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What is God calling the CSS to do to further God’s kingdom?

How is God calling the Central States Synod (CSS) to minister in the coming years?

What gifts will our Bishop need to help us fulfill that ministry?

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Central States Synod Ministry Site Profile

Profile of the synod based on information gathered during and, based on conversations, surveys and statistical information.

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Synod Constitution - Bishop's Job Description

Chapter 8 (S8.10.) of the synod constitution describing the office and responsibilities of the bishop.

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Disclosure Form

This form is required from all who are making themselves available for election as bishop.

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Bishop Election procedure

This documents outlines the process of nominating, casting ballots, and election of a bishop to the Central States Synod

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Responsibilities of the bishop - Summary

This summary encompasses the official job description and explains some of the flexibility the bishop has in carrying out their duties

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Release for background check

This form authorized a background check for those making themselves available for election as bishop per S9.12.A21 of the constitution.

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Biography Form

Those that have determined a willingness to allow their name to go forward in the bishop election process can complete this bio form to better help assembly voting members make nominations and cast their ballots.

​The Discernment Team’s Purpose

In early 2024, anticipating the Bishop Election at the 2025 Central States Synod Assembly, the Synod Council established a Discernment Team to:

  • design and carry out a process to invite the Central States Synod into a time of discernment concerning the needs, hopes and realities of our life together as the body of Christ in the Central States; and

  • design and carry out a process for congregations and voting members to learn consistent biographical information about those discerning a call to be considered as bishop, who agree to share that information.

 

The Team’s Work and Schedule

To that end, the Team began publishing monthly devotions in April 2024.  That series, which recognizes our need for the Spirit’s guidance, will continue through the 2025 Synod Assembly. The Team also developed questions designed to guide Synod conversations to identify common understandings about the Synod’s ministries, values, challenges, and needs. The resulting profile reflects the collective discernment of over 250 clergy and lay members, who shared their thoughts on the mission, challenges, and opportunities that lie ahead for the Synod and its congregations. The profile is made available to enable rostered ministers, in turn, to discern whether they are open to the call of serving as the Synod’s next Bishop.​​

The Team’s timeline is:

  • June 2024 - August 2024: 

    • Voting members at the Assembly participated in table conversations using the discernment questions.

    • Individuals, congregations, and regional groups responded to the discernment questions individually or through collaborative discussions online.

  • August 2024 - December 2024:

    • The Team collated the responses along with statistical data provided by Synod Staff to develop a description of the Synod and its future calling.

    • The Team curated a set of common biographical questions for use by those who discern they are open to being called to serve as the next Bishop, and a process to collect the completed forms.

  • January 2025 - March 2025:  

    • Rostered ministers can review the Synod description and, if they discern an openness to being called as the next Bishop, may complete and submit the biographical form. This is not a nomination.

  • June 2025:

    • Nominations are made at the 2025 Synod Assembly through the ecclesiastical ballot process. This may include those that have already submitted biographical information as well as any minister of word and sacrament on the ELCA roster.

    • Bishop election.                                                                                      

The Team’s Members

  • Cathy Hohl - Lutheran Church of the Atonement, Florissant, MO | Team Facilitator

  • Nancy Nagel – Vice-President, Central States Synod, Peace Lutheran Church, Washington, MO

  • Rev. Merle Brockhoff – Retired

  • Rev. David Frerichs – St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Columbia, MO

  • Andrea Keesee – Disciples of the Plains, Phillipsburg, KS

  • Rev. Kim Knowle-Zeller – St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Cole Camp, MO

  • Bill Lang – Emanuel Lutheran Church, Hutchinson, KS

  • Debbie Schroeder-Saulnier – Living Lord Lutheran Church, Lake St. Louis, MO

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