NWOS Resources
Everything You Need
What You Need. In One Place.
The following resources are available on our website to assist rostered ministers and congregations in the Northwestern Ohio Synod as they live their mission in Christ.
Bible Studies
Candidacy Information
Is God calling you? And, what, exactly, is God calling you to? Your candidacy journey begins when you contact your synod office. At the synod office, you will be directed to the person(s) who can talk to you about your discernment journey and the candidacy process, what forms are necessary and how to complete them.
Compensation Guidelines
A calling implies mutuality between those rostered people being called and the agency or congregation issuing the call. This mutuality means that congregations and other ministry sites are to live for the wellbeing of the rostered leaders that they call, and rostered leaders are to live for the wellbeing of the communities into which they are called, so that together we might live in Christ as mission-centers, with mission-centered congregations. We in turn get to participate in making Christ known in our lives together, making Christ known in our communities, and making Christ known in the world.
Congregational Call Process
The Northwestern Ohio Synod walks hand in hand with a congregation during the call process from the time of a pastor’s announcement of resignation or retirement to the extension of a call to a new pastor. We conduct exit interviews with the pastor and council; we meet with the council to explain the call process and manual, and we meet with call committees to explain their role and offer help with interviewing. We search for pastors who have gifts that match the gifts sought and needed by the congregations. We’re available to answer questions at all times.
Congregations in the Call Process
The congregations listed on this page are currently engaged in the call process. They are listed by conference with the name of the Call Process Facilitator. This list was last updated January 9, 2018.
Congregational Constitution Resources
Every congregation should have an updated constitution in line with the ELCA Model Constitution. Please use the resources below as a guide and call the synod office if you have questions. The NWOS Constitutions Committee is a resource as congregations are in the process of updating their constitution, and the Synod Council must approve each congregational constitution once it is ratified at a legal congregational meeting. Contact the Synod Office for more information and questions: 419.423.3664.
Congregational Remittance Form
Just a quick reminder that when submitting a check from the congregation to the Synod Office it must be accompanied by a Congregational Remittance Form. The checks are picked up from a PO Box and the bank deposits them immediately. When you send in a check without the Remittance Form, the bank returns the checks to us, so it is imperative to always include the Remittance Form.
Checks and forms should be sent to NWOS-ELCA, PO Box 981, Findlay, OH 45839. Please do NOT send checks to the office at 621 Bright Road.
Congregational Resource Team
Helping your Congregation gain a vision for itself for ministry and mission
Covenant of Conduct
An agreement between members and council members on processing opinions, facts, and complaints.
Diakonia
diakonia(tm) is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) that aims to equip lay members to be strong knowledgeable leaders in their communities and the wider church. This is accomplished through a two year program of weekly classes combined with spiritual retreats and group interaction to prepare people for the many diverse tasks and opportunities to which Christ’s great commission directs them. Classes are held at Peace Lutheran Church in Galion, Ohio
Pastoral Expectations
The following information outlines the expectations for Pastors in the Northwestern Ohio Synod.
Prayer List
Sawmill Leadership Retreat Speaker Resources
Sexual Misconduct Policy
The Northwestern Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is committed to preventing sexual misconduct within its member congregations and all other ministry settings. Such settings need to be safe places for all.
Substance Abuse and Addiction Guidelines
The Northwestern Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is committed to preventing substance abuse and addictions within its member congregations and all other ministry settings.
Supply Pastors
The recommended honorarium for one worship service is $150 plus mileage according to the latest IRS accepted rate. For additional services, scheduled within three (3) to four (4) hours of the conclusion of the initial worship service, whether at the same congregation or at another, as in two-point parishes, an additional $50 per service should be paid plus any additional mileage. If needed, expenses for lodging and meals are to be paid by the congregation at the reimbursable rate agreed upon between the pastor and the congregation.
Theologian in Residence Grant
Office of the Secretary
The Office of the Secretary resources page on elca.org contains copies of the model constitution for congregations, information on records preservation and management, governance and policy, insurance information and forms, some synod forms, and more.
What is a Synod?
The Northwestern Ohio Synod is one of 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and one of six synods that comprise region six. Our neighboring synods in region six include Northeastern Ohio, Northwest Lower Michigan, Southeast Michigan, Indiana/Kentucky and Southern Ohio.
Links
Augsburg Fortress
The ministry of publishing within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Book of Faith Initiative
A grass-roots approach embracing a common vision in which all are invited to open scripture and join the conversation.
ELCA.org Resources
Resources for all ELCA programs and ministries.
Our Local Ministry and Mission