Many mainline denominational churches are seeking faithful innovation amidst our changing ecclesial landscape. For example, 75% of churches in the Presbytery of the Inland Northwest have fewer than 100 members and are continuing to shrink. Inspired by the ecclesial imagination of other innovative congregations, some of these churches are seeking renewal and transformation by creating housing with their land to meet the needs of the community.
Excellence in Leadership
Excellence in Leadership is a ministry born out of the need for courageous and resilient people in the church, in organizations, and in the world. We are currently living in a time that asks specifically for leaders who have the capacity to think about the future in new ways and we believe that effective leadership begins with the individual and is honed in community.
Reconciled at The Table
As a church we have forgiveness to offer, and as we are becoming more and more aware, we have repentance to offer, to many who we’ve harmed. Likewise, as individuals and in our congregations the same is true. Even though it may not be easy, and even if you don’t quite feel like it yet, don’t procrastinate in this labor.
Who Is Jesus?
I spent the first two weeks of June leading summer staff training sessions for Luther Heights Bible Camp in the Sawtooth Mountains and Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp south of Glacier National Park in Montana. I led sessions on Lutheranism 101 and then took the counselors on deep dives through the Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Bible Studies.
The text for Day 2 Who is Jesus? Is John 15:1-17 (the vine and branches passage). Because we were at the beginning of staff training at both camps, biblical passages about community were also used for worship and devotions.
These passages included 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (the body of Christ). I found it wonderful to juxtapose these two passages with the summer staffs, but I also find it helpful as I begin my call as bishop of our synod. In the passage from John, Jesus uses a metaphor that highlights interrelationships and is nonhierarchical. Perhaps most significant, the branches are also anonymous; nothing distinguishes one branch from the other. The only measure of one’s place in community is to love Jesus. Period. Contrast that with the Apostle Paul’s metaphor of the body in his letter to the church in Corinth. Instead of anonymity, Paul has an abundance of specificity. What both passages share is an emphasis on interdependence, with God in Jesus and with one another.
Rev. Dr. Meggan Manlove Elected as Bishop
At our 2023 Assembly, Rev. Dr. Meggan Manlove was elected to succeed Bishop Kristen E.M. Kuempel as Bishop of the Northwest Intermountain Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Rev. Manlove currently serves Trinity Lutheran in Nampa, Idaho. Rev. Manlove graduated from the University of Chicago Divinity School, was ordained in September 2004, and holds a Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary. She will officially assume the duties of Bishop in July 2023.
Synod Assembly Recap
We had the privilege of undertaking an election for bishop. After six candidates, four ballots, and a lengthy Q & A, the gathered assembly elected Pastor Meggan Manlove as the next bishop of the NWIM Synod. We are grateful to all the candidates (with the support of their congregations and families) for letting their names go forward. And I am excited for Bishop-Elect Meggan and her leadership. The Bishop-Elect is currently serving at Trinity Lutheran Church in Nampa, Idaho, where she has been for the last 12 years. You can read more about her and all the candidates here. The Assembly gave a standing ovation to Bishop Kristen in gratitude for her 6 years of service in that office. Bishop-Elect Meggan will start her term July 1. Her installation is scheduled for October 7 at Cathedral of the Rockies, Boise, ID.
We also had the privilege of undergoing an election for two officer position on the Synod Council: vice president, which is the highest lay office (lay = not pastor or deacon) in the synod, and synod secretary, a role that may be held by a lay person or a rostered minister. Lisa Therrell, member of Faith Lutheran, Leavenworth, WA, was elected as our next vice president. Her term will begin September 1, 2023. Randy Darst, member of St. Mark’s Lutheran, Spokane, WA, was elected as synod secretary. His term will begin September 1, 2024.
Continue for full recap…
Reveal Your Path to Leadership
Journi is a newly released virtual leadership development tool through which people gain access to contacts, ministries, programs, tools and content to aid them in taking their next most faithful step as they discern their call to leadership in the ELCA and beyond.