Clockwise from upper right: With Bayou Conference clergy; with Paul Mikula of St Paul-La Grange; Laying on of hands at my (Sept 7) installation; Bishop’s Tour: Grace-NOLA.
By Bishop Tracey Breashears Schultz
Since my first day in office (Sept 1), I’ve celebrated and worshiped with you at my (incredible) installation service, met with Synod Council, had meals with three ecumenical colleagues, made my initial stop on the Bishop’s Listening and Learning Tour, made some congregational visits, traveled for a colleague-bishop’s installation, Zoomed with deans, re/developers, and a handful of call committee chairs, and made some staffing decisions.
Along the way, I’ve had some questions asked of me, and I thought you might like to know my answers, in case you have some of the same questions.
What has been your favorite thing about being bishop so far?
I’ve had lots of wonderful “firsts.” Among them is hearing the assembly proclaim, “We will, with the help of God,” in response to the presiding bishop’s question at my installation, “Will you pray for her, honor her for her work’s sake, and in all things strive to live together in the peace and unity of Christ?” To me, it sounded like the assembly was eager to answer! I heard and felt the affirmation, support, and love.
In the last couple weeks, I have scheduled three (!) ordinations as three of our approved candidates have received and accepted calls in our synod (or are in the process of doing so). In our polity, the bishop of the receiving synod (or of the synod where the new minister will serve) ordains. It’s been a delight to accompany these gifted leaders and then to schedule their big days on my calendar.
Additionally, my first stop on the Bishop’s Tour was in New Orleans. There was great participation and hospitality, and I have learned so much already! I love engaging with God’s people, learning more about your joys and struggles, and reminding one another that we are part of the larger body of Christ.
What’s the hardest part so far?
I have days where I move from one meeting to event to commitment to another, with little room to breathe or process in between. I used to tell myself if I were ever bishop, I wouldn’t do that. Sometimes, I just can’t help it.
I’m neither an extrovert nor an introvert, but right on the line between, so I love being in the moment, with people, doing ministry, and making decisions together, but I do hit a wall, and when that happens, I need silence and solitude to recharge. I have to pay attention to my brain and my body during those times, so just know I am taking care of myself and not intending to be antisocial if you see me leave a gathering earlier than you do.
Additionally, one of our congregations is near disaffiliation, or leaving our denomination for another. Even though this may be the right move for them, it still grieves me. I pray they receive all from their new church they are being promised.
What do we call you?
I prefer being called “Bishop Tracey “or “Bishop Schultz.” I know Breashears is hard to spell (and sometimes hard to say), and it is, legally, my middle name, so you can leave it out. In a bulletin or printed material, I prefer to be listed as Bishop Tracey Breashears Schultz or Bishop Tracey B Schultz. Breashears was the last name of my first husband. It was also my name when I was ordained, so it has significant meaning for me.
How can we receive synod communications?
If you go to our website, www.gulfcoastsynod.org, and scroll down to the bottom of the home page, you will see an option there to “Join Our Newsletter.” Enter your name and email address, and mark whether you want to receive emails intended for everyone (general) or just those for leaders (meaning council and rostered leaders). You may mark both options. If you get too much from us, you can always unsubscribe!
We offer a weekly e-news called Around the Synod and a monthly e-magazine called Connections.
Are you fully staffed? (see also: “Who is doing call process?”)
No, but we are getting closer! You can read Deacon Aimee Elles’ article this month about her role as Bishop’s Associate for Candidacy & Education. Another staff person, a Bishop’s Associate, will be added in mid-November (with an announcement coming early that month) for call processes. Until then, I am still guiding call processes. We will also add a Bishop’s Associate for Mission (DEM). Until we add that person, we have pulled together the synod’s Mission Table so they can advise the current staff on our redevelopments and help us respond to their needs.
Pastor Mark England works as staff two days per week to do special projects and to search the database for available pastors or deacons for open calls. We communicate regularly about what he is finding (or not finding). Unless you have been specifically given Pastor Mark’s name as your contact person, you should probably start with me.
Depending on what I hear from the Bishop’s Tour, we may add additional staff, likely part-time, with specific portfolios.
How do we contact you?
If you call the synod office at 281-873-5665 during business hours, our executive admin, Beth Morris, will direct you to the person best able to help you.
I have a new email address – bishoptbs@gulfcoastsynod.org – that I prefer to use, but I do still check my synod staff account at tracey@gulfcoastsynod.org if you forget and send something there.
How do we schedule you for a visit?
You may call the office, reach me by email, or call/text my cell phone to schedule a time for me to lead worship, preach, or visit for a special (or any) occasion. I enjoy preaching and/or presiding, and I will always give a children’s sermon, but I’m also happy to just join you for worship.
What do you look forward to?
I look forward to rounding out the staff and continuing to build a team! I anticipate the Bishop’s Tour will be a positive experience, as it is already off to a great start. It has aspects of ministry I love: relationship-building, teaching, and learning. I am excited about responding, with Synod Council, staff, and deans, to what comes from the listening and learning.
What are you doing to take care of yourself?
I have expanded my (Planet Fitness) gym membership so I can use it at any location, and that means when I travel, I usually have a place to work out. I am taking Mondays as my day off. I participate in our neighborhood book club, which is a hobby and a joy. I regularly see my therapist (and cannot advocate more for this). I have excellent mentors and friends with whom I’m regularly in contact.
Thank you for the privilege and honor of serving you!