Letter from the Bishop-Elect: The Rev. Linda Grenz Joins RI Diocesan Staff

The Rev. Linda L. Grenz

People of the Diocese of Rhode Island,

During the interviews with the Search Committee for the 13^th Bishop of Rhode Island and during the walkabout presentations this past Spring, I emphasized my belief that the Diocese must be very intentional about leadership development and Christian formation for the laity as well as the clergy as it moves into the 21^st century. Since the election I have been thinking and praying about how we might sharpen our focus in these areas.

As I begin the transition to the Diocese of Rhode Island and assume the role of bishop later this Fall, I’d like to announce a staff addition made in consultation with Bishop Wolf, our Standing Committee President Scott Avedisian, and our Transition Committee Chair Lora MacFall. At my request, Bishop Wolf will invite the Rev. Linda Grenz to join the diocesan staff as my consultant during the transition process.

After the Consecration in November, I will name the Rev. Grenz as Canon to the Ordinary.

Many of you will recognize Linda’s name. She has had a long and successful ministry as an Episcopal priest serving in parishes large and small on the East Coast. She is the publisher and CEO of Leader Resources, which publishes the Journey to Adulthood curricula as well as a number of other faith formation resources. As part of that ministry she has been a consultant to parish vestries and dioceses across the country in leader training, management, development, and conflict resolution. She has done extensive work assisting congregations in developing effective Christian formation, evangelism, and stewardship programs. She has taught at General Seminary and served on the national church staff as the Coordinator of Adult Education and Leadership Development. She has a number of books in print on these topics and has been in demand as a speaker for years.

Linda is married to Del Glover, a retired DuPont Executive, who just completed his term as a member of the Episcopal Church’s Executive Council and was recently elected as a Trustee of the Church Pension Fund at the General Convention in July. Del has failed to truly retire several times, having served as the Associate Dean of General Seminary and as the chief administrative officer at Trinity Wall Street as well as The Riverside Church.

I am grateful to Bishop Wolf for her graciousness in supporting this call and making it possible for Linda and I to start working with all of you as soon as possible. I am also grateful that the present staff will continue to offer their important skills to the life and ministry of the diocese.  We all look forward to working together as a team to provide the diocese with the resources it will need to grow deeper in faith and to most effectively proclaim the Good News of God in Christ Jesus to our neighbors in Rhode Island.

 Yours in the shared ministry of the Gospel,

The Very Rev. Nicholas Knisely, Bishop-Elect