Installing a Bishop
Posted on Sep 24, 2025 by Pastor Jealaine Marple
Have I mentioned that I am a church nerd of sorts? You haven’t even seen the worst of it yet. Wait until Advent and Lent. So, as it is, my heart is overflowing with joy as I prepare to attend and participate in two different installation services for new synodical bishops this weekend. My friend, Rev. Scott Dalen, will be installed as the bishop of the Western Iowa Synod, and our own Rev. Dr. Donna Simon will be installed as our new bishop of the Central States Synod. But the word and idea of “installation” is a strange one, and it makes humans sound like works of art to be hung — not beautiful creations of God to be prayed for.
An installation, at its core, is a worship service. Many aspects of the service will feel familiar: music, readings, liturgy, communion, and even fellowship afterward. But the Rite of Installation is what makes this service different. In the ELCA, we believe that bishops are set apart, not above, any other member of the church. According to the ELCA website, “An installation ritualizes the beginning of a particular ministry or responsibility. In this case, the church will install an ordained pastor into the office of presiding bishop. Common to most installation rites are these elements: presentation of the individual or group to be installed, questions to the person(s) being installed, questions to the worshiping assembly regarding their support, a blessing by the presiding minister and acclamation by the assembly. Prayers for those newly installed follow during the prayers of intercession.
The Rite of Installation of a Bishop is used for an ordained pastor who has been called by a synod or churchwide assembly to the office of bishop for a particular term of service. In accordance with the canons of the Council of Nicaea, three bishops in historic succession join in prayer and in the laying on of hands when a bishop is installed for the first time.”
It is a powerful service full of the Holy Spirit and a wonderful time to be church together. We will be celebrating that God is, indeed, making all things new. If you cannot make it to Atonement Lutheran Church for the installation on Sunday at 5:00 p.m., I hope you keep Bishop Simon and her staff in your prayers.
Peace,
Pastor J