Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri
Prayer
for the Bishop Search
We give you thanks, Gracious God, for your goodness in bestowing upon the Church the gift of the Episcopate and its heritage in this Diocese. Grant that in our search for the Eighth Bishop of West Missouri, we may be open to your will, receptive of your guidance, and ready in obedience. May the Holy Spirit illumine our hearts and minds as we live into the vision that is before us. Let this occasion of change be a time to build trust and increase understanding, that Christ’s love may be made known between and among us, that your will may be done; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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Theological Statement
The election of our next bishop is an event of major significance in the life of our diocese and of the whole church. The Office of Bishop provides continuity and context for mission, and encourages and equips the baptized people of God for ministry in the world. The bishop is also an important sign of unity and community for all members of the Body of Christ.
We believe that God works with and through our human processes and structures as we seek together to understand and to be faithful to God’s call. Our nomination, selection, and election procedures are the structures through which we conduct our discernment.
We believe that the Holy Spirit dwells in the Church and will help us
call forth a bishop to lead, challenge, and inspire all members of our
diocesan community to live faithfully into the Baptismal Covenant.
We believe that as we move prayerfully through these discernment processes we will be guided by the Holy Spirit to show love and care for those with whom we come into contact. We believe that prayerful processes call us to be open to the issues and concerns of all in our diocese, and we will strive to be genuinely pastoral with all who will participate in each phase of the discernment process.
We believe the prayers of all the people of West Missouri will be essential as we move through this challenging and hope-filled period in the life of our diocese.
