Application for Bishop for the Diocese of TN | Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee

Candidate Requirements and Restrictions

Minimum Canonical Requirements to be Bishop in The Episcopal Church (General Convention):

Age Requirement: A candidate must be at least 30 years old at the time of ordination and consecration as bishop.

Consents Required: A candidate may not be ordained and consecrated bishop without the consent of a majority of the Standing Committees of all dioceses of this Church and the consent of a majority of the Bishops exercising jurisdiction at the time.

Consecrators Required: No one may be ordained and consecrated bishop by fewer than three bishops participating in the consecration.

Retirement Requirement: Upon reaching the age of 72 years, a bishop must resign from jurisdiction.

Candidate Information

Full Name(Required)

Preferred Name (if different)

Current Ecclesial Role / Title:(Required)

Diocese / Jurisdiction:(Required)

Current Parish, Cathedral, or Ministry Setting:(Required)

Links and CV

Please provide a link to a recorded service or homily you have delivered:(Required)

Please attach a copy of your CV:(Required)

Max. file size: 50 MB.

Please provide links to your social media accounts:

Ordination History:

Deacon

Date(Required)

Diocese(Required)

Priest

Date(Required)

Diocese(Required)

Bishop (if applicable)

Date

Diocese

Educational Background

Theological education (degrees, institutions)(Required)

Additional education or certifications relevant to episcopal ministry(Required)

Primary Contact Information:

Phone(Required)

Email(Required)

Brief Ministerial Biography (500 words max):

Please summarize your vocational journey, highlighting roles that have most shaped your leadership and pastoral identity.(Required)

500 words max

Essay Questions

Responses: maximum 500 words per question.

Describe your sense of call to the episcopate. How do you understand the bishop’s vocation as chief pastor of the Diocese of Tennessee?(Required)

How do you nurture your own spiritual life and how would it shape your public ministry as bishop? How do you practice wellness, spiritually, emotionally, and physically?(Required)

What does faithfulness, vitality, and witness to the gospel look like for congregations of different sizes, settings, and resources?(Required)

Describe how you exercise authority and leadership in complex systems. How do you make decisions and communicate them broadly and with transparency?(Required)

How would you support clergy across theological differences, vocational stress, and personal challenges?(Required)

Describe your approach to conflict, reconciliation, and when necessary, discipline. How would you help the diocese remain rooted in the Gospel?(Required)

Discuss your experience and theology of diocesan administration, fundraising, financial stewardship, and staff leadership.(Required)

Contacting the Interview Subcommittee

If you need to contact the interview subcommittee for any reason please email us at BishopApplications@EDTN.org