We join you in prayer as we ask God for guidance for those who vote and discernment for those who are nominated for this position.

Transcription

1 April 4, 2016 Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, This is a very exciting time to be the church. At this assembly, the voting members will be electing the next bishop of the Pacifica Synod. This is one of the most important tasks of the synod assemblies, which is the highest legislative authority of our synod. Your presence here is not mere coincidence. You have been called for such a time as this. We join you in prayer as we ask God for guidance for those who vote and discernment for those who are nominated for this position. The following information is a breakdown of how the bishop election process works. This information can also be found in the Pacifica Synod Constitution at S through S The Ecclesiastical Ballot and the Modified Ecclesiastical Ballot Since the inception of the ELCA, elections for the presiding bishop and synodical bishops have been conducted using an ecclesiastical ballot a first ballot on which the name of any member of the clergy may be submitted for nomination by a voting member of the assembly. The Pacifica Synod uses a modified ecclesiastical ballot for nominating a bishop. The modification provides for nominations of up to ten candidates each in the ten conferences that make up our synod. Of those nominated, eight have agreed to move forward in the process. These eight names, plus a blank line on which to write the name of any person on the ELCA clergy roster, form the modified ecclesiastical ballot. On the First Ballot for Bishop, you will be instructed to vote for one of the eight or to write in the name of any person on the clergy roster of the ELCA, except for Bishop Murray Finck, who is ineligible to stand for re-election because of term limits. The synod constitution describes a multiple ballot election process for the election of the bishop, with each subsequent ballot reducing the number of candidates (absent ties, from seven to five to three and, finally two) and the majority needed for election (from 75 percent to 66.6 percent to 60 percent to a simple majority). Absent ties, the maximum number of ballots cast will be five, but an election could occur on any ballot. Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, who will oversee the election of the bishop, will provide a 8-1

2 thorough explanation of the balloting and give instructions prior to voting. However, for most people, ecclesiastical ballots can be confusing, so a brief summary follows. First Ballot for Bishop The first ballot will include all persons who have been pre-nominated and a line to write in the name of a candidate not already on the ballot. With a write in candidate, ministry setting and contact information are required, so that the nominating committee may contact them to determine their willingness to serve (see Nominating a Candidate at the Synod Assembly below). Three-fourths 75 percent of the votes cast are necessary for election on the first ballot. Because the First Ballot for Bishop typically includes many write-in candidates, the counting takes several hours to complete. Second Ballot for Bishop The second ballot will include all persons receiving a vote and who have not withdrawn their names from nomination. Three-fourths 75 percent of the votes cast are necessary for election on the second ballot. Third Ballot for Bishop The third ballot will be limited to seven persons, plus ties, who receive the greatest number of votes on the second ballot. Two-thirds 66.6 percent of the votes cast are necessary for election on the third ballot. Prior to voting on the Third Ballot for Bishop, the seven candidates, plus ties, will participate in a question and answer session with the assembly. Fourth Ballot for Bishop The fourth ballot is limited to three persons, plus ties, who receive the greatest number of votes on the third ballot. Sixty percent of the votes cast is necessary for election. Prior to voting on the Fourth Ballot for Bishop, the three candidates, plus ties, will address the assembly for no more than five minutes each. Fifth Ballot for Bishop The fifth ballot is limited to two persons and requires a majority vote for election. Nominating a Candidate at the Synod Assembly Voting members who intend to place a name in nomination at the synod assembly must: Speak with the individual in advance of the assembly to verify that he or she is willing to stand for election to the office of bishop. Fill out the information in the space provided on the first ballot. The information requested is name, current ministry setting, city, state, and contact information. 8-2

