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Elected June 11 as bishop of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, Jennifer Dee believes in the value of a good conversation that acknowledges and moves through grief toward hope in Christ.
Dee, who served as a pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Robesonia, Pa., from 2022 until she began her new role, spoke with Living Lutheran about the church’s opportunity to connect and collaborate across generations as we deepen relationships with God and each other.
Living Lutheran: What do you see as the biggest priorities for the synod? What is your vision for the future of the synod?
There are voices across the synod calling for a pastoral leader who can connect with people through conversations that address individual and collective grief, loss, healing and hope. I will work to strengthen pastoral and caring relationships among rostered leaders and build avenues for mutual support, collaboration, ministry and outreach. I envision encouraging folks in the synod to build deeper relationships with God and one another.
How did you feel when you were elected?
I was overcome with tears of joy while thinking, “Is this really happening?” and “Wow, life for me and my family just drastically changed!” In that moment, I felt the excitement of the assembly alongside a sense of hope and trust in my gifts to listen and lead.
The entire election process was deeply Spirit-fueled. By wrestling with questions and interacting with folks at the assembly, my sense of call was reaffirmed. It was both humbling and freeing to be open to the Spirit and the call of the greater church.
What experiences in your ministry do you feel have best prepared you to serve as bishop? What have you learned in your ministry that you might incorporate into your approach to leading the synod?
Both camping and youth ministry have best prepared me to serve as bishop. They created spaces where I was able to show up as my authentic self in response to God’s call in my life. Being a leader in these settings helped me work to create safe spaces for folks to show up as their authentic selves and be brave. I learned how to lead, engage in conflict resolution, have fun, build deep relationships, equip other leaders and show up for others, all while continuing to grow in my own faith and life.
I also think that, as the church, we have this incredible opportunity to connect across generations, helping the young and young at heart to feel intentionally welcomed, nurtured and loved.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I’m very excited about this new call. The election process gave me one of the most affirming days in ministry that I have ever had. I know there will be challenging days ahead, but the joy we experienced together gives me a well of hope for all that is to come.
