Q. For a pastor, what does the abbreviation CRM mean? What causes a pastor to be in CRM status? Is this a self-determined status, or is this imposed by Synod, Districts, etc? Or mutual agreement? Is the reason for CRM status available to congregations? Individuals? How is a pastor removed from CRM status? Are there specific steps for the pastor, or for a calling congregation? Are there any cautions that a congregation should exercise when considering a call to a pastor now on CRM? Generally speaking, I have always associated CRM status with a 'troubled' pastor. Is this a correct association?

A. As the LCMS uses and applies the term "CRM status," the following can be said:

1. "For a pastor, what does the abbreviation CRM mean?"

CRM is the abbreviation for "candidatus reverendi ministerii," that is, "candidate for the reverend ministry." It is generally referred to as "candidate status" and basically means that this pastor is a member of the Synod and is a candidate, that is, is available and open to receive a call. Under this general classification, the Synod also provides a category called "non-candidate" for those pastors who wish to remain on the roster to do pulpit supply, etc., but are not open to receiving a call to full-time ministry.

2. "What causes a pastor to be in CRM status?"

A pastor may be placed on CRM status by his District President for any number of reasons. He may have decided to continue his education for a while, or the congregation he has been serving may have gone out of existence, or he may have had a health or family problem which has caused him to take some time off, etc. In a limited number of cases, a pastor is on CRM status because he has resigned his previous call due to difficulties in his ministry or in the congregation he has been serving. District Presidents place pastors on CRM status to keep them on the roster of the Synod while they are without a call. The pastors themselves decide whether they are available for a call ("candidate") or whether they wish to take some time away from the pastoral ministry ("non-candidate").

3. "Is this a self-determined status, or is this imposed by Synod, Districts, etc.? Or mutual agreement?"

Pastors on CRM status have in the past served under a call of a congregation or other entity eligible to extend a call. They have resigned their calls for any of the above reasons and have requested and received from their District President CRM status. It is generally a matter of mutual agreement.

4. "Is the reason for CRM status available to congregations? Individuals?"

The reason for CRM status is available to District Presidents who generally are free and willing to provide this information to congregations during the call process. The exception would be if there are requirements of confidentiality. Personal information regarding church workers is not ordinarily provided to individuals.

5. "How is a pastor removed from CRM status? Are there specific steps for the pastor, or for a calling congregation?"

A pastor is removed from CRM status, generally speaking, when he receives and accepts a call. He is then no longer a candidate for the ministry. He is a called pastor. A candidate can remain on the candidate list for two years in order to provide opportunity to receive a call. Congregations do well to consider these pastors since they are obviously available. Such pastors will also want to be very open to consideration of any calls they receive. Non-candidate CRM pastors, who only wish to remain on the roster of the Synod but are not interested in a call at the present time, may remain on the roster as non-candidate CRM for eight years, renewable once.

The Bylaws of the Synod do provide for a status called "restricted status." Sometimes CRM pastors are also on restricted status. This is imposed upon them by their District President to provide time to work through some things, such as personal problems. During the time a CRM pastor is on restricted status, he is not available for a call. The pastor may request removal of restricted status, for which the Synod has provided an appeal process in its Bylaws.

6. "Are there any cautions that a congregation should exercise when considering a call to a pastor now on CRM?"

When a congregation considers a call list that includes the names of pastors that are currently CRM, it should consider the names of CRM pastors with the same care and prayer with which it considers the other names on the list. Of course there will be interest in knowing why a pastor is currently without a call (CRM). It may even be that he has resigned his call from his most recent parish. It is of course quite possible that the cause behind his resignation lays with circumstances in the congregation rather than any concerns or shortcomings on his part. In any case, his District President by granting to him CRM status is saying that this pastor is fit for the ministry and may be considered a candidate to receive consideration and a call.

Unfortunately, CRM status is at times associated with trouble. This is not a correct general association for reasons already given. As a matter of fact, a congregation that passes quickly over pastors on a call list that are on CRM status are doing an injustice to those pastors and to themselves. Many such pastors come from very positive past call situations.