The Rev. Christopher Mietlowski

The comments of pre-identified pastors represent their opinions only. —Synod Council Executive Committee.

The Rev. Christopher Mietlowski

Responses to the Document "Listening for Leadership"

Using the descriptions on the "Listening for Leadership" document (Bishop Profile, page 3) share specific examples of how you have served in a PASTORAL role in previous calls, experiences, and leadership:

I’m Pastor Chris Mietlowski (he, him, his), spouse to Linda, father to 4, grandfather to 3, and walker to 2 dogs.

“Jesus Christ is the light of the world; the light no darkness can overcome.” Jesus’ promise to this fractured world is “to make all things new.” This holy hope has been the driving force of my faith and vocation.

I was called 11-1/2 years ago to a congregation in NYC. They once had a legacy of effective ministry but struggled for years with a steady decline in worship attendance and finances. I was able to help cast a vision with a renewed focus on Word and Sacrament, together with prayerful intention, and courageous risk-taking, which caused this congregation to experience a radical transformation in mission and purpose; for God indeed does make all things new.

Energizing the community with hope-filled enthusiasm we shifted from top-down leadership into shared, collegial leadership. Many talented lay members were invited and empowered to take on greater roles and responsibility in proclamation and service. Three deacons were set apart. Millennials and Generation Z are attracted to this congregation and have a strong, vital presence including our Council president who is 26 years old. This has become a diverse, vibrant, joyful, and passionate faith community.

The demographics of the neighborhood shifted so dramatically that a long-term ministry serving seniors was closed with dignity and grace so we could launch a new preschool that has become a more credible outreach into our changing neighborhood; with full enrollment, generous scholarships, revenue generated for the congregation, and most important of all, meeting the critical needs of our neighbors.

Such dramatic change naturally caused upset, fear, grief, loss, and anxiety for many. Effective pastoral care was essential. Walking with, listening to, and encouraging the faith community helped to keep us moving forward as we ventured into new ministry directions, along with remembering that Jesus our Lord, promises to “be with us always…” and “makes all things new.”

I’ve treasured opportunities to teach “Growing in Faith” (diakonia) for many years in various locations with adults who are eager to learn and grow. Many times, as students dig deeper into scripture and traditions, their long-held beliefs are challenged. Those vulnerable moments of incredible transformation require thoughtful, gentle pastoral care. It’s exciting to see these disciples light up, to see the Holy Spirit stir and strengthen them for service and proclamation in new ways they did not anticipate.

For over 10 years, I served as assistant director of Pinecrest Lutheran Leadership School, a powerful, lively youth ministry in our Synod. The most tender experiences were the one-on-one conversations I had with students who sought me out to share their immense burdens and heartaches about all kinds of difficulties at home, at school, with friends, and within themselves. I shared the promises of Jesus with them, for them, and through the gift of koinonia (sacred community) like Pinecrest. We prayed together and I saw healing and hope blossom in them.

The Lutheran Church was birthed out of a university system and education still is important and vital. Out of deep love for Lutheran education, I served on the board of the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association. This national organization provides resources and leadership support for Lutheran schools across the country. This ministry, like so many, is facing significant changes and challenges in these difficult days. My role as chaplain of the board was to offer devotions, prayers, and encouragement to fortify and strengthen the board and staff for the path forward with hope.

Using the descriptions on the "Listening for Leadership" document (Bishop Profile, page 3) share specific examples of how you have served in a BRIDGE BUILDER role in previous calls, experiences, and leadership:

Our world and culture too often seek to label “the other” so as to condemn, vilify, demean and tear down those who are “different.” I believe one of my strongest gifts is the ability to stand in the “messy middle” and help build healthy, vibrant communities, cultivate deep trust, and engage others in meaningful ways in order to build bridges of understanding and new relationships where we often only find divided relationships.

