Pastors receiving calls

I feel my question should be addressed by WELS President. How can it happen that a pastor can receive two calls on the same day? This certainly seems like overkill and places unnecessary stress on that pastor and his family and also the involved congregations. I realize there is a shortage of pastors. Some receive two calls on the same day, some never receive a call. That is also something synod should address. If those pastors never receive a call, shouldn't there be some coaching involved to possibly assist them in their calling and guide them? It would also take strain off those who receive 10 or 11 calls. I appreciate your comment.

A pastor can receive two calls on the same day if, for some reason, he is on two call lists that are presented to two different calling bodies on the same day. District presidents, who assemble the call lists, do maintain close contact with each other so that the scenario of a pastor receiving two calls on the same day is exceptional rather than routine. Even though the Call is divine and from God, our process is a human one. That means that, while we try to do the best we can, the process itself might not always work as we intend it to work.

In the case of a pastor not receiving another call for an extended period of time, the synod through its district presidents can do only so much. Unbeknownst to you and me, a pastor can be on call lists in different locations and not be the one called, and so it can seem like the pastor is not being considered for other calls. That situation does not call for “coaching” of any kind. I would say that God has his good reasons for that pastor to continue his ministry in that location.

With the pastoral vacancy rate that currently exists in our synod, it is not surprising that pastors are receiving calls from other calling bodies more frequently than in the past. Your question is a good reminder for all of us to “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Matthew 9:38). The recruitment of young people to serve in the public ministry has always been important. It is very important today.

(I did provide President Schroeder with an opportunity to view your question—and the answer, which he approved.)