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 Bishop Search Committee is in the proces of interviewing and conducting employment screenings through the end of August. Bishop Candidates will gather for a retreat September 1 and 2 with the Standing Committee announcing the slate soon after the retreat. There will then be a one-week petition period. Meet-and-Greets with the Bishop candidates will occur shortly before the Electing convention on Saturday, October 24, 2026. The Twelfth Bishop of the Diocese of Tennessee will be consecrated April 10, 2027.
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.
Thursday, October 15, 7:00-9:00pm
St. James the Less
411 W Due West Ave, Madison, TN 37115
This session is scheduled for the convenience of members of the Diocese who live north and northwest of Nashville.
Friday, October 16, 7:00-9:00pm
St. Bartholomew’s Church
4800 Belmont Park Terrace, Nashville, TN 37220
Saturday, October 17, 2:00-4:00pm
School of Theology, The University of the South
335 Tennessee Avenue, Sewanne, TN 37383
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.
July — August 2026
September — November 2026
April 10, 2027