The Unique Qualities of a Bishop

By Alexandra (Alex) Soto and Bishop Emeritus David Roller

Every four years, the Free Methodist Church USA elects bishops as the general executive and spiritual leaders of the church. To assist in that process, the national Board of Administration forms an independent committee called the Bishops Search Committee (BSC) to lead a process that culminates with sending a slate of nominees back to the Board of Administration, which then places the nominees before the General Conference for voting.

We (the BSC) are driven by an ideology of the kingdom of God that prays to the Father, “may your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10 NLT). We most highly value the ideals of the kingdom of God — where God reigns and the things most important to Him, as seen in the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus, are of highest priority. The BSC is not driven by any other political or social ideology (a cluster of ideas around certain ideals).

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“We realized that there are some qualities that bishops will need to have regardless of when they serve.”

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As the BSC worked toward an understanding of what qualities a bishop should have, we realized that there are some qualities that bishops will need to have regardless of when they serve. The Book of Discipline gives us guidance along these lines: “The nominees should have fruitful leadership experience related to the spiritual life and leadership responsibilities noted in Par. 4100 and 4120. Ethnic, gender, cultural and geographical considerations shall be given due attention in selecting nominees for bishop.”

Foundational Characteristics

The referenced Paragraph 4100 includes this: “They lead the Church to fulfill its mission which requires them to be holy examples with skill and experience to provide that oversight. They must understand the nature and purpose of the Church. They must also be able to communicate clearly the gospel, the mission and vision of the Free Methodist Church; possess a well-cultivated understanding of other cultures; and, identify, develop, and lead godly, competent leaders.”

The BSC articulates those characteristics as foundational characteristics:

• Spiritual Maturity: characterized by integrity, holiness, wisdom, and faith.
• Commitment to Free Methodist Values: expressed in theological understanding of and advocacy for our positions, freedoms, and priorities as articulated in The Free Methodist Way.
• Apostolic Commission: demonstrated in the ability to see God’s future for the church and lead in that direction.
• Executive Leadership: demonstrated in the ability to work well with superintendents and area directors in leadership multiplication within a complex organization.
• Personal Character: exhibited in leadership that is grace-filled, courageous, self-aware, and inspiring.

Kairos Characteristics

With those foundational characteristics as a foundation, the BSC has further identified characteristics that we believe are uniquely pertinent for the church right now. We articulate those characteristics as kairos characteristics, believing that nominees should:

• Guide the church to prophetically engage the world with the gospel.
• Disciple the many cultures within the church toward kingdom culture.
• Expand the diversity of leadership to better represent the kingdom of God.
• Lead across the divides of the United States today.
• Envision and lead processes toward effective organizational structure.
• Build consensus around the value of denominational connectivity.

The BSC is made up of persons whose primary allegiance is to our Lord Jesus. No one on the committee works to promote any agenda beyond seeking the good of His bride, the church. Yet we note that the committee members are independent thinkers who will often voice differing opinions about which of the values of the kingdom should be most emphasized and which needs of the day are most pressing.

The BSC will undoubtedly receive strong suggestions from various constituencies to address their particular concerns (theological integrity, alignment with Wesleyan values, geographic representation, cross-sectional representation of the church and society, international experience, organizational experience, etc.). The committee welcomes such contributions because they help the committee understand the times, as the tribe of Issachar did. The committee accepts those suggestions in the spirit in which they are given, as desiring the very best for the Free Methodist Church, because that aligns perfectly with the committee’s task.

Common Questions

1. What about our current bishops? Since our three current bishops have each decided to let their names stand for re-election, they will automatically be placed on the ballot.
2. Does the number of bishops ever change? Yes, it is subject to change. The number of bishops is determined by the General Conference although if no action is taken it will continue at three. 
3. How many nominees will be on the ballot? That is yet to be determined by the BSC. The Book of Discipline requires that we place at least two more nominees on the ballot than the number of bishops currently serving. So we will provide at least a total of five nominees (including the three current bishops), but the BSC may decide to nominate more than five.
4. When will we know who the nominees are? The BSC will present its slate of nominees to the Board of Administration in April 2023. The board will then communicate with the church at least 30 days prior to GC23.

We ask the church to support the BSC in prayer as we deliberate over the next few months. It is not our responsibility to elect bishops. We are charged with discerning the will of the Spirit regarding those uniquely suited to lead the Free Methodist Church forward. That is our desire and to that end we covet your prayers. +