Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM) is committed to the full participation of persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the life and ministry of the Lutheran church.
Endorsement Essay and Process
Endorsement is the second step in the candidacy process. Endorsement provides an opportunity to assess the candidate’s progress and development in preparation for ordained ministry. The areas that will be addressed are
- Personal and interpersonal skills
- Academic and theological ability
- Spiritual growth and faith commitment
- Understanding of call to ministry
Endorsement Process
The endorsement interview will be held at such time as determined by mutual agreement between the Regional Panel Convener and the candidate. An endorsement decision will cover the entrance decision report, endorsement essay, academic reports for all completed study, and the CPE report (if completed before endorsement).
There are three possible endorsement decisions:
- Endorsement indicates the panel’s confidence in the candidate’s gifts and abilities. Unless there are unforseen difficulties, it is expected that the candidate will continue to grow in readiness to serve in ordained ministry. This decision is required before the candidate can begin the required internship.
- Denial indicates that there are specific reasons why the person seeking endorsement is not an appropriate candidate for ordained ministry. The reasons must be clearly identified.
- Postponement indicates that while the panel sees potential for the candidate to serve in ordained ministry, there are developmental needs outside the normal range which must be addressed and reevaluated, or conditions which must be met before the candidate can be endorsed.
Endorsement Essay
The endorsement essay provides the opportunity for you to discuss your personal and interpersonal skills, your educational and theological ability, and your spiritual growth and faith commitment. You are also asked to reflect on your call to ministry and your experience as an "extraordinary" seminary student. The essay is not intended to be an academic paper, but a personal reflection to assist the Endorsement Panel with your interview.
The essay should be not more than 10 pages, double spaced. Please put the page number and your name on each page..
In each section of the essay reflect how your decision to be an ELM candidate may affect your call and path.
I. Call to Ministry
A. Reflect on your experience and theology of your baptismal call in such contexts as baptism, childhood, confirmation, life with family and friends, member of a congregation, student, worker, and citizen.
B. Share your understanding of the church's leadership needs and the contribution of the form of ministry in which you seek to serve: ordained, consecrated, commissioned. What gifts do you possess that will enable you to serve in this particular ministry? How does your sense of call challenge or excite you?
C. God gives the gift of ministry to the whole church. What is your understanding of the ministry of all the baptized in the world and its relationship to the particular form of ministry to which you are called in the church?
II. Faithfulness to the Church's Confession
A. Clearly state your understanding of the heart of the Lutheran confessional witness.
B. What does it mean to you at this point in your preparation for service to serve in accordance with the Scriptures, the creeds, and confessions of the Lutheran church? Focus on the functions appropriate to the form of ministry for which you will seek endorsement: ordained, consecrated, or commissioned.
C. What new biblical/theological insights have you gained through your preparation? Where have you been challenged, strengthened, or troubled? What understanding do you have of mission?
III. Minister as Person and Example
A. Reflect on your personal, professional, and spiritual development since beginning the candidacy process. Where have you found joy? Where do you struggle? What is different about you?
B. How do you currently nurture your faith, health, and wholeness as a child of God?
C. Service as a pastor, associate in ministry, deaconess, or diaconal minister on the ELM roster is a "public ministry". How do you understand your responsibility to live an exemplary life? If you have not already done so, please include a brief description of how you understand sexuality: in your relationship with yourself and others, in teaching, and in living a life consistent with the Gospel.
For further information about these forms please contact:
Rev. Megan Rohrer
Director of Candidacy
1751 Sacramento St
San Francisco, CA 94109
e-mail: megan@welcomeministry.org
Forms
Application Materials (pdf, doc)
Entrance
Endorsement
Approval
For further information about these forms please contact:
Rev. Megan Rohrer
Director of Candidacy
1751 Sacramento St
San Francisco, CA 94109
e-mail: communications@elm.org