Elected bishop of the North/West Lower Michigan Synod on May 20, Julie E. Schneider-Thomas credits the small congregations she has served for her appreciation of resourcefulness and her reliance on divine providence.
Schneider-Thomas—who has served as pastor of both Zion Lutheran Church in Comstock Park, Mich., since 1996, and Hope Lutheran Church in Rockford, Mich., since 2016—shared with Living Lutheran about her role as bishop: building connections through which the people of God can share ideas and talents for the good of all. She will be installed on Sept. 13 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Living Lutheran: What do you see as the biggest priorities for the synod?
Schneider-Thomas: The people of God possess so many gifts given by the Spirit! Initially my focus will be on visiting lay and rostered leaders to learn what challenges they face and what gifts and ideas they have for the good of the whole. I hope to build connections among people who are facing similar ministry challenges, so that they can support each other in their work. As a synod, we also need to work and think together about new models of leadership in congregations, anti-racism and how to connect with youth and young adults.
How did you feel when you were elected?
I love the work of being a parish pastor, so the realization that I was being called to a new ministry stirred up a variety of emotions. I feel sad about ending my ministry as pastor of Zion in Comstock Park and Hope in Rockford. It has been such a blessing to my family and to me to be a part of both of those congregations. I will miss them deeply!
As I have started to think about the work ahead as bishop, I feel a sense of excitement. I’m looking forward to making new relationships with church and synod leaders and seeing how others worship and serve in their context.
What experiences in your ministry do you feel have best prepared you to serve as bishop?
Being the pastor of small congregations has taught me a lot about relying on God’s provision and the need to be flexible and resourceful. All our congregations in post-COVID America are at a place where we need to try things in new ways, and I feel well prepared to lead that.
Is there any other message you’d like to share with the church?
I have been so uplifted by the people who have reached out to encourage me as I say goodbye to the congregations I serve and begin my ministry as bishop. It is a great reminder that in the body of Christ we are never sent out to do the work alone!