3 The Bishop Election Committee, the Bishop Nominating Task Force, and the Walking Into the Future Together Task Force You ll hear references throughout the assembly to several groups that have a roll in the election of the bishop. The Bishop Election Committee (BEC) was appointed by the synod council in December 2014 to develop a process for the bishop election. In the last year, this committee chaired by the Rev. Kim Krogstad, the Rev. Laura Ziehl, and Ms. Rachel Line - with Darrell Tuntland, Gary Kakert, and LeRoy Loseke as members - has been hard at work overseeing the entire election process. The Bishop Nominating Task Force, chaired by the Rev. Steve Bieghler, consists of one representative from each of the ten conferences, and was appointed by synod council in March This Task Force received 32 names from the conferences and contacted each nominee for their affirmation of being nominated. The Task Force coordinated background checks and reviewed their qualifications. Many people graciously removed their names from nomination. Of those remaining, the top twelve were presented to the BEC. In the following months of discernment, four others removed their names and the remaining eight are presented in this notebook. The Walking Into the Future Together (WIFT) Task Force, has been coordinated by Mr. Jeff Cours and the Rev. Darin Johnson with members Rafael del Castillo, Nicholas Cruz, the Rev. Christine Higueria-Street, Angela Jackson, Joanne Larson, the Rev. Lara Martin, Paul Moehlman, the Rev. Tim Philips (ex officio from synod staff), and Darrell Tuntland. The main jobs of the WIFT Task Force were to listen to the synod, report back to the bishop and synod council, and help the bishop and synod council form the groups necessary to implement changes. The Task Force took this information and data to form the Synod Profile, highlighting the major themes that emerged from the listening sessions in 2014 and The complete synod profile is available online at: We look forward to this process of electing the Pacifica Synod s next bishop. We thank God for Bishop Murray Finck who has served this church faithfully for 18 years as bishop of this synod. We pray for the Holy Spirit to guide our hearts and lead us through this assembly. Thank you for committing to serve as a voting member at this assembly. It is our hope and prayer that we feel the spirit move as we are all called for such a time as this. Blessings to you all, The Rev. Kim Krogstad Ms. Rachel Line The Rev. Laura Ziehl Bishop Election Committee Co-chairs 8-3

4 Name: Mark William Allert Current Position: Pastor NOMINEES FOR BISHOP OF THE PACIFICA SYNOD Congregation Membership: Peace Lutheran Church of Corona, CA Date of Birth: June 5, 1971 Ordination: May 15, 1999 Previous Positions: Pastor, Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church of Clay, NY List up to five (5) current or past synodical or churchwide activities that would inform your service as bishop of this synod. Elections Committee Pacifica Synod Assembly, Chair 2015 Synod Assembly Planning Committee, Member Pacifica Synod Mission Support Table, Member Raincross Conference, Dean For Peace in God s World ELCA Social Statement, Taskforce Member Given that we are a geographically and ethnically diverse synod, ever needing to strengthen our connections with one another: a. What does it mean to be synod? To be together at work for the Kingdom of God, where the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. When the spark of the Gospel story of Jesus and the spark of the stories of our people and places meet, there the Pentecost fire of Church is ignited. Being Synod is tending that fire so it brightly shines and deeply warms the world with love. b. As bishop, how would you strengthen the connection between congregations, conferences, and synod? I strongly suspect that geographically deployed and perhaps even part-time synod staff, Assistants to the Bishop and Support Staff offices within our congregations, would strengthen our connectedness and multiply our effectiveness. I saw this work well in Upstate New York and would work towards this same vision here. c. How would you lead the Pacifica Synod in the next six years so as to fulfill our mission? My leadership style is collaborative and progressive, in the sense that I work hard to work well with others and keep us moving to accomplish whatever steps are before us to take, to walk those steps 8-4

5 well, and in the dust of our Rabbi. Guiding questions for me are, What makes the most of Jesus Christ? and What makes the most out of love? d. What does a healthy congregation/ministry look like and how would you foster that in this synod? A healthy congregation and ministry is one that exists for mission. I believe people are saved by God s grace, but institutions, churches and ministries included, are saved by mission. Mission is a church word for loving our neighbors as ourselves. I would foster this by, to the best of my ability, spending 34% of my working hours in and with congregations, 33% with synodical ministries, and 33% with churchwide ministries. e. What is your principle priority for this synod and what will you do to address it? I would move us away from the institutionally emphasized, corporate model of church and toward the relationships the Holy Spirit inspires among us. For example, I would look to hold our Synod Assemblies within our, or full-communion partner congregations, where we might stay in each other s homes rather than hotel rooms, console each other in our living rooms, converse with each at our breakfast or dinner tables, as we are all called, gathered, enlightened and made holy on the way together. 8-5

