Ordained August 16, 2014

I love people. I see patterns and behaviors in healthy and unhealthy systems in congregations, families, and workplaces. I bring acceptance and curiosity to my work, asking questions in order to understand people better. I like to determine next steps when leaving a conversation, whether it be business or pastoral. I constantly ask "What is God doing here?" I know and trust each person I encounter has a significant answer to that question.

I speak easily about money. I believe there are several ways to approach any problem. I think "no" can be as sacred as "yes."

I believe God is calling us to a transformative relationship. I preach, teach and inspire people to discover how close God is. I use humor and relationship to build trust and influence. I have worked as a mediator, confidante, and coach. I do this work to help people find God in themselves. I am honored to nurture that call and tend their spirit. This is not just for clergy; this is for every child of God.

It goes without saying that we have gone through terrible crises in the past years with the pandemic, racial unrest, and economic strife. Our synod has had its own challenges, from our unexpected bishop transition to the economic uncertainty of this past year.

We have also adapted. We found wisdom in surprising places.

The principal challenge I see in this synod is to have enough people to give thoughtful, specialized care to each ministry as it moves into the future. I would organize staff, synod council and a wide network of trained volunteers to assist congregations to find unique path forward. We found God was moving in our hearts and in the lives of our neighbors, even while our sanctuaries were vacant. We have realized the inequities of race, education, healthcare, and technology and we must respond. Synodical leaders must trust God, the people in the pews and our unchurched neighbors. Jesus predicted this way of being church when He said, "The kin-dom of God is like this...”

It is very important for the people I work with to know what I am thinking. As a television producer, I would explain the budget, my decision-making and my goals to junior staff. This made the team work more efficiently, and it also raised up the next generation of leaders. The synod staff has worked in the last year to work more collaboratively and we have noticed the difference. Communicating honestly is difficult, but I have seen the strength which emerges as trust is built and each voice is heard.

I value the input of others. I listen to my official collaborators, but I have also learned startling truths from unexpected advisors. I am a collaborative leader, but I have come to trust my own voice. God has often used me to speak truth into a situation when I thought my idea was so obvious everyone must be thinking it, only to have folks be surprised and relieved by my idea. Once I have a sense of an issue, I speak with humility and confidence.

I'm a painter, which helps me practice the gift of seeing what is before me without judgment, so I can be true to what I am painting. We are in a time of great shifts that affect our churches, and too often we rush to label them as bad. This self-judgment makes being honest and transparent feel scary. It makes connecting with others who struggle similarly shameful and blocks a way forward through God. I will use my gift to create spaces absent of shame/fault for our synod, so we may better consider and understand the issues we face and connect congregations in our shared problems/experiences to partner in solutions. We are not alone and all painting one canvas together. I am naturally strategic, empathetic, collaborative, relationship-centered, inclusive of others. Through my education and training, I bring gifts of ministry development/evaluation, fund development, financial management, infrastructure/systems creation, governance, policy, communications, and organizational management.

Our synod will face the challenge of navigating continued societal and cultural shifts that impact how we gather, worship, interact with our neighborhoods, raise up leaders. We will need to navigate these shifts while honoring and reconciling a long Lutheran legacy in the United States of America. To respond to God's call to Christian faith, worship, and neighbor-love, we will cherish our roots and our Lutheran theology and begin a process of becoming an organization that is more nimble, creative, connected, neighborhood-focused and antiracist/diverse. Through God's Grace, we are liberated from the heaviness of fault so we may be a church interested in being grounded in taking responsibility. We are active in God's Gospel when we are relevant to those in most need around us, addressing systemic and root causes of social issues. We are a brave church led by God to decentralize organizational authority and expertise, and to increase transparency and cooperative, localized governance.

