Call Team 2025
Welcome & Overview
Hope Lutheran Church is prayerfully seeking our next Senior Pastor. The Call Process is a Spirit-led journey guided by LCMS doctrine and the Southeastern District. We invite our congregation to participate through prayer, engagement, and trust in God's guidance as we seek the Pastor, He has chosen for us.
This page will provide updates, key steps, and ways you can be involved in the process.
What is the Call Process?
- The Call Process in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is not a hiring process but a divine calling led by the Holy Spirit.
- It is conducted in partnership with the LCMS Southeastern District and follows Biblical principles (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9).
- Each step is covered in prayer, seeking God’s will for Hope Lutheran Church.
Steps in the Call Process
- Congregational Input & Prayer
- Members are encouraged to pray for discernment.
- Hope Lutheran Church congregation members were able to submit candidates.
- Nomination submission date has passed.
- Candidate List & Review
- The Call Team turns in the congregation’ nominations to the LCMS for review and research of availability of such candidates.
- A list of the congregation nominated candidates will be posted in the church office.
- The District President provides a list of LCMS-certified pastoral candidates.
- The Call Team reviews biographies, sermons, and theological perspectives.
- Interviews & Visits
- The Call Team selected candidates are contacted for interviews and provided our Congregational Profile, which provides an overview of our church, congregation, ministries, and vision for the future.
Download Hope's Congregation Profile
- The team may visit candidates’ current congregations.
- Town Hall Meetings
- A Town Hall is an open meeting where members can ask questions and get to know the candidate. It’s your opportunity to learn more about each pastor before the congregational vote.
- Town Hall Dates:
- 8/24 at 1:00 PM
- 9/5 at 7:00 PM
- 9/10 at 6:30 PM
- In respect for the pastors and their congregations, we will not release names at this time. Each candidate’s name will be shared shortly before their Town Hall, along with a brief bio and a link to their congregation’s services so you can listen to sermons in advance.
Please remember:
- Be respectful of the candidate, his current call, and his congregation.
- Maintain confidentiality and honor their privacy as they continue serving their present congregations during this process.
- Congregational Call Meeting
- After all three candidates have been introduced through Town Hall meetings, we will allow time for prayerful consideration before holding a Congregational Meeting to vote. Voting will be for active members only.
- A congregational meeting is held to vote on a final candidate.
- Extending the Call
- The Call is formally extended to the chosen pastor.
- The pastor prayerfully considers and responds.
- Pastor’s Decision & Installation
- If accepted, the pastor transitions to Hope Lutheran Church.
- A Service of Installation is scheduled.
Updates & Announcements
- For questions, contact: Chair: Jerry Garlington at
- To ensure full transparency, Call Team meeting minutes will be made available here as they are finalized.
Meet the Call Team Members
- Jerry Garlington (Chair head)
- Beth Agner
- Emily Arner
- Kathy Bailey
- Matthew Bass
- Cathy DeMarchi (Secretary)
- Jonathan Froelich
- Josh Hoopingarner
- Ruth Lassiter
- Donna Lehmann-Deming
- Teri O’Neil
- Tom Readling
- Bill Stevens
- Greg Stinson
- Jacob Wilson
How You Can Be Involved
- Pray for wisdom and discernment throughout this process.
- Stay Informed by attending updates and congregational meetings.
- Ask Questions– The Call Team welcomes input.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How long does the process take?
The process may take several months to ensure a faithful and careful decision.
- Can I submit a pastoral candidate?
Yes, nomination sheets are available in the Narthex and must be submitted by 2/23.
- Who makes the final decision?
The congregation, through a Call Meeting vote, makes the final decision.