Eastern North Dakota Synod

2008 Synod Assembly

Andrea F. DeGroot-Nesdahl

Andrea F. DeGroot-Nesdahl
Date of Ordination: 9/4/1977

Current Position: Interim Senior Pastor at Lutheran Memorial Church, Pierre, SD

Congregation of Membership: Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, SD

Previous Positions:

Bishop of the South Dakota Synod/ELCA, 1995-2007
Assistant to the Bishop, Western North Dakota Synod/ELCA, 1990-95
Supervisor of Pastoral Care, St. Joseph's Hospital, Minot, ND, 1987-90
Pastor, Hope Lutheran Church, Surrey, ND, 1983-87
Interim Pastor, Glenburn and Lansford Lutheran Churches, ND, 1982-83

Education:

BA - University of ND, Grand Forks, ND (1968-71)
M. Div. - Wartburg Theol. Sem, Dubuque, IA (1973-77)
Honorary Doctorate - Wartburg Theol. Sem, Dubuque, IA (1996)

Current and Past Board, Committee, and Community Involvement:
(Outside of Congregational Responsibility)

Good Samaritan Society Board Member, 2007-present; Lutheran Social Services of SD board member, 1995-2007; ELCA Conference of Bishops, Vice-Chair, 2001-07; Good Samaritan Foundation Board member; Association of Christian Churches of South Dakota Board member, 95-07; Augustana College Trustee, advisory, 95-07; SD Lutheran Campus Ministry Coordinating Committee, 1995-07.

How do you debscribe yourself theologically?

My theology is rooted in the land homesteaded by my grandfathers in north central ND. Those prairies shaped a rugged and strong faith in me, and in many generations, that looks to Jesus and his cross for meaning for our lives and for salvation from our sin. The Spirit blows through us with gifts and callings which inspire us to serve God, neighbor, and world. I believe in and serve a God who surrounds us with grace, and invites us to share His abundant love.

What gifts do you believe you would bring to the office of the bishop in the Eastern North Dakota Synod?

Listener; visionary leader; experience in synodical ministry; humor; humility; energy; love for the land, the people, the Gospel, and the church.

What is your concept of the primary roles of a synodical bishop in the Eastern North Dakota Synod?

The Bishop serves 3 main arenas which often overlap: 1) rostered leaders, as colleague and counselor, with specific responsibilities regarding mobility and morality; 2)congregations, as pastor,visionary leader, and unifier; and 3)the larger church, as advocate for the synod, and partner in the larger mission of the Church. The word 'synod' means 'journey together' so I believe the Bishop's role is to accompany, nurture, and lead the ministry sites and members of the synod along the way God has in mind for us.

What are the key skills required of the bishop in the Eastern North Dakota Synod?

Leadership - willingness to engage with and lead the people, the ministry sites, and the rostered leaders of the Synod with vision and faith. Presence - be a hands-on leader; show up when it really matters, and sometimes when you aren't expected. Balance - appreciation for both play and work, personally and professionally. Collaboration - act in concert with other leaders and colleagues, not in a vacuum. Perseverance - when the going gets tough, stay the course, for the sake of the Gospel, the Church, and the office of ministry.

How do you practice care of other and yourself?

For others: I try to accompany them in their situation and be a reflective listener and wise counselor; for self: I enjoy exercise, family time, good (but cheap)cappucino, and travel. I have usually sung in a church choir; and I have always enjoyed being on stage. In work-related matters, I regularly consult with colleagues because their wisdom and insight gives me perspective.