Before same-sex marriage became legal in New York State, I was asked to perform a church blessing for a gay couple. The pews were full of LGBTQIA+ friends who had been deeply wounded and rejected by their churches. That liturgy celebrated God’s holy love in and through this couple. It also became an important opportunity for me to apologize on behalf of the Church and offer a loving welcome. I have members of my family, on my staff, in colleague groups, and in the congregation, who identify as part of this community. I have and continue to hear of the hurt the Church has caused, and continues to cause, and the real trauma associated with it. I have been and ever will be committed to building an inclusive church that truly welcomes all.

At the suburban congregation I served in Westchester County we built a strong relationship with a neighboring Jewish congregation. Our lay leaders developed lasting friendships. We shared learning opportunities about one another, joint worship, and encouraged other community leaders to join us to work together. This partnership became critically important in the aftermath of 9/11. The Rabbi and I arranged for our congregations to host a dinner at a local restaurant, inviting our Muslim neighbors to join us for a meal and conversation to foster a better understanding of each other and to walk together in love.

Bridge building is an important ethos shared by the ministry team of GA. One of our servant-leaders, a deacon, walks among a large group of NYC artists who consider themselves agnostic or atheist. There have been several serious situations, including a tragic death by suicide. Our congregation hosted a funeral for this group who have no church affiliation, giving them a place to belong, a home in God’s love. That ministry opportunity, that moment of healing and holy proclamation happened because of the trust that developed, of bridges built with this remarkable faith leader, and the congregation. This congregation has developed a reputation for building bridges for the marginalized, the undocumented and outcast, providing genuine, radical, holy hospitality for all God’s children.

Our Synod suffers from many broken relationships, shattered promises, and painful wounds inflicted by systemic racism, prejudice, and injustice. We are in desperate need of healing that comes through intentional bridge building and courageously standing in the “messy middle,” to take a step of faith that brings about authentic change in our congregations and specialized ministries, to appreciate and embrace that which makes us unique and beautiful as God’s children, and to remember the One who died for the sake of the whole world is the very One who calls us to be “peacemakers.”

Using the descriptions on the "Listening for Leadership" document (Bishop Profile, page 3) share specific examples of how you have served in a LEADER role in previous calls, experiences, and leadership:

“Why another straight, old, white male?” In this beautifully diverse synod, why consider another bishop who is a white male? That’s been an important question for me as I discern this call. I am a white male in my early 60’s; I can’t change that, but I can influence who sits “at the table.” As a leader, the “tables” in my life, both professional and personal, reflect God’s rich diversity of people and perspectives, including race, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, immigration status, and political identity. As a strong and collegial leader, I have fostered many powerful partnerships and relationships, and model values and priorities by my actions and choices that celebrate diversity.

Leaders help others become leaders. Leaders help their faith community grow in a vision to witness, serve, and love as God’s ambassadors of grace for one another and for those beyond the walls of the church. Several years ago, I invited the congregation to join me on Ash Wednesday to bring ashes and prayer to the streets of New York. Knowing many of our neighbors would not come to church, we brought the church to them. Five GA members took that first courageous step with me to bring their faith out in the open, amidst complete strangers. The experience was life-changing. The power of God’s Spirit among us was extraordinary. Each year since, the group of disciples has grown and always includes those trying it for the first time. We go out two by two, and by the end of the day we have stood with, anointed, and prayed with around 1,000 neighbors representing the wide diversity of God’s children.

We are called to “go and make disciples.” I am intentional about lay leadership development and empowerment. The Body of Christ is abundantly gifted with God-given talents and abilities. In addition to leading a weekly Bible study and working with youth learning the faith in our congregation, I have facilitated the launch of two “Growing in Faith” (diakonia) locations in our Synod which develop servant-leaders and have taught various courses for close to 20 years.

Our call as leaders in the Church also should reflect our interdependence, service to the wider church. I am currently on Synod Council which gives me the blessing of hearing details about wonderful ways ministry is being done around this Synod, and the opportunity to work with other Synod Council members, the Bishop, and staff to discern options for difficult situations.

For three years, I served part-time on Bishop Bouman’s staff as an Assistant to the Bishop for Communication. I also supervised numerous seminary interns, served two terms on the Synod’s Candidacy Committee and covered local parishes in Westchester County as vacancy pastor. Some of my fondest moments came from going on calls (day and night) as a volunteer chaplain for the local fire department in Dobbs Ferry. I currently serve as “clergy liaison” for NYPD’s 13th Precinct.

