Letter from the Chair of the Search Committee
Dear C4SO,
On behalf of the Search Committee, I want to express our deep gratitude for entrusting us with the responsibility of this important process. It has been a true privilege to witness the guidance of the Holy Spirit as He led us in unity, discernment and wisdom throughout our work. We have felt His presence in every step of this journey, and we give thanks for the answers to our prayers.
Out of the 20+ candidates we started with, some nominees chose not to accept their nomination, while others accepted but eventually decided not to continue in the process because of their ministry role or life circumstances. We valued their personal discernment as an integral part of the mutual discernment process. Other nominees did not proceed in the process because the Search Committee determined for various reasons that they were not the right person to lead C4SO. Due to the confidentiality of the process, we are not at liberty to talk about nominees who declined their nomination or did not get selected for the final slate.
Our search process was structured in three distinct rounds. In the first round, candidates submitted detailed spiritual autobiographies and responded to a series of essay questions. In the second round, we conducted interviews and checked references. Finally, in the third round, candidates visited Atlanta for both group and individual interviews, and we also had the privilege of meeting with their spouses via Zoom. Our goal was not merely to identify capable candidates for the office of Bishop, but to find those whom God is calling to lead C4SO in this next season.
After much prayer and careful consideration, we are pleased to present John Haralson and Jeff Bailey as nominees for C4SO’s upcoming election of a new Diocesan Bishop. On behalf of the Search Committee, I am confident that both John and Jeff possess the character, faith, gifts and experience necessary for this critical role. They are each wonderfully suited to continue leading our diocese in its mission in this next chapter.
The Very Rev. Drew Henley
Committee Chair
| Last month, C4SO’s Search Committee presented a slate of two candidates for election at a special Diocesan Convention on Zoom on April 26, 2025. After getting to know the candidates through their online materials, introductory videos and Zoom calls, Clergy and Lay Delegates (two or more individuals appointed by their Rector to represent their church according to size) will vote for their selected candidate via a secure online voting software. |
| Jeff Bailey Canon for Leadership Development,The Diocese of Christ Our Hope Strong calling to lead and equip the Church in effective cultural engagementStrategic systems builder for growth in church planting, leadership development, and clergy careMission-oriented teacher and thought leader with a track record of investing in pastors and leaders, and building teamsExperienced in parish ministry and church planting GET TO KNOW JEFF. |
| John Haralson Rector, Grace Church Seattle,The Diocese of C4SO Seasoned missional leader with over two decades of faithful and fruitful ministry in a post-Christian context.Attentive to the Spirit over the yearsLed congregations to deeply understand and love the Scriptures, embrace contemplative prayer, pursue racial justice, serve the poor and marginalized, and joyfully receive the pastoral and leadership gifts of women GET TO KNOW JOHN. |