Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about Call Process and Timeline:
Q: When will we have a new senior pastor?
A: That's a great question. There is no specific timeline but we anticipate the search and relocation process to take 1-2 years. The Nebraska Synod Bishop and his team are working with Southwood's Call Committee to identify candidates.
Q: Will an interim senior pastor be identified?
A: Southwood has requested the assistance of an interim pastor. We anticipate they will assist with preaching, weddings and some teaching.
Q: Who is on Southwood's Call Committee?
A: The following congregational members are serving on the Call Committee: Todd Anderson, Brian Boesiger, Jill Hurlbut, Scott Kiefer, Denise Meyer and Duane Wade.
Q: How does the call process work?
A: When a congregation has an opening, they submit a standardized form (Ministry Site Profile) to the ELCA. Pastors who would like to be considered for an ELCA pastoral opportunity also complete a standardized form. Bishops across the U.S. use information from these forms to identify potential matches between church openings and pastoral candidates.
You can view the MSP Summary and View Book at:
- MSP Summary:
- Go to Current Openings on ELCA website
- Enter “Southwood Lutheran Church” in the “Name” field
- Click “Search”
- Viewbook
Q: How will the congregation be kept up-to-date on the call process?
A: The Call Committee will provide updates to the Church Council and the congregation on the status of the work. The call process is not secretive but it is kept confidential to protect the privacy of the pastoral candidates. When a candidate is recommended for the Senior Pastor opening, they will be invited to visit Southwood to meet the congregation.
Q: Southwood is a growing congregation and is financially stable. Wouldn't there be lots of candidates interested in serving as the senior pastor?
A: Southwood faces the following opportunities and challenges as we call a new senior pastor:
Opportunities:
- Southwood has a history of a growing membership and is financially stable.
- Southwood is located in a metro area, which offers better job opportunities for a pastor's spouse/partner.
Challenges:
- There is a shortage of pastors throughout the U.S. and even fewer with experience leading a large church.
- A limited number of pastors are interested in calls in Nebraska.
Q: As a congregational member, how can I help?
A: Congregation members can help Southwood stay vibrant by::
- Worshipping regularly in-person or online.
- Growing your faith through opportunities such as Small Groups, Amplify Media or Daily Devotionals.
- Identifying a serving opportunity for you and your family.
- Committing to regular financial giving.
- Praying for wisdom for the Search Committee, patience for the congregation, and preparation for the next pastor at Southwood.
Questions about Southwood Staff:
Q: How does a Senior Pastor retirement impact the Associate Pastors?
A: The ELCA utilizes co-terminus calls. What does this mean?
- When the Senior Pastor retires, the associate pastors also offer an undated letter of resignation to the Church Council. The Church Council evaluates the situation and determines if they wish to accept the resignation(s).
- At Southwood, the Church Council has asked both associate pastors to continue serving at the church during the senior pastor call process.
Q: Does this impact any other members of Southwood’s staff?
A: The remaining members of Southwood's staff do not have a co-terminus arrangement.
Q: Will the Associate Pastors be considered for the senior pastor role?
A: The Associate Pastors have the ability to express their interest in the position and would be considered equally with any other candidates.