Circular letter No. 4/2009

To all Pastors and Congregational Councils

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Attached hereto is a list of profiles of all our pastors, which Church Council thought could be helpful for your preparation to nominate a candidate as bishop at your coming Annual General Meetings.

Please use these additional questions for a more intensive and in-depth discussion and possible interview with the candidates on your short list.

• What are the last five theological books you have read and enjoyed reading, why?
• What is your understanding of scripture?
• What is your standpoint regarding church unity?
•  What do you think makes a church relevant to people and society today?
• What do you think is the task of a church?
• How do you position yourself regarding the charismatic movement in South Africa?
• From which theologians have you learned most? Why?
• From your own experiences, what do you think is required to lead a church?
• According to you what are the characteristics of a good leader?
• What are your ecumenical experiences?  How do you see the role of the Lutheran World Federation, SACC, and LUCSA?
• What do you think are the major challenges to churches currently in South Africa?
• What would make you interested in being a bishop?
• What are your thoughts about church and diaconical services?
•  As a bishop how would you deal with controversial issues within the church such as homosexuality, baptism, understanding of scripture, gender?

Sincere greetings,
D. R.  Lilje,
Bishop