Dear Eastern North Dakota Synod, 

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ! 

As part of my commitment to provide ongoing communication with you regarding this synod’s shared ministry, I am writing with updates and further information specific to the staffing of the Office of Bishop.  

Our world today is experiencing significant challenge, stress, and change. In the midst of this complex world, our synod is experiencing change as well. I understand this impacts each of us in different ways. My commitments are to provide for you the best possible synod ministry within our given realities. It is not uncommon for a bishop to make staffing changes in the shift from one bishop term to another. I am strategically making such choices, too, and will continue to communicate with you through these changes. 

As part of refocusing and refining priorities and as I have already shared, I envision and am moving in a new direction with the Director of Evangelical Mission position in our synod. In sharing this news with you, I have hoped that all would join in affirming and celebrating the good work Deacon Erin Power has done with us and on behalf of the mission and ministry of the synod. I continue to be grateful for her work and fully support her as she moves forward into the next chapter of her ministry.  

As I listen to you during this season of change, I hear questions about the continuation of certain kinds of work of synod staff. I want you to hear from me that there will continue to be a Director of Evangelical Mission. This position is connected to and funded by the ELCA churchwide organization. I have been working with corresponding churchwide partners for the next Director of Evangelical Mission. The position is now posted on the churchwide website and is available via the synod website. 

Our emerging vitality strategy will include strong emphasis on invitation as we “dare to invite.” But this will not come at the cost of an ongoing priority of rostered and lay leadership development. This important work is happening across the whole synod, engages aspects of the work of all synod staff members, and will continue to be a priority for the next Director of Evangelical Mission and for the whole staff team. Additionally, synod staff will continue to support congregations, ministers (rostered and lay), and lay leaders in a myriad of ways. 

I look forward to sharing more updates about the staffing of the Office of Bishop of Eastern North Dakota Synod and living into the next chapters of this synod’s mission and ministry. I truly believe in what we can do together as the body of Christ, planted in this part of God’s kingdom. If you have questions of clarity on my words, feel free to reach out to me directly. And know that I will continue to provide communication as pieces develop so that United in Christ, we can Dare to Invite, Connect, and Act. 

In Christ, 

Bishop Tessa Moon Leiseth