Candidacy in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is the churchwide process of preparation and formation leading to approval for the public ministries of this church: commissioned associate in ministry, consecrated deaconess or diaconal minister, or ordained pastor. Candidacy invites an active partnership of candidate, congregation, synod, seminary, and the Vocation and Education unit, which acts on behalf of the churchwide organization.
The Candidacy Process of the ELCA is guided by the following principles:
1. The process is grounded in a climate of hospitality and nurture.
2. All partners are accountable to one another for the integrity of the process.
3. The church determines who is appropriate for rostered leadership.
4. Those who provide leadership in candidacy are equipped and trained.
5. Evaluation of candidates is fair and thorough.
