Requests for Called Workers

Calling a Pastor or Staff Minister

This year's Easter call hiatus is from Sunday, April 12 to Wednesday, April 23. Call meetings resume Thursday, April 24.

To extend a call for a pastor or staff minister, follow these steps:
  1. Use the 'Pre-Call Survey Form' below to decide what qualifications you need a pastor/staff minister to fill.
  2. Submit your request to the District President's office ([email protected] or 920-739-9194).
    • Be prepared to provide details of the position you are requesting, including compensation information.
    • Allow at least two weeks for list preparation.
  3. Due to heavy call volumes, expect to be sent a list of candidates on the day of  the meeting. Keep this list confidential before and after the meeting.
  4. After voting for a candidate, contact the district president's office to inform him of the decision.
  5. Contact the candidate by phone to let them know you are calling them.
  6. Fill out the appropriate form and a cover letter and send the call packet by mail or e-mail.

When a call has been returned:
  1. Inform the district president's office that a decision has been made ([email protected] or 920-739-9194).
  2. If you are calling again, request a call meeting date from the district president's office. 

When a call has been accepted:
  1. Inform the district president's office that a decision has been made.
  2. Set a date for your new called worker's arrival.
  3. Set an installation date and inform the district president's office so an authorization for installation can be prepared.​

Calling a Teacher

The teacher call window is open as of Tuesday, October 15, 2024 and closes April 15, 2025.

To extend a call for a teacher, please follow these steps:
  1. Work with your congregational leadership to establish what qualifications you need a teacher to fill (Following the online submittal link will give you a good idea of the type of information you'll need).
  2. Submit your request online at wels.net/callrequest.
    1. Be prepared to provide details of the position you're looking to fill, including compensation information.
    2. If you are requesting an early childhood director or principal, fill out the additional form below and send it to the Commission on Lutheran Schools ([email protected]) and the district president's office ([email protected]) when you submit your request.
    3. Allow at least two weeks for list preparation.
  3. Due to heavy call volumes, expect to be sent a list of candidates on the day of the meeting. Keep this list confidential before and after the meeting.
  4. After voting for a candidate, contact the district president's office to inform him of the decision.
  5. Contact the candidate by phone to let them know you are calling them.
  6. Fill out the appropriate form and a cover letter and send the call packet by mail or e-mail.

When a call has been returned:
  1. Contact the Commission on Lutheran Schools ([email protected]) to request a call meeting date and make any changes to the call. CC the district president's office ([email protected]). You do not need to submit another online call request.

When a call has been accepted:
  1. Inform the Commission on Lutheran Schools ([email protected]) that a decision has been made. CC the district president's office ([email protected])
  2. Set a date for your new called worker's arrival.
  3. Set an installation date and inform the district president's office so an authorization for installation can be prepared.

Requesting a Graduate Assignment

Basic instructions are below. For detailed instructions, click the relevant link:
The deadline for all assignment requests is Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

Assignment day for Martin Luther College is Saturday, May 17, 2025. Assignment day for Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary is Thursday, May 22, 2025.

To request a graduate assignment:
  1. Work with your congregation's leadership to determine what qualifications you would need a graduate to fill (see the detailed instructions linked above).
    • ​If you have been calling for a teacher from the field, you will still need to submit a new request.
    • If you have been calling for a pastor from the field, you will need to start a new online application using the call request link.
  2. Submit your request online at wels.net/callrequest
    1. Be prepared to provide details of the position you're looking to fill, including compensation information.
    2. If you are requesting an early childhood director or principal, fill out the additional form and send it to [email protected] and the district president's office ([email protected]) when you submit your request.​
  3. After you've submitted your request, prepare a call packet and cover letter and email ([email protected] - preferred; cc [email protected]) or mail (Mount Olive Lutheran Church, ATTN: Rev. Joel Zank 930 E Florida Ave Appleton, WI 54911) the packet to the district president's office. The deadline for sending the call packet for teachers/ staff minister requests is Friday, May 9, 2025. The deadline for sending the call packet​ for pastor requests is Friday, May 9, 2025. 
  4. Assignment day at Martin Luther College is on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
    1. The assignment committee meets on Thursday, May 15. Please make sure your primary point of contact remains close to his cell phone in case the district president needs additional information about your request.
    2. If your request cannot be filled, the district president's office will contact you no later than Friday evening to inform you.
  5. Assignment day at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary is on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
    1. The assignment committee meets on Tuesday, May 20 and Wednesday, May 21. Please make sure your primary point of contact remains close to his cell phone in case the district president needs additional information about your request.
    2. If your request cannot be filled, the district president's office will contact you prior to Thursday's call service.​

What if a pastor or teacher we are calling is deliberating past the application deadline?

If a pastor or teacher from the field is still deliberating a call as we approach the application deadline—and if you are desiring to apply for a graduate if they decline the call—fill out a request for a graduate. You may withdraw the request if the pastor or teacher accepts the call.

What if a present pastor or teacher at our congregation receives a call before the deadline?

If your current pastor or a teacher receives a call in April—and if you would consider seeking a graduate to replace them if they accepted that call—be aware of the possible need to call for a voters’ meeting in order to approve a request for a graduate. You could fill out a request for a graduate and withdraw that request if your pastor or teacher declines the call.​