Jeff Barrow elected bishop of the Greater Milwaukee Synod

Press Release | Video | Photo Gallery
December 5, 2009

The Rev. Jeff Barrow was elected the third bishop of the ELCA Greater Milwaukee Synod Dec. 5 at a special assembly at Our Saviors Lutheran in Downtown Milwaukee. Addressing the assembly of more than 400 lay and rostered voters, visitors, neighboring bishops and Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson, Barrow was struck with emotion as he accepted the call to highest leadership post in the synod. "I'm so grateful for this church," said Barrow. " All the things that we can become in the synod, we really can, there is so much talent, there is so much love and whatever we have to face we face it together. I thank God for walking with us, today and tomorrow."

Barrow was a elected on the 5th and final ballot over to the Rev. Susan Tjornehoj, director of evangelical mission Minneapolis Area Synod, by a 209-185 margin. The Rev. Joseph Crippen, senior pastor of St. John's Lutheran, Northfield, Minn., was eliminated on the 4th ballot. "You're outstanding leaders," Barrow said to the pastors from Minnesota. "If you ever want to move to this synod, you got it." He thanked all the leaders who made the difficult decision to participate in the bishop process. "It's putting your life out there."

ELCA Presiding Bishop Hanson welcomed Barrow to a wonderful calling. "We get sympathy these days for being bishop, but i still think there is great joy and delight in these calls. Because we get to see what god is up to in so many different parts of the church," he said.

In the face of declining membership, conflicts over the human sexuality policy changes, and challenges within the synod, Barrow is cognizant of the tough realities facing the church. "I don't look at this as a victory because there is so much work for us to do to get the house back in order," he said. "Very soon we are going to hit the ground running."

Barrow will officially take office February 1, 2010. Addressing staffing will be a top priority, as multiple assistant positions have not been permanently filled for several months . In an Advent Greeting, Bishop-Elect Barrow asked for recommendations in regards to staffing, including names of those with the gifts to serve the synod office. Recommendations will be helpful in the planning process, but may not be responded to. You can reach Jeff at his synod e-mail, jeff@milwaukeesynod.org.  Interim Bishop David Olson will continue to provide his faithful leadership and guidance through the end of January.

 

Video Highlights

Jeff Barrow elected the 3rd Bishop of the Greater Milwaukee Synod:

Bishop-elect Barrow pledges to walk with the synod

ELCA Presiding Bishop Hanson's Sermon (Dec. 4, 2009)

 

Photo Gallery

Jeff Barrow elected bishop of the Greater Milwaukee Synod

Press Release | Video | Photo Gallery
December 5, 2009

The Rev. Jeff Barrow was elected the third bishop of the ELCA Greater Milwaukee Synod Dec. 5 at a special assembly at Our Saviors Lutheran in Downtown Milwaukee. Addressing the assembly of more than 400 lay and rostered voters, visitors, neighboring bishops and Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson, Barrow was struck with emotion as he accepted the call to highest leadership post in the synod. "I'm so grateful for this church," said Barrow. " All the things that we can become in the synod, we really can, there is so much talent, there is so much love and whatever we have to face we face it together. I thank God for walking with us, today and tomorrow."

Barrow was a elected on the 5th and final ballot over to the Rev. Susan Tjornehoj, director of evangelical mission Minneapolis Area Synod, by a 209-185 margin. The Rev. Joseph Crippen, senior pastor of St. John's Lutheran, Northfield, Minn., was eliminated on the 4th ballot. "You're outstanding leaders," Barrow said to the pastors from Minnesota. "If you ever want to move to this synod, you got it." He thanked all the leaders who made the difficult decision to participate in the bishop process. "It's putting your life out there."

ELCA Presiding Bishop Hanson welcomed Barrow to a wonderful calling. "We get sympathy these days for being bishop, but i still think there is great joy and delight in these calls. Because we get to see what god is up to in so many different parts of the church," he said.

In the face of declining membership, conflicts over the human sexuality policy changes, and challenges within the synod, Barrow is cognizant of the tough realities facing the church. "I don't look at this as a victory because there is so much work for us to do to get the house back in order," he said. "Very soon we are going to hit the ground running."

Barrow will officially take office February 1, 2010. Addressing staffing will be a top priority, as multiple assistant positions have not been permanently filled for several months . In an Advent Greeting, Bishop-Elect Barrow asked for recommendations in regards to staffing, including names of those with the gifts to serve the synod office. Recommendations will be helpful in the planning process, but may not be responded to. You can reach Jeff at his synod e-mail, jeff@milwaukeesynod.org.  Interim Bishop David Olson will continue to provide his faithful leadership and guidance through the end of January.

 

Video Highlights

Jeff Barrow elected the 3rd Bishop of the Greater Milwaukee Synod:

Bishop-elect Barrow pledges to walk with the synod

ELCA Presiding Bishop Hanson's Sermon (Dec. 4, 2009)

 

Photo Gallery