documents & forms

Synod & ELCA Annual Forms

Statement of Intent

Annual Rostered Ministers Report

ELCA Annual Forms

Congregations In Transition Resources

Required Continuing Education for Rostered Leaders

It is the expectation of the Office of the Bishop and Synod Council of the Metropolitan Washington D.C. Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) that the following trainings be completed at least once every three years for all rostered leaders in this synod:

Boundaries and Ethics
Racial Equity and Cultural Competency
Human Sexuality and Gender Justice

Rostered leaders may select a training provider at their discretion, provided that the training aligns with the positions and theology of the ELCA. United Lutheran Seminary (ULS) provides all of these trainings, including multiple offerings of online and in-person sessions at an affordable rate.

For the annual Bishop’s Report, each rostered leader must include the dates of their last training. Leaders entering the mobility process are expected to have completed these trainings within three years before submitting the Rostered Minister Profile (RMP) or show proof of upcoming training registration before the Bishop’s Office will activate the RMP. Certificates of Completion can be submitted to the Synod Office by email or through this form.

Questions regarding the requirement for these trainings should be addressed to the Synod Office.

Administrative Resources

Child & Youth Protection

Youth Protection Policy for Synod-sponsored Youth Events
The “Youth Protection Policy for Synod-sponsored Youth Events” was adopted by the Synod Council in 2013, and highlights policies to care for and protect children including our synod’s background check policy.

Developing/revising a Child Protection Policy in your congregation?
When you call the synod office, we can provide guidance and direct you to other congregations with existing policies.

Resource List
Although some links may no longer be active since being compiled in 2013, an “Information on Raising Awareness of or Responses to Sexual Abuse” resource list is available which points to child/youth protection, sexual harassment and general resources; and policy samples.

Compensation Guidelines for Rostered Ministers

Portico Benefit Services

Model Constitution & Bylaws

This current edition of the Model Constitution for Congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America contains changes adopted by all church-wide assemblies.

Before & after your congregational vote to amend your constitution, please send the entire document (preferably in Word format), not just the amended portions, to the Synod Secretary at secretary@metrodcelca.org for review and approval.

Model Constitution & Bylaws for Congregations

Employee Retention Credit

Cash Remittance to Synod

Synod Staff Engagement

If you have a request for a synod staff member to visit your congregation or event, please complete this engagement form that will help them to prepare and arrive on time.

The synod policy is that all congregations/ministries requesting the attendance of a synod staff member complete this engagement form and send all materials at least two weeks in advance of the event for final confirmation of the attendance of the staff person.

View Engagement Memo

Complete Staff Engagement Form

Synod Directory

The Metro D.C. Synod has a helpful directory of all congregations in the synod and their corresponding conferences, synod staff and council contact information, tables & committees list, other ELCA resources and a supply preaching list!

View Directory

documents & forms

Synod & ELCA Annual Forms

Administrative Resources

Synod Staff Engagement

Synod Directory

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