Who wants to follow this man? (Is Ironman available?)
-
- May
- 15
He is Bishop Stephen Bouman, the last leader of the New York jurisdiction of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
The Metropolitan New York Synod of the ELCA begins a three-day assembly in Tarrytown today—facing big-time challenges.
An internal report on the state of the synod this:
When asked about primary issues facing this synod, an active synod member voiced the theme that was heard repeatedly in response to this topic: “This is a synod that is in crisis, and it has been denying this over the last 20-30 years. Now, the crisis is more acute. The viability of congregations needs to be addressed, even though it is awkward.”
Ouch.
And the summary included this:
While much of the fear and anxiety was openly voiced, there seems to be a broader layer of fear and anxiety underlying much of the mission and ministry of this synod. Many individuals and congregations are operating in a crisis, and many are focused primarily on the scarcity of resources.
Double outch.
Clergy and lay leaders will begin a balloting process this afternoon to elect a new bishop. They should have someone by late tomorrow or Saturday.
What will the new bishop face? Start with: poor clergy morale; declining membership; the need to possibly close hurting churches; the different needs of city, suburban and country churches; and the usual conflicts over homosexuality that dog every mainline Protestant denomination.
Several pastors told me in recent days that they need a bishop who will attend to their needs and the needs of their congregations, who will pay them visits and answers their phone calls. It doesn’t sound like a lot to ask—but a lot of people sound overwhelmed and uncertain about the future.
One line from the internal report struck me: Pastors feel they are expected to be both traditional and innovative. They are supposed to be old-time Lutheran pastors, holding on to tradition, and innovators who devise new ways to grow their churches and build exciting ministries.
I’m sure the same thing will be expected of the new bishop, on a much larger scale, and it won’t be easy.
Bouman was a popular fellow—energetic and engaging—who reached out to immigrants and those in need. Everyone seems to appreciate his efforts, but the consensus is that the synod’s core—its churches and ministries—now need to be streamlined, refocused and strengthened.
You can download the internal report from the top of this page.
On the question of what is expected of the next bishop, the report notes:
The “Metropolis” home for superheroes Superman and Superwoman is often associated with New York City. These superheroes are expected to stop speeding bullets, be faster than a locomotive, and leap over tall buildings. The range of criteria which we heard in terms of the characteristics and expectations of the next bishop rivaled those of these superheroes.
This entry was posted
on Thursday, May 15th, 2008 at 9:07 am by Gary Stern.
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The world of religion, we don't have to tell you, is vast. The purpose of this blog is for Stern to note, flag and comment on some of the more interesting religious developments on the scene – weighty and quirky, somber and laughable, far away and just down the road. He won't interpret Scripture, take sides in conflicts or judge anyone. But he will take advantage of the journalist's license to observe.
