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
- Ministry Partners liaison
- Event support
Deacon Brenda Tibbetts
Synod Minister for Leadership Support
- Call Process
- Roster administration
- First Call administrator
- Congregations in Transition
Deacon Colleen Bernu
Director for Evangelical Mission and Synod Minister for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (part-time)
- Congregational Vitality
- Mission and Ministry Development
- Congregational partnerships and geographic ministry strategies
- Grant administration
Catherine Anderson
Synod Minister for Discipleship and Christian Community
- Leadership Development/Faith Formation
- Lutheran Youth Organization
- Synod Youth Gathering
- Synod Journey to the ELCA Youth Gathering
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
