Who has the right to call?

The right to call belongs to those to whom God has originally given the power of the Office of the Keys, in other words, to believers in Christ. (See What kind of a power is the Office of the Keys? and What does the power of the Office of the Keys include?).

The Lutheran Confessions: “It is necessary for the Church to retain the authority to call, elect, and ordain ministers.” (Smalcald Articles).