Two weeks ago, I gathered with other Lutheran pastors at Lutheridge, one of our beautiful outdoor ministry sites here in North Carolina. It was time for our annual NC Synod Fall Leaders Convocation — a few days set aside for rest, renewal, learning, and reconnecting.
Last year’s event was canceled because of Hurricane Helene’s damage at camp, so being back together this year felt especially meaningful. You could feel the gratitude in the air — for the conversations, the worship, the laughter, and simply being together again.
The theme for our time was “Calm in the Chaos.” Over three days, we worshiped, heard thoughtful reflections on the book of Job from a visiting professor, attended workshops, and shared meals. There was also a trivia night (my team won!), a little golf, and some late-night talks about ministry, theology, sports, and life. We celebrated with our own Pastor CeCee Mills, who has been elected ELCA Secretary and is moving to Chicago — what an incredible call! We also wrapped up with our annual Boundaries Training — always a good reminder of how to care well for others, for the church, and for ourselves.
One of the highlights each year is hearing from our bishop — a kind of “State of the Synod Address.” This year felt extra special because we have a new bishop, the Rev. Emily Hartner, who has only been serving a few months (and won’t even be officially installed until November 15!). We were all eager to hear what she’d say in her first big address to the synod.
And she didn’t disappoint. Bishop Emily spoke honestly about her transition into this new role, what she’s learning, and what she’s excited about. She also shared updates from our synod partners — our camps, our university, and other ministries. But what really stayed with me came from her reflections on the Conference of Bishops — a gathering of all 65 ELCA bishops and our Presiding Bishop.
She told us about a covenant they had agreed to live by, and it’s one I can’t stop thinking about:
When we speak to each other, we speak candidly and directly.
When we speak about each other, we use the 8th Commandment.
When we speak for each other, we use words we’ve agreed to.
When we speak together, we strive to speak in a way that the voice of Jesus is heard.
Simple, right? But so powerful.
It’s the kind of thing that makes you stop and wonder — what if we all tried to live by those same words?
Imagine if, instead of vague posts or back-channel conversations, we just spoke honestly and kindly to one another.
Imagine if, instead of assuming the worst, we followed Luther’s explanation of the 8th Commandment — that we should “defend our neighbor, speak well of them, and explain everything in the best possible way.”
Imagine if we cared more about understanding each other’s stories than about being right.
And imagine if, in a world full of noise and arguing and “sides,” the church spoke — or even chose silence sometimes — so that people could actually hear Jesus’ voice through it all.
Those four sentences from our bishops might have been written for them, but I really believe they’re for all of us — for the whole church.
Friends, may these words challenge you like they’ve challenged me. May they guide how we speak to one another — in church, at home, online, and everywhere else. And may we always remember: the goal isn’t just to be right or to be heard…It’s to let the voice of Jesus come through.