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The Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod's Guide to an Intentional Year of Discernment

One of the priorities of the Metro D.C. Synod is to empower and equip healthy leaders. That process begins with a year of intentional discernment before entering the candidacy process to become a rostered minister in the ELCA.

As a partner in this process, the Metro D.C. Synod Candidacy Committee has developed an intentional process for anyone experiencing the stirrings of the Spirit who would like to engage an intentional journey of discernment.

We provide:

  • purposeful spaces to ask hard questions,
  • informal and structured wrestling time,
  • committed resources to ponder what God is calling you to next

View Discernment Brochure

The candidacy committee of the Metro D.C. Synod invites anyone who is feeling a call to ministry or is looking for a space to actively discern their call to join our September 2021 discernment group.  

Confidential sessions will be held on Zoom starting September 8, on the second Wednesday of each month through March 2022, from 5:00 – 6:00 PM. 

If you are interested or would like to learn more, please contact Rev. Dr. Erin Swenson-Reinhold at erinsr@metrodcelca.org.

Journey of

We have created virtual discernment groups of 6-8 people who meet once a month for six months to listen intently to the invitations God is offering.

As you travel through the discernment process, we recommend you spend time studying the teachings of others, using a daily devotional and reflecting on how you hear Christ speaking in your life. 

Visiting other faith communities and having intentional conversations about how to live your baptismal call in your daily vocation can be helpful in the discernment process.

While the path of discernment will look different for each person, we recognize how a process can help shape and guide the journey.

Regardless of where the discernment path takes you, we pray this process will help you grow in your faith and your articulation of your call.

Questions?

Contact Rev. Dr. Erin Swenson-Reinhold, Assistant to the Bishop for Candidacy & Mobility or Rev. Ben Hogue, Candidacy Chairperson.

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