6 Name: Agapito Avilés Jr. Current Position: Pastor/Pastor NOMINEES FOR BISHOP OF THE PACIFICA SYNOD Congregation Membership: First Lutheran Church of Ontario/La Primera Iglesia Luterana de Ontario Date of Birth: November 2, 1956 Ordination: November 28, 1999 Previous Positions: Hospice Chaplain List up to five (5) current or past synodical or churchwide activities that would inform your service as bishop of this synod. I served as the Dean of Mariposa Conference; I served on the Multi-Synodical Candidacy Committee; Chair of the Hispanic Ministry Team; Planning Committee for Synod Assembly in the Inland Empire. Given that we are a geographically and ethnically diverse synod, ever needing to strengthen our connections with one another: a. What does it mean to be synod? To be a synod is to acknowledge the diversity within its borders and to celebrate the strengths and keep clear what the common ministry is: To Make Christ Known. Each context will define how that will take place. As a synod we are to never forget our first love, Jesus Christ. At times we, humans, have the tendency to forget this and get lost in a political agenda that has nothing to do with the ministry of our Church. If we are not bringing people to Christ then what is our mission. There are three questions, I believe, we need to ask: Why are we here, who do we serve, and to whom do we give honor and glory? This will enable us to define what our ministry is to be, within the context that we serve. As a synod we are all pointed in the same direction, with the same common goal: To Make Christ Known. b. As bishop, how would you strengthen the connection between congregations, conferences, and synod? As bishop my focus would be on what unites us and not what separates us. I realize that we may not always agree but we are called to love one another and to seek ways to partner in ministry. As bishop my task, as I see it, is to facilitate this process, focusing on the strengths and shoring up our weaknesses. And in order to do this I must be present and available to all. As bishop, I would meet with those who feel isolated from the main body of the synod. As many of us know, a church in decline finds itself very isolated, lamenting what was and struggling with what is in their present and in their future. We need to find ways to walk along side of them and 8-6

7 encourage them to see themselves as missionaries with in their context. Asking the difficult questions: What does our context/community need most? If there is a church on every corner is one more needed or do we need another form of ministry to fill that void? How can our Lutheran presence partner with others to Make Christ Known? c. How would you lead the Pacifica Synod in the next six years so as to fulfill our mission? With the help of God, and anointing power of the Holy Spirit, I would lead by example. I will never ask anyone in our synod to do something I am not willing to do. I will walk in front of you, alongside of you and behind you. I will surround myself with those who have gifts that will bring honor and glory to God for the fulfillment of God s mission. I will reexam our priorities and with the help of Synod Council determine what is best for our synod, as a whole. d. What does a healthy congregation/ministry look like and how would you foster that in this synod? A healthy congregation/ministry asks the following questions: Why are we here, who do we serve, and to whom do we give the honor and glory? Why, you may ask, because it isn t about us. We come to the realization, as a wise sage once told me, we are not being graded on this. A healthy congregation/ministry has been founded on principles that reminds everyone who is in the center of the ministry, Christ our Lord. This gives space to agree and space to disagree and still serve with the same purpose. A healthy congregation/ministry is respectful of all opinions, and doesn t push their agendas that cause discord and distrust. A healthy congregation/ministry will spill forward to other congregations within the synod. Those congregations that are struggling, if they give themselves permission, may be encouraged to do things different. They may also be encouraged to see the possibilities and opportunities within their context. e. What is your principle priority for this synod and what will you do to address it? 1. Meet with Pastor that are without calls and reconnect them with their synod. There is a sense of abandonment, which needs to be healed. 2. Meet with declining church and determine what are their needs and heal any past misunderstandings. As a ship is sinking, those who are not in the water can t say, Good thing, we are on this side of the boat. We are on the same boat. Help them determine what ministry can rise from their location and are they willing to be part of it. 3. As bishop, I am the Pastor s pastor, this is not a task that should or can be delegated. I will be available for Pastoral Care for my sisters and brothers in Christ who have been called into the ministry to lead God s people. 4. I will reexam traveling commitments and ask the question: In what way will this meeting bring honor to God and in what way will this benefits our synod. 8-7

