Bishop?

This past weekend we hosted the Inaugural Diocesan Synod for the newly forming Anglican Diocese of the South. We were able to ratify our proposed Constitution and Canons and elect our nominee for Bishop of the new diocese.

The Synod elected me by acclamation as the possible bishop, and my name will now be sent to the College of Bishops for their blessing and approval in June. I find the description of the bishop in the Constitution of the diocese quite inspiring...

A bishop is called by God and the Church to be a shepherd who feeds the flock entrusted to his care. A bishop is an overseer of the flock and as such is called to propagate, to teach, and to uphold and defend the Faith and Order of the Church, willingly as God wants him to -- not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to his care, but being a wholesome example to the entire flock of Christ. By the tradition of Christ's One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, bishops are consecrated for the whole Church and successors of the Apostles thought the grace of the Holy Spirit given to them. They are chief missionaries and chief pastors, guardians, and teachers of the doctrine, and administrators of godly discipline and governance.

For me this is a walk of faith as I will continue to serve as the Rector and Pastor of Holy Cross, Loganville. My life verse again speaks to me: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not upon your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5,6).