My leadership style centers on being adaptable and a servant leader. Since decision-making groups are different, I assess and adapt my style to round-out and balance teams. Although I am adaptable, my commitments hold closely to vision, values, and an abundance mindset, focusing on generative and justice-making work instead of scarcity. Some have experienced my style as fierce while others have seen me as consensus-building and healing. Depending on context, balance of team, and how crucial an issue is, I adapt. But I always strive to be kind (but accountable), transparent, respectful, and honest. I care about responsiveness more than perfection. As a queer person of color and a feminine boy who was not picked for any teams, my leadership is rooted with people at the margins and those who are left out. I thought I was too broken to serve God, until God showed me that is the whole point. I lean to shared decision-making and deeply recognize full accountability for the synod's decisions.

I am motivated by the Biblical vision of all tribes, nations and languages standing in the presence of God. This gathering maintains the distinctiveness of each group and person. No culture is overwhelmed by any of the others. God's mission pulls humanity toward this vision and compels me to push for equity for any person or group marginalized by the dominant culture.

I developed and implemented, Living the Resurrection, a proven vitality process that has helped congregations strengthen their love for God and one another as well as develop mutual relationships with their neighbors. As we come out of this pandemic my experience helping people recognize opportunities and adapt to pursue them will serve both the synod office and our congregations. The goals of this process help people overcome their resistance to change so they can innovate and achieve shared goals. I look forward to applying these principles so we can more fully support God’s vision.

Our synod membership isn't as diverse as our neighborhoods. To increase our diversity, we need to work on inclusion and equity. For example: the primary language of many of our members, and many in our territory is not English, yet the synod communicates mainly in English and rarely offers translation. To nurture diverse leadership, we need to prioritize accessible communication. This isn’t difficult, but it means changing our ways and using our finances to encourage equitable inclusion in all we do. One aspect of the problem is that many of us have been seduced by the narrative of scarcity. We have millions of dollars in assets, yet our funding goals support the status quo instead of the mission of God. The pandemic taught our congregations to adapt. Moving forward we need to build on this ability to do something new and explore options that will free up our assets so we can freely support what God is up to in our neighborhoods.

I’m a collaborative leader because I want my decisions to be informed by the wisdom of others. Synod Bishops have access to various teams including; staff, council, mission teams, deans and conference teams. I will rely on the members of these teams to express their opinions and join in lively discussions on the issues facing our synod. I believe that a good idea should be able to come from anywhere. My goal as a leader is to create a culture of trust to encourage people to contribute their ideas, concerns and hopes in every conversation. I once asked Bishop Erwin how he experienced my leadership and he said: “You are quick, and direct, you are kind, but it’s not always comfortable.” I promise to temper my directness with kindness and work to nurture brave spaces that are safe, though not always comfortable. I hope you will engage with me there so we can work through whatever the future holds, together.

My gift as a religious leader is to bring churches to new vitality, shared purpose, greater equity, sustainability, transparency, and public witness grounded in a public theology rooted in God’s promises in scripture. I believe this gift might be of significant service to our synod in this season. I have a profound love for the people and churches/organizations in our synod, and a vision for what better ways of being the church of Jesus Christ together are possible here. I believe our synod can lead the ELCA to a future focused on Jesus’ call to healing and justice. I also bring substantial Biblical/theological understanding and teaching ability gained as a professor. I am an effective community organizer, communicator, and administrator shown in my work as executive director of the non-profit NoHo Home Alliance. The people of St. Matt’s-NoHo will tell you I am dynamic, caring, visionary, strategic, joyful and a catalyst for living out our faith. My family will say I am loving, thoughtful, hard-working, creative and just. Our dogs just like to misquote Jesus: Feed my dogs.

The principal challenge to our synod is this: proclaiming the transformative Gospel of Jesus Christ more impactfully & with greater relevance to the lives & situations experienced by the diverse people in this synod. Especially post-COVID, when we are acutely aware of the persistence of racism, & as church affiliation continues to decline.

