When we gathered in 2023 for our most recent synod assembly, we celebrated the privilege of once again coming together for an “in person” assembly. It was joy-filled! Following that assembly, we initiated the practice of moving from an annual assembly to a biennial assembly that would meet every two years. This was a cost-savings decision to address our synod’s collective budget and each of our congregations’ financial realities in our synod’s post-pandemic recovery.
Over the past two years, Bishop Egensteiner prioritized the effort to meet once again with pastors and congregation leaders in order to have his finger on the pulse of our congregational recovery. Relationships and engagement have always been of great importance to our Bishop. To incarnate that priority, Bishop Egensteiner and staff visited each of our 17 conferences and met individually with each pastor to gain insight into the joys and challenges of their ministry setting, the specifics around the care and nurture of their flock, and the congregation’s mission and outreach to their surrounding communities. Concurrently, meetings with the Conference Deans as a full group, in addition to smaller regular meetings with the deans in each of the quadrants were arranged to keep the Office of the Bishop apprised of issues, concerns, and exciting ministry developments in the local context of each conference. Bishop Egensteiner and the staff have been welcomed into pulpits and worship services every Sunday. These opportunities for honest, intimate conversations, fellowship, and worship built the pillars of the Mission Forward vision:
- Our PURPOSE is to live like Christ in our communities
- The PRIORITY of our synod is to have community-oriented pastors in all viable congregations
- A key PRINCIPLE is to ensure reparative justice and advocacy
The Mission Forward vision was presented to our congregation presidents during two events and has been the thematic focus of the annual Bishop’s retreat for our pastors and synod deacons as being the mission of our synod–NOW and in the future. The Office of the Bishop has engaged the services of consultants to assist congregations in exploring ministry collaborations, developing strategic plans for ministry, and providing opportunities for ministry training.
My role, as Executive Assistant to the Bishop, is to be the administrative arm that supports the Bishop’s priorities and leadership style–including the management and coordination of the Bishop’s calendar, travel, ecumenical and interfaith engagements, as well as maintaining working partnerships with the ELCA Conference of Bishops, our Synod Council, our synod Deans, various synod committees, and partner Lutheran organizations.
It has been an honor to serve in the Office of the Bishop and to be a companion to each of you as we walk this road of discipleship together.
May God grant us courage, wisdom and grace to move the Mission Forward! Thank you!