More questions and answers

There wasn’t a lot of time for questions during our time in Pahrump, but here’s a sampling of comments from the candidates in response to a couple of questions:

One really good question was: what are the weaknesses you would bring with you if you were to be elected?

All the candidates agreed that they were “big picture” people as opposed to detail-oriented managers. Both Eric Funston and Jeff Paul need to rely on others to carry out the details of their vision, while Al Keeney has to be careful about getting out too far ahead of others when he has a Big Idea. He commented that he needs to stay grounded so that others can have the time to see what he sees. Susan Burns has lots of big ideas, but if she isn’t careful she can become tired and overextended. Cathy Deats has a tendency to be overly optimistic and not see the hard details involved with the vision she proposes. Finally, Dan Edwards commented that his “gallows humor” can be helpful in defusing tension, but if he isn’t careful he can cause offense of seem to not take other people seriously.

What a great question, and an excellent reminder that since only God is perfect we all need to make room for the growing edges that other people have and that assisting them in their growth is one of the things that builds Christian community.

The next question came in two parts: what qualities would you bring to Nevada, and how do you feel about the possibility of having to drive long distances to be with very small congregations?

The consensus among all the candidates is that driving wouldn’t be a problem. Dan Edwards has experience driving all over southern Colorado as director of a roving law unit, and Al Keeney loves to travel and meet new people. Both Eric Funston and Jeff Paul are already used to long drives through Nevada, and Susan Burns would welcome the time on the road as an opportunity for reflection.

As far as what qualities each candidate would bring to us, all the candidates emphasized their belief that the presence of the bishop is critical to building up the diocese. They believe in showing up, being with people, and spending time in the congregations. After their time with the people of St. Mark’s in Tonopah and listening to their feelings of isolation and abandonment it became clear to all how necessary it is for the next bishop of Nevada to embrace the missionary spirit of the circuit riders of long ago.