Eastern North Dakota Synod

2008 Synod Assembly

William (Bill) Rindy

William (Bill) Rindy
Date of Ordination: 6/14/1992

Current Position: Executive Pastor

Congregation of Membership:
First Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND

Previous Positions:

Associate Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church, Lisbon, ND
Pastor, Shiloh Lutheran Church, Elmore, MN
Seminary Intern, Zion Lutheran Church, Warroad, MN
Secondary Math/Physics Teacher & JH Coach, Carrington, ND

Education:

BS degrees in Education, Math & Science - Mayville State University, ND (1980-1984)
M. Div. - Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN (1988-1992)

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

EaND Synod Council; synod nominating committee; synod assembly Bible study leader and member of credentials & minutes committees; synod educational task force; 2005 ELCA Churchwide Assembly voting member; workshop presenter - Professional Church Workers Conference at Concordia; instructor - Technology in the Parish, CHARIS Ecumenical Center, Concordia; provide technology assistance and guidance to area congregations; chair-Lisbon HealthyYouth Task Force/Committee; lay church council member/treasurer/choir member at Trinity Lutheran Church, Carrington, ND; science fair administrator, junior high football and track coach, basketball official 1984-88.

How do you debscribe yourself theologically?

First and foremost, I am a broken, yet redeemed child of God. I am called by God to live among and serve beside other children of God who are seeking to live out God's will in their lives. At the same time, I am called to reach out, and encourage my sisters and brothers in Christ to do the same, with the Good News to those who do not yet know Jesus. I seek to do this in a servant/leader manner to be pleasing in God's sight. I am Lutheran to the core in my understandings of sin, grace, the Holy Scriptures, and the Lutheran Confessions. My ordination vows and commitments are as real today as they were in 1992. I believe that God is calling us to be and do more together than any of us can on our own.

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

Due to the nature and complexity of the calls in which I have served, I have developed some skills dealing with conflict resolution, creative problem solving, and seeing the bigger picture. Along with these skills I have had to develop a sort of level-headedness, an ability to stay calm in the storm. In addition, the ability not only to help people see what could be, but also to help them realize the vision, has been one of my greatest joys. That I have lived, worked, and played among the people of this synod in various communities for 39 of my 45 years gives me a keen sense of the diversity and giftedness of this synod, along with many of the challenges for the near future.

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

A top priority is to be a pastor to the pastors. Pastors need pastoral care, too. Secondly, one needs to provide assistance and/or referrals/resources to congregations in special need. Congregations in the call process or other complex situations can use a non-anxious, caring presence in time of need. Thirdly, a bishop ought to be able to articulate a vision as to what we can be and perhaps ought to be doing together. There are some things we can do better together than on our own. A bishop also needs to help us to see beyond ourselves, how we can be Church within the larger body of Christ. One more thing, a bishop needs to be able to equip, empower, and then let go so that the people of God fulfill what God is calling them to do.

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

Skills, such as listening, having empathy, sharing wisdom, exhibiting caring, casting vision, showing patience, and practicing what one preaches would be very helpful in a bishop. Humility, knowledge of self, trust in others, and most importantly: a deep, abiding faith and trust in the presence and goodness of God, at work in the people with whom one is called to live and serve among, are essential.

How do you practice care of other and yourself?

I like to pray for people as I drive. I like to make a practice of calling people when I think of them. My PDA has the congregation's birthdays in it, so it is fun to wish people a happy birthday when I see them in worship (it surprises them). During the winter, I like to play racquetball and go to my daughter Kristina's basketball and volleyball games. During the non-snow months, I enjoy golfing, especially with my daughter, Brianna, and people from the congregation. I also enjoy spending time with my wife, Louise. She really likes to travel and we try to make the most of our time together. Woodworking has been a fun, creative, outlet for me as well. And of course, home projects and repairs never seem to end. I don't get bored.