Vicar's View

June 2008

I just finished attending my first ever ELCA Synod Assembly and I was impressed. Not only was I impressed at the organization of the effort (way to go Pastor Brenda and Brian!), but also at the reliance on the Holy Spirit.

As you may have heard, our synod elected a new bishop, Bishop Elect Michael Burke, to a six-year term. I couldn't be happier. Just before the final vote was cast, then-Pastor Burk said to the near 600 people in the assembly, "You all aren't about to pick a bishop. You all will elect a person who you think is best suited, and then the Holy Spirit will make that person a bishop." I was floored. The profound statement had me in tears, as well as the people around me. Burk was the assembly's clear favorite on the final ballot, but he didn't start out that way.

Burk was one of a sea of 68 names on the first ballot. The person running the election asked the assembly to pause in silence before the first vote to allow the Holy Spirit to enter into the process. We prayed the same prayer before all four ballots. To my amazement, the Spirit truly did guide the election. The best seven candidates rose to the top. (I was encouraged to see that four of the seven were women, including one of my professors at Wartburg).

All seven people would have made a fine bishop (and may still someday), but the Holy Spirit narrowed the field to three, and ultimately came to rest on the shoulders of Pastor Michael Burk. The feeling in the room was almost palpable. Pastor Burk sat down next to me after making his final remarks, before the final vote was taken. I shook his hand and said, "Thank you for your faith. You've helped me to renew my faith in the Spirit." Moments later he was announced the bishop elect. But I already knew. That's how strong and how real God's Holy Spirit was and is.

I hope you feel the renewing power of the Holy Spirit moving in your life today!

Vicar Craig