Grace, mercy and peace to all members of the South Carolina Synod,
As we approach the upcoming Bishop’s Election at the Synod Assembly this June, all members of the synod are invited into a time of prayerful discernment. The SC Synod Ministry Site Profile (MSP) is a document that reflects the feedback and concerns collected from around the synod regarding its mission, context, challenges, and hopes for the future. It serves a role similar to that of an MSP used by congregations or ministry sites in the call process, as an aid and guide in the discernment process.
The Bishop’s Election Committee prepared the 2026 SC Synod MSP using input from a synod-wide online survey open to all members of the synod and listening sessions held at Conference meetings for rostered ministers around the synod. It was then approved by the Synod Council.
As we move from a time of listening into a period of discernment, the MSP is now being made public as a tool to assist voting members in their consideration of the needs of the synod as they prepare for the election. It will also assist ministers of Word and Sacrament in their own prayerful discernment about whether they may be called to allow their names to go forward at the Assembly.
In addition to the MSP, the Bishop’s Election Committee is also distributing a FAQ document. This document provides an overview of the bishop election process and responds to frequently asked questions. It is intended to help both voting members of the Synod Assembly and the wider synod community understand the process and participate faithfully and confidently.
During this period of prayerful discernment, all members of the synod are encouraged to read through the synod’s Ministry Site Profile. Members are encouraged to share the document with pastors who might be candidates for the role of bishop. Pastors who wish to discern if they might be open to the call to the office of bishop should thoughtfully review the MSP to find a discussion of the hopes, dreams, and challenges of the synod at this time, as well as the spiritual and leadership gifts sought in the new bishop.
Please note that Appendix A of the FAQ document provides the questions that are included on the biographical form distributed to candidates. Reviewing these questions in advance of the assembly is another opportunity for eligible pastors to reflect on their own personal experiences and gifts, as well as on their priorities for ministry.
By the leading of the Holy Spirit and the prayerful discernment of all members of the South Carolina Synod – rostered ministers, lay leaders, and congregational members – we trust that God will be present with and lift up candidates who may be called to serve in this role.
In Hope and Faith,
The Bishop’s Election Committee
