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 application period for potential nominees to become the Twelfth Bishop of the Diocese of Tennessee has closed. The members of the Bishop Search Committee are reviewing the applications and scheduling interviews. We are proceeding according to the timeline which was outlined when we began this process in the summer of 2025.
We thank the members of the diocese who provided nominations and shared the profile with those they feel should be considered to lead our diocese. We also thank all those who have submitted an application and welcome you into the discernment process.
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