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Overview Pulpit Supply List Lay Pulpit Supply Application

Lay Pulpit Supply Application 

As pastoral leadership in congregations is changing, pulpit supply needs are changing, too. No longer are there enough retired rostered ministers to fill every open pulpit every Sunday. If you are a lay member of a congregation in Northern Illinois Synod with some preaching education, please prayerfully consider being added to our pulpit supply list for non-communion worship leadership. There is an application process outlined here. 

As a lay member, you are not authorized to preside over communion. You are welcome to preach and lead a non-communion service, though. We expect lay pulpit supply to be compensated at the standard pulpit supply compensation rate.  

There are a few steps to becoming credentialed to be added to the list. This includes some essay questions, additional paperwork, and a background check. We ask each applicant to pay $25 to cover the cost of the background check. 

  1. Submit an application at this link: https://nis.elvanto.net/form/1b654655-f65a-47e6-80e6-af04d8b4e605
    1. This application asks for contact information, education background, and a few faith essay questions.
  2. Provide additional paperwork:
    1. A letter of recommendation from your pastor or council president.
    2. One – three sermons (Each can either be a manuscript or a link to a worship video with sermon start time).
      1. Please email the letter of rec and the sermon(s) to Pastor Julie Monnard at jmonnard@nisynod.org.
    3. Complete a background check. 
      1. Please pay for the background check by going to https://nisynod.org/give. Click on "Give Online Now," and a pop-up window will come up. Give $25 to Lay Pulpit Supply Application Fee.
      2. After the fee is paid, then Pastor Julie Monnard will order a background check. You will receive an email from Checkr with the steps to complete the process. 
    4. Complete an interview. 
      1. After all paperwork is received, then you will be contacted to schedule an interview with a panel of rostered ministers. 
      2. The interview is the last step of the process before your name goes on the pulpit supply list!
    5. After being added to the pulpit supply list, congregations will have access to your name, email address, and phone number. They will contact you directly to schedule pulpit supply.