BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION FORM NOMINEE FOR BISHOP OF THE FLORIDA-BAHAMAS SYNOD This form will be used by BOTH those being pre-identified AND those at the Assembly whose names are on the third ballot. First Name: Middle Name/Initial: Last Name: Walter Carl Still How can you be contacted during the Synod Assembly? 239.910.0194 (cell phone) Current Position: Senior Pastor Congregation of Membership Peace Lutheran Church, Ft Myers FL (Pastor Developer 1999-2003; First Pastor 2003-present) Birth Date/Year: November 12, 1954 Ordination Date/Year: June 7, 1980 Previous Positions: Senior Pastor, Hope Lutheran Church, Cranberry Township, PA 1987-1999 Pastor, St Paul Lutheran Church, Sewickley, PA 1980-1987 Education with Earned Degrees: 2003 Doctor of Philosophy in Theology Duquesne University (Dissertation: Natural Law Theory in Roman Catholic Moral Theology: Is it a remedy for the crisis in the contemporary Lutheran Ethic?) 1980 Master of Divinity Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg 1976 Bachelor of Science The Pennsylvania State University
List up to five (5) current or past synodical or churchwide activities that would inform your service as Bishop of this Synod: I worked with the Bishop and synodical staff/leaders in the 1980 s to address a group that confronted church, government and business leaders regarding the decline of industry in Pittsburgh. I served on panel that led to the defrocking of a pastor and testified at a subsequent hearing. Member Bishop Benoway s Task Force on Church and Homosexuality. The team developed learning/sharing events that were important to confront the many thoughts regarding the Church and homosexuality. This was an opportunity to utilize scholarly study for my Ph D dissertation as well as my love of small groups for equipping disciples, education and creating relationships among God s people. Coached several congregations at request of Bishop Benoway. One of them was Hope Lutheran Church, Port Charlotte, where with John Renfroe, we led study of the Church and homosexuality Chair, 2016 Synod Assembly Worship Team in Daytona Beach. I assisted Bishop Schaefer and staff with panning and coordinating team leaders/volunteers. Chair, FB Synod s Reformation 500 Committee. I assisted Bishops Schaefer and Lohrmann in opening conversations and developing plans with the Florida Roman Catholic Bishops to commemorate the 500 th Anniversary of the Reformation. I led/assisted regional teams for joint worship, learning and service events. Relationships were developed that will be used by the Spirit in the future for the good of Jesus Church. With the Caloosa Conference, I have served as the Moderator and taught classes in the diakonia Program. I am now working with Pr. Rick Armstrong with Lutheran Counseling Services to establish a satellite counseling center at Peace, Ft Myers and other churches.
List up to five (5) current or past community-related activities that would inform your service as Bishop of this Synod. Served on Board of Directors of Mother of God House of Prayer, Alva following its disaffiliation with the RC Diocese of Venice to become an independent interfaith Retreat Center. Leader of Interfaith Group with several Rabbis, an Iman and Christian clergy to plan and host events/lunches for theological discussions among these groups. The events would gather 50-100 people to share a meal. The conversation greatly benefited the community as stereotypes were tested and new relationships were formed. Barry University Adjunct Theology Faculty taught classes on Turning Points in Christian Theology and Religion in America. Teaching police, fire fighters, counselors, laborers and others who are working for a Bachelor s or Master s Degree has been a worthwhile experience. Teaching has challenged me to learn how to share theological concepts in ways that can be appreciated by people not affiliated with a religion. Church Planter of Peace Lutheran Church I worked with many partners of the ELCA and FB Synod for the planting and development of the ministry, mission and two building programs of Peace. In the neighborhood, I worked diligently to develop relationships with churches and community organizations. Staff luncheons, worship, music and community service with St Columbkille Catholic Parish and Faith United Methodist Church. With the ELCA s Full Communion Partners Peace shares four Eucharists a year. Wittenberg English Ministry (2015) Served as a pastor for two weeks in Wittenberg leading worship and study with people from around the world.
What gifts would you would bring to the office of synod bishop? (500 characters maximum) Confidence that God is working in, with, and through me as a disciple of Jesus, pastor, and theologian. Leadership that listens, learns and builds effective systems for growing and healthy institutions. Charisma to invite others to the task. Innovation, informed by the tradition, to address new challenges. Strategic planner to discern dreams and implementation plans. Energizer for others to maintain clarity and focus on objectives. Persistence to hold to the vision and see results. Communicator of vision, plans and outcomes.
