In November 2018, the Candidacy Committee of the NC Synod of the ELCA gathered at Lutheridge to meet with synod candidates. Three persons were approved for placement into the call process. Approved for Ordination to Word and Sacrament Ministry were Tara Fleck and John Spencer. Approved for Consecration to Word and Service Ministry was Nicole Garcia.

Approval of candidates for Ministry of Word and Sacrament and for Ministry of Word and Service is the last step of the Candidacy process. Responsibility for approval of candidates for rostered ministry resides with the Candidacy Committee.

The 2018 revised Candidacy Manual states that at this stage a Candidacy Committee, the seminary of enrollment (or affiliation), and the candidate are discerning the candidate’s readiness to serve as a rostered minister after successful completion of all academic and candidacy requirements. Approval is a point of mutual affirmation and celebration of readiness for service as a rostered minister.

Over the last several years, with the opportunities for seminary distance learning programs and second career choices, the steps of Entrance, Endorsement, and Approval may occur at any meeting of the Candidacy Committee during the year. The constants, however, are the requirements for Approval. They consist of the following:

• The Approval Essay
• The ELCA seminary Faculty recommendation
• An internship evaluation
• Academic transcripts
• CPE final report (or other supervised clinical ministry)
• Approval Information Form
• FERPA consent form

For more information on the Candidacy process, please contact the Rev. Sara Ilderton, Assistant to the Bishop for Candidacy and Boundaries.

Submitted by Carole Demmy, Candidacy member