The Rev. Christopher deForest, bishop
The bishop has primary responsibility for the ministry of Word and Sacrament in this synod and its congregations; provides pastoral care and leadership for the synod, its congregations, and its rostered leaders; oversees and administers the work of the synod; and serves as ecumenical officer for the synod.
Full-Time Staff
The Rev. Dr. D. Michael Bennethum, Director for Evangelical Mission; Executive Associate of the Bishop for Innovation
Pr. Bennethum works as DEM and also helps congregations and ministries develop and grow, both in time-honored and totally new directions. He relates to the Witness & Service Ministry Team and the Mission Interpretation Network.
Part-Time Staff
The Rev. Kathleen Ash-Flashner, Part-time Associate of the Bishop
Pr. Ash-Flashner is the pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Summer Hill. She works with congregations in the Schuylkill Mission District.
The Rev. Lauren Wolfe Blatt, Director of Communications and Events
Pr. Blatt is the pastor of St. John, Lehighton. She is responsible for all synod communications and event planning. She also relates to the Connections Building Ministry Team.
Mr. Eric Gombert, Director of Operations
Mr. Gombert is cantor at St. John, Allentown. He is responsible for office and operational functions, and also serves as the synod finance administrator / bookkeeper.
The Rev. Charles H. Grube, Part-time Associate of the Bishop
Pr. Grube is pastor of St. Paul, Dallas. He works with congregations in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Mission District.
The Rev. Jean L. Huber, Part-time Associate of the Bishop
Pr. Huber is the pastor of Arndts Lutheran Church in Easton. She works with congregations in the Bethlehem-Easton and Lehigh Mission Districts and handles Misconduct Prevention/Intervention for the synod.
The Rev. Niels H. Nielsen, Part-time Associate of the Bishop
Pr. Nielsen is the pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Dingmans Ferry. He works with congregations in the Pocono Mission District.
The Rev. Carl Shankweiler, Part-time Associate of the Bishop
Pr. Shankweiler is pastor of Zion, Frackville. He works with congregations in the Hazleton-Lehighton Mission District.
Officers
Christopher deForest, bishop
Kristen Edelman-Weiner,
vice president
Carl Shankweiler, secretary
Donald R. Dillman, treasurer
Support Staff
Laurie Christman
laurie@nepsynod.org
Laurie is the synod’s receptionist and is responsible for scheduling supply pastors, maintaining the database of congregations, maintaining the rosters, and tracking annual congregational reports.
Debbie Frey
debbie@nepsynod.org
Debbie is Assistant to the Bishop for Ministry Coordination. She is the event registrar, and is responsible for transition information, parish study books, and the resource center. She also assists with Assembly and Bishop’s Conference planning.
Debbie Skinner
debbies@nepsynod.org
Debbie is the benevolence clerk and is responsible for the daily prayers and office suppllies.