Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church and pour out your Holy Spirit upon all who will participate in the process of choosing a bishop for this diocese, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; Grant that all who are called to this sacred office may be filled with the truth of your doctrine, clothed in holiness of life, and devoted to your glory and the flourishing of your holy Church; through Jesus Christ, the shepherd and bishop of our souls, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer, For the Election of a Bishop and For the Ministry (Ember Days)
This page serves as a central location for all resources supporting the Diocese of Tennessee’s process to elect a Bishop Diocesan. It will be continually updated with new information as the process progresses over this year and next. Please revisit frequently for the latest updates.
The Diocese of Tennessee is now receiving applications from potential nominees to be the Twelfth Bishop of the Diocese. We are seeking a Christ-centered, theologically astute, energetic, forward-thinking, and visionary leader. This new bishop will be able to preserve the sense of unity we have nurtured, while working creatively with congregations that differ in size, resources, regional needs, and theological and missional emphasis.
The application period is March 24 to April 20 at 9:00am, CDT. Instructions for applying are in the profile.
You are strongly encouraged to share this profile with anyone you wish to consider applying to be the Twelfth Bishop of the Diocese of Tennessee.
Our process is as follows:
Please keep us in your prayers, as we discern God’s leading for us and for those who will be a part of our process.
The Standing Committee has established two important committees and has appointed people to serve on each in order to help guide the diocese through a healthy, transparent, faithful, joyful, and prayerful process. These two committees play very different, yet equally vital roles.
The Search Committee is responsible for listening to the diocese in a structured way and then communicating our gifts and needs in the form of a diocesan profile; recruiting, receiving, and discerning nominations for bishop; and presenting a slate of candidates to the Standing Committee.
The Transition Committee is responsible for welcoming and hosting candidates in the diocese, celebrating Bishop Bauerschmidt, and events surrounding the electing convention and ordination weekend.
October 2025 – March 2026
April – June 2026
June – July 2026
August — December 2026
January 22-23, 2027