Using the descriptions on the "Listening for Leadership" document (Bishop Profile, page 3) share specific examples of how you have served in a ADMINISTRATOR role in previous calls, experiences, and leadership:

I am a second career pastor. Before going to seminary with my wife and four small children, I was a partner of a thriving graphic design firm in White Plains, NY for 13 years. Finances, personnel, and legal issues were part of my daily landscape. In each of the 3 congregations I have served (nearly 25 years), I have closely managed administrative responsibilities and carefully coordinated the shared work with staff and key lay leaders, bringing my gifts and passions that are rooted in building relationships, leadership development, and pursuing new ministry opportunities to those responsibilities. Strong administration is good stewardship of God’s valuable resources and must include transparency and accountability.

A common theme in all the roles referenced in the previous section is the idea of bringing all congregations and conferences together. As Bishop, how will you use your time and staff to help congregations and conferences who may feel disconnected from the synodical offices and life of our synod?

Our Synod is expansive; 13.5 million people living within the Synod territory, around 64,000 baptized members, 16,000 in worship each week, 190 congregations, around 350 rostered ministers, 100 Synod deacons, and covering over 5,300 square miles, with ministries in rural, suburban and urban settings. It would be my intention to be Bishop of the whole Synod and discern a creative and diverse staff to serve the whole Synod, too.

When Jesus began his ministry, he went to where the disciples lived and worked. He traveled through villages and regions sharing the good news, offering healing and hope. Relationships are critical. Meeting others where they are is vital. Getting to know “the other,” to hear their stories, concerns, worries, as well as celebrate their joys is crucial for us to move forward as a Synod.

Trust is a precious, yet fragile, thing. Trust takes a long time to develop and is easily broken. There is a lot of deep pain, anger and sadness carried in the hearts of many congregations and leaders in this Synod. The new Bishop and staff must prioritize the need to be intentional, proactive, and passionate about traveling throughout the Synod to meet people where they are, to tenderly invite one another to walk together towards healing, reconciliation, new life, and continued ministry in the Living Christ.

I can imagine having intentional meetings with all the rostered ministers and Synod deacons throughout the year and set in motion opportunities for regular small group gatherings throughout the territory, perhaps working lunches with the Bishop, inviting a wide range of leaders who could engage one another, whose voices represent the church, business, academia, students, youth, non-profits, specialized ministries, immigrants, etc. coming together to foster innovation, new partnerships and directions for ministry.

Congregational vitality and mergers are a primary area of focus. As congregations face a loss of members, youth, and income, what role do you see the Bishop having regarding issues of congregational vitality, mergers, strategic planning, and congregational renewal? Give any examples in which you ministered to people in a congregation in transition.

Our new bishop needs to speak truth. And the truth is hard. The Church as we’ve known it for centuries is disappearing. Who we’ve been, how we’ve conducted ourselves in daily ministry, our roles, traditions, patterns, and expectations no longer work as they once did. The world and our culture have radically changed, but too often we as the Church continue to try to do the same thing over and over because that’s what we know. That’s how we’ve been trained.

Trying harder to do the same thing isn’t the answer. Many of our congregations are in serious decline, leaders are exhausted and together we are unsure of what to do next. There are no quick fixes. Nor is this a time to blame anyone or anything. Instead, this is a time of incredible opportunity. Our God is a God of great transformation and holy possibility.

The newly freed Israelite slaves stood on the bank of the Red Sea. Nothing but water in front of them. Pharaoh’s thundering chariots charging from behind. They were trapped. God made a way where there was no way. The path forward for us as a Synod comes from God alone. We now live in a time when we must walk by faith, trusting God to lead us, guide us, and sustain us in new, innovative and exciting ways of being the church.

One pastor said: “God did not make a mission for the church. God made the church for God’s mission in the world.” We need to reframe how we see and think of ministry as prompted by the Holy Spirit. We need to pray together, walk together and work together in very different ways, without leaving anyone behind. Can our faith in Jesus empower us to let go of the familiar and venture into new ways of being the Church? Can we take risks, try things, sometimes fail yet learn from those failures, and keep trusting God to make a way where we do not see a way?

