Pastoral Call Process

Call Process Updates

Watch this section for periodic updates on the pastoral search and call process. 

Update: 3-14-23

The Call Committee has been hard at work reviewing hosts of pastors including many who were nominated by the congregation. We narrowed this large group down to about 40 pastors for further consideration. After discussions with each of these pastors via phone, we now have a working list of five candidates willing to continue in the call process. These names have been forwarded to our District President, Mike Lange, for his review and input. Pastor Lange will get feedback for us from each pastor’s home district and may add the names of additional pastors for us to consider.

Once we have the District’s input, the Call Committee will contact those remaining individuals to schedule interviews. This will allow the prospective candidates to learn more about Our Savior and for us to learn more about their ministries. Following this, our prayer is that the Lord will lead us to several candidates to present to the congregation for your call consideration.

Please keep the Call Committee and these pastors in your prayers. 

Update: 11-20-22

Call Committee Announcement

After much prayer (and many sleepless nights), I am happy to announce that we have selected the members of our Pastoral Call Committee.
We were blessed to have over 20 people who were either recommended or volunteered directly. I want to thank God for sending so many capable, qualified, and willing servants.  
The following individuals are a representation of our congregation, meet very specific criteria (as outlined previously) and share our vision as a ministry.  

The Pastoral Call Committee is as follows:

Heather Crawford (alternate) - Board of Directors, Secretary
Linda Futral
Laura Gong
Beth Goodell - Board of Directors, Vice Chair
Mark Klins - Call Committee Chair
Julie Knight - OSLS Principal
Thomas Moore
Andy Young
Jesse Yow - Elder

Please join me in thanking each of them for their commitment and passion. Keep them in your prayers that the Holy Spirit would work through them as we begin this next phase in our Pastoral search.  

Sincerest Thanks,

Chris Korsak
OSLM Board Chair

Update: 11-02-22

Vacancy Pastor Announcement:

As shared at our Worship Service on Sunday, October 30th, we are pleased and excited that Pastor Ted Hartman has accepted our offer to be our short-term Vacancy Pastor through the end of the calendar year, with a potential extension into 2023. Due to some prior commitments Pastor Ted has, there will be a few services before year-end led by other familiar pastors, such as CNH President Mike Lange or Pastor Joe Robb. Join us in thanking Pastor Ted when you see him for serving us in this capacity. 

Call Committee Update from Board Chair, Chris Korsak:

We are happy to announce that Mark Klins has accepted the call to Lead our OSLM Pastoral Call Committee. I will be working closely with Mark Klins, Joe Ryno (Lead Elder), and Don Young (Executive Director) to collect and finalize the list of potential Pastoral Call Committee members. While we have already received much interest, if you wish to be considered to serve on the Call Committee, please let us know as soon as possible. Traits desired in Call Committee members include spiritual and emotional maturity, strategic thinking, assertiveness, deep understanding of OSLM, and ability to maintain confidentiality. If you would like to be considered, please send your name and contact information (email and phone) to me, Chris Korsak, Ryno, Don Youngor Mark KlinsThe deadline is Wednesday, November 9. Thank you.

Reminder, in an effort to provide you with the opportunity to offer input on desired traits and characteristics of our next pastor, we are hosting a couple of short, informal, gatherings on November 2, 3, and 9, in the Fireside Room at 7 PM. We hope to see you at one of these meetings.

Update: 10-19-22

We continue working toward fulfilling our short and long-term Pastoral needs with the Board of Directors and the Board of Elders diligently moving this process forward as thoughtfully and efficiently as possible. 

Also, we would like to provide you the opportunity to offer input on desired traits and characteristics of our next pastor. To that end, we will be hosting a couple of short, informal, gatherings on Wednesday, November 2, Thursday, November 3, and Wednesday, November 9, in the Fireside Room at 7 PM. We hope you will join us at one of these meetings.

Letters Related to Pastor Kevin's Departure

Call Acceptance Letter - Church (9-4-22)

Call Acceptance Letter - School (9-8-22)

Initial Letter to Congregation (9-11-22)

Status on Next Steps (9-25-22)

Final Letter from Pastor Kevin (10-5-22)

Call Manual

In order to understand elements of the call process that a congregation goes through when seeking to call their next pastor, the districts of the LCMS provide call manuals to guide that work. The CNH District has recommended the call manual resources from the Pacific Southwest District. Below you will find a few of the tools provided in this manual that may be of help. 

Call Process Checklist provides an overview of the full call process. 

Call Process Checklist

Next is a sample resolution to establish a call process that a congregation may use or adapt to serve as a guiding document for the call process. 

Sample Resolution to Establish a Call Process

As we move forward in ministry and begin the process of seeking our next pastor, there are a few typical steps that are taken toward reaching that goal. 

  1. Selection of a Vacancy Pastor of Intentional Interim.
  2. Define Desired Skills, Abilities, and Attitude for our Next Pastor.
  3. Establish Call Committee.
  4. Seek Nominations from the Congregation and List from CNH District President.
  5. Call Committee Works the Process to Vet and Interview Candidates to Present to the Congregation.
  6. Voters Meeting to Present Candidates to Issue a Call.
  7. Receive Word from the Candidate Called on Acceptance or Return of the Call.
  8. Repeat Steps 4-7 as Needed.