First Call Theological Education

Transitioning new leaders to ministry

 
About First Call in the ELCA
"First Call" is the designated name given to all first-time clergy and lay rostered leaders who have received a call from a congregation, a social service agency or an educational institution to serve in public ministry.

Vocation of First Call Congregations Project (2005-2009)
In 2005, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) received a $525,000 grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc. to extend the Transition into Ministry work of the previous five years. The emphasis of the new project was to study the characteristics of congregations that do a good job supporting First Call pastors as they start their ministry following completion of their seminary education. | More

Transition into Ministry Project (2001-2005)
In 2001, ELCA Division for Ministry (now Vocation & Education unit) was awarded a five-year, $750,000 grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc. to enhance lifelong learning and leadership education for First Call leaders. The ELCA project also had a special focus on young, first-career rostered lay and ordained leaders in the church.

The Transition into Ministry project was intended to extend the FCTE program that the church implemented fully in 1997. Over the five years of this project, the existing FCTE program was enhanced through the development of several research and resource endeavors. | More

About FCTE
First Call Theological Education (FCTE) is about transitioning new leaders in ministry. The ELCA is committed to providing a three-year structured program of theological and practical education, as well as colleague groups, all designed to assist newly called leaders in the transition to public ministry (called “rostered ministry” in the ELCA). FCTE programs are designed, offered, supervised and evaluated by synods, following churchwide standards.

To learn more about the ELCA commitment to support the transitioning of new leaders and to lifelong learning in the ELCA, see the following: