Dear NT-NL Leaders,

We have reached the halfway point of 2022. On July 1st our synod council and deans began a new term year. Marking that time I sent them an update note that you can find here. I am grateful for all who are willing to serve our synod and our congregations in this time.

As we enter the second half of 2022 there are significant adaptive challenges before you as leaders. Covid-19 continues to be a reality in our communities as is its impact on ministry. Economic uncertainty, high gas prices, political and social division continue to take a toll. Talking with you I have heard clearly about these challenges particularly in gaining commitment and energy for leadership. We can doubt ourselves and our decisions. We can wonder if we really are called by God to lead in this time.

Questioning your call is not a new phenomenon for leaders. Yesterday, July 4th, was of course our national celebration of Independence Day, it also was the day in our lectionary we commemorate St. Thomas. Thomas who we of course refer to often as “Doubting Thomas.” The Hebrew Bible lectionary text for this day is Judges 6:36-40, the story of God affirming Gideon’s call to lead in the face of Gideon’s doubts. After all, as he says in verse 11, “if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?” Gideon’s question is an honest one that we as leaders may very well also ask. God’s response, time and again, is to remind us that God has been and will continue to be faithful just as God was in calling Gideon.

So as you go forward into the second half of 2022 know you do not do so alone. As the baptized people of God we move forward together, trusting in God’s promise to be faithful to us and provide us abundance. I pray that by the power of the Holy Spirit we will continue to have faith to trust and eyes to see God’s presence and abundance in our lives as we move…

In Mission Together,

Bishop Gronberg