Bishop Ali Tote
MDiv, MBA, PhD
Rev. Dr. Ali Tote was elected May 31, 2024 as bishop by voting members of the Saskatchewan Synod Convention.
Synod Convention elects the Bishop to serve as the chief executive officer of the synod and as the synod’s lead pastor. Saskatchewan Synod Office is the hub for Synod ministry.
Bishop’s Pastoral Role
Listening:
Aided by the Assistants to the Bishop, the Bishop visits rostered ministers and congregations and ministries with conversations centering on listening to how things are going in the mission of the congregation or ministry and how things are going in the life of the rostered minister. Conversations set out to gain a sense of the strengths and challenges of ministry ‘on the ground’ of the synod.
Discerning: The Bishop, in the course of conversations with congregations, ministries and rostered ministers, explores where God may be leading the congregation, ministry, or rostered minister in the future. Conversations about the possibility of shared ministry and the development of lay ministry are also anticipated. He also engages in conversations about the resources available through the synod and about the needs of the synod.
How do congregations/ministries/rostered ministers make contact with the Bishop?
While the Bishop does initiate contact with congregations, ministries and rostered ministers, he responds to invitations as a first priority. Invitations to the Bishop can happen in a number of ways:
Bishop’s Visit: If your congregation or ministry is interested in a Visit from the Bishop, contact synod office by phone and leave a request, or contact the bishop directly by email. The bishop would normally preach and preside as requested. Normally, the local rostered leader is also present for the Visit.
Meeting with Leadership: If your congregation or ministry leadership is interested in a meeting with the Bishop, contact synod office by phone or email the Bishop directly.
Pastoral Visit with a Rostered Minister: Rostered ministers are invited to call or email the Bishop directly for support and counsel.
Bishop Ali Tote:
atote@sasksynod.ca
North Ministry Area
Regina Ministry Area
South Ministry Area
Saskatoon Ministry Area
East Ministry Area
The Assistants are chosen by the Bishop to aid him in reaching all areas of the Synod, to interpret synod priorities and initiatives in the local context, and to also represent the Bishop and the Synod as directed by him. Other responsibilities include:
Pastoral Oversight
To offer care, support, and encouragement to rostered ministers, congregations, and lay leaders and assist in conflict resolution and transitional ministry needs as requested by the Bishop.
Communication and Coordination
To serve as a liaison between congregations in their ministry area and the Synod Office, share relevant information from the Synod with ministry area leaders and congregations, and report on local ministry needs, developments, and opportunities.
Leadership Development and Support
To encourage leadership development among clergy and laity, identify potential leaders for synodical committees, initiatives, or candidacy, and to support continuing education and collegiality among local leaders.
Ministry Area Facilitation
To convene regular ministry area meetings, facilitate collaborative mission, worship, and learning events, promote shared initiatives and congregational partnerships, and facilitate the implementation of synod-wide ministry strategies and initiatives.
Contact any of the Assistants to the Bishop through the Synod office address: info@sasksynod.ca
Bishop’s Administrative Team
The Bishop’s Administrative Team is the Bishop’s team at synod office charged with the day-to-day management of the Synod (within the boundaries of the synod constitution and bylaws, the resolutions of the Convention, and the policy and budgetary direction of Synod Council). The administrative office is located in Saskatoon. The administrative team includes staff positions: Bishop, Executive assistant Yvonne Rowe; Office manager Anna-Marie Skogsrud; and Finance manager Monica Johnson. The Administrative team staff consists of the equivalent of 1.5 full time positions in support of the Bishop as synod CEO. The Administration also contracts with Canada Lutheran Editor Anno Bell, Lay Ministry Program Coordinator Rev. Dr. Ann Salmon, Data Clerk Dale Johnson, and Synod Archivist (volunteer agreement) Rev. Michael Diegel.
Bishop Ali Tote: atote@sasksynod.ca
Anna-Marie Skogsrud, Office Manager: askogsrud@sasksynod.ca
Yvonne Rowe, Executive Assistant to the Bishop: yrowe@sasksynod.ca
Monica Johnson, Financial Manager: finance@sasksynod.ca
Receive bi-weekly updates from the Synod, and get a heads up on upcoming events.
