Election of a Bishop

Resources

• Synod Site Profile: Includes detailed information about this synod.
• Bishop Profile: Includes detailed information about the role of the bishop.
• Study Guide for Congregations: Provides critical questions for your congregation to ponder as you discern any potential nominees.

Nomination Forms

Nomination Form for Congregations: a congregation may complete this form to nominate a candidate for bishop.  The form can be filled out electronically online for immediate submission or may be completed as a hard copy and mailed to the Committee Chair. The deadline for receipt of completed forms is January 30, 2025.

• Go to the online form here.
• View the printable PDF form here.

Biographical Form for Nominees: individuals who are lifted up by a congregation as potential nominees are invited to complete this form. It may be filled out electronically online for immediate submission or may be completed as a hard copy and mailed to the Committee Chair. The deadline for receipt of completed forms is January 30, 2025.

• Go to the online form here.
• View the printable PDF form here.

Important Dates

• January 30, 2025: Deadline for nomination forms (see above).
• February 16, 2025: Conference Assembly voting members will vote on candidates submitted by congregations (see above). No new names can be nominated at Conference Assemblies. (Learn more about Conference Assemblies.)
• May 30-31, 2025: SEMN Synod Assembly will be held in Mankato with the election of the bishop by ecclesiastical ballot.

The Committee for the Election of a Bishop

Elected at the 2022 Synod Assembly, serving a 6-year term.

• Dr. Joyce A. Thompsen, Chair – Minnesota River Conference
• Barb Anderson, Secretary – Zumbro River Conference
• Rev. Kurt Bockoven – Root River Conference
• Paul Jacobson – Canon River Conference
• Rev. Kristi Mitchell – Blue Earth River Conference
• Rev. Mike Walerius – At-Large (member of Minnesota River Conference)
• Jean Wichmann – At-Large (member of Blue Earth River Conference)