As Bishop I will:

• Guide churches to expand public witness & face issues of sustainability;

• Expand practices & processes in our synod that achieve broad engagement, and create equity and authentic diversity;

• Lead us to expand ministries with people in poverty;

• Promote inclusive & innovative evangelism;

• Empower us to advocate for God’s vision of justice;

• Implement practices to support the holistic wellness of rostered leaders & laity;

• Expand Biblical, theological & spiritual formation & education;

• Implement a sustainable synod funding plan that leverages synod real estate to provide funding for strategic ministries & underserved communities; and

• Rebuild trusting relationships between the synod & people across the synod.

I lead by asking questions, listening, observing & articulating a shared vision. I strive to be present & accessible. The most impactful leadership is shared leadership. I look forward to working with a broad team—council, staff, deans, advisors & others—to embody the Gospel in our synod. I empower team members to discern their gifts & seek to align organizational responsibilities to match. I urge co-workers to find for themselves the best way, in their areas of responsibility, to get the outcomes we are working toward together. I believe the church must be a just, inclusive and equitable workspace enlivened by new perspectives and new leaders. As the granddaughter of a farmer and daughter of an immigrant I feel deep solidarity with those who do essential labor. My training in Non-Violent Communication (NVC) teaches me in conflict situations to name & attend to underlying needs. I dedicate myself to our common work. But I am human, & imperfect. When I miss the mark, I confess, ask forgiveness, & work on for the sake of the Gospel.

My gifts include strong knowledge of Lutheran Confessions. A very contemporary and engaging speaking style. I have a sophisticated background in contemporary music and liturgy. I bring an understanding of Lutheran K-8 and Preschool operations. I have a strong knowledge and understanding of Southern California politics and policies. I am in a financially strong position where I am able to donate 100% of my salary to benefit underprivileged families. I have a good understanding of our mission church and school in El Salvador. I am in perfect health. I have an extensive knowledge of business strategy and implementation thanks to my MBA and work in corporate finance.

The challenge of the synod is simply to focus on conversations. Ineffective conversations produce organizational situations that pastors and leaders find threatening. Also, vagueness and ambiguity produce anxiety that pastors and leaders find threatening. This leads to withholding important information and makes issues undiscussable. Counterproductive dialogues that persist over years of non-discussing causes pastors and leaders to back away from involvement. Sending out surveys and collecting information only amplifies the problem. Effective progress depends on the exchange of valid information and being willing to make conversations that make people feel understood, accepted, appreciated, safe and in control. This is my approach, and this is no minor task.

Paying attention is my most basic leadership skill: emotional, organizational and strategic attention. As said, a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention. Therefore it takes a certain courage to place attention in the right place and not be derailed by distractions. I see a Bishop as the pastor's pastor. Bishop Ed Perry was my mentor and model of how a synod could be run. My style if there is such a thing would be to place pastors first. I feel leaders are not only good listeners but are good question makers as well. Living a prayerful life makes the day both possible as well as productive caring. I like to share my devotional insights freely as I am given them. Most of all effective, caring conversations are the critical thing for me

1. Developer and planner for worship services

2. Worship leader.

3. Ability to preach effectively in both European descent and multiethnic settings.

4. Supporter of fellow clergy.

5. Mentor of new pastors in the SWCA synod.

6. Lifelong experience in the Lutheran Church as a Baptized member from the age of 11 years old.

1. Stewardship: The church cannot function without resources to do effective ministry. I would take a closer look at how we use our resources in doing effective sustainable ministry and what would be the best use of those resources for congregations’ missions. I would evaluate and encourage congregations to take a deeper look at their effectiveness through their gifts of stewardship by meeting their expectations in terms of sharing their time, talents, and resources.

2. Support clergy and other rostered leaders: This has been a great concern of mine. I really feel having a healthy clergy and other rostered leaders is key to the mission and ministry of the Church. My goal would be to have a relationship with are clergy and our rostered leaders, so that they would not feel abandoned. As bishop I would have the Deans of the Conferences genuinely focus on the needs and concerns of rostered leaders. In doing so in my thought process this could have major effect on how we serve our congregations and the work of the wider church body.