8 Name: Jay Egenes Current Position: Pastor, Highland Avenue Lutheran Church, dba Spirit of Hope; also serve as ¼ time Pastor at Central City Lutheran Mission; both in San Bernardino. Congregation Membership: Spirit of Hope Date of Birth: December 12, 1959 Ordination: February 15, 2009 Previous Positions: I m a second-career pastor. Prior to attending seminary, I practiced transactional, real estate and development law for 16 years, becoming a partner at Gresham Savage. During this time I served multiple terms on the Church Council and as President of Trinity Lutheran Church in Riverside. I have also served 2 terms as Head Spiritual Director (Pastor) of Lutheran Cursillo of Southern California. List up to five (5) current or past synodical or churchwide activities that would inform your service as bishop of this synod. (1) Redevelopment Training; (2) Dean of Big Bear Conference; (3) Chair of New, Transformational, Redevelopment, Missions Funds Committee (aka the Mission Funds Committee); (4) Trustee of congregation placed under Synodical Administration by Synod Council; (5) Chair of Pacifica Synod Assembly, Given that we are a geographically and ethnically diverse synod, ever needing to strengthen our connections with one another: a. What does it mean to be synod? Following Jesus is a group activity. It s about relationship: relationship with God in and through Jesus, relationship with other Christ-followers, and relationship with the world and the people in it who need Jesus people who don t know and love Jesus yet. Being synod means following Jesus together, perhaps literally walking together, and working out together how to best love Jesus and serve both God and our neighbor in this time and place. b. As bishop, how would you strengthen the connection between congregations, conferences, and synod? Much of relationship is simply showing up and being present, being engaged with those around us, which sounds easy. But it s not. Building relationships and community, supporting each other, takes time and intentionality. In a synod with so much geographical distance, we need to look for opportunities to spend time together not just formally but informally, and to do things together. Service together can be a tie that binds us. Actively working to further God s Kingdom can serve to unite and guide us. We need to find ways for the bishop and staff to spend less time dealing with problems and crises, and more time building relationships. 8-8

9 c. How would you lead the Pacifica Synod in the next six years so as to fulfill our mission? First, let s remember that it s not really our mission, it s God s mission to rescue the world God loves from everything that separates us from God and from each other. And God s mission has a Church. Led by the Holy Spirit, our challenge is to align ourselves with God s mission. We need to be honest that while we are diverse compared to the ELCA as a whole, we are not nearly as diverse as our surrounding communities. Many of our congregations are EITHER candidates for transformation or redevelopment (reinventing their identities and ministry models; finding new ways to build relationships with their communities) OR should probably admit that they re likely to close someday. Many more are on the downward side of their organizational life cycle in need of renewal and revival. Finally, our secular culture no longer encourages general biblical knowledge, so even conversations with others can be a challenge. This doesn t mean that we should despair. God is a God of change, renewal, and resurrection. Acknowledging what we DON T know is a good step. Then we can seek out knowledge and best practices to help us share the Good News and work for the Kingdom of God in our contexts. We can learn much from each other in this synod, from the congregations that have thriving ministries or that are already taking steps to address their changing contexts. We have access to very knowledgeable people, across the ELCA, who can help us learn what ministry can look like in a more ethnically diverse society. We have work to do in service of God s Kingdom. The world is changing but people still need the Good News of Jesus Christ. And we ve got Jesus! d. What does a healthy congregation/ministry look like and how would you foster that in this synod? Healthy congregations engage in core Christian practices: Scripture reading, prayer, public worship, giving, sharing faith/inviting others to meet Jesus, and giving (see Foss, Power Surge). They are willing to experiment and fail, learning in the process. They are places where not only is everyone welcome, but everyone is invited, and boundaries to participation are low. They are not afraid to get out of their silos and work with partners in the larger community. And healthy congregations find a way to provide for leadership development. A variety of leadership and other training resources are available from the ELCA and other organizations, including for example the Center for Congregations (formerly with the Alban Institute) and 3-day movements such as Lutheran Cursillo and Via De Cristo. I would work to promote use of many of these resources as appropriate in context for different congregations. e. What is your principle priority for this synod and what will you do to address it? As a synod and as individual congregations, we need to navigate our way through a time of vast and rapid social change. I once read that while change is not mandatory, neither is survival. I don t believe that s true. Change is constant. The question is whether change will be intentional or unintentional, whether it will lead to death or lead to life. Our challenge as the Church is to understand both the changes around us and our traditions and to see how we can best share the Good News of Jesus Christ in our changing contexts. As Christians who happen to be Lutherans, our tradition emphasizes ideas like Law and Gospel; Bible, Grace, Faith and Jesus; and being set free to serve God and to serve our neighbors. We live among people who need to be set free from everything that separates us from God and from each other. I am convinced that our tradition gives us the tools we need to BE the Church in our changing, challenging contexts. 8-9

