“Dad received a call to a church in New Jersey.” I was five when I heard those words and wondered what was going on. My dad was a pastor in California, and then one Sunday afternoon the phone rang. My dad had received a call. For the longest time, I thought it was called a call because they called him on the phone. Maybe you’ve found yourself confused or wondering exactly what it means that Mr. Klatt and Mr. Peck have received “calls.” Hopefully, this article can help. Who’s calling? God is doing the calling. Pastors and teachers are called by God to preach and teach God’s Word to people. God calls them through a congregation of Christians. The congregation extends a call to a pastor or teacher to serve with the means of grace on their behalf. How does the process work? God hasn’t given specific instructions as to how a congregation would carry out the calling process. Our church body, the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, has developed a process that seeks to fit the needs of a congregation or school with the abilities of the pastor or teacher. When a church or school needs a pastor or teacher, they make a formal request to the district president who oversees their region of the country. The district president assembles a list of qualified candidates, and then the congregation gathers for a call meeting during which they vote to extend a call to one of the candidates. Typically, the candidate is informed by a phone call (surprise!) that he or she has received a call. The person who has received the call then prayerfully considers where his or her gifts may best be used in God’s kingdom. They may decide to remain at their current church or school and return the call they received. They may decide to move to the new church or school by taking the call. In either case, we can be sure that God accomplishes his purpose in his kingdom. A pastor or teacher usually spends three to five weeks deliberating their call before making a decision. What you can do? We are currently at a time when there is a shortage of pastors and teachers in our church body. This means that you shouldn’t be surprised when eligible pastors and teachers receive calls. After a pastor or teacher has been at a church or school for four years, they are eligible to receive a call. Teachers are eligible to receive two calls every school year. Pastors can receive a call every six months. It can be overwhelming to receive a call because it requires extra thought and prayer in addition to the regular daily duties. When your called workers receive a call, remember to pray for them. You can also share any insights you have that would be helpful for them as they deliberate. In the end, whether they stay or go, we can trust that Jesus is in control. A call gives both the one receiving it and the congregation an opportunity to reflect on God’s promises! -Pastor Cortright