The Process Continues

Dear Friends in Christ,

Over the past month, your search committee has been busy interviewing candidates. After reviewing all the applications we received, we prayerfully discerned which candidates to invite to first-round and then second-round interviews on Zoom. That process is still ongoing as I write. We have been encouraged by these conversations and are grateful for the opportunity to get to know these candidates more deeply.

We also want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who applied. Applying for a position like this is no small step. Candidates spend time talking with their families and bishops, preparing essays, refining their resumes, and prayerfully considering whether they might be called to serve here. We recognize the courage and hope that goes into that decision. When the committee releases candidates from the process, we strive to do so with care, respect, and compassion.

We ask for your prayers for all the candidates, those who are still discerning with us and those whose discernment has taken a different direction, as well as for their families.

After the second round of online interviews, the candidates we continue discerning with will be invited to visit the diocese for what we call a retreat. During this time, there will be additional interviews and opportunities for the candidates to lead worship, along with deeper conversations about the life and work of the diocese and other practical matters. Most importantly, it will give us the chance to meet one another in person, which brings a very different depth to our time together than online meetings can provide.

As this process continues, we ask for your ongoing prayers for the committee. May God grant us wisdom, help us listen with the ears of our hearts, and keep us grounded in our shared values as we seek to set aside bias and discern faithfully.

Faithfully,
Melinda Hall, Chair

Bishop Search Committee