10 Name: The Rev. Tom Goellrich Current Position: Senior Pastor, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fullerton, Present Congregation Membership: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fullerton, CA Date of Birth: May 8, 1960 Ordination: June 24, 1990 Previous Positions: Pastor, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Columbus, OH, List up to five (5) current or past synodical or churchwide activities that would inform your service as bishop of this synod. Dean of Rejoice Conference, Pacifica Synod Multiple Terms Pacifica Synod Council and Executive Council Co-chair Synod Assembly Planning Team Congregational Observer for multiple Churchwide Assemblies Bishop Consultation/Discipline Committee Given that we are a geographically and ethnically diverse synod, ever needing to strengthen our connections with one another: a. What does it mean to be synod? The Pacifica Synod is a diverse territory defined by a minimum of four distinct geographical areas. Each area possesses unique and important gifts. The primary gift in these areas are the people who work, play, serve, live and call these areas home. The Pacifica Synod is not defined by any one geographical area or the people who live in it. Instead, the Pacifica Synod is defined by the collective gifts of the people in all the areas served. Together we are God s children. Together we are the Pacifica Synod. b. As bishop, how would you strengthen the connection between congregations, conferences, and synod? I am a collaborative person by nature but will not shy away from making the tough decision when needed. This is consistent with my work as a parish pastor, my various work on synod teams, and finally as the dean of the Rejoice Conference. To strengthen the connections between congregations, conferences and the synod office, (CCS) I would: -Commit to a strong visible presence within the territory of the Pacifica Synod. 8-10

11 -Develop a staffing model that will encourage a proactive presence. -Utilize conference deans in a more active leadership role. -Implement a strategy to identify and train additional lay leaders to strengthen and increase capacity of connection between CCS. c. How would you lead the Pacifica Synod in the next six years so as to fulfill our mission? The Pacifica Synod Profile (a result of the work led by the WIFT Task Force) provides the foundation from which I would start. Addressing the six themes that emerged from the 2015 Synod Assembly by creating a baseline (assess how we are doing) and then create the action plan necessary to implement steps so they become realized. A summary of the six themes: **Christ and Gospel as Center**Integrating Cultural Diversity**Move to the Margins**Turn Church Inside Out**Shift from Silos to Networks**Leverage Technology. d. What does a healthy congregation/ministry look like and how would you foster that in this synod? I find this question intriguing. Let me state up front that there is not one prescription. That said, there are tendencies, characteristics and practices that seem to be priorities. These include: -Be prayerful as a community with meaningful worship at the core. -Be missional and visionary. -Be clear about identity and purpose with permeable boundaries. -Emphasize an outward focus. -Be hopeful and expect surprises. -Embrace conflict honestly and with integrity. Fostering this includes proactive conversation and education throughout the synod. This is not limited to congregations, but includes the conferences and synod office as well. e. What is your principle priority for this synod and what will you do to address it? Simply said, being present and visible throughout the congregations and conferences of the Pacifica Synod will be my top priority. While some of this will occur naturally as dictated by specific needs and celebrations, I will make it my top priority to carve out regular specific times to be present, in our conferences, in order to promote opportunities for conversation. These conversations would be open and authentic dialogues about local trends, ministry hopes, ministry challenges and to talk about action steps with rostered leaders, lay leaders, and people (including the general population) of the Pacifica Synod. 8-11

12 Name: Sarah Birdsall Isakson Current Position: Pastor Trinity Lutheran Episcopal Church, Willcox, AZ and St. Raphael Episcopal Lutheran Church, Benson, AZ Congregation Membership: Trinity Lutheran Episcopal Church, Willcox, AZ Date of Birth: October 12, 1949 Ordination: June 22, 2002 Previous Positions: Pastor, Lutheran Church of the Cross, Berkeley, CA 94703, 2002 to 2013 Pastoral Care Team Member for Spiritual Direction, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, CA 2005 to Internship Supervisor of 4 ELCA, intern pastors from 4 different ELCA seminaries and 13 teaching parish students from PLTS. Trained community organizer by PICO/Berkeley Organizing Congregations for Action List up to five (5) current or past synodical or churchwide activities that would inform your service as bishop of this synod. Dean Sunrise conference Grand Canyon Synod Served on Sierra Pacific Synod Council and Racial Ethnic Ministries Task Force, was appointed to The Board of Directors of Mt. Cross Lutheran Camp, and trained in Institutional, Antiracism by Crossroads Ministries, 3 years. Trained for ELCA Transformational Ministries, 2005; Participated in three ELCA Urban Ministry Summits and initial EALA (now European Descent Lutheran Association for Racial Justice) organizational meetings, 2008 Trained Interim Ministry Part I, 2012 Lutheran Volunteer Corps, Board of Directors, Representative for Bay Area, Given that we are a geographically and ethnically diverse synod, ever needing to strengthen our connections with one another: a. What does it mean to be synod? As children of God, we rely on God s grace and the way we are continually reformed through the power of God s Holy Spirit, as we become a stronger synod. Each gathering is graced with the 8-12

