I Am Learning To Be a Bishop
Part I
The picture above shows a bishop doing his duty as he blesses the congregation. Fact. It is his
job. It is also his job to confirm, baptize, ordain, and generally carry on the public office, but all
of this does not make him a bishop, it is how he does this. St. Francis of Assisi once wrote ,"It
does not matter where you walk but how you walk". February of next year I celebrate my 10th
year to the Episcopacy, but if honesty should push its head into this writing, I am just beginning
to learn what it takes to be a bishop.
My first greeting as a bishop was astounding, as Patriarch presented me to the over 300 in
attendance he said "YOUR EXCELLENCY". If you are not careful this can send your head
spinning into an orbit of thinking, that could make you get ahead of yourself. Like most
bishops, I too got to involved with who I had become, but in the last 2 years not only have I
grown up as a bishop, but fully understand what it means. Some said on that February day that
I was humble when I asked to be called Hartley, but if the facts be known, I do not like titles,
thus my simplicity was to anyone who wished to approach.
I have learned much, especially since dealing with Africa that the extension of a bishop is to
meet the needs of all the people, looking to see where you can be helpful, and giving that help
without seeking anything in return. The most important thing I have learned came in the last
month where I found myself weeping with parents who have lost their sons to the unfortunates
of war, also praying with parents whose sons (and grandsons) are going on to war. This was an
experience that all the robes and titles cannot give. Said a parent to me "Thank you Bishop for
taking the time out to be with us". He was wrong, it was I who should have thanking him for
allowing me to serve them in their time of grief.
Perhaps the most important thing in my education of being a bishop is the outreach that we
have done. To hear people who do not know you call you their spiritual father, was most
gratifying, not because of being a bishop, but that as a servant of God who brought comfort to
them.
Another lesson that has been learned is with those that you surround yourself with is that one
must clearly seek answers in these decisions. While leaders must show academic quality, the
most important of these is to show a willingness to serve the charge given to build the kingdom
of God. When some tells you that they are led by the Holy Spirit, but yet their behavior
ascribes to political correctness, you must examine, pray and move away from such. As a bishop
we must begin as a little child, seeking wisdom from those around you, growing with your
tasks, even listening to the little children.
So too is our lineage. We as bishops sometimes get caught up in who our predecessors are, but
never look to who our successors will be. I proudly hail from the lineage of Archbishop George
Alexander McGuire, a man who had a clear vision for his church. But he died in 1934, and while
his vision is important, I look to build upon it to promote the future and call upon God to find
our what he will have me do NOW.
As I go along I have begun to find out the honor in the service of God as a bishop. It is my duty
to lead, to listen, to understand, give aid and comfort, to preach his word. Not one that
subscribes not to political correctness, but one where his word is upheld
And so we learn we pray hoping that all we do is not for our glory, but the glory of God. I have
learned that when I do good I may not get any credit, and when things go wrong I shall
shoulder the blame. I seek no reward that earth has to offer, but to shine as a guiding light to
his glory.
Back to the picture above, as we stood in the isle of our parish, it looks impressive, robes well
kept, respectful adoration, but there is no glory here, but duty. However I would be less than
honest if wrote that for all that I have done and will do, God willing that I seek no reward, I do.
I shall look one day when this journey is done and await to be received by him who sent me and
hear those comfortable words, Well done thou good and faithful servant come unto me as rest."
In this I hope I am worthy.
Part I
The picture above shows a bishop doing his duty as he blesses the congregation. Fact. It is his
job. It is also his job to confirm, baptize, ordain, and generally carry on the public office, but all
of this does not make him a bishop, it is how he does this. St. Francis of Assisi once wrote ,"It
does not matter where you walk but how you walk". February of next year I celebrate my 10th
year to the Episcopacy, but if honesty should push its head into this writing, I am just beginning
to learn what it takes to be a bishop.
My first greeting as a bishop was astounding, as Patriarch presented me to the over 300 in
attendance he said "YOUR EXCELLENCY". If you are not careful this can send your head
spinning into an orbit of thinking, that could make you get ahead of yourself. Like most
bishops, I too got to involved with who I had become, but in the last 2 years not only have I
grown up as a bishop, but fully understand what it means. Some said on that February day that
I was humble when I asked to be called Hartley, but if the facts be known, I do not like titles,
thus my simplicity was to anyone who wished to approach.
I have learned much, especially since dealing with Africa that the extension of a bishop is to
meet the needs of all the people, looking to see where you can be helpful, and giving that help
without seeking anything in return. The most important thing I have learned came in the last
month where I found myself weeping with parents who have lost their sons to the unfortunates
of war, also praying with parents whose sons (and grandsons) are going on to war. This was an
experience that all the robes and titles cannot give. Said a parent to me "Thank you Bishop for
taking the time out to be with us". He was wrong, it was I who should have thanking him for
allowing me to serve them in their time of grief.
Perhaps the most important thing in my education of being a bishop is the outreach that we
have done. To hear people who do not know you call you their spiritual father, was most
gratifying, not because of being a bishop, but that as a servant of God who brought comfort to
them.
Another lesson that has been learned is with those that you surround yourself with is that one
must clearly seek answers in these decisions. While leaders must show academic quality, the
most important of these is to show a willingness to serve the charge given to build the kingdom
of God. When some tells you that they are led by the Holy Spirit, but yet their behavior
ascribes to political correctness, you must examine, pray and move away from such. As a bishop
we must begin as a little child, seeking wisdom from those around you, growing with your
tasks, even listening to the little children.
So too is our lineage. We as bishops sometimes get caught up in who our predecessors are, but
never look to who our successors will be. I proudly hail from the lineage of Archbishop George
Alexander McGuire, a man who had a clear vision for his church. But he died in 1934, and while
his vision is important, I look to build upon it to promote the future and call upon God to find
our what he will have me do NOW.
As I go along I have begun to find out the honor in the service of God as a bishop. It is my duty
to lead, to listen, to understand, give aid and comfort, to preach his word. Not one that
subscribes not to political correctness, but one where his word is upheld
And so we learn we pray hoping that all we do is not for our glory, but the glory of God. I have
learned that when I do good I may not get any credit, and when things go wrong I shall
shoulder the blame. I seek no reward that earth has to offer, but to shine as a guiding light to
his glory.
Back to the picture above, as we stood in the isle of our parish, it looks impressive, robes well
kept, respectful adoration, but there is no glory here, but duty. However I would be less than
honest if wrote that for all that I have done and will do, God willing that I seek no reward, I do.
I shall look one day when this journey is done and await to be received by him who sent me and
hear those comfortable words, Well done thou good and faithful servant come unto me as rest."
In this I hope I am worthy.