Saturday May 9
12:30–1:15 PM
Bible Study / Small Group Discussion
Space is limited, and advance sign-up is requested. Register here.
1:30–3:00 PM
Hope Lutheran Church
ELCA · Farmington Hills, MI
Pastoral Candidate Introduction
Introducing Our
Candidate for
Senior Pastor
After months of prayer, conversation, and discernment, Hope Lutheran Church’s Call Committee is pleased to introduce Rev. Erik Grayvold as our pastoral candidate and invite the congregation to continue this season of discernment together.
Pastoral Candidate
Rev. Erik Grayvold
M.Div. — Wartburg Theological Seminary
↗ Pastoral Candidate Visit Weekend: Saturday & Sunday, May 9–10 — Join us for worship, conversation, and fellowship.
About the Candidate
A Pastor Grounded
in Compassion,
Justice, and Faith
Pastor Erik Grayvold, an ELCA minister, currently serves an Episcopal congregation in Chesterton, Indiana, where his ministry has centered on teaching, faith formation, and helping people grow in community together.
Throughout the call process, the committee was especially drawn to his thoughtful, approachable presence; his passion for spiritual growth and discipleship; and his deep commitment to building authentic Christian community.
Pastor Erik and his wife, Angie, along with their three young children, would be a joyful addition to the Hope community.
2
Graduate Degrees
4
Congregations Served
12+
Years of Service
ELCA
Minister
“My sense of call revolves around developing and forming people into disciples of Christ who use their God-given gifts to show the radical love of God for the world.”
Rev. Erik Grayvold
Pastor Erik approaches ministry with the heart of a teacher, helping people engage Scripture in meaningful and accessible ways. His understanding of ministry is rooted in helping people use their God-given gifts in service to others and in love for their neighbors.
His ministry has been shaped by parish ministry, interim ministry, and international service, including time spent in Ramallah in the Palestinian West Bank. He brings a collaborative and relational approach to leadership, grounded in listening, shared discernment, and helping communities grow together in faith.
Weekend of May 9–10
Pastor Erik Visits Hope
All are warmly welcomed and encouraged to take part in Pastor Erik’s visit weekend.
Sunday May 10
8:30–9:30 AM
Traditional Worship
Pastor Erik will preach.
9:30–10:30 AM
Fellowship & Conversation
Welcome Center
10:30–11:30 AM
Modern Worship
Pastor Erik will preach.
Where We Are
The Call Process
Hope Lutheran Church is in the pastoral call process. Here is where we currently stand in the journey.
1
Ministry Site Profile
The Transition Committee completed and submitted the Ministry Site Profile to the synod bishop for candidate matching.
2
Candidate Review
The Call Committee reviewed candidate materials, held conversations, and completed its discernment work.
3
Committee & Council Approval
The Call Committee unanimously recommended Pastor Erik, and the Strategic Planning Council voted unanimously to present him to the congregation.
4
Candidate Visit
← We are here. Pastor Erik will visit Hope May 9–10 for worship, conversation, and a meet and greet.
5
Congregational Vote
Following the visit weekend, the congregation will have the opportunity to vote on whether to extend a formal call.
Special Congregational Meeting
Congregational Vote & Call
Following Pastor Erik’s visit weekend and a period of prayerful discernment, Hope Lutheran Church will hold a Special Congregational Meeting to vote on extending a formal call to Pastor Erik Grayvold as Senior Pastor.
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Stay Connected
Learn more about worship, community, and ways to stay connected at Hope.