Dear C4SO,
I am so honored to be writing to you as Suffragan Bishop-Elect for C4SO. No one is more surprised by this turn of events than I am, but my wife, Lisa, and I are leaning in with a deep sense of God’s goodness and calling.
Like many of us, I have so appreciated living in a church under Bishop Todd’s leadership. I am grateful for his generative vision for planting life and community transforming churches in more and more communities around the country. I am so glad I get to work and pray with Todd towards more churches planted, more clergy formed, more people baptized and discipled into image of Jesus.
I am excited that one of my roles will be in the care and development of our clergy. They are a real treasure, and I am convinced that C4SO is blessed with one of the richest assemblies of leaders, thinkers, practitioners and saints imaginable. I am committed to doing all I can to help them grow personally, spiritually, professionally and relationally. There is no question that God uses weak, imperfect and broken vessels to pour out his love and kindness. Yet, Bishop Todd and I share a passion to see the women and men that lead our churches thrive and grow—both for their good and the good of the Kingdom.
Would you pray for the clergy that you know? Ask God to protect them, encourage them and surround them with the kindness of God’s people.
May I also ask that you pray for me? I have a lot to learn about becoming and being a Bishop in apprenticeship to Bishop Todd. The next season will be about learning, listening and discerning with Bishop Todd my best contribution to our collective work. I am eager for all God has for me in it. Would you also pray for Lisa? We have enjoyed serving together over our thirty-eight years together, and we are seeking God’s invitation for her gifts and sense of calling. She is pretty amazing!
Finally, please pray for the team I am leaving at Fuller Seminary. The people are dear to me, and our collective work still holds an important place in my heart. Pray for me as I lead us into my transition. Ask God’s care and favor for the ongoing work of formation we are doing around the world.
Again, I am deeply honored—humbled—that I get to put my hands to this work of serving God’s church. I can’t wait to see what God does in and through us in the years ahead. |