Listed here are congregations in various stages of the transition process. Any questions about this list can be directed to Pastor Mitch Phillips, Assistant to the Bishop for Leadership (mphillips@neos-elca.org). Updated February 1, 2023.
These congregations are in the following phases of the transition process for the call of a rostered leader:
Phase 1: Saying Farewell
Christ, Massillon – we wish Pastor Nancy Bacon well in her new call Christ, Lorain & Redeemer, Elyria - Pastor Laurie Miller has announced her retirement in June First, Plymouth & Mt. Hope, Shiloh – we wish Pastor Blanche Tyree well in her retirement! Grace, Austintown – we wish Pastor Pam Kelley well in her retirement! Holy Trinity, Canton – Pastor Mark Williams has announced his retirement in June Messiah, Akron – we wish Pastor Lucas McSurley well in his new call Peace, Canton – we wish Pastor Scott Bacon well in his new call
Phase 2: Exploring God’s Call
Abiding Savior, Alliance – Interim Deacon Patti Jabre Christ, Avon Lake – Interim Pastor Laura Kuntz Christ the King, Twinsburg Euclid, Euclid – Transitional Interim Pastor Barbara Holzhauser Faith, Massillon – Interim Pastor Jeff Goggins First, Lorain – Interim Pastors Don Frantz and Jenni Walker Noyes First, Strongsville – working with a consultant on mission, vision, and staffing discernment Grace, Hubbard Holy Trinity, Akron – Interim Pastor Becki Verbridge Israel’s, Paris Lutheran Church of the Master, Bedford Messiah, Fairview Park – Interim Pastor Steve Krebill Trinity, Lakewood – Transitional Interim Pastor Barbara Holzhauser Zion, Loudonville – Interim Pastor Dan Cammarn
Phase 3a: Entering the Call Process
Messiah, Ashtabula – Interim Pastor Steve Fisher St John, Canal Fulton – Interim Pastor Ann Cammarn St. Michael, Marshallville – Interim Pastor Ann Cammarn
Phase 3b: Ready to Interview
Divinity, Parma Heights - seeking to call a co-pastor to serve alongside Pr Gunkelman and then succeed him as solo pastor when he retires First/St. James, Strasburg/Tuscarawas Good Shepherd, Canton [seeking part-time] Grace, Wadsworth – Interim Pastor Barbara Bartholomew Living Lord, Warren (Howland) [seeking part-time] – Interim Pastor Michael Meranda Prince of Peace, Cortland [seeking part-time] Rejoice!, Hudson [seeking part-time] St Jacob, Massillon [seeking part-time] – Interim Pastor Angela Storer St John, Warren (Champion) [seeking part-time] – Interim Pastor Gail Zackrison Zion, New Middletown
Phase 4: Primary Candidate
Due to the confidential nature of call processes for both pastor and congregation, we will not publicize congregations who are in this phase.
Phase 5: Welcoming & Celebrating
New Covenant, East Cleveland – entered TEEM program with Vicar Scott Wiley St Paul's, Warren – Welcome Pastor Heidi Holst who began in January!
The following congregations are not actively in the call process and are being served by long-term supply or contract pastors:
Augsburg, Orrville Bethany, Ashtabula Christ, Struthers Emmanuel, North Georgetown Faith, Ashtabula First, Beach City Grace, Steubenville Jerusalem, Columbiana Living Word, Medina Lordstown, Warren Luth Ch of the Good Shepherd, Cleveland Messiah, Newton Falls Mt Moriah, Berlin Center Pleasant Valley, Ashland Salem, Wooster St James, Jewett St John's, Minerva St John, Perrysville St. John, Petersburg St John's, Highland Heights St Mark, Mansfield St Mark, Warren St Paul, Minerva St Peter, New Philadelphia Trinity, Niles Trinity, Norton Trinity, Sebring Zion, Waterford