office of the bishop
Eastern north Dakota Synod Staff
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Rev. Tessa Moon Leiseth
Bishop
Bishop Tessa was elected August 16, 2020 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Eastern North Dakota Synod and was installed as the synod's fifth bishop, and first female bishop, on October 31st, 2020.
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Deacon Laura Carson
Associate with the Bishop for Formation and Administration
Deacon Laura is responsible for candidacy, synod authorized ministry (SAMs), events (synod assembly and theological conference), synod council liaison, administration, and faith formation.
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Rev. Brad Skogen
Associate with the Bishop for Congregational Leadership and Transition
Pastor Brad's primary areas of focus include the call process (for congregations in transition and rostered ministers), conflict, and congregation constitutions. -
Deacon Erin Power
Director for Evangelical Mission
Deacon Erin (she/her) works with new starts, congregation vitality, advocacy & justice, global church, area ministry strategies, mission support, holy closure/resurrection, and the coaching network.
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Alex Friese
office manager
Alex is the friendly voice that answers telephone calls, cares for office operations, serves as the executive assistant to the bishop, keeps our records in good order, and supports synod administration. -
Alex benson-tuff
Connections coordinator & First call theological education coordinator
Deacon Alex keeps us connected through online communications (E-Newsletter, Social Media) and event support, including Synod Assembly. She also coordinates the First Call Theological Education program.
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rev. nancy monke
mentor coach & developer
Pastor Nancy works to build up and support the mentor program for our Synod Lay Ministers and Synod Authorized Ministers.
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Rev. robert franek
Congregational Relator
Pastor Robert connects with leaders in congregations that do not have a regular called or contracted minister, relaying key information regarding synod ministries and connecting them with other needed resources.