13 presence of Jesus Christ, as we commune around table and font. Synod means people who hold each other accountable for past, present and future, as witnesses to the resurrected Christ. We gather in different organizational groups to share the Good news of God s inclusive love for all our neighbors and ourselves, no matter what. We receive the Holy Spirit as synod. b. As bishop, how would you strengthen the connection between congregations, conferences, and synod? As bishop, I would call and train energetic, congregational care teams with culturally sensitive staff, clergy and lay leaders. I will recognize the different needs of each unique worshipping community as we energize for common mission. Transformation will occur as new congregational activities take us out into the world sharing Lutheran traditions; we are grace filled, loving and caring to all families and neighbors. Restructuring can be achieved by grouping congregations by size, common goals and needs. I support accompaniment ministries here, across borders and in Companion Synods. We must build on our strengths and be adaptive and flexible. c. How would you lead the Pacifica Synod in the next six years so as to fulfill our mission? I will lead from my God given gifts as a multilingual person of rich international, multicultural, interfaith, and interdenominational experiences. I will lead by sharing my spiritual rule of life, prayer based activism. I will be a compassionate pastor of pastors as I follow Jesus. I am an innovator and generative. I am called to leading change with no fear of failure. I will choose staff, lay and clergy, who will be honest and open in communicating their prayers, hopes and needs. Wise use of technological advances to enhance ministry is a must. I would urge reinvestment of congregational assets to be used to train leaders in congregations, colleges and seminaries. I will receive advice and counsel gracefully. I imagine myself as a mother hen, gathering and protecting her chicks. I believe in a God of abundance who shares generously. d. What does a healthy congregation/ministry look like and how would you foster that in this synod? A healthy congregation/ministry is prayerful, relates well with the neighborhood surrounding it and is aware of its own needs for vital applications of word and sacrament. Fostering this in a congregation and synod requires respect and affirmation of past and present while allowing strong support for future reformation. Fostering health and wholeness is the responsibility of each person as we follow Jesus. e. What is your principle priority for this synod and what will you do to address it? My principle priority is to gather the faithful and train up leaders together. Leading the church outside its walls, we can carry our synod, the ELCA and worldwide Lutheran partners into the future as we seek and embody God s will together with our neighbors. Strengthening our identity as the family of God is a key to future dynamism and growth! 8-13

14 Name: Wilbert Wilk S. Miller Current Position: Pastor, First Lutheran Church-San Diego (2005- present) Congregation Membership: First Lutheran Church-San Diego Date of Birth: February 13, 1951 Ordination: June 25, 1977 Previous Positions: -Senior Pastor, St. Paul s Lutheran Church-Ardmore, PA (suburban Philadelphia, ) -Senior Pastor, Augustana Lutheran Church-Washington, DC (downtown DC, ) -Pastor, Calvary Lutheran Church-Philadelphia (inner-city Philadelphia, ) -Internship, Emanuel Lutheran Church-Philadelphia (inner-city Philadelphia, ) List up to five (5) current or past synodical or churchwide activities that would inform your service as bishop of this synod. -Served as Dean in three synods (Metropolitan DC, Southeastern PA, Pacifica) -Served on Candidacy Committee in two synods (Metro DC and Pacifica) -Chaired the Division for Ministry (Metro DC Synod) -Chaired the American Missions Task Force (Maryland Synod-LCA) -Served on the national board of the ELCA Deaconess Community Given that we are a geographically and ethnically diverse synod, ever needing to strengthen our connections with one another: a. What does it mean to be synod? Being synod is coming together to accomplish in God s name what we could never achieve as individual congregations. The synod encourages us to share our unique gifts in proclaiming Christ crucified and risen to Southern California, Hawaii, and even beyond. Our Pacifica Synod strengthens congregations in transition, assists them to be more effective in changing neighborhoods, supports them amidst unexpected challenges, celebrates with them on special occasions, and mourns with them in the face of tragedy and loss. The synod strategically looks to develop new mission starts in ethnic and emerging communities not currently reached with the Gospel. The synod raises up and supports candidates for ministry. It also enables youth to gather with young people from various cultures and backgrounds to experience the joy of being the people of God. 8-14

