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 January 8, 2024 - These congregations are in the transition process for the call of a rostered leader:
Phase 1: Saying Farewell
Hope, Mansfield - Pastor Jonathan Stufft has accepted the call to serve as Assistant to the Bishop for Congregational Vitality & DEM
Phase 2: Exploring God's Call
Abiding Savior, Alliance Canaan, Creston – Interim Pastor Dan Cammarn Christ the King, Twinsburg Emmanuel, Salem - Interim Pastor Dawn Richie Faith, Massillon – Interim Pastor Jeff Goggins Holy Trinity, Massillon Israel’s, Paris Living Word, Medina Peace, Canton – Interim Pastor Phil Kunder Redeemer, Elyria - preparing for Holy Closure St. John, Warren St. Paul, Bellville – Interim Pastor Mark Sherwindt St. Paul, Warren – Interim Pastor Michael Meranda Trinity, Clinton Trinity, Vermilion Triune, Broadview Heights
Phase 3a: Entering the Call Process
Augsburg, Orrville – Interim Pastor Sue Rodgers Christ, Lorain Christ, Massillon Holy Trinity, Akron – Interim Pastor Becki Verbridge Holy Trinity, Canton – Interim Pastor Barb Bartholomew Messiah, Akron Prince of Peace, Poland – detached internship site St. John, Lakeville (McZena) – Interim Pastor Debbie Pinnegar St. Mark, Tallmadge
phase 3b: Ready to interview
Christ, Avon Lake – Interim Pastor Laura Kuntz First, Lorain – Interim Pastors Don Frantz and Jenni Walker Noyes First, Strasburg & St. James, Tuscarawas Good Shepherd, Canton [seeking part-time] Grace, Austintown Living Lord, Warren (Howland) [seeking part-time] Jerusalem, Seville Messiah, Ashtabula – Interim Pastor Steve Fisher Messiah, Fairview Park Prince of Peace, Cortland [seeking part-time] St John, Canal Fulton & St. Michael, Marshallville – Interim Pastor Ann Cammarn Zion, Loudonville – Interim Pastor Debbie Pinnegar
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
First, Strongsville - Pastor Kathy Kluck (formerly the Associate Pastor) has accepted the call of solo pastor
The following congregations are not actively in the call process and are being served by long-term supply or contract pastors:
Bethany, Ashtabula Christ, Struthers Emmanuel, North Georgetown Faith, Ashtabula First, Beach City Grace, Steubenville Jerusalem, Columbiana 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 Mark, Mansfield St Mark, Warren St Paul, Minerva Trinity, Niles Trinity, Norton Trinity, Sebring Zion, Waterford