3. Mission Development: This should be a high focus in our synod. The Gospel calling “go ye therefore and make disciples...” My goal would be to teach and preach evangelism and challenge our synod to focus on rebuilding membership and developing new leadership. I would encourage our congregations to support our synod in this challenge by providing resources. Scripture tells us to be cheerful givers. In giving, we can see what God can and will do when we are faithful.

Leadership style is a leader’s approach to providing direction, implementing plans, and motivating people.

I see myself as a facilitator, but would best describe my style as participative, offering guidance to our synod, clergy, and congregations, requesting their input and decision making, but retaining the final say.

Members should feel included and part of the team. This creates commitment in the group.

My commitment is to be honest, open, authentic, show grace and humility. My promise is to have clear and responsive feedback and communication in a timely manner.

This is what the people want, need, and expect in a leader.

I bring passion for seeing the gospel of Jesus Christ engaged as guidance for the church’s continuing work of building the beloved community. Ten years of experience as churchwide staff has afforded me the opportunity to interact with synods, networks of congregations and leaders, across the country and internationally. I have first-hand experience of being called on by Bishops, synod staff, DEMs and other leaders to assist with visioning for new ministry, addressing challenges of existing and declining ministries, identifying and equipping new leaders and the work of resolving conflict. I bring with me twenty-six years of experience as a parish pastor in Los Angeles, over some of the most socially and economically tumultuous times in recent history and the birth of the New City Parish. I have a gift for active listening and creating intentional space for sharing the stories, passion, interests and concerns of people from a broad and diverse range of cultural contexts.

A culture of resistance is the principal challenge. In the next six years I would aggressively call this synod to a fresh reclaiming of our shared purpose and power as disciples of Jesus. The restrictions of the viral pandemic, inequities impacting full inclusion of black, indigenous, and other people of color, LGBTQIA and transgender persons, all loom large across the landscape of this synod. Equitable calls and compensation for rostered women, persons of color and those serving in economically depressed ministry contexts are long standing issues facing this synod. Aging and declining congregations, and helping young people find meaningful ways of living out faith in daily life, all these call for significant strategic engagement. I would challenge this synod to a fresh and engaged knowing of Christ in the power of the Resurrection. Where a culture of holy enthusiasm for the gospel overwhelms a culture of distrust, grief, uncertainty and fear, our strategies and plans come alive.

“Equipping the saints for doing the work of ministry” informs me as a leader. While I am very much excited and personally energized by being fully engaged with people and investing myself alongside others in the work to be done, I recognize and value greatly the power of building and engaging gifted teams. As a leader I will often ask others “who is your team, who are you bringing with you into the work you are most passionate for doing.” It is a part of my approach in leadership to continuously keep an eye on and communicate the clarifying “Why.” In my experience in leading teams, I find that if we can get clear on the motivating “Why,” the spirit of trust and creativity within the community or team will give rise to plans, strategies and solutions for attaining the agreed upon goals. I believe in investing in those called to do a particular work. I hold to a manner of accountability that respects persons and their capacity to achieve.

Eager Park Neighborhood Association - Board Member KuriousED - Board Member

Fulton Bank Operation HOPE - Board Member NAACP (Baltimore Chapter) - Lifetime Member

Young Professionals of Greater Baltimore Urban League - Clergy Advisor

The Holy Spirit has guided me to create models for disciples to develop other disciples. Christ gifted me in areas focusing on vision casting, problem solving, team building, and analyzing the culture of various communities. I’ve curated and created liturgy, preached, and trained community organizers in over 15 cities; balanced budgets and created endowments; served on councils, boards, and committees; cultivated vocations, nurtured service, and advocated/forged solidarity with others seeking justice. My experience in church revitalization, multicultural ministries and inclusivity are invaluable gifts that I'll bring to the office of bishop. My military background, youth/young adult development, and financial literacy skills could give the SWCA Synod a metaphysical and spiritual rejuvenation that it's desired over the last 3 decades. As a gifted young black leader, I will provide hope/inspiration to the generations that have left the church due to the historical trauma within the ELCA.

