office of the bishop


Eastern north Dakota Synod Staff

  • Rev Tessa Moon Leiseth

    Bishop

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    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.

  • Deacon Laura Carson

    Associate with the Bishop for Formation and Administration

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    Deacon Laura is responsible for candidacy, synod authorized ministry (SAMs), events (synod assembly and theological conference), synod council liaison, administration, and faith formation.

  • 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

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    Deacon Erin works with new starts, congregation vitality, advocacy & justice, global church, area ministry strategies, mission support, holy closure/resurrection, and the coaching network.

  • Alex benson

    Connections coordinator

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    Dn. Alex keeps us connected through online communications (E-Newsletter, Social Media) and event support, including Synod Assembly. Until our Administrative Assistant position is filled, Dn. Alex is scheduling appointments for the Bishop.

  • Marietta Wahl

    Finance manager

  • Rev Jon Olson

    FIRST CALL THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION AND Vital Leaders ENDOWMENT COORDINATOR

  • sister michelle walka

    COaching Network coordinator

  • REV Keith Pearson

    Regional Gift planner, ELCA Foundation