Congregation Vacancies

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 November 6, 2023 - These congregations are in the transition process for the call of a rostered leader:

Phase 1: Saying Farewell

Emmanuel, Salem - Pr Alan Smearsoll has taken the call to Zion, New Middletown

Phase 2: Exploring God's Call

Abiding Savior, Alliance
Canaan, Creston
Christ, Lorain
Christ the King, Twinsburg
Faith, Massillon – Interim Pastor Jeff Goggins
First, Lorain – Interim Pastors Don Frantz and Jenni Walker Noyes
Holy Trinity, Akron – Interim Pastor Becki Verbridge
Holy Trinity, Canton
Holy Trinity, Massillon
Israel’s, Paris
Jerusalem, Seville
Living Word, Medina
Luth Ch of the Covenant, Maple Heights
Luth Ch of the Master, Bedford
Peace, Canton
Prince of Peace, Poland - detached internship site
Redeemer, Elyria
St. John, Lakeville (McZena)
St. John, Warren
St. Mark, Tallmadge
St. Paul, Bellville
St. Paul, Warren
Trinity, Clinton
Trinity, Vermilion
Triune, Broadview Heights

Phase 3a: Entering the Call Process

Augsburg, Orrville – Interim Pastor Sue Rodgers
Christ, Massillon
First, Strongsville
Messiah, Akron

phase 3b: Ready to interview

Christ, Avon Lake – Interim Pastor Laura Kuntz
First, Strasburg & St. James, Tuscarawas
Good Shepherd, Canton [seeking part-time]
Grace, Austintown
Living Lord, Warren (Howland) [seeking part-time] – Interim Pastor Michael Meranda
Messiah, Ashtabula – Interim Pastor Steve Fisher
Messiah, Fairview Park – Interim Pastor Steve Krebill
Prince of Peace, Cortland [seeking part-time]
St John, Canal Fulton & St. Michael, Marshallville – Interim Pastor Ann Cammarn
Zion, Loudonville – Interim Pastor Dan Cammarn

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

Zion, New Middletown

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