Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota IX Bishop search

steps in the mutual discernment process for the IX Bishop of Minnesota

Step 1: Please submit an application

Applications will be accepted from January 7 – February 18

The only way to participate in this process is for each interested person to turn in an application. Nominations from others will not be accepted.

You will hear next steps from us by March 2

Please answer these essay questions (no more than one page, 12 pt type and double-spaced, per answer)

Question #1  Explain why you feel called to be a bishop; including your discernment process and what have you learned from it. What special gifts underscore your call to the Diocese of Minnesota specifically?

Question #2 The diaconate is a major pillar of the Diocese of Minnesota. What has been your experience in supporting, encouraging and making use of the diaconate?

Question #3 Presently 38 congregations have embraced total ministry.  What experience have you had with total ministry parishes?  What would your ideas be to support and strengthen that movement in Minnesota?

Send your answers and a current resume, including references to Mary Franson: mfranson@ehomesmn.org. You may also mail them to:

Mary Franson
Episcopal Homes
490 Lynnhurst Ave E
St. Paul, MN 55104-3449

It is a good idea to make sure your CDO (Church Deployment Office) profile is current.

Step 2: Send the following

These will be accepted March 2-25. Letters to you concerning next steps will be put in the mail April 6th (please note the date change).

Please answer these essay questions (no more than one page, 12 pt type and double-spaced, per answer)                       

Question #1  Our diocese has varied ethnic and cultural components: American Indian, African American, Hmong American, Spanish Speaking Americans and GLBT. What has been your experience in working with these groups?  What is your vision to strengthen and support these ministries?                          

Question #2 Describe a previous conflict between several parties that you personally have been involved in and how you went about resolving it? What was the ultimate outcome?

Question #3 How would you define the realities facing the Episcopal Church today, and how would you lead the diocese in responding to them?  

Submit a sermon (audio or video, about 10 minutes) This can be from any season, or from any set of readings, or from any occasion.

Forms for the Oxford Document background checkes will be sent to you.

Step 3: Phone Interview

Be available for a phone conversation with members of our search committee. This will occur sometime between April 14 and April 28. You will hear next steps from us by May 3.

Step 4: On-line leadership assessment questionnaire

Fill out this survey tool used to assess mental and emotional readiness for executive leadership. This will occur by May 16.

Step 5: Home Congregation visits; references checked

Members of our search committee will visit you at your current ministry location. These visits will occur sometime between May 2 and June 15. References will be contacted during the same time frame. You will hear about next steps from us by June 21.

Step 6: Interviews in Minnesota

You will meet with our search committee in Minnesota. This interview occurs sometime between June 27 and July 25. You will hear about next steps by July 26.

Step 7: Candidates announced by standing committee

This announcement will happen by August 1.

Other dates to know: Open nominations accepted by the Standing Committee August 1-14. Click here for information on that process.

Walk-abouts will happen sometime between October 9-24.

The Electing Convention is October 31.

Please send all materials to our administrator:
Mary Franson: mfranson@ehomesmn.org