Nominating
The process for lifting up candidates for consideration began in Conference Assemblies on Feb. 14 with a total of 13 nominations made and 10 pre-identified candidates elected. Six candidates have withdrawn their names from consideration, including The Rev. Bradley Schmeling on May 6. The four remaining pre-identified candidates who are continuing forward in the bishop election process are shown below with links to their bios and videos. The candidates were given the following video prompts:
- Tell us your name and where you serve.
- Tell us a favorite story about Jesus and how it speaks to you in your daily life.
- What is your vision for the ministry of this synod in the next six years and what first steps would you take to implement it?
Additional names may be considered at Synod Assembly; we remain open to the Spirit’s moving. Please review the section below for an explanation of the nomination process during Synod Assembly.
A “Meet the Pre-Identified Bishop Candidates” event was held April 12 at Roseville Lutheran Church. If you missed it, you are invited to watch the livestream here. (Note: due to technical difficulties, the livestream did not start until partway through the event. We apologize that the beginning section is not available for viewing.)
Nominations at Synod Assembly
The names of candidates who were pre-identified at Conference Assemblies are automatically placed on Ballot #1. Additional nominations can be made by voting members from the floor, using a written nomination form during a 30-minute window at the beginning of the assembly. Nominations will be received by a member of the Bishop Election Committee from 9:10 a.m. until 9:40 a.m. on Friday, May 15. Click here for the nomination form or you can complete one on-site at the assembly desk, located at the front of the sanctuary. (Other assembly business will continue during this nomination period.)
Voting members who intend to place a name in nomination at the Synod Assembly should:
- Speak with the individual in advance of the assembly to verify that he or she is willing to stand for election to the office of bishop and serve if elected.
- Direct the individual to complete the Bishop Nominee Biographical Information Form and plan to present it with a headshot photo to the Bishop Election Committee member on Friday, May 15, between 9:10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. It is preferred if the completed bio form is submitted in electronic format (on a flash drive or to an email address provided at the assembly table), but handwritten paper forms will also be accepted.
- Submit your completed nomination form to a Bishop Election Committee member at the synod assembly table between 9:10 and 9:40 a.m. on Friday, May 15.
If on Ballot #1 the individual is among the top seven vote recipients, their completed bio form and photo will be copied and distributed to voting members before Ballot #2 and the nominee will be invited to speak to the assembly along with the other top seven nominees. If elected, the nominee will be required to complete a background check immediately following the close of the assembly.
Report From Conference Assemblies
On Saturday, Feb. 14, the six conferences of the synod met in assembly at Christ the King Lutheran Church in New Brighton to pre-identify candidates for the Office of Bishop of the Saint Paul Area Synod. Each conference could nominate up to three candidates. (Additional nominations may be made from the floor at Synod Assembly.) Following a series of prayerful deliberations and ballots by each conference, the following individuals were selected:
Brad Froslee
Kirsten Fryer
Justin Grimm
Ivy Huston
Karna Moskalik
Ingrid C. Arneson Rasmussen
Jill Rode
Bradley Schmeling
Patrick Shebeck
Wendy Steger
Click here to view the full nomination report from each conference. The Synod Vice President contacted the pre-identified candidates to confirm their agreement to stand for office and complete required documentation. Four candidates withdrew their names from consideration: Kirsten Fryer, Ivy Huston, Karna Moskalik, Ingrid C. Arneson Rasmussen, and Wendy Steger.
Who Could Vote at Conference Assemblies?
- Active rostered members of the synod (pastors and deacons). Those who are retired or on leave from call had voice but not vote.
- Lay voting members from each of the synod’s congregations (typically elected at the congregation’s annual meeting). Congregations can send twice as many voting members to Conference Assemblies as Synod Assembly. The number of voting members is determined by the number of baptized members in a congregation. Click here for the Voting Member Allocations for the 2026 Conference Assemblies.
A Prayer for Nominating
Holy One, you do not look on outward appearances but on the heart. Raise up for your church those who can best lead and serve this synod in the years to come. May our deliberations be filled with grace and humility. May our nominations be a reflection of your love and wisdom. And in all things may we seek to do your will. Through Jesus Christ who is our hope. Amen.
