Timothy Oslovich already knows one of the defining traits that will guide his approach to serving as bishop. “My first priority will be to spend time listening to people in the synod to see what they feel is important,” said Oslovich, who was elected bishop of the Alaska Synod April 27.
Listening came to be a central tenant of Oslovich’s ministry, in part, through what he learned from the Inupiaq people when he served as pastor of Shishmaref (Alaska) Lutheran Church from 1997 to 2003. “The Inupiaq values of humility, hard work, humor and spirituality have shaped my ministry and my leadership,” he said. “One way the virtue of humility is expressed is through deep listening to others’ stories and concerns, and I hope to give listening a primary place in my ministry as bishop.”
Although Oslovich has served as pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Vernon, Conn., since 2003, his time in Alaska was formative for his perspective on ministry. “The incredible ethic of hospitality that the people of Shishmaref show toward others has encouraged me to not simply welcome everyone, but to work to include others so that their participation is valued,” he said.
“While it is true that our numbers have decreased, it is also true that God’s people have been given incredible gifts. We have been empowered with the Holy Spirit to do God’s work in the world.”
Oslovich, who was also an adjunct professor at Bay Path University in Longmeadow, Mass., from 2009 until this year, believes such inclusion is more important than ever. “We are often told that the church in the U.S. is dying,” he said. “While it is true that our numbers have decreased, it is also true that God’s people have been given incredible gifts. … We have been empowered with the Holy Spirit to do God’s work in the world.”
Rather than responding to this challenging moment in fear and despair, the Alaska Synod and the ELCA more broadly can be inspired by God’s spirit of courage and hope, Oslovich said, adding, “In order to face the fear of decline, God invites us to respond with faith, curiosity and boldness: faith that God’s work will unquestionably continue, curiosity about new ways that we can be involved in Christ’s activity in the world, and boldness to follow the Spirit in new directions, even though that means that we will often fail.”
Oslovich will take office July 1 and be installed Aug. 24.
