The Bishop Election Process
Information can be found here about the nomination, election, and call process for the Synod Bishop of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod. As information is released, it will also be announced in the Synod eNews, which comes out every Tuesday. To sign up for the eNews, please send a request to info@nemnsynod.org and you will be added to the mailing list.
A prayer for the Bishop Election Process: Almighty God, you have given your Holy Spirit to the church to lead us into all truth. Bless with the Spirit’s grace and presence the people of the Northeastern MN Synod as we prepare to elect a bishop. Keep us steadfast in faith and united in love, that we may manifest your glory and prepare for the way of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Step One: The Listening Process
Bishop Survey: A survey will be available starting November 12 to encourage reflection on qualities for a candidate and needs of the synod. This survey will help shape questions for our bishop nominee forums. Results will also be posted to help those who are discerning a call to the Office of Bishop. Watch for more information in the eNews and on this page.
Conference Meetings: During the month of November, Bishop Election Committee members will be meeting with the rostered leaders and SAMs of each conference. Congregational members of that conference are invited to participate as well. Please speak to your pastor, deacon or SAM for information on how to participate. These gatherings will focus on bible study, the synod we are, and the bishop we seek.
Synod Ministry Site Profile: The Bishop Election Committee is currently working on the creation of a Ministry Site Profile, similar to that which a congregation prepares for a pastoral candidate during the call process. This profile will be posted to the website in December. It will share who we are as a synod, our demographics, trends, giftedness, ministries and mission.
Step Two: The Nomination process
Nominations: According to our constitution, our synod uses a Modified Ecclesiastical Ballot. The nomination period will open on December 8 and close on January 14. Nominations of bishop candidates can be made by a voting member of the previous (2025) Synod Assembly and should be given to the Dean of their Conference. (Additional names may also be written in on the first ballot for bishop of the 2026 Synod Assembly.)
Conference Assemblies: All rostered ministers and 2025 synod assembly voting members shall attend the conference assemblies, which will happen on Sunday, February 15th at 2:30. Note for your calendars: this is President’s Day weekend! If your congregation’s 2025 synod assembly voting members are unable to attend, your 2026 synod assembly voting members may attend in their place.
Step Three: The Election Process
Nominee Forums: The names of the top five nominees (or more in case of a tie) coming from the Conference Assemblies will participate in three forums held throughout the synod:
- St. Andrew’s in Grand Rapids at 7 pm on March 12
- Trinity in Brainerd at 7 pm on March 13
- Salem in Hermantown at 2:30 on March 14.
Bishop Election: The election of a synod bishop will take place at the 2026 Synod Assembly at Breezy Point Resort, April 24-26, 2026.
Installation: The newly-elected bishop will begin their term on July 1st, 2026, and be installed on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