15 b. As bishop, how would you strengthen the connection between congregations, conferences, and synod? I would implement a protocol by which the bishop and synod staff would respond to congregations, laity, and rostered leaders in a well-defined, timely fashion. I would visit every congregation and its leadership on a set schedule. With the wisdom of the synod council, deans, and conference leadership, I would hope to strategically locate synod staff throughout our territory to address congregations most urgent needs. c. How would you lead the Pacifica Synod in the next six years so as to fulfill our mission? I would invite our synod to prayerfully consider how best to proclaim Jesus vision in his first sermon: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord s favor. We would open our church doors and the Lord s Table wider and wider. I would empower deans, synod council, laity, and rostered leaders to take on greater responsibilities in synodical leadership and witness. The bishop cannot fulfill Christ s mission alone; the hands and hearts of every sister and brother in Christ are necessary to announce God s goodness in this part of God s creation entrusted to our care. d. What does a healthy congregation/ministry look like and how would you foster that in this synod? Every congregation in our synod can do unimaginable ministry with words, water, bread, and wine and every location, rich or poor, small or large, is amply blessed with this stuff! I have been fortunate to serve in very diverse churches: in inner-city housing projects, in centers of large cities, and in one of our nation s most affluent suburban communities. These settings are quite diverse African American, stably integrated, Latino, white, gay, and straight. The current congregation I serve, First-San Diego, cherishes worship; it is from this firm foundation that we created the Third Avenue Charitable Organization (TACO) with an array of free clinics, social services, hospice program for homeless dying, and meals for the poorest. As bishop, I would repeatedly remind us that healthy congregations are fostered by trusting that the simple gifts of water, bread, wine, and the Word are more than enough for compelling ministry to occur. e. What is your principle priority for this synod and what will you do to address it? My principle priority would be to seek how best to do ministry hand-in-hand so no congregation feels alone or that it lacks the necessary support to serve the Lord and its neighbors. I would urge us to take bold risks for the Gospel s sake, erring always on the side of mercy, seeking Christ s mind whenever we might disagree, and, most importantly, longing to be Christ s heart in Southern California and Hawaii. 8-15

16 Name: David C. Nagler Current Position: Pastor at Christ Lutheran Church, Pacific Beach, CA Congregation Membership: Christ Lutheran Church Date of Birth: July 19, 1964 Ordination: January 30, 1993 Previous Positions: Pastor / CEO of Central City Lutheran Mission in San Bernardino; Pastor of Nativity Lutheran Church in Bend, Oregon; Senior Pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Pacific Beach; Director of Project Shalom (Christian / Muslim Dialogue) Madagascar; Associate Pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Encinitas; List up to five (5) current or past synodical or church wide activities that would inform your service as bishop of this synod. I serve on the board of advisors for Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. I serve on the board of directors for Lutheran Social Services in Southern California. I was the chairperson for the hunger and housing ministry team for 5 years. I was the chair of the resolutions committee in the Oregon Synod for 3 years. Given that we are a geographically and ethnically diverse synod, ever needing to strengthen our connections with one another: a. What does it mean to be synod? At its best, a synod is an interdependent group of congregations. Rather than working in isolation, we are united by our core theological beliefs and free to collaborate. We are better together. When one ministry flourishes, we all flourish. When another place suffers, we all suffer. We differ in locations, styles, and demographics but we are united in our mission to proclaim the gospel. We should always value unity over uniformity. For our synod to be healthy we must embrace diversity, encourage creativity, take risks, and communicate effectively. We should expect more from each other not less. b. As bishop, how would you strengthen the connection between congregations, conferences, and synod? The primary place where the church of Christ intersects with the world is the congregation. Anything that we do to encourage and develop the impact of the local congregation and its ministry would be a top priority. That means supporting innovation and sharing results. 8-16

