Are You Considering Campus Ministry Service?

See also Current Campus Ministry Job Openings

Those interested in serving in an ELCA Campus Ministry position in a local campus setting should be aware of the process used and necessary steps to be followed.

1. Notification
   Notify the office for ELCA Campus Ministry of your interest. You will be given information about the process and an application will be mailed to you (or click here to download an application form   1MB).
   
   Please contact:
   The Rev. Galen F. Hora, Associate Director for Campus Ministry
   ELCA Campus Ministry
   3000 5th Street, New Brighton, MN 55112
   651-255-6134 or galen.hora@elca.org
    
2. Application
   Complete the application and return it to ELCA Campus Ministry at the above address. We will then contact your references you list on the form by phone or mail. You may call ELCA Campus Ministry regarding the status of returned references in your application file.
    
3. Mobility
   If you are rostered, send us or have your synod send us a signed copy of your completed mobility papers. (A roster is the official listings of those who have been ordained, consecrated, or commissioned and are called to service.)
    
4. Personal interview
   When all the documents have been received, we will arrange for a personal interview. This 60-90 minute interview will be scheduled at a mutually-convenient time and place which involves minimum costs for everyone.
    
5. Matching gifts and experience
   Your application is then shared with the three deployed directors on the Churchwide Campus Ministry Team who, along with the Associate Director for Campus Ministry, prepares a candidate list for a vacant position. This list requires the approval of the Bishop of the synod where the vacancy is located. The names on that list represent our best effort to match the gifts and experience of the candidates with the requirements and preferences outlined in a self study prepared by the local campus ministry agency.
    
6. Agency interview
   Potential candidates for a position are contacted by a Coordinator and queried about their interest in being on a particular candidate list after the campus ministry profile has been described. If the candidate's response is affirmative and the Synod Bishop gives clearance, his/her application file will be presented, along with other approved candidate files, to the local Campus Ministry Agency for review. This agency board will select 1-3 candidates, each of whom will be invited to come to the campus for an interview at a mutually convenient time. The interview costs (including travel and lodging) for these candidates are paid by the local agency board. The interview gives candidate and board the opportunity to assess the possibility of a viable match.
    
7. Notification
   After all candidates have been interviewed, the agency board may elect one as their campus pastor or lay professional. That person is then notified of the election, normally by telephone. The formal election document which requires the signatures of local and/or state and area agency chairpersons will be sent to the candidate. The candidates not elected are notified of the board decision and if the selected candidate accepts the election, the Synod Bishop is notified and a call is extended by the Synod Council or congregation. The campus ministry agency will pay for a house-hunting trip for staff and spouse and for moving expenses.

If your application is on file with ELCA Campus Ministry and you have not been invited to have your name placed on a candidate list, you may call the office and request information about the status of your file. In most years there will only be 10 to 20 annual staff changes in campus ministry; therefore, the waiting process may be lengthy. If you have not received an interview within four years, you will receive a letter inviting you to update your application.

See also Current Campus Ministry Job Openings