2020 Bishops' School has been cancelled.

We do not have plans at this time to re-schedule this event.

We apologize for this, but are confident this is the best way to stay safe during

this pandemic. Peace to all. For more questions, please contact

Pr. Michael Jannett (mjannett@elca-ses.org)

>>> Download printable (PDF) flyer here <<<

>>> Download graphic (png) of flyer here <<<

June 14-19, 2020
University of West Alabama, Livingston, AL

Bishop-in-Residence: Bishop Kevin Strickland

Cost: $450

(Recommendations are that congregations contribute $150,
individuals/families contribute $150, and the synod contribute $150)

SUBMIT NOMINATION HERE!!! (https://forms.gle/TsXmJLton7C1i7pv5)

What is Bishops' School about?

To receive a printable version of the 2020 Bishops' School Nomination information, click here; or, read on...

Many of us have questions about God and our faith but don’t always know where to go with them. Many of us would love to talk about our faith, but there isn’t always an easy place to do that. You don’t exactly ask someone across the lunch table at school, “Someone told me ‘Everything happens for a reason.’ That would mean God planned all those school shootings. What do you think?”

Bishops’ School is your opportunity to be with people like you – people who want to talk about God, to think theologically. In addition to interactive classroom times, small group gatherings, and service projects, there will be plenty of time for making new friends and having fun!

Bishops’ School 2020 takes place at the University of West Alabama, Livingston, AL.

Unique to the 2020 Bishops' School event is that it will run concurrent with the Southeastern Synod youth event known as AFFIRM. The AFFIRM event has several units and will consist of approximately 250 youth and 60 adults, in addition to those gathering for Bishops' School. The 2020 Bishops' School will run as a separate unit and will maintain it's focus on thinking theologically about questions that our high school youth will bring with them, as well as encourage them think about their vocation in the world. In their free time, Bishops' School participants will be able to participate in the activities provided by the AFFIRM community, such as an event-wide worship (every night), a talent show, swimming time, field day activities, and more.

Who should attend Bishops' School???

To help you figure out who should apply to attend Bishops' School, here is a list of criterion for the application:

Youth who have completed grades 10th, 11th, or 12th in 2020
member of an ELCA congregation
are willing to commit to serious biblical and theological study (meaning that academic ability is important, not necessarily grades)
are willing and able to work on their own to complete reading assignments and projects and participate in small group reflection and dialogue
can be confronted with the Gospel in significant ways, and
would tend to benefit by and use the experience in their daily life, no matter their future vocation.

Although this is an event which presents young persons with an opportunity to discern a sense of calling, this doesn’t mean only a call to rostered leadership. Bishops' School is designed to provide a way to discern how to live the vocation of the Christian life regardless of occupation or profession. Active participation in synodical or congregational youth ministry programs isn’t required. This may appeal to youth who aren’t currently involved precisely because it is a different kind of event. Please encourage any youth who meets the criteria above to attend.