In adopting “Called to Common Mission,” did the ELCA accept the three-fold pattern of ministry?
It is not true that the ELCA has accepted a three-tiered system of ministry. In “Called to Common Mission,” paragraphs 14 and 15 clearly affirm the ELCAs continuing pattern of ordained ministry. The one ministry of Word and Sacraments remains focused in the office of pastor. “Called to Common Mission” reads: “We agree that ordained ministers are called and set apart for the one ministry of Word and Sacrament, and that they do not cease thereby to share in the priesthood of all believers. They fulfill their particular ministries within the community of the faith and not apart from it” (paragraph 7). Bishops are pastors who serve a number of congregations in a geographical area. “Called to Common Mission” makes clear that the ELCA will not need to change its position to designate deacons or diaconal ministers as members of the clergy. “Called to Common Mission” states in paragraph 9: “The ordination of deacons, deaconesses, or diaconal ministers by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Amer
