Eastern North Dakota Synod

2008 Synod Assembly

Jeff Sandgren

Jeff Sandgren
Date of Ordination: June 28, 1987

Current Position: Olivet Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND 1996-Present

Congregation of Membership: Olivet Lutheran Church

Previous Positions:

First Lutheran Church, Harvey, ND 1987-1990
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Apple Valley, MN 1990-1996

Education:

BA in Communications - Augsburg College (1978-1982)
M. Div. - Luther-Northwestern Seminary (1983-1987)

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

Current:
NDSU Lutheran Campus Ministry, Board President
Fargo-Moorhead Healthy Community Initiative, Board Member
ELCA Youth Ministry Network, Development Council
Bethany Homes Capital Campaign, Steering Committee
Smith Family Foundation, Board Member

Past:
Lake Agassiz Habitat For Humanity, Board Member
Western ND Synod Stewardship Committee, Chair
Harvey, ND Lion's Club
Harvey, ND Ambulance Squad, Volunteer Chaplain

How do you debscribe yourself theologically?

I believe in a graceful and loving God. God is revealed in the person of Jesus Christ and is at work in the world through the Holy Spirit. I believe that God loves us so much that God comes to meet us just where we are, but also that God loves us so much that God won't just leave us there! The good news is that we have been given an abundant and eternal life; the great news is that we don't have to be dead to experience it! The church is entrusted with resurrection power and is called to embody and share it with a world that desperately needs a word of hope. Theologically, I would say that I am deeply rooted in the confessional tradition of the Lutheran Church and seek to be a follower of our incarnate, crucified, and risen Christ.

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

Our congregation just completed the ELCA Division for Congregational Ministries spiritual gifts self-assessment inventory. The inventory revealed the following as my strongest gifts: leadership, shepherding, wisdom, faith, and discernment. Folks say that I listen well and have a compassionate pastoral presence, especially in times of difficulty and crisis. God has blessed me with a high energy level and the gifts of enthusiam and curiosity. Most (except my kids) appreciate my sense of humor. Having grown up in a small town and serving in rural, suburban, and urban settings gives helpful perspective on ministry in a variety of settings.

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

The bishop is called to serve God and God's people as a pastor to the synod with faithfulness, integrity, and hope. Further, the bishop is entrusted with the privilege and responsibility to provide theologically sound leadership in ministry and mission for the sake of the gospel. This may be done by proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ, calling God's people to discipleship and service, and working with the church for justice. The bishop is expected to administer the work of the synod effectively and to develop and maintain solid relationships with our congregations and our pastors.

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

Interpersonal skills: relationship building, engendering trust, encouraging and inspiring others, negotiating and resolving conflict, mediating

Communication skills: listening and understanding, speaking and writing clearly and effectively
Leadership/Administrative skills: teamwork, flexibility, adaptability, decision making, managing multiple and complex issues simultaneously, delegating, setting goals and planning, organizing priorities, getting things done

Contextual skills: ability to assess and understand situations quickly and accurately, appreciation for diverse points of view, consensus building

How do you practice care of other and yourself?

My family is good medicine. Lisa and I have been happily (you can ask her if you want!) married for nearly 27 years. We've got four kids Joel--at Minnesota State Moorhead, Sarah--at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Naomi--a sophomore in H.S., and Rebekah--a 7th grader. They love me despite my obvious flaws and I'm proud of each of them. I've got some really good friends who speak the truth in love to me and who help me stay more or less on track. In my book club I just re-read Anne Lamot's "Traveling Mercies" and "Simply Christian" by N.T.Wright. I enjoy music, especially jazz, and play trumpet. For the last several years I've been working out almost every day. I've travelled a bit and will jump at any chance to do more.