I look forward to journeying with you into the future

Beloved in Christ in the Rocky Mountain Synod,

As I write this note, it has been three weeks since Synod Assembly.  During that time my wife, Kim, and I have covered many miles: from Colorado to Cameroon to California and back to Chicago.  I continue to marvel at the call process that unfolded during the Assembly, and I remain both humbled and energized by the call you have now extended to me to serve as your new bishop.

I must begin by expressing my profound appreciation for all who made themselves available to be part of this discernment and call process.  To the sixteen pastoral colleagues who prayerfully agreed to fill out the “potential nominee” paperwork, thank you for listening to the voice of the Spirit urging you to let our synod know more about your gifts; that takes courage and faith.  To my seven colleagues who were invited with me to speak to the Assembly, thank you for expanding our collective view of the life and ministry of our synod by giving voice to your vision; that takes passion and commitment.  To my brothers, Steve Loy and Bruce Kuenzel, thank you for the honor of sharing three intense hours of engaging our synod’s members in conversation about how we understood ourselves in light of the call to this office; that takes a willingness to be very vulnerable.  I can only echo what was noted at the end of the Assembly – in our synod we enjoy an abundance of riches, a tremendous depth of talent, vision, and deep faith.  You can be sure that I will be calling upon that talent, vision and faith in the months and years to come. 

In terms of next steps, I will be meeting with Bishop Bjornberg, members of the current synod staff, and the synodical transition team from May 23-26.  I then have one more Global Mission trip to Tanzania in mid-June, followed by orientation for new bishops the last week of June.  In early July Kim and I plan to make our move from Chicago to Denver after which we’ll take some time away before participating in the ELCA Summer Missionary Conference the last week of July.  This will conclude my service with Global Mission.  My first day in the synod office will be August 1.

During the coming weeks I will also be in discernment about future staffing for the synod office.  As part of this process, I will be talking with leaders from other synods to learn from their experiences.  I envision a synod staff that serves as a spiritually-attentive, cohesive and creative team.  I foresee a staff that is committed to accompanying rostered leaders and lay members in a spirit of mutual respect and openness.  I imagine a staff that encourages innovative ways of working together as a synod in order to strengthen and deepen local ministries while igniting the gifts of all the faithful for our shared mission in the world.

           

I am aware that times of transition are filled with both excitement and uncertainty.  As we move forward with this transition, it’s my intention to develop multiple avenues of communication – both to listen carefully and share frequently.  Staying connected with leaders and congregations is a high priority for me.

Kim and I welcome your prayers for us as we return home to begin this new chapter.  I look forward to journeying with you into the future, where side by side we can use our hands for the sake of God’s work, and can give thanks and praise to the One who is our life, our light, and our hope. 

Yours in Faith,

Jim Gonia, Bishop Elect