The church as we know it is behind us. What is to come, we cannot yet see. We live in this turbulent transitional era. The new Bishop will be critical in encouraging us to embrace the truth of what is, inspire hope and possibility for what can be, reminding the baptized, those of great faith and those with little faith, that we all have been called and sent to be God’s Church for God’s mission in the world. The new Bishop needs to identify and help provide resources, mentors, leadership development and redevelopment, unique strategies and partnerships, and learning opportunities to help bring about remarkable transformation.

There is no one single way or answer to accomplish this. We need to make hard choices about what to hold onto and what we need to let go. Can we remember Jesus standing on the bank of the Galilean Sea calling the Sons of Zebedee to simply follow him? They dropped their nets, the familiar and predictable, they let go of their security and way of life to follow Jesus into God’s new way of being. We as siblings in this Synod have been invited to do the same.

Of course, it won’t be easy. There will be uncertainty and loss, frustration and grief, questions and challenges. But may we remember what God accomplished for us at Easter. God is about resurrection. Jesus’ first words to the frightened disciples locked in a room paralyzed by fear were: “Peace be with you.” Beloved, God will make a way we cannot yet see. So, let’s walk together by faith.

Faith formation is a vital part of congregational and synodical life. Children, youth, young adults, adults, and diaconal formation are especially important. As Bishop, how would you encourage and strengthen faith formation? Provide examples of faith-formation efforts you have led.

This Synod has some strong educational opportunities for youth and adults. Pinecrest and “Growing in Faith” (diakonia) are two examples. I’ve seen young people who attended Pinecrest literally be transformed. Pinecrest develops servant-leaders for congregations, provides students for seminaries, and leaders for public ministries.

“Growing in Faith” (diakonia) has an equally transformative effect on adults. Encouraging stronger enrollment would be helpful. Beyond that, we need more formation opportunities.

This is a time to invest heavily in leadership development, redevelopment, and retooling. Taking advantage of technology, imagine if we partnered with seminaries to offer on-line weekend classes for youth and adults (short term, topic-focused series). Imagine if we could gather together multiple times a year as a Synod in various parts of the territory for worship, followed by a presentation from a national church leader, author or consultant. How about creating a lay academy that could be “diakonia 2.0”? Wouldn’t it be helpful to offer rostered leaders more short-term retreats and leadership development opportunities to provide for renewal of souls, minds, body, and spirit? What if we coordinated gatherings for congregation council presidents and/or council members in each quadrant or conference for Bible studies and discussions?

Faith formation matters! If we listen for the needs, the possibilities are endless.

What is your understanding of our synod’s current strategic plan, and how would you advance that plan as Bishop?

Strategic planning is hard. And effective strategic planning is harder. The Synod’s strategic plan aims “to enhance the Lutheran Church’s emphasis on empowering ministries at the congregational level.” From its adoption, this effort has involved many from around the Synod serving on the three committees: Claimed, Gathered, Sent. Significant impact has been felt through mission-driven development projects, anti-racism and immigration advocacy and education, innovative leadership development grants, scholarships for both ordained and non-rostered, stronger and more effective communication, financial assistance for congregations needing critical facility repairs and upgrades, and assisting congregations through the painful process of closing.

I’ve had multiple experiences over the years with strategic plans, first in the corporate world when I was in private business and then with the congregation I am currently serving. At GA we developed a strategic plan identifying specific directions and goals. Ten years later, we’ve accomplished much of what we hoped for, moving courageously in new directions and taking on substantial challenges with incredible success. The time has come for this congregation to review and evaluate that strategic plan, to celebrate the successes God brought among us, and to consider what didn’t work and why. Then we need to ask God the faith question, “what’s next?”

The Synod’s strategic plan has been in place for a few years accomplishing much. At this crossroads of calling a new Bishop, this would be a great time to review, evaluate, and celebrate the ways the plan has been effective, as well as consider ways to adjust it moving forward.

