09/16/2020

Reminder regarding new pulpit supply process and steps to assist you

In June, the Rev. Dr. C. Lynn Nakamura, Director of Candidacy and Leadership Development, shared with our congregations a new process for providing pulpit supply preachers for those in need of Sunday worship services.

The new process provides two lists of approved pulpit supply preachers who are open to providing services to congregations either in person or virtually. The biggest change to this process is that congregations are responsible for checking the list online, selecting a few individuals who meet the congregations preaching need, and then contacting them directly by email. The lists are updated at least monthly and can be accessed on the synod website under the Congregations tab in the ‘Pulpit Supply’ section.

The following helpful steps are provided to assist you as you identify an appropriate individual to provide preaching services for your congregation.

In-Person Pulpit Supply

The following list is a resource to support your congregation during times when you need a supply preacher. This is a list of those who are available and authorized to provide pulpit supply in the Southern Ohio Synod. It includes, pastors, deacons, clergy from other traditions, lay worship leaders, seminarians, seminary graduates, and other candidates for rostered ministry. This list will be updated regularly so please check back before each use.

Obtaining a Preacher for In-Person Pulpit Supply

1. Consider the person’s Home City and Miles Willing to Travel, which is provided in the listing. If your location is beyond the distance that a supply person is willing to travel, please do not reach out to them.
2. Contact the potential preacher from the following In-Person Pulpit Supply List via email. Include date(s), time(s), and location. Include a copy of your congregation’s COVID-19 gathering for worship plan. A phone conversation is a good next step if the potential supply person agrees. Feel free to ask about the potential preacher’s COVID safety practices to see if they match your expectations for entering your community. If they do, work out the details.
3. Typically, the preacher will need the following information:
   1. worship time;
   2. which hymnal and service (e.g., ELW, Setting 4);
   3. whether or not communion is planned;
   4. a copy of the bulletin in advance (if there is a bulletin);
   5. any additional driving directions for locations that might be challenging for GPS;
   6. your contact information;
   7. any additional information that you or they deem helpful.
4. You will need the following information:
   1. the correct spelling of the supply preacher’s name;
   2. the preacher’s address so that a check can be available when they arrive at the church;
   3. phone number (especially for notification in the event worship is canceled);
   4. any addition information that you deem helpful.

The Southern Ohio Synod Compensation Guidelines for pulpit supply are as follows:

• One Service: $175
• $25.00 for leading worship each additional time that same weekend
• Round-trip mileage should be paid at the IRS standard mileage rate for employee reimbursements (see www.irs.gov for the current rate).
• As a courtesy to in-person supply preachers, it is appreciated to have a check ready to give them on the Sunday they provide leadership.

In Person Pulpit Supply List 9-20-20

Remote Pulpit Supply

The following list is a resource to support your congregation during times when you need a supply preacher who is able to utilize technology. This is a list of those who are available and authorized to provide pulpit supply in the Southern Ohio Synod. It includes, pastors, deacons, clergy from other traditions, lay worship leaders, seminarians, seminary graduates, and other candidates for rostered ministry. This list will be updated regularly so please check back before each use.

Obtaining a Preacher for Remote Pulpit Supply

1. Congregations are so diverse in their use of technology for worship, it will be up to each congregation to work out the details with the preacher.
2. Contact via email the potential preacher from the Remote Technology Pulpit Supply List. Include date(s) and a basic description of what you are hoping they will be able to do. Follow up by phone if the person is interested and available.

The Southern Ohio Synod Compensation Guidelines for pulpit supply are as follows:

• One Service: $175 (If the sermon is recorded and reused for multiple services, the honorarium is still $175)
• $25.00 for leading worship each additional time that same weekend.

Remote Pulpit Supply List 9.11.20

If you have questions about the process, please contact Dr. Lynn Nakamura at lnakamura@southernohiosynod.org.