A regular agenda item at every meeting of the District President and Circuit Visitors is the process by which congregations elect a pastor through the Holy Spirit’s leading. Our purpose in giving this matter so much attention is to make it a process through which congregations can lay hold of God’s vision for their mission in their context, and call the pastor whom the Lord has selected to lead them.

 

This manual is one more attempt to live up to that opportunity. In the succeeding pages you will find helps in the following areas:

 

• Understanding the Pastoral Vacancy Support System - Section I

 

• Enriching Your Understanding of the Pastoral Call and the Relationship between Pastor and People - Section II

 

• Understanding the Process of Calling of a Pastor - Section III

 

• Understanding Terms That You Will Hear and Use - Section IV

 

• Multiple appendices that provide additional information, samples of various related materials, and more

 

Because we have committed ourselves to make the calling process an opportunity rather than a burden, feel free to share any suggestions you have. As your District President, I will appreciate hearing from you.

 

Rev. Dr. Mike Gibson, President

Pacific Southwest District–LCMS