Weekly News | 9.26.25
143. What is the work of bishops?
Bishops represent and serve Christ and the Church as chief pastors, catechists, and missionaries in the tradition of the apostles. They are to confirm and ordain, and to guard the faith, unity, and discipline of the Church. (Isaiah 61:1–11; John 20:19–23; 21:15–19; Acts 20:17–35; 1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:7–9; 1 Peter 5:1–5; Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to Polycarp 1.2–2.2)
From To Be A Christian: An Anglican Catechism
I thank God for our bishops. Tasked with providing care and accountability for a number of diverse worshiping communities, they take on an enormous level of responsibility. Without love, without the tending of Jesus and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, these men could too easily be crushed by the weight. Animated by hearing their Shepherd’s voice, with a deep desire to see God’s kingdom come and His will be done, they say yes to this path of costly service.
Bishop Todd Hunter founded our diocese 15 years ago, and as of Saturday he will no longer be our Diocesan Bishop. There are too many words to describe Bp. Todd for a single email, much less his influence on me. Sharp, humble, and someone who foments expressions of mission in his sleep (“Apostolic”). I will miss his voice, his leadership over our diocese, though I will continue to enjoy hearing it through his writings at The Gospel of the Kingdom. Consider sending him an encouraging word as he embarks on a new chapter.
Bishop Brian Wallace, our Suffragan Bishop for just over 2 years, has been particularly near to our community this past year. He stepped in to care for the Parish Council and the pastoral staff, providing needed leadership in a season of transition. His wisdom in organizational leadership combined with his wisdom in regards to the human heart are precious gifts to our diocese. Bp. Brian will preach for us this November, so look forward to that!
Bishop-Elect Jeff Bailey (pictured above) will, by God’s grace, be consecrated as our next Diocesan Bishop this Saturday. As our diocese continues to grow and mature, I am eager to be under Jeff’s leadership as he brings his gifts and experiences to bear for the future of C4SO. I encourage you to begin getting familiar with his voice, and this conversation between Bishop Todd and Bishop-Elect Jeff is a great start.
Join me in praying for our bishops, and for the consecration service this Saturday. May the Holy Spirit be poured afresh to give Jeff what he needs to lead in the sacrificial and life-giving way of Jesus, that our churches may more fruitfully inhabit and extend the kingdom of God.
Peace,
Sarah+
P.S. This week is your last chance for Early Bird Pricing for Parish Retreat! The cost jumps $20 after 10/1. Please do not let money be the reason you aren’t at Parish Retreat - scholarships are available. Let’s connect.