I’m in Dallas for a week called “re:fresh” at the Micah Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University…actually I’m not quite there yet, my bags missed their plane in Minneapolis. I’m waiting for them at the DFW airport before trying to find the hotel and go to bed.
This week is hosted by Life in the Trinity ministries and we will be invited to engage with some of my favorite thinkers and pastors in the church, most notably Brian McLaren and Tony Jones. The week will focus on practicing spirit disciples and listening for ways in which these disciples are integral to our life as pastors and children of God.
I’m especially looking forward to studying the Enneagram in depth. My Benedictine sisters in Christ at Annunciation Monastery have encouraged me to look into this for quite some time. This is the first opportunity I’ve had and, needless to say, I’m really looking forward too this aspect of the week that is before me.
As part of my walk this week, I’m hoping to post a short reflection each day about the experience. I’m not sure what these will entail or whether I’ll actually feel like writing during the week, but I’m hoping so. right now, I’m looking forward to a great deal of time simply resting in the presence of the Holy Spirit in new ways this week. If writing is part of that – cool. If not – I’ll offer a synopsis when I get back to the holy land of western North Dakota.
Grace and peace be with you in your journey this week!
Pastor Craig
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About Bishop Craig Schweitzer
The Rev. Craig Schweitzer, of Bismarck, was elected as bishop of the Western North Dakota Synod on July 17, 2020, in the first-ever digital Synod Assembly. A historic event, Schweitzer is the first bishop in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to be elected in an online assembly.
Bishop Craig Schweitzer began serving the Western North Dakota Synod-ELCA on September 1, 2020. He has always seen himself as an easy-going person who seeks to daily discover anew how God is present in his life and the world in which he lives and serves.
Prior to service in the Office of Bishop of the Western North Dakota Synod, Bishop Craig served at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Bismarck, ND as Music and Worship Minister (lay staff from 2002-2010), Associate Pastor (2010-2014), and Senior Pastor (2014-2020). Beyond his service in the church, he has an eclectic background that is a diverse collection of musical, educational, and business experiences ranging from live concert production and promotion to recording studios and live performance to music education.
Throughout all of his professional and personal experiences, the Apostle Paul’s words to the church in Rome have been a guiding light that has kept him grounded in whatever work God was calling him into – “Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7)
Bishop Craig is a graduate of the University of Mary in Bismarck with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education and a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership. He also holds a certificate degree in Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM) from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA. He was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament on September 16, 2010.
Outside of his life as Bishop, Bishop Craig enjoys reading, all music, a little golf, a cold beverage with friends, and intentional times of quiet. And, of course, spending time with his wife Wendy and their adult twin daughters Ilia and Taegan.
View all posts by Bishop Craig Schweitzer
This week is hosted by Life in the Trinity ministries and we will be invited to engage with some of my favorite thinkers and pastors in the church, most notably Brian McLaren and Tony Jones. The week will focus on practicing spirit disciples and listening for ways in which these disciples are integral to our life as pastors and children of God.
Bishop Craig Schweitzer 
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