17 Secondly, we need a team approach to administration that empowers leaders in our 4 regions to make executive synodical decisions. This leadership team would meet weekly via teleconference to share and address local congregational needs. The team would foster greater efficiency and local solutions. Finally, communication must improve throughout the synod. We should employ every option (including social media) to accomplish this task. Also, the synod assembly must be redesigned. c. How would you lead the Pacifica Synod in the next six years so as to fulfill our mission? We live in the best days to be the church. God has been reforming the church to reclaim its role as the bold proclaimer of good news just when the world needs it most. This is our calling. I would lead the synod first and foremost by encouraging it to preach radical grace. This proclamation is not the cheap grace that allows us to ignore injustice, but empowers us to address it in light of God s love. We need to become bolder; ready to experiment and more open to new models of ministry. We must welcome and empower those who don t fit our traditional mold. d. What does a healthy congregation/ministry look like and how would you foster that in this synod? A healthy congregation looks like and is engaged with its neighbors. For many of our congregations, this was true in the past but is not the case today. The gift of increasing diversity has been a challenge for us. Yet it is also our greatest opportunity. Our understanding of God is always incomplete, but it can grow and mature as we become more diverse. New people teach us new ways to experience God s love and grace. Evangelism seeks mutual transformation. I would ask leaders in the synod to spend less time on their campus and more time in their neighborhoods. Both lay and ordained leaders need to trade some office hours for walking the neighborhood. We need to listen to our communities with hearts shaped by the gospel. I would provide training for this work and develop systems for mutual accountability. God is already at work in our neighbor s lives. Our job is to discover what God is doing and adapt our ministries accordingly. The result will be mutually beneficial. e. What is your principle priority for this synod and what will you do to address it? Our founding story is the good news of God s unconditional love made known to us in Jesus of Nazareth. It is why we are the church. The principle priority of our synod is to redesign our mission; to create new wineskins so this story can be heard with clarity again. 8-17

18 Name: Andrew A. Taylor Current Position: St. Andrew s Lutheran Church, San Diego Congregation Membership: St. Andrew s, San Diego Date of Birth: September 27, 1957 Ordination: August 10, 1986 Previous Positions: Pastor, First, Tulare, CA ; Associate Pastor, Emanuel, La Habra, CA List up to five (5) current or past synodical or churchwide activities that would inform your service as bishop of this synod. Co-chair, Synod Cooperation Task Force with SW CA Synod, 2015-present Member, Pacifica Synod Mission Support Table Co-chair, Synod Assembly Planning Team 2010 Member and Past Chair, Theoasis/Professional Leaders Conference Planning Team, mid 2000s, 2011-present Chair, Pacifica and Sierra Pacific Synods Youth Boards, 1990s Given that we are a geographically and ethnically diverse synod, ever needing to strengthen our connections with one another: a. What does it mean to be synod? I believe synods are called to work with congregations and the churchwide expression in mutual service. Churchwide serves synods which serve congregations which serve their members who serve their communities and neighbors. But to adequately serve our neighbors, congregations work with synods and churchwide to do together what none of us can do alone. b. As bishop, how would you strengthen the connection between congregations, conferences, and synod? Every congregation is uniquely gifted by God for they work they do. I would encourage congregations to map their assets and share what they do well in order to mentor and assist other congregations that may benefit from their areas of expertise, and to receive mentoring from congregations that have strengths and abilities they need. 8-18

19 c. How would you lead the Pacifica Synod in the next six years so as to fulfill our mission? I would focus our efforts on support and encouragement of congregations and rostered leaders. I would continue the discussions with SW CA to see how we can pool resources and cooperate, possibly even merge, in order to use missional dollars to their fullest extent. I would recruit, train and empower rostered and lay volunteers to do the work of the synod. d. What does a healthy congregation/ministry look like and how would you foster that in this synod? I would encourage congregations to see themselves as doing not their own work, but God s work. Healthy congregations seek what God would have them do, not what they want to do. They are open to newcomers and new ideas. They believe in the resurrection so much that they are willing to die in order for God to bring new life, and thus are not worried about their own survival, but about faithfulness to the One who gives them life. e. What is your principle priority for this synod and what will you do to address it? Supporting congregations in fulfilling their mission and ministry, while asking them to be partners with the synodical and churchwide expressions of the ELCA. I would stress stewardship of financial resources, believing that congregations that give generously are more likely to be generous in giving of talents and time to others, and are more likely to see God at work, giving back to them all they need to fulfill their call. 8-19