Southeastern Synod Candidacy Committee 2015 Synod Assembly
Southeastern Synod Candidacy Committee 2015 Synod Assembly Report
Each Synod has a Candidacy Committee that functions on behalf of the entire ELCA to approve candidates for call as rostered leaders of the church. The committee evaluates candidates fitness for public ministry and makes decisions on behalf of the church, using the standards, policies, and procedures of the ELCA and the Synod. The Southeastern Synod Candidacy Committee is comprised of 12 members of both rostered and lay members, in addition representatives from ELCA Region 9, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, and the Bishop's office also serve on the committee. There are currently around 70 candidates in various stages of candidacy in our Synod. A few more women than men. Many are either second career or from another theological tradition. Candidates come from varied backgrounds including; traditional ELCA background, other Lutheran denominations, other denominations, and represent diverse ethnic groups. In 2014 the Southeastern Synod Candidacy Committee in partnership with Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, ELCA churchwide offices, and Atlanta area ELCA congregations initiated the Atlanta Lutheran Formation Experiment (ALFE). This is a 3 year experimental undertaking that provides an alternative to the traditionally required year of residency at a Lutheran seminary by candidates from non-ELCA seminaries. Eight ELCA candidates who are attending Atlanta area seminaries are currently participating in the ALFE. Through a combination of individually developed course requirements and local internship sites the need for these candidates to relocate to a seminary is eliminated. A goal of the ALFE is to provide an equivalent Lutheran formation experience at a reduced cost to the candidate.
Bill Grabill, Chair ELCA Southeastern Synod Candidacy Committee
C-11
Each Synod has a Candidacy Committee that functions on behalf of the entire ELCA to approve candidates for call as rostered leaders of the church. The committee evaluates candidates fitness for public ministry and makes decisions on behalf of the church, using the standards, policies, and procedures of the ELCA and the Synod. The Southeastern Synod Candidacy Committee is comprised of 12 members of both rostered and lay members, in addition representatives from ELCA Region 9, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, and the Bishop's office also serve on the committee. There are currently around 70 candidates in various stages of candidacy in our Synod. A few more women than men. Many are either second career or from another theological tradition. Candidates come from varied backgrounds including; traditional ELCA background, other Lutheran denominations, other denominations, and represent diverse ethnic groups. In 2014 the Southeastern Synod Candidacy Committee in partnership with Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, ELCA churchwide offices, and Atlanta area ELCA congregations initiated the Atlanta Lutheran Formation Experiment (ALFE). This is a 3 year experimental undertaking that provides an alternative to the traditionally required year of residency at a Lutheran seminary by candidates from non-ELCA seminaries. Eight ELCA candidates who are attending Atlanta area seminaries are currently participating in the ALFE. Through a combination of individually developed course requirements and local internship sites the need for these candidates to relocate to a seminary is eliminated. A goal of the ALFE is to provide an equivalent Lutheran formation experience at a reduced cost to the candidate.
Bill Grabill, Chair ELCA Southeastern Synod Candidacy Committee
C-11
