The Diocese of Nevada has announced a three-person slate in the search for its 11th bishop:
The Rev. Canon Lance Ousley [résumé], canon for stewardship and development in the Diocese of Olympia, and priest in charge and head of school at St. John’s Church, Kirkland, Washington [essay answers]
From the search committee’s report: “In 2011, Canon Ousley answered a call to serve as the Canon for Stewardship and Development in the Diocese of Olympia, in Washington State. In 2014, the Bishop of Olympia asked him to take on an additional responsibility as Priest-in-Charge and Head of School at St. John’s Episcopal Parish and Preschool in Kirkland, Washington. Before his call to Washington, he was the Rector of St. Thomas Church, Wharton, Texas for seven and one half years. Concurrently, he was the chair of the Diocesan Stewardship Commission in the Diocese of Texas.”
The Rev. Tara K. Soughers [résumé], interim priest, Church of Our Savior, Somerset, Massachusetts [essay answers]
From the search committee’s report: “Dr. Soughers is the Interim Priest at the Church of our Saviour in Somerset, Massachusetts. Prior to that, she was the Executive Director of Common Ground Center for Spiritual Practice in Southeastern Massachusetts. Most of her career has been as an after-pastor, a priest who comes to a parish after there has been trauma or misconduct and helps with the healing process. Tara has served churches in urban, suburban, and rural settings in Utah, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Her main emphasis in ministry is Christian Education for all ages. She has designed educational curricula for children and adults. She is also a trainer for the Education for Ministry program from the University of the South.”
The Rev. Kirk A. Woodliff [résumé], rector, St. Paul’s Church, Sparks, Nevada [essay answers]
From the search committee’s report: “The Reverend Kirk Woodliff has served as Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Sparks, Nevada, since 2008. As Rector, Kirk has focused on bringing the church to underserved populations. He believes that the Church shouldn’t just be welcoming but a place where people don’t have to ‘fit in’ to truly belong. Kirk’s diocesan work includes serving six years on the Commission on Ordination and Licensing, including five years as Chair; and four years as a board member of Galilee Episcopal Camp and Retreat Center. Prior to serving in the Diocese of Nevada, Kirk was the Rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Muskogee, Oklahoma; and Curate at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.”
The diocese will receive any names of nominees by petition until Sept. 7. The electing convention is scheduled for Dec. 1.
The search committee asked applicants to address four questions:
- What is it about the Diocese of Nevada that excites you and draws you to accept our invitation?
- Our diocese is looking for a bishop with an active spiritual life. Please describe your personal spirituality, prayer life, and practice of self-care.
- The ministry of all the baptized (MOAB) is a vital, active part of our diocesan and congregational life. What is your understanding of MOAB? Please share one or two stories from your experiences of MOAB and tell us how you would encourage these ministries in Nevada.
- Describe your vision of the ministry of bishop. Tell us about your ministerial experiences and spiritual gifts that equip you to fulfill this vision and meet the needs of our unique diocese.
