6 things I’d hope for in a new bishop
There is a sifting process going on at the moment by the Prepartory Committee for the Episcopal election in this diocese. We must all wish the Committee well and keep them in our prayers.
Here are five things I would hope for in a new bishop
- Sense of humour
- Able to preach and represent the church well, in both lowly places and in grand places
- Unafraid of decision making
- Good theological education (which means the equivalent of a 3 or 4 year full time theology degree in my book)
- Ability to say “no” with kindness
- Ability to say “yes” with enthusiasm
What would you hope for?
No related posts.
Posted: November 17th, 2009 under Blog.
Tags: episcopal qualities
Comments
Comment from chris
Time 17 November 2009 at 3:13 pm
A love of Cal Mac ferries
The ability to drive long distances on terrible wee roads
A facility with ICT to cut down on the above
Comment from Rosemary Hannah
Time 17 November 2009 at 3:48 pm
All of Kelvins list – plus
an ability to see and interact with the actual person before them
an ability to still be learning
Comment from Kenny
Time 17 November 2009 at 4:57 pm
I don’t think the Preparatory Committee would disagree with you on any of the seven!
Comment from Peter
Time 17 November 2009 at 6:15 pm
Chris – what a waste to have the Bish of G&G loving Calmac and driving on wee roads! Now, if you launch a blog on what we want for A&TI ….
Comment from Ritualist Robert
Time 18 November 2009 at 3:40 am
All of the above, plus a true love for the clergy and people among whom God has placed him/her
Comment from Beat Attitude
Time 18 November 2009 at 9:02 am
Hi Kelvin!
There are 5 things I hope for in a bishop, indeed 6 things which are good…
Good for starters:
Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being [a bishop], he desires a noble task. Now [the bishop] must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
1 Timothy 3
Often “GSOH” becomes more important than sincerity these days, but I’d rather have the latter than the former any day in someone called to lead the church. His job is not really to provide levity.
It’s interesting how Paul encourages the man in his personal conduct, also as an indicator of his worthiness for the position, rather than his education or leadership experience. I don’t disagree that these things can be valuable, but certainly the biblical model is that a person shows integrity in small things before being given responsibility in large things. Therein lies the proof that they understand what they have learned.
Able to teach implies that he understands what he believes. If only theology degrees could deliver that assurance! Knowledge, yes, but wisdom more.
And of course, evidence of the fruit of the spirit would be vital…otherwise who can say what spirit works within him? It would be good to know that he was a Christian, and not just a clever manager!
Hope all is well with you and your flock!
Greg
Comment from ryan
Time 18 November 2009 at 1:45 pm
fondness for Pink Candles 
.
Comment from kelvin
Time 18 November 2009 at 2:24 pm
Actually, Beat, I would hope for a bishop to have a good sense of humour for her own benefit, not my own.
Comment from Rev Ruth
Time 18 November 2009 at 3:18 pm
The ability to say to clergy -
You have been too long in this place, you must move.
You are not the right person for this charge, let’s see where else we can put you.
It is not healthy for an NSM/retired priest to hang around one congregation too long – you’ve been there 2 years, let’s see where else you might help.
Comment from Eamonn
Time 18 November 2009 at 4:05 pm
Discernment of spirits, courage to follow where the Spirit leads, and persuasiveness to bring the other Bishops along.
Comment from chris
Time 18 November 2009 at 5:59 pm
Peter, everyone knows I live in the boondocks. This was a sine qua non for my choice. These city types have other ways!
Comment from Richard Thornburgh
Time 18 November 2009 at 7:02 pm
Inclusive, (Father), pastoral (Son), and ready to throw away the rule book (Holy Spirit).
Comment from Rosemary
Time 19 November 2009 at 12:45 am
Honestly? I’d hate anybody whose children obeyed them.
Comment from MadPriest
Time 19 November 2009 at 8:13 am
I think Ruth has been in her present post far too long.
My application form is in the post.
Pingback from Ministry meanderings « RevRuth’s Rantings
Time 19 November 2009 at 9:35 am
[...] Kelvin has been saying what he wants in a new bishop. You can add to the list here. Of course we are very happy with the one we’ve got. (If you’re reading this Bishop [...]
Comment from Gordon Aitken
Time 20 November 2009 at 12:31 pm
1. Ability to handle both sword & pistol.
2. Ability to take a joke & to make a good joke.
3. Not to be hysterical.
4. a sense of irreverence.
5. Not to be awed by Canterbury.
Comment from Calum
Time 17 November 2009 at 12:26 pm
No 7: ability to count up to 6.