

  • The VA Synod Candidacy Committee works with Ministry Development Services (MDS) for these assessments. 
  • Please follow the steps on the MDS webpage for Ministry Candidates.
  • It can take up to two months for the Ministerial Assessment Report to be completed and submitted to the Synod Office, so please contact MDS as soon as possible to get started on these assessments. Without these reports, the Candidacy Committee will not schedule an Entrance interview.

  • The Candidacy fee covers the cost of the Ministerial Assessments ($1500)
  • The Candidacy fee is split three ways between the candidate, the home congregation, and the VA Synod:
    1. Candidate: $500 paid to MDS (includes the $100 deposit)
    2. Home Congregation: $500 paid to the Virginia Synod
      1. The congregation can pay their portion of the fee online using this link 
      2. OR by check, mailed to the Virginia Synod. 
      3. Please note the candidate’s name, home congregation, and ‘Congregation Payment’ on either payment method. 
    3. Virginia Synod: $500
  • If this fee is a financial hardship for the candidate and/or the congregation, please contact Pastor Colleen Hetrick.

  • From undergrad, and any graduate work
  • Mailed to the VA Synod: P.O. Box 70, Salem, VA 24153

Upon receipt of all materials, the VA Synod Candidacy Committee will schedule an Entrance Interview at one of its regularly scheduled meetings – usually held in March, August, and December. The 2021-2022 Candidacy Committee Meetings are: August 19-20, December 3-4, March 25-26, and August 18-19.

ELCA Candidacy and the ELCA seminaries require that you have a positive Entrance decision no later than the end of your first semester of seminary.