What do you see as the principal challenge of our synod in the next six years, and how will you approach and address it?

The challenges we face in this Synod are not new to the nearly 200 congregations across New York City, Long Island, and the counties of Westchester, Putnam, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan, and Dutchess, as well as in various specialized ministries. Though the challenges are familiar, it’s important to name them.

A report issued by the Synod in March 2008 said this: “When asked about primary issues facing this synod, an active synod member voiced what was heard repeatedly in response to this topic, ‘This is a synod that is in crisis, and it has been denying this over 20—30 years. Now, the crisis is more acute. The viability of congregations needs to be addressed, even though it is awkward.’ The root causes of the viability question are numerous, and very apparent to members of the synod: declining congregations; changing demographics; fewer Lutherans; property that is old and in need of repair and upkeep, particularly in the inner city; inability to change and adapt to changing circumstances; protracted pastoral vacancies in smaller congregations; a shortage of pastors; and the increasing financial burden of parish expenses.”

Today, 11 years later, much of what is described above is still the same, or worse.

Many are feeling deep anger and struggling with institutional dysfunction, a sense of being abandoned, leadership burnout, lack of mobility for rostered ministers in our Synod, systemic racism; and uncertainty which infects our relationships.

We are a church body in crisis. What we have been trying is, for the most part, not working. Yet the Church knows all about dying and rising. For we have a Lord who has come to us to make a way where there was no way. Jesus said: “Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”

We are living in a time of dying and rising to new life. Dying and letting go of that which is familiar, comfortable and predictable, and rising by faith, trusting in Christ to move us forward in new and different ways. Love binds us together as one. Though we have different perspectives, ministry settings, and ways we identify ourselves, it is God’s love in Christ that unites us.

What is the path forward for us? That’s for the Holy Spirit and you, the members of this Synod, to ask and answer with your Bishop and the Bishop’s team. This is a time to gather a wide variety of passionate voices within and outside the church to ask: “What is God doing among us?” “Where is God leading us?” “What is God asking us to do and become?” This is the moment for Spirit-led innovation, transformation, of launching new projects and reframing partnerships within regions, remembering who is sending us. Jesus said: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” Our Lord who promises to be with us “always to the end of the age” also promises to “make all things new.”

As Bishop, what steps will you take for self-care? How can congregations be a support for the office of Bishop? How will you, as Bishop, also encourage self-care for pastors, deacons, and synod lay leaders?

My self-care consists of frequent times on the “mountaintop” in morning prayer which continues to be life-sustaining. “For All the Saints” is the devotion I use grounding me in prayers, scripture, and writings from “the great cloud of witnesses.”

I’m blessed to be part of a small group of trusted colleagues who meet for an hour each Friday morning (via Zoom). We share our lives, ministry, challenges, and joys, and we pray for each other. We hold each other accountable. We stay in touch with each other between meetings as the need arises.

I spend as much time as I can laughing with my sweet family and beloved friends by gathering around a table to break bread and share our lives. Vacations are critical, as is golf with my sons. I also belong to a local gym, but still love a night with Netflix.

The support I’d encourage our congregations to provide the next Bishop is managing expectations. Much as we want, one person will not come in with all the answers and fix all our brokenness. The kind of change we need will take time, prayer, patience, kindness, courage, and cooperation. I also think it’s important for congregations and leaders to communicate congregational or personal issues with the Bishop’s office so there can be a timely and caring response.

I believe the Bishop needs to be an authentic and loving pastor to the Synod, to the pastors, deacons, and lay leaders. These are hard days for the Church in all our settings. I would long for opportunities for mutual conversation and consolation; opportunities to lift each other in prayer and encouragement, to provide support and leadership development, and to hold each other accountable for the incredible privilege of serving Jesus and his precious people.

I express my deepest thanks to you who work so hard and do so much in your holy call to “feed God’s lambs,” even as it may cause personal sacrifice and suffering. It matters and is deeply appreciated. God’s peace be with you.

O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending,

by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown.

Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go,

but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us,

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (ELW pg.304)