Licensure & Candidacy
Most students complete the requirements for being authorized as a ministry leader in a Christian tradition while in a program of study.
About Candidacy
Most Christian traditions and many faith traditions have a process for authorized spiritual leadership. In the ELCA, this process is candidacy.
Candidacy Resources
Several resources are available through the ELCA and connected organizations to support potential and current candidates.
Entrance
The entrance process is the first formal discernment by a candidacy committee and an applicant of their readiness for candidacy.
Candidate Plan
At the start of a seminary program, the student-candidate develops a plan for conversation with their advisor and candidacy committee.
Conversations Along the Way
While in program, the student-candidate, advisor, and candidacy committee have conversations along the way to check in.
Endorsement
At endorsement, the candidacy committee supports and affirms a student-candidate’s call and gifts for rostered leadership.
Final Year Plan
A plan is developed for a student-candidate's final year, to complete all candidacy requirements related to approval and assignment.
Faculty Recommendation
The seminary faculty affirm the student-candidate's ministry readiness and recommend them for rostered ministry.
Approval
At approval, the candidacy committee discern readiness to serve as a rostered ministry after completion of all requirements.
Preparing for Assignment
Usually while on internship, the student-candidate considers their needs, gifts, and sense of call in preparation for assignment.
Assignment
Following approval, assignment to regions and synods occurs at churchwide assignment consultations.
First Call
In the care of the synod to which they are newly assigned, the candidate works with synod staff for placement in a congregation.
Please contact seminary candidacy coordination with any questions about the intersection of your program and licensure process.