Qualities Sought in Nominees for Standing Committee and Diocesan Council
The Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes continues to grow into its common life following the merger of two dioceses and through several years of significant transition and challenge. During this time, the Diocese has relied upon faithful clergy and lay leaders who have served with steadiness, wisdom, generosity, and hope.
As the Diocese continues its work of strengthening relationships, deepening trust, and supporting the mission of the Church throughout the region, the Nominating Committee invites prayerful discernment regarding service on either the Standing Committee or the Diocesan Council.
While the canonical responsibilities of these two bodies differ, both require individuals who are committed to the mission of the Church and who are able to work collaboratively for the good of the whole Diocese.
The Diocese benefits most from leaders who:
- demonstrate spiritual maturity and integrity;
- possess sound judgment and emotional steadiness;
- are capable of respectful collaboration and healthy communication;
- value transparency, accountability, and good order;
- can engage difficult conversations with charity and clarity;
- are able to think beyond individual congregational or regional interests;
- and remain hopeful about the future mission and ministry of the Church.
Standing Committee
The Standing Committee serves important canonical and pastoral responsibilities within the Diocese. Among its duties are:
- acting in certain leadership capacities when there is no Bishop;
- assisting in matters involving clergy and congregational relationships when referred by the Bishop;
- filling vacancies in diocesan offices as provided by canon;
- and supporting healthy communication and accountability within diocesan governance.
The Canons specifically provide that the Standing Committee has the authority to fill, by appointment, vacancies in elective or appointive diocesan offices as permitted by canon, to call a special convention when there is no Bishop, to investigate and make recommendations to the Bishop regarding certain matters involving clergy and congregations when referred by the Bishop, and to ensure the timely distribution of Standing Committee minutes to diocesan leadership.
Because of these responsibilities, the Diocese seeks Standing Committee members who:
- possess spiritual depth grounded in prayer, worship, and the life of the Church;
- demonstrate discretion, confidentiality, and maturity;
- are capable of careful discernment in sensitive matters;
- remain calm and thoughtful during periods of transition or uncertainty;
- respect the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church and the Diocese;
- can listen carefully and fairly to differing perspectives;
- are able to exercise leadership with humility and accountability;
- and seek the well-being of the entire Diocese rather than representing only personal or local interests.
Members of the Standing Committee should be individuals who strengthen trust, stability, and faithful leadership within the Diocese.
Diocesan Council
The Diocesan Council serves as the executive and governing body of the Diocese between meetings of Convention. Its responsibilities include:
- overseeing the administration and secular affairs of the Diocese;
- exercising stewardship over diocesan property and resources;
- preparing and presenting the diocesan budget;
- developing diocesan strategy and policy in collaboration with the Bishop and other diocesan bodies;
- supporting emerging ministries and covenant relationships among congregations;
- and ensuring faithful compliance with canonical obligations and responsibilities.
The Canons further provide that the Diocesan Council functions as the executive committee and governing authority of the Diocese, administers diocesan property and secular affairs, oversees strategic planning and policy development, supports emerging ministries and covenant relationships, may create groups necessary to carry out its work, and monitors compliance with Church Pension Fund requirements.
Because of these responsibilities, the Diocese seeks Diocesan Council members who:
- can think with the diocese in mind and work for the good of the whole Church;
- possess practical wisdom and sound judgment in matters of governance and finance;
- value transparency, stewardship, and accountability;
- can balance vision with realistic assessment of diocesan resources and capacity;
- are capable of respectful collaboration across differing viewpoints and regions of the Diocese;
- demonstrate patience, steadiness, and long-term perspective;
- support healthy congregations and innovative ministries;
- and are committed to strengthening trust, stability, and shared mission throughout the Diocese.
Members of Diocesan Council help provide leadership, continuity, and faithful stewardship for the ongoing mission and ministry of the Diocese.
An Invitation to Discernment
Service on the Standing Committee or Diocesan Council is both a responsibility and a ministry. The Diocese encourages prayerful discernment by clergy and lay persons who may feel called to offer their gifts, experience, wisdom, and faith in service to the wider Church.
The Nominating Committee welcomes conversation with anyone interested in learning more about these roles and the work of diocesan leadership.
