The Duties of the Bishop
The Standing Committee of the Gulf Atlantic Diocese has developed the following criteria by which the Ordinary is evaluated on a yearly basis.
Pastor
The bishop provides pastoral care to the clergy of the diocese, encouraging accountability, shared ministry, mutual responsibility, and the continuing formation of the clergy.
Apostle
The bishop thinks strategically about planting new parishes within the diocese.
Guardian of Truth
The bishop conducts a teaching ministry which leads the diocese into an ever-deeper encounter with Scripture and helps clergy and parishes address issues which confront the Church.
Enabler of Effective Ministry
The bishop works with clergy and lay leaders to discern, formulate, and communicate the vision which the Lord has for the diocese.
Steward of Diocesan Resources
The bishop works with the diocesan staff to ensure that all diocesan structures and programs are effectively organized and have sufficient resources. The bishop also has responsibility for the ordination process and for clergy recruitment, formation, and deployment.
Focus of Unity
The bishop works to unify the diocese by providing consistent and faithful leadership and teaching and by cultivating relationships with clergy and lay people. The bishop acts to connect ministries in the diocese and to ensure that worship in the diocese conforms to the prayer book tradition. The bishop represents the diocese in the councils of the Church (regional, provincial, and international).