What is your concept of the primary role of the synodical bishop? (1000 characters maximum) The bishop is the pastor of the synod. Serving as the pastor of the synod is a both a privilege and a tremendous responsibility possible only through the grace of almighty God. The primary role of the bishop is to exercise pastoral ministry with the rostered ministers, congregations and partners of the Synod. As the pastor of the synod, the bishop s presence shares the crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ to shepherd the many people and functions of the FB Synod. Pastors have demanding responsibilities and their pastor, the bishop, has an important role in accompanying them in their life and vocation. The bishop advocates for the marginalized people of the Church and society. The bishop s role of oversight of the synod is carried out in presiding at the celebrations of Word and Sacrament, teaching, and works to strengthen, especially in times of transition, the rostered ministers and congregations in the synod. The bishop serves as an ambassador to promote the connections and unity in Christ with the ELCA and ecumenical partners. The bishop serves with the Synod Council, Assistants to the Bishop, Administrative Assistants, many gifted leaders and resources.
What do you see as the principle challenge to this synod over the next six (6) years, and how would you address it? (1000 characters maximum) I believe that the leadership to address the issues facing the rostered ministers and congregations is the principal challenge to the FB Synod over the next six years. My leadership maxim comes from theologian Jurgen Moltmann: without real possibilities there can be no hope. The antidote to our dilemmas is to lead the churches of the FB Synod to develop possibilities that will strengthen and grow the Church: Celebrate that we are Christ s people walking wet from the baptismal waters and feasting on the Eucharist. The witness of scripture and our tradition is that God s people are always perplexed about the future but that God keeps and fulfills promises! Develop Synod headquarters and other sites as mission training centers, with ecumenical partners, to equip and empower the wonderful rostered ministers, leaders, faithful with real possibilities for ministry and discipleship tools. The mission training centers will confront issues in Reflections on the Future of the Synod. Foster entrepreneurial programs to recruit and equip leaders. Nurture the seeds planted in Reformation 500!
How do you tend to your physical, spiritual emotional health, and to your overall wholeness in Christ? (1000 characters maximum) I learned, early in ministry, to intentionally plan for a balanced and healthy life. The competing dimensions must be structured for a faith-filled life and ministry. The health and vitality of my body, mind and soul is central to serving others through the grace and mercy of Christ. Elizabeth and I have been blessed with 31 years of marriage. Our daughters are Frances and Carol. Fran and Reuben have two daughters. We enjoy regular vacations with family and friends. Elizabeth and I have developed ways of staying connected in our busy lives. Road biking, exercise at the gym, and building furniture renews my mind and heart. In addition to devotional reading and prayer, Sr Carol Beevers, is my spiritual director. My parents, after negative experiences in their Roman Catholic church, were led to St Paul s Lutheran Church, Corry, PA. which encouraged the call to ordained ministry. It is a joy to work with gifted pastors, staff and leaders! My wholeness in Christ is guided by Luther s rediscovery that we are justified by Christ s death and resurrection. I celebrate that God is working in our midst! Alleluia!
How will you proactively address the additional stress of moving to or commuting to Tampa and all of the travel involved in the call? (1000 characters maximum) Elizabeth and I love Ft Myers/Sanibel. We are willing to move to the wonderful community of Tampa. We would also find the location favorable as it is close to Orlando where Elizabeth s parents live in a retirement community. The travel required by the Bishop and the staff is a challenging element. Maintaining a calendar that recognizes that fact is essential to keeping a healthy attitude about the call and personal time. I see the Bishop s staff, synodical leaders, conference deans and chairs as a team essential to the effective management of time. The grater use of technology for meetings and teaching will help to control travel while enhancing the connections in the synod. In the getting acquainted time with the bishop and congregations, I would spend 3-4 days in an area so that activities could be planned to maximize the travel and time of everyone involved. Please complete the form and submit it to Ileana Sardinas (ileanas@fbsynod.org)
Extra material: Abraham and Sarah have no one to pass on the legacy of faith. The Israelites fleeing bondage in Egypt face an impassable sea. There s no food to feed the people. There is injustice for the poor, women and children. The Lord is crucified. The disciples are unable to catch fish. The church is being persecuted. A young theology professor in Wittenberg resurrects the gift of grace. The pioneers fleeing to America crave the traditions of home. New churches and institutions are planted in the Sunshine State. There are social and justice issues. The church senses decline and obstacles. Then, in the breaking of the bread and the drinking the cup, of the teaching and witness of the bishop, pastor or fellow pilgrim, the presence of Christ opens faith and vision.