I was once asked, are you aware how crucial it is to become a Bishop of the church? Well, the question is tough but I believe every ordained clergy should learn to become an episcopal leader. The basics of this leadership is in our Book of Discipline. The rest, of course, will be attributed to the experience of the past Bishops of our beloved church.
For the benefit of layman leaders, here is how I understand this office. I am compelled to live this understanding and learn more about it if given the chance with this noble office by God’s leading. Of course I will be loyal to what our Book of Discipline as it provides detail on how a Bishop shall exercise its leadership.
In the United Methodist Church (UMC), bishops are more than just administrators; they are spiritual leaders who guide the Church through its everyday challenges and opportunities. Their leadership is rooted in care for both the clergy and the congregations they serve. When we talk about bishops, we’re talking about people who are responsible for helping the Church stay true to its mission, ensuring that pastors are in the right places, and that everyone—from the laity to the clergy—can grow in their faith.
Bishops are also responsible for a range of administrative duties. They run the annual conferences, make decisions about budgets and policies, and ensure the Church stays organized and focused on its goals. But beyond that, their leadership is deeply relational. They are expected to model Christ-like behavior, offering wisdom, guidance, and a sense of vision for where the Church should be going. They bridge the spiritual and practical sides of the Church, constantly reminding the people they lead that the mission of the UMC is not just about managing a church, but about transforming lives and making a difference in the world.
In essence, the leadership of the bishop is a balancing act. It involves making tough decisions, sometimes about resources or policy, while at the same time ensuring that these decisions are rooted in the teachings of Jesus. They serve as the link between the Church’s rich tradition and its evolving mission in today’s world. Their leadership is one of service, focused on lifting up the Church in faith, while also addressing practical issues like church growth, social justice, and community engagement. Bishops have to inspire trust, provide stability, and, above all, ensure that the Church’s spiritual and organizational health remains strong.
¹The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2016 (Nashville: The United Methodist Publishing House, 2016), ¶ 401.
²Thomas E. Frank, Polity, Practice, and the Mission of The United Methodist Church (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2006), 145.
