Embracing a New Role in Ministry: Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta's Letter to the Synod

 Dear siblings in Christ,

In the words of Ecclesiastes 3, “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven….”. It is with mixed feelings that I write this note to notify our synod that I am ending my season as the Director for Evangelical Mission of the Grand Canyon Synod. Starting on June 22, 2023, I will begin a new season in ministry as the Senior Director for New Ministry Development and Evangelism at the Churchwide Office of the ELCA. I will be responsible for setting the vision and leading the team that works on all new ministries and evangelism efforts in the ELCA.

I want to thank the congregations and members of the Grand Canyon Synod for an amazing 6 years and 11 months of ministry together. It has been a blessing to walk alongside many of our congregations on their journeys of mission planning and stewardship strategies. I have grown so much, especially under the leadership of Bp. Hutterer, in many areas that will help me in my new role. I will greatly miss being able to preach or worship at different congregations, almost every Sunday, because it was in those places that I was able to meet many of our faithful lay members who work tirelessly for their home congregations. Their passion for ministry in their context inspired me along my journey.

Even though I will no longer be this synod’s DEM, I will continue pray that God guide all that you do. Since I will continue to reside and participate in our synod life, this is not a goodbye, but a see you later. Until we meet again, may the Lord continue to bless the people of the Grand Canyon Synod.

— Rev. Miguel F. Gomez-Acosta