Search For Our Next Bishop
In consultation with the Office of the Presiding Bishop, the Standing Committee has entered into an agreement with Mr. Walker Adams to serve as a consultant for our search process. Walker is Acting Associate Dean for Admission and Advancement at the School of Theology of the University of the South (Sewanee). He holds Master’s degrees in both theology and organizational leadership and is a lifelong Episcopalian from the Diocese of West Missouri. Mr. Adams will also be with us to facilitate listening sessions at Diocesan Convention in October.
The Standing Committee is pleased to announce the opening of the nomination process for the Joint Search & Transition Committee for our Diocesan Bishop. Using the descriptions below, we invite clergy and lay members of the diocese to prayerfully discern if they are called to serve on this committee. Any questions may be directed to the Standing Committee liaison, the Rev. Martha Ishman at bishopsearch@dionwpa.org.
Search & Transition Committee Description
The role of the Search & Transition Committee is to create and present a slate of candidates to the Standing Committee within the parameters (size, deadline) of their official charge, and to host the candidates in the diocese, providing opportunities for shared common discernment and learning, and a prayerful and successful electing convention.
This will be a significant time commitment and applicants should be ready to prioritize this work in their weekly lives. Members of the Search & Transition Committee must be able to attend a Leadership Retreat September 12th and 13th.
Some of the gifts and skills which could be most helpful for members of this committee include, but are not limited to:
Prayerful and discerning
Time and availability for this work
Knowledge of Episcopal polity
Familiarity and basic understanding with diocesan and/or churchwide structures
Good at networking around the diocese and Episcopal Church
Good working relationship with diocesan staff
Tactful and diplomatic
Pastoral, collegial, and hospitable
Good technical and organizational skills: email, zoom, sharing docs, etc
Experience with event planning and management
Communication and social media skills
Enthusiastic and creative
The application due date has been extended to Monday, August 11th.