The principal challenge facing the SWCA Synod is the existential crisis of continually being pregnant with vision but consistently aborted by lack. Many of us have some kind of vision in us, but we don’t have equal access to resources to implement these visions. COVID-19 has exposed our churches’ deficiencies—as many of our congregations are now exposed for how they have been living on life support in survival mode. We have a challenging time finding effective ways to keep our theology and ministries real, relatable and relevant. The hermeneutical, privilege and wealth gaps continue to grow wider between our congregations and the context/cultures of today. I would mandate cost-effective annual trainings for our clergy and congregations to attend, where they will learn from our ecumenical and interdenominational partners about church revitalization, evangelism and stewardship. COVID-19 can open the door for visionary, creative, and successful new ministry opportunities.

My leadership style is influential and not authoritative. The U.S. Air Force has inseminated into my bloodstream the leadership core values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. I choose to put people before the product. I sow vision into various leaders before casting the vision to the general public. I refuse to micromanage because I value my leadership gifts of delegation and the equipping saints for ministry. I believe I need to reproduce other leaders around me and learning to delegate opportunities so that others can learn to lead effectively and efficiently in the overall mission. I am ultimately responsible for controlling the atmosphere of wherever I am called to lead. I don't avoid difficult conversations nor cater to immaturity. I appropriate conflict resolution and welcome criticism. I enjoy providing clarity of the assignment, granting of authority, assisting when needed, allowing room for error/mistakes, and applauding/affirming others. .

As a single mother, teacher, counselor and advocate for justice and mental health are the tools that God has gifted me to serve the office of Bishop. The insights and skills to deal with all manner of humanity; its triumphs and tragedies, joy and hardships, are well ensconced in my abilities and approach to the work God has blessed me with in the Lutheran Church. On a leadership level, I am among the most active pastors in the region. I know our pastors and strive for their success. Having immediately made both myself and my church available for any number of large scale events, the organizational, budgetary, and congenial nature of the events, facility and participants speaks to the reason these events have been well attended and reviewed. I love the work of these many churches and activities seek to burnish and bolster the positive with verve and a vision. I seek bold solutions to re-energize and re-vitalize a church with hidden potential.

The challenge facing our synod and congregations is recognizing and implementing the pathway between deep-seated tradition and the vitality of change. Congregations are declining and aging. Some of our services are slow and outdated. There is a reason that the same gospel we preach to a handful in our churches is bringing in literally thousands at a non-denominational church across the street. Youth and vitality can merge with age and tradition if we "seek and you shall find" as we teach. There is more meaningful service and outreach that can extend the love of Christ to our neighbors and families of all ages, ethnicity, economic background, and cultural diversity. It's time for real and substantive change. I seek the role of bishop as I believe that God has given me the ability and gifts to work across a spectrum of people and situations to bring about a regeneration of our churches. With an open mind and heart, truly the fresh change in image I bring to the leadership.

Having worked as an elementary and high school teacher, the one element I guarantee will be in full capacity is creative leadership. I am a visionary leader. We will all follow Christ with fresh perspective and enthusiasm as my gentle guidance would lead. We will work together as a team to strengthen what we have, expand to where the Lord would direct and bless, and roll up our sleeves to engage and complete the work before us. I can articulate what will energize us and explain the strategy to get the task done. Talk to those who have seen my work, heard my words, attended events I've sponsored. It takes courage to step out and lead. If the synod seeks to blaze a new trail to new horizons, a very dynamic and highly confident leader is truly needed to captain the ship into the uncharted waters. Speak with me, and you will find that fearless captain to take the helm.