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Vocational Discernment
and Candidacy
As Lutheran Christians we believe that all of us are called into Christian vocation and ministry through our baptism.
All the baptized are gifted and called to serve in the church and in the world. How we respond and live out that calling is expressed in a great variety of ways.
The ELCA provides some excellent resources for those exploring their vocation. If you are just beginning to explore and discern, you are invited to visit the ELCA website vocation pages as an excellent place to start.
If you have discerned that God seems to be calling you to professional leadership in the church, you may be ready to explore further on the ELCA site. You may also request a Candidacy Packet and a copy of What Shall I Say By calling the Rocky Mountain Synod office at 303-777-6700, or e-mail Janice Ladd-Horkey at jladd-horkey@rmselca.org.
These resources will introduce you to the various forms of professional leadership in the ELCA: Commissioned Associates in Ministery, Consecrated Diaconal Ministers and Deaconesses, and Ordained Pastors.
For conversation to assist you with discernment, you are invited to contact Madelyn Herman Busse, assistant to the bishop for Candidacy at mbusse@rmselca.org and arrange either a phone or in person conversation.
Discernment Retreat
Contact the synod office to be placed on a list for the annual Discernment Retreat which is typically held in April.
Current Candidates
Annual Candidate Update form (.doc)
Annual Candidate Update form 
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Candidacy in the ELCA
The Rocky Mountain Synod participates in a Churchwide candidacy process. The three basic steps are Entrance, Endorsement, and Approval. You are advised to begin the process for Entrance 9 – 12 months prior to the date you hope to begin theological study at an ELCA seminary or other ATS accredited seminary. Additional information and access to on-line forms is available on the ELCA website.
Many questions may arise as you begin the process. Varying life situations require counsel and flexibility. Therefore, we are eager to talk with you as you begin this significant journey of discernment and vocational formation. Contact Madelyn Herman Busse, assistant to the bishop for candidacy at mbusse@rmselca.org with questions or request for further conversation. You may also contact any member of the Candidacy Committee for conversation. Email rmsynod@rmselca.org for contact information.
Bishop Allan Bjornberg
Pastor Dale Bauer
Madelyn Busse, Synod Staff
Pastor Kevin Cho
Pastor Bruce Freeman
Pastor Vera Guebert-Steward,
Judy Hagge, AIM
Janet Hilde
Pastor Dan Holt
Pastor Ann Hultquist
Frank Jackson
Dr. Carol Jacobson, PLTS
Pastor Laurie Jeddeloh
Linda Morton
Margy Schmitt Ajer, Region 2
Pastor Jeff St. Clair (Synod Council Liaison)
Dick Werpy, Chair
Janet Williams
Janice Ladd-Horkey (administrator)
Applicants are also encouraged to begin exploring the eight ELCA seminaries as early as possible. The admissions process takes place at the same time as the Entrance process. ELCA students must receive a positive Entrance decision prior to being fully admitted to ELCA seminaries. If you are interested in attending a different ATS accredited seminary, please be in contact with the assistant to the bishop for candidacy at the earliest possible date.
All candidates attending other seminaries are required to affiliate with an ELCA seminary in the first year, and participate in a residential "Lutheran Year" and internship.
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