Bishop & Staff
The Synod office staff
is dedicated to ELCA congregations and leaders in the Northeastern Minnesota Synod. Our purpose is empowering congregations and ministries to encounter and share the love of God in Christ Jesus while advancing our core values of Welcome, Connect, Reform, and Support.
OUR BISHOP
The Reverend Amy J Odgren
Bishop of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod
- Pastor to the synod; its Rostered Leaders (Pastors and Deacons) and congregations
- Primary responsibility for the ministry of Word and Sacrament in this synod and its congregations
- Preaching, teaching and administration of the Sacraments
The Reverend Rollie Bockbrader
Synod Minister for Operations and Congregational Care
- Daily Operations
- Finance and Stewardship
- Synod Assembly coordinator
- Synod Council support
- Reports and databases
- Constitution Review
Deacon Susan Williams
Synod Minister for Leadership Support
- Call Process
- Roster administration
- First Call administrator
- Congregations in Transition
Rev. Dr. Matthew Cobb
Director for Evangelical Mission (part-time)
- Congregational Vitality
- Mission and Ministry Development
- Congregational partnerships and geographic ministry strategies
- Grant administration
- Coordinator for Together Here Ministries
The Reverend Taryn Montgomery
Synod Minister for Discipleship & Christian Community
- Intergenerational faith formation
- Leadership development
- Youth and young adult-focused programing
- Spiritual practice equipping
- Stewardship
The Reverend Liz Davis
Synod Minister for Candidacy Management (part-time)
- Recruitment and management of candidates for rostered ministry
- Candidacy Committee coordination
- Seminary liaison
Monica Bruning
Communication Director (part-time)
- Communication strategy management
- Website management
- Social media engagement
- Weekly e-newsletter
Joy Hensel
Synod Minister for Mental Health and Wellness (part-time)
- Mental health resources and education
- Synod mental health team coordinator
