I was a visitor at the 2013 Churchwide Assembly and received one vote for Presiding Bishop. One vote. Three things happened as a result of that single vote.
First, I was at the assembly as a visitor because I was a bishop-elect. As the result of my receiving that one vote, the current bishop sat me down to express his concern that I was somehow using my new status as bishop-elect to springboard into the Presiding Bishop’s Office and perhaps I really didn’t feel called to serve as a synod bishop. He was serious. I reminded him that I was a visitor and couldn’t vote. I was a seminary professor known throughout the church so it’s possible some voting member nominated me. And I only received one vote, hardly a springboard.
Second, an emissary approached me to tell me that the current Presiding Bishop needed me to withdraw my name from consideration as an indication of support. “I only received one vote,” I said. “I’m going to be gone on the next ballot.” Not good enough. Because of one vote.
So, third, my friend Connor had to guide me through a crowded assembly floor to find the place where you fill out the form to withdraw your name as a candidate for Presiding Bishop. The result of one vote.
I share this because the pre-identification process for Presiding Bishop is underway. I ask you not to identify me now nor nominate me at the assembly. I genuinely do not need the resulting hassle. Please understand that I know there is not a snowball’s chance in hell that I would be considered for Presiding Bishop. This is good because I cannot imagine any circumstances under which I would consider the call to serve as Presiding Bishop.
The more important reason I post this is that identifying, nominating, and voting for a bishop, whether presiding or synod, is weighty, prayerful stuff. The person who cast that one vote for me found me at the assembly and expressed the opinion that I would make a good Presiding Bishop. Because of who it was, that conversation meant the world to me and still does. And we could’ve had that conversation without that person casting the vote. If you want to express appreciation for a leader, tell them. Ask before you identify or nominate. Make